I was married to my wife way back in 2001, and as far as our relationship was concerned, we already experienced tons of ups and downs that we somehow managed to deal with over the course of our marriage. I was pretty sure that my wife and I were on the same page – dreaming the best for our future – and that’s practically one of the main reasons why we survived our relationship. However, everything changed after we discovered that she was suffering from autoimmunity. From there, I can say that we reached the peak of the worst thing that can ever happen to our relationship.
Source: defense.gov
My Wife’s Multiple Sclerosis Affected Me
My wife has multiple sclerosis. It is a type of autoimmunity disorder that affects almost everything about her. Aside from its potential damage to her brain and spinal cord, she also suffers from multiple mood alterations. “MS causes damage in many areas of the nervous system. This leads to symptoms that are often different for different people,” Lauren Krupp, M.D., and Robert Charlson, M.D. said. Sometimes, even her psychological state is at stake. I’m not saying she’s crazy but her actions are often confusing and that makes me felt so stressed. Aside from that, she also experiences severe physical discomfort all over her leg that somehow affects her mobility. I won’t try to hide the truth that I am pissed off with her excuses every time she declines my invitation for sexual activity. My wife looks so tired and stressed out and it feels like nothing seems to cheer her up, so I always end up leaving her alone by herself because that’s what she always wants me to do.
My wife’s health condition is unpredictable, and nearly every day, we have to expect something new. She often looks down on herself, and her state attracts negative energy that undoubtedly affected both of us. “With MS, the rate of depression is three-times higher than the general population and it is also higher than with other chronic illnesses,” Jack Burks, MD and co-author wrote. Sometimes due to her pessimistic behavior, I often behave poorly towards her. I feel guilty whenever she tries to push herself to get better just because I asked her to work on her situation. My wife’s condition is a bit frustrating, and I have to admit, I am significantly affected by it. It’s not that I don’t want to take care of her, but sometimes it frustrates me because I know there’s nothing I can do about it. Though multiple sclerosis is manageable with medication and therapy, it continues to disappoint me all the time.
I may sound so insensitive all throughout this episode of our lives, but I know I am just trying to express what a caretaker honestly feels about this kind of situation. It’s depressing, stressful, and tiring. It tends to create a long-lasting impact not only on our emotional and psychological state but also in our overall development. “As a caregiver, you will get angry – at your spouse, at the disease, at doctors who seem uncaring or unwilling to look at the whole patient. Prepare for this anger and try to direct it at the responsible party: the disease,” Robert N. Kraft Ph.D. advised.
Source: defense.gov
But you know what, even if I feel that I already had enough with the kind of relationship that I have right now, it still won’t stop me from loving my wife. I may sound like an idiot that keeps on complaining how my wife treats me during her struggle with multiple sclerosis, but she’s still my significant other. At the end of the day, I can perfectly tell the world how much she means to me, and by that, I am more than willing to sacrifice everything for her.
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease in young adults. Most develop a pattern of on-again, off-again symptoms, but some have consistently mild symptoms and others have steadily worsening disability,” says psychologist Linda Wasmer Andrews.
Having a potentially disabling condition of the brain and spinal cord is something that I don’t want to talk about because it is so devastating. I am at the point of my life where I am experiencing a lot of stress and depression due to my health condition. I feel so vulnerable to more than thousands of negativity, and it appears like there’s no hope for me. I picture myself as an incapable person that seems to malfunction almost every day, and that ideology affects all the aspects of my life including my relationship with my spouse.
“Depression is not a weakness of character, laziness, or a phase. Tough love, like telling someone to ‘buck up’ or ‘try harder,’ doesn’t work, and worsens the illness.” —Deborah Serani, PsyD
The Current Medication
My multiple sclerosis is something that takes almost all of my time and attention so I know I have to follow specific interventions to be able to help myself cope. I am under medication and consider taking disease-modifying drugs such as steroids that I usually take whenever I am experiencing a relapse. Though the prescribed medicines can somehow help me in a way, I am still carefully weighing its potential benefits against any probable side effects because I don’t want to suffer more than what I am experiencing right now. Aside from that, I also attend therapy sessions so I can somehow manage to deal with my situation by understanding my emotional and psychological state.
“Researchers combined two complementary brain imaging techniques to study the relationship between hippocampal immune response, functional connections, and depressive symptoms. As such, the findings suggest that hippocampal inflammation could be the contributing cause of high rates of depression in multiple sclerosis,” according to Rick Nauert PhD.
