ARTICLES / Multiple Sclerosis
/ Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding and ... /
Other ArticlesBy
Sandra Ray, Staff Writer
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
(www.natioanlmssociety.org) has an excellent
website with educational links for both the
patient and the family member. While most people
with MS can still take care of their daily
needs, there is the possibility that individuals
will need help with specific tasks. Caregiving
can take its toll on young couples and
relationships, so it is important to find
support and keep communications flowing.
Parents who have MS may need help talking to
their children about the disease and how it affects
the family unit. Children are remarkably resilient,
but they may ask for news of the disease, even if
there are no visible symptoms. The National MS
Society has a special corner for children that
includes educational games and resources that
parents can use to help the family better understand
the disease. There are also local chapters of the
national office that can work with individuals.
Other resources in the community may be needed to
provide care during flare-ups or as the disease
progresses. These may include home health care
agencies, support groups,low-cost medical care for
those who need health insurance (or who may have
lost it recently due to a job change or loss), and
even caregiver respite care. In more than 75 percent
(and growing) of the U.S., 2-1-1 is the phone number
to call to locate community-based organizations. To
find out if there is a 2-1-1 located in your
community, search www.211.org. The website has a
search engine using zip code, city or state to find
the agency that serves a specific area.
The bottom line to living with a chronic disease
like MS is to understand as much as possible about
the disease and how it affects someone. Since the
disease strikes when someone is young, the impact on
relationships can be far-reaching. Open
communication will help the patient formulate a plan
of action and make informed choices concerning their
care. This same communication can help facilitate
support for the patient’s extended support network.
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