ARTICLES / Multiple Sclerosis
/ Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding and ... /
Other ArticlesBy
Sandra Ray, Staff Writer
Physical therapy is an excellent method of
treatment for the MS patient and one that the
family can be involved with as well. Physical
therapy can be done, not only under the
supervision of a trained therapist, but also at
home. The patient’s family can also keep tabs on
someone’s progress with particular exercises and
pinpoint trouble spots that need additional
attention or treatment.
Coping with MS:
Stress is one of the biggest enemies of MS since
it can exacerbate existing symptoms or hasten the
onset of new ones. Like any other chronic disease,
living with MS presents challenges not only for the
person who is afflicted, but for the immediate
family. Since MS most often strikes persons who are
very young, it may be especially difficult to learn
to cope with an illness. Young people often think of
themselves as immune to a chronic disease and, when
faced with one, are ill-equipped to cope with the
onslaught of issues that it brings.
One of the first things that can help reduce
stress is to gather a strong support system. A
support system can be as few as one person or as
many as someone’s extended family members,
colleagues, and friends. There are also support
groups available to the family, and the family’s
physician can be a good source for these referrals.
Another person to include in the support system
is the physician and his office staff. Health
professionals can provide the valuable tools a
patient needs to learn to cope with MS in a positive
and healthy manner. Since MS affects so many areas
of the body, a team of health care professionals may
be involved in providing care. It is important to
keep each member of the team connected to the
overall treatment plan and its effectiveness between
visits. An open dialogue of these areas will help
formulate and revise treatment options and keep
patients and their loved ones better informed as the
disease progresses.
Diet and exercise are great companions to the
ongoing treatment of MS that also contribute greatly
to someone’s overall sense of well-being. Exercise
has been prescribed for many depressed patients and
may help overcome or alleviate depression symptoms
in MS patients. In addition, staying active can
increase a person’s motor control and keep muscles
as flexible as possible. Diet should be discussed
with a nutritionist and can help keep weight down
and alleviate bowel issues that can also be
associated with MS.
Many young couples find that their sex life is
greatly diminished by MS, although it is not certain
whether or not it is a direct or indirect side
effect of the disease. Since sexual arousal
originates in the central nervous system, the body
may not always send the appropriate signals during
times of intimacy. As a result, sex drive may be
diminished, orgasm may be difficult to achieve, and
there may be a host of other issues. In addition,
fatigue (both physical and mental) may play a
significant role in the loss of overall sex drive.
Couples who find that these issues are beginning to
take a toll on their relationship should talk openly
about it and find effective ways to communicate
about their sex life, despite MS and its troubling
side effects.
Finding Support:
The first place that patients tend to look for
support is through their health community. While
this is an excellent resource and the most trusted
place for medical advice, it may not be the best
place to find emotional support. There are a variety
of community-based organizations that can help with
ongoing issues.
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