How The Disease Makes Me Feel
Due to the activeness of my disease, I no longer feel useful at all. Even though I think that medication helps me a bit, it seems like it doesn’t give me the kind of result I need when it comes to dealing with multiple sclerosis properly. Somehow I think that there’s more to it than just attending therapy sessions and popping prescription pills. Its severity means so much to me that it affects the way I think, behave, and react to the things that surround me and it happens to impact my relationships as well. Sometimes it makes me feel so sad and alone that I don’t want anybody else near me. I feel like I am a burden to those people I love, and that kind of situation sucks.
Source: dodlive.mil
How It Impacts My Significant Other
I know my husband is aware of my MS condition but seeing him suffer from all the stress and pain I am experiencing, I have to admit that it also makes me feel sad about it. It’s not because I am incapable of doing things for myself, but it’s because I know how much he desires to help me on my situation but won’t be able to do anything. Even though we agree on sticking with each other and understanding every pain that we’re going through, I know it is never an easy task for the both of us because eventually, I know I’ll lose all the strength I have, and he’ll lose all the patience he needs.
Source: defense.gov
My multiple sclerosis is something that makes me incapable of providing for my spouse because instead of me taking care of him, he’s now extending tons of effort into making me feel better. I know it’s a blessing to have my husband with me, but not being able to return all his effort is worse than having a severe case of MS.
Dealing with a medical situation is something that puts me on a roller coaster of emotional and psychological stress. “When individuals are very stressed, particularly if they become anxious or depressed, their ability to think clearly and objectively may be affected. People can easily feel less capable or weaker than they truly are, and think that their situation is much worse than it really is,” says Steve Bressert, Ph.D.
Though I am not the one experiencing the said condition, I know my wife is battling so hard to get over her illness, as she desires to live a healthy life. As far as her multiple sclerosis is concerned, it is something that puts us both into a situation that even our relationship can no longer support and fix the damage from her MS.
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease in young adults. Most develop a pattern of on-again, off-again symptoms, but some have consistently mild symptoms and others have steadily worsening disability,” says psychologist Linda Wasmer Andrews.
I Am Powerless
Honestly, it pains me to see that my wife is suffering from multiple sclerosis almost every day. I can no longer contain the emotional pain I am feeling right now knowing that any moment, her condition can give her tons of physical pain. And what’s worse is that I can’t do anything about it. Every day she is experiencing a relapse and her body shivers. It scares me to death thinking that my wife can snap in an instant. One moment she’s okay, then after a couple of minutes, she’s not. It drives me crazy because her situation is something that I never really understood. Sometimes, even if I think I know a lot about her condition and tell myself that I am capable of helping her all through her struggle; deep in my mind I know I am powerless of doing anything. I hate to see her suffer and I don’t want her to feel pain. But that’s not for me to decide.
Source: wikimedia.org
The Situation Causes Damage
I believe that my relationship with my wife is something that she uses to be able to hold on to our situation. Our marriage becomes both of our strength so we can fight the damage of multiple sclerosis in our lives. However, the severity of the medical condition is suddenly taking us away from each other and even though it only makes a slow pinch of changes in our everyday routine, it still gives us an absolute mental and emotional disaster.
I read that, “As a caregiver, you will get angry – at your spouse, at the disease, at doctors who seem uncaring or unwilling to look at the whole patient. Prepare for this anger and try to direct it at the responsible party: the disease.” This was said by Robert N. Kraft Ph.D. from personal experience being the husband of a woman with MS.
Source: defense.gov
I want to be with my wife, I love her, and I want to take care of her. But the intensity of the burden of dealing with a person with multiple sclerosis is something that tends to give me a severe medical depression. I feel so down and hopeless right now. I know this is not helping me at any cost and it doesn’t help my wife as well. But the emotional stress I am suffering right now because of my wife’s condition is immeasurable.
Everybody may experience a different side of a struggle from multiple sclerosis, and they will eventually end up losing everything too. I know I am not worthy enough to support my wife if I won’t be able to recover from the depression I am having right now. I need my wife more than she needs me, so I have to make sure that I am 100% capable of providing her the support she needs. I don’t want her to think that her condition pushes me to my limits that’s why I know I need to recover from my medical condition so that I can entirely give her the kind of support, love, and care she deserves.
The emotional and physical connections between couples are essential towards a long-lasting relationship, and there is a more significant need for it when one or both of them have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is “widely considered an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system of an otherwise normal person is tricked into attacking healthy parts of the body, MS causes damage in many areas of the nervous system. This leads to symptoms that are often different for different people. These include things as seemingly diverse as fatigue, walking problems, depression, cognitive impairment, muscle tightness, or bladder problems,” says Lauren Krupp, M.D., and Robert Charlson, M.D.
The symptoms of MS can primarily affect the way people feel or how they connect towards their partners. It may also substantially influence how they regard previous and current activities that support their relationship. As such, couples can expect possible effects of MS on their current or future situations.
“New research now suggests that inflammation within the hippocampus — influenced by the immune system responses — may be the reason for the increased prevalence of depression among people with M.S.,” according to Rick Nauert PhD, and it’s very devastating to have a partner or spouse with depression and MS at the same time.
Source: wikimedia.org
The Impact Of MS
An individual with MS will substantially change as the disease progresses. The changes will impact the relationship from mild to severe levels. Some symptoms of MS may strip them (not all) of sexual activity or undoubtedly lessens it from what it used to be. There is a possibility that couples with MS may need to pull off with cuddling, hugging, stroking, and kissing as these are the primary forms of intimate connection. However, there are various ways to keep the intimacy in the relationship alive. You can research for things that you can do and what you can’t during sexual intercourse. Ask healthcare professionals regarding how to deal with MS symptoms that get in the way of your sexual activities together. They will also give you advice about beneficial sexual health options as well.
A couple in a relationship will change over the years and will require adjustments to move on. However, individuals with MS tend to hold on to their mentality shift during the progression of the disease which may cause a severe personality change. Their partners may not recognize them anymore due to these character changes and that somehow leads to a breakup.
Individuals with MS will experience the symptoms of the disease without prior signs and will not be able to know how long these will last or how severe they would be. MS will put a massive burden on their partners which may influence them to give up the relationship. The diagnosis of MS and its symptoms may create new arguments due to the changes that MS can bring in their relationship, social lives, and responsibilities of a person. The couple’s plan for the future may drastically change or possibly halted.
Source: pxhere.com
The Verdict
Multiple sclerosis is a life-changing disease, but it should not keep you away from holding a positive outlook on life. It is also important not to drown in self-pity for it will significantly affect you and your partner. Lastly, never think that you are alone during your battle with this disease because there are thousands of people who can relate to your situation. Find the strength to address the issue so you can save your relationship from drying.
“I would strongly recommend that if you feel that your personality has changed, if you find yourself withdrawing and not able to complete tasks that you were once able to complete, you feel blue, helpless, hopeless, have lost interest in things that you once enjoyed, that you get scheduled for a psychological evaluation,” says Amy Sullivan, Psy.D.
A significant ratio of couples with MS will have their relationship compromised which may ultimately end up in separation. However, it is not an impossible feat to keep the connection with efforts. There is a greater need for understanding, patience, and a lot of planning coming from both individuals in the relationship.
MS is “widely considered an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system of an otherwise normal person is tricked into attacking healthy parts of the body, MS causes damage in many areas of the nervous system. This leads to symptoms that are often different for different people. These include things as seemingly diverse as fatigue, walking problems, depression, cognitive impairment, muscle tightness, or bladder problems,” says Lauren Krupp, M.D., and Robert Charlson, M.D.
It was a bit of a struggle in my relationship when my wife got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It became a challenge for both of us because the situation was something that we could not control. It made us realize that there are things that we can do together to fight the kind of unfortunate situation we have.
Being a husband, I understand that I have a lot of responsibilities to do and taking care of a person with a chronic illness has become one of my top priorities. Though it is physically and emotionally exhausting, I make sure that I stay strong for the sake of my wife’s wellbeing.
How I Assisted My Wife
The most important thing I managed to do is I made sure that my wife receives all the love and understanding she needs. There were no complaints, judgments, demands, and favors. I paid attention to her health by administrating adequate measures of exercise that she was allowed to do such as yoga, simple stretching, walking, and so on. It is also vital that I provide her healthy and nutritious food. It became a tool in giving her all the essential nutrients she needed to start off her day healthy. I made sure that she doesn’t skip regular schedule of medications and provided necessary treatments for her condition. I also made sure that we maintain our communication so we can comfortably talk about the things that we need to do together.
Source: pexels.com
How The Situation Affected Me
As I continued to help her in her struggle with multiple sclerosis, I also experienced some changes within myself. I became more sensitive to her needs. I paid attention to acknowledging her feelings because it also changed my mood a lot of times and I knew that not all of them are useful in handling a toxic situation. Her condition affected me in a way that I wasn’t able to function normally too. I became stressed and depressed about her state, and all I can think of were ways on how to make her feel better. I felt like I was pressured to do things out of the ordinary merely to give her everything she needed. I’m not perfect, and I do have complaints sometimes. But when I think about my wife’s condition, I have come to realize that there is more than what I can give her.
Source: pexels.com
Taking Care Of Myself
Robert N. Kraft Ph.D. has a personal recount about MS since his wife is coping from it. “Do not be too hard on yourself, or too easy. Don’t condemn yourself when you behave poorly and don’t congratulate yourself when you behave well – especially when other people say how admirable you are. You are not admirable. You are simply muddling through, doing the best you can.”
When I realized that my wife’s condition was also affecting me, I immediately took care of myself. I was in the right position to say that I won’t be able to provide for her needs when I can’t function. I managed to look for better resources such as therapy sessions and meditations. I can say that it helped a lot in changing my perspective towards the battle I am facing, especially with my wife’s multiple sclerosis. My wife depended on me so I knew I should take care of myself for her. “Emotional availability is about overtly letting your partner know that nothing is more important than how the two of you feel about one another,” said Stuart B. Fensterheim, LCSW.
All I can say is, even though multiple sclerosis is something that is unfortunate, it became a reason for my wife and me to become closer to each other. I would never regret spending every single time in taking care of her.
“In the almost 2,000 patients surveyed, perception of their own health correlated most with pain – a symptom that has increasingly been recognized in MS, but is not even part of most standard MS measures of disability. The second most linked symptom with patients’ perception of their health was walking ability, followed then by fatigue.” This statement came from Lauren Krupp, M.D., and Robert Charlson, M.D.
Dealing with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis or MS is complicated because of its link to many psychiatric issues. It causes a swirl of different moods due to the deterioration of the nerves. The disease may let the patient feel anxiety, depression, anger, and stress. However, it is not impossible to deal with these emotional mood swings with the help of a good doctor, proper medication, and self-discipline.
One of the ways to deal is to talk to licensed experts at BetterHelp.They also have Twitter and Instagram. The platform is discreet and offer a nonjudgmental ear.
What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disorder that damages the nerve fibers found in the brain and spinal cord. It causes a wide variety of symptoms and infectious factors as a result of nerve damage and other abnormalities in the nervous system. There is no cure for this chronic disease at the moment. Let’s discuss one of the most prevalent demyelinating diseases that more and more families have suffered from.
MS is a neurological condition that develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages nerve cells, specifically the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers. This damage can occur in various parts of the brain, including the spinal cord and optic nerves, and can lead to a range of symptoms such as memory problems and sexual function issues. When people develop MS, they may suffer brain cells and nerve fiber damage.
An MRI can help diagnose multiple sclerosis. Blood tests and a lumbar puncture may also be needed. A lumbar puncture is a diagnostic test that involves taking a sample of the spinal tap, which is the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord.
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Primary Progressive MS
People with primary progressive MS obviously develop problems progressively. Its first symptoms include feeling electrical signals, double vision and other optic nerve problems, and other specific symptoms. Secondary progressive MS on the other hand, usually comes after relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
MS can be influenced by various factors, including low vitamin D, which may increase the risk of developing the disease. MS can affect different parts of the body, including the brain spinal cord, and optic nerves, and can lead to symptoms such as body temperature dysregulation. Some studies have also suggested that infectious mononucleosis may increase the risk of developing MS.
According to the clinical practice of an occupational therapist at Mayo Foundation, people with MS often experience muscle stiffness, walking difficulties, lesser Vitamin D levels, nerve damage, muscle spasms, and vision problems and are at a greater risk of developing autoimmune diseases or autoimmune disorders. These factors in addition to environmental factors can exacerbate already existing nerve damage in people who have no physical activity or those with Epstein-Barr virus and t cells problems. The disease could wear down their own tissues.
In addition, there is a gradual worsening of symptoms in the central nervous system and immune system. Before the disease-modifying therapies became available, it was reported that about half of the patients with MS diagnosis, particularly those with remitting MS, would lead to secondary progressive MS within a ten-year timeframe.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
However, relieving symptoms, disease progression, and a few disorders from the brain and spinal cord are possible through medicine and conducting lifestyle changes that help suppress and manage the disease. Consultation for people with MS symptoms with a medical specialist will help find the proper treatment for common symptoms such as double vision, muscle weakness, mental health issues, sexual dysfunction, bowel control, and other more specific symptoms.
“Multiple Sclerosis causes damage in many areas of the nerve fibers in the nervous system. This leads to symptoms that are often different for different people with MS. These include things as seemingly diverse as fatigue, walking problems, other physical trauma, depression, cognitive impairment, muscle tightness, or bladder problems,” says Lauren Krupp, M.D., and Robert Charlson, M.D.
A clinically isolated syndrome is an MS disease course where the common symptoms initially are caused by the loss of myelin sheath in the central nervous system. Clinically isolated syndrome lasts within 24 hours.
Understanding Some Of The Obvious Flare-Ups
The most basic therapy treatments for MS that doctors usually give are disease-modifying drugs, medical education, optical coherence tomography, and other treatment strategies that adhere to approved clinical features. The drugs will be responsible for slowing down disease progression and preventing flare-ups that may occur. They also prohibit nerve and immune system attacks. Some of these drugs are injectable while others can be taken orally by the patient.
“Behavioral medicine is often an important and necessary component in the interdisciplinary treatment of MS patients. Patients and family members might find the disease difficult to fathom, as they may feel that hopes, dreams, and goals for the future will drastically change,” says Amy Sullivan, Psy.D.
The good thing about MS is that there is no strict diet to follow. However, it is better to start doing a healthy eating routine to prevent a higher risk, especially for those with primary progressive MS experience. Consider food that is rich in fiber and nutrients that can sustain your body and strengthen the brain and spinal cord.
Moreover, for people experiencing new symptoms of other diseases, there are new treatments that no longer rely on alternative medicine and single test. An example is plasma exchange. New MRI technology today can also scan through MRI lesions that outdated MRI scanners are not capable of doing.
As With Most Health Conditions, Stress Is Bad For This Condition
Stress can worsen your MS symptoms, particularly when it affects your central nervous system. It is why patients with multiple sclerosis need to check their stress levels, as this is an unpredictable disease. The National MS Society recommends people with MS to consider doing relaxing activities that may lower their stress such as meditating and reading. (If you are stressed out, it would be better to speak with specialists from BetterHelp. BetterHelp is an online site that provides you with affordable, accessible, and convenient sessions with amazing therapists and counselors. They have qualified therapists and support groups for a reasonable price.
Cool Ventilated Place To Reduce MS Attacks And Manage Symptoms
Cold temperatures can reduce the chances of increasing risk factors and triggering a flare-up in primary progressive MS as well as in secondary progressive MS, while hot places can worsen it. It is best to listen to your body’s needed temperature.
Staying Awake Late – Avoid staying up late at night and follow your sleeping schedule correctly. It will not only keep you in good condition, but it will also help you generate the necessary energy for your body, hence, reducing muscle weakness.
Move Your Body – Regular exercise is not compulsory, particularly in people with MS who have had neurological disorders and stroke. However, it helps your muscles to be in good working condition if you do so. Additionally, it can also prevent the patient to be in a depressing mood which may trigger MS symptoms. This is supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Comprehending The Known Triggering Factors and Other Ways To Cope With MS Autoimmune Disorder
Never try to postpone your Multiple Sclerosis treatment. This is crucial in those with developing MS. Multiple sclerosis treatment should be right after a medical history, blood tests, and a definitive MS diagnosis. Delaying it will only make your mild symptoms worse making everyday living harder. The frequency of multiple sclerosis flare-ups, immune system attacks, and relapses will be faster if not appropriately assessed. Physical and occupational therapy also play a crucial role as they treat specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Keep a journal or record of your Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. It will help the doctor assess the development during the treatment. It will also allow them to know if the primary medicines and other drugs are having any effect or if there is a needed change in the treatment. Additionally, it helps in recognizing any deterioration if a new symptom is visible after a day or more.
More Things To Know And Consider About The Disorder
Many triggering risk factors can worsen the course of the disease, so it is a necessity to avoid them at all costs. Some of the lists of elements are fatigue, lack of sleep, high temperature, and stress. “For persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or only remitting MS, early in the disease, depression appears to be linked to inflammatory processes. Later, in the secondary-progressive phase, unhelpful thoughts, such as feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness are more frequent. So the depression, in this case, is thought to be more reactive — linked to frustrations with lifestyle changes or loss of function,” explains Meghan L. Beier, M.A., Ph.D.
Source: pixabay.com
Preventing The Progression Of MS With The Use Of Therapy Treatment
Multiple sclerosis is not life-threatening in most cases, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and there is a possibility to live a regular life with the right therapy – physical therapy, disease-modifying therapies, complementary and alternative therapies, muscle relaxants and other drugs, and other treatment strategies. Consider some self-research regarding your disease, including your disease onset and immune system, and try to understand the facts behind it. The misconception about multiple sclerosis is what makes it hard to manage, especially if it takes a relapsing-remitting disease course, so as much as possible, it is advisable to find a doctor or medical specialist that knows how to prevent the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing damage to the protective sheath around nerve fibers. People with MS may experience a range of symptoms, including communication problems, which can impact their ability to socialize and maintain relationships. Smoke tends to cause more damage and exposure to certain infections has been linked to an increased risk of developing MS. Low vitamin D has also been associated with the development and progression of MS. With proper management and treatment, many people with MS find ways to live fulfilling lives. Numerous clinical trials are also underway for people who want to explore new options.
FAQs On Multiple Sclerosis And Developing MS
What Is The Main Cause Of MS, Including Benign MS?
Scientists are yet to pinpoint the exact cause of multiple sclerosis, including benign MS. It is believed that this condition is caused by a combination of factors, including environmental triggers and genetic susceptibility, which leads to the autoimmune response against the central nervous system.
What Are Usually The First Signs Of An Increased Risk Of MS?
The first signs of increased MS risk typically start with the symptoms, namely numbness or tingling of limbs, blurred vision, fatigue, and difficulties with balance and coordination. These signs definitely need further evaluation and a more thorough diagnosis to determine the possible presence of MS.
How Do You Get Multiple Sclerosis?
People develop MS when their immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the central nervous system’s protective covers. The exact trigger or reason why this happens is still unknown to science, but it is thought to involve a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors.
Is The Spinal Cord Primarily Affected?
While the condition affects multiple parts of the central nervous system, including the brain and the optic nerves, the spinal cord is the primary affected area. Damage to the spinal cord can cause neurological symptoms and impairments, depending on its specific lesion location.
What Is Life Expectancy For Relapsing-Remitting MS According To The Institute Of Neurological Disorders?
Since this condition is influenced by different factors, including its trigger, severity, and health condition of the individual, MS from one person to another varies greatly, there is no specific life expectancy for relapsing-remitting MS. It is important to note that this condition is no considered fatal, and many people with MS have a normal life expectancy.
Describe Immune System Attacks.
During an MS attack, the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the protective layer around the nerves of the spinal cord (also found in the brain) called myelin. This causes a disruption in the transmission of electrical signals, resulting in various neurological symptoms.
Can MS And Its Symptoms Go Away?
MS is a chronic condition, there is no known cure for it. However, it can enter remission periods where symptoms disappear or improve. Treatment for the condition varies from symptom management, slowing the progression of the disease, and improvement of quality of life.
Can Multiple Sclerosis Be Cured?
There is no cure for MS, there are only treatments to manage its symptoms, slow down its progression, and improve quality of life. This includes medication, physical therapy, lifestyle change, and various strategies for the management of symptoms.
Can Support Groups Help?
Support groups can be very beneficial for people with MS; they provide a platform to share experiences, get vital information about the condition and effective ways the management of its symptoms, and empower each other through emotional support. They can help with the physical, emotional, and social aspects of living with a chronic condition.
Can You Have MS For Years And Not Know It?
Yes, that is possible. Initial symptoms of MS can be quite subtle and may go unnoticed, the same goes for periods of remission. However, diagnosis can be made through clinical evaluation, tests, and medical history.
What Are The Four Stages Of MS, Including Its Chronic Disease?
The four stages of MS are clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS). These stages represent different patterns, progression, and symptoms of the condition.
What Does MS Pain Feel Like?
Pain from MS varies widely, ranging from burning sensation, electric shock-like sensation, tingling, numbness, stabbing, or sharp pain, etc. These sensations can be experienced in different parts of the body.
Is Multiple Sclerosis Caused By Stress?
Stress doesn’t cause MS, but it can worsen its symptoms and may exacerbate and cause a flare-up. This is why stress management techniques are vital in managing MS symptoms.
Can You Live A Normal Life With MS?
With the right symptom management plan and support, people with MS can live a fulfilling and productive life. There are, of course, adjustments needed to accommodate the symptoms of the condition. Of course, access to healthcare, lifestyle change, and a strong support system are crucial.
How Serious Is MS?
MS is a chronic and potentially debilitating condition. Its severity ranges from mild to severe, and its impact on one’s life can vary as well since it affects vision, coordination, mobility, and cognition.