Multiple Sclerosis can be frightening. It is a long-lasting disease that usually strikes between the ages of 20 and 40 that can affect not just the brain but also the spinal cord and the optic nerves of the eyes that can lead to vision problems. People diagnosed with this disease may also find difficulties when it comes to controlling their muscles and other basic body functions because their immune system slowly attacks its protective insulation called myelin which covers the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms to watch out for
If you have Multiple Sclerosis yourself or are taking care of someone who does, knowing the symptoms is necessary for you to get the right and proper support you will need. You will not experience all the signs of Multiple Sclerosis at the same time. The symptoms usually disappear but then come back. The physical symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, stiffness or spasms, balance problems, vision problems and bladder problems. You may also experience constipation, changes in speech, difficulties with swallowing at some time and tremors.
You will also encounter problems with memory and thinking. It will not change your intellect and capability to read and understand conversation, but it will cause you to have a fuzzy memory, poor attention, difficulty concentrating and slow thinking. There will also come a time where you will have difficulties finding the right word when speaking to someone. Your mental health and emotions are impacted as well. If you have this disease, you will most likely experience stress, anxiety and depression.
Managing the Disease
Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t have to control your life. With proper care and treatment, the disease can be slowed down and the quality of your life improved. Take time to learn and understand more about it and make sure that your diagnosis is definitive so that you can have a feeling of reassurance whenever you experience the symptoms. Never delay Multiple Sclerosis treatment. It is better to start your treatment as soon as possible because the disease is progressive and can lead to disability. It will also help your doctor if you keep a record of the symptoms for him to determine if your medications are working.
You can get support from your closest family members and friends while you learn to live with the disease. Since you will find it hard to do your daily tasks, consider getting live in care so you can still move around your home comfortably. Don’t lose hope and never give up. There is no cure for the disease but there are lots of different ways that can help you manage it. These include treatments, therapies, proper diet and exercise.
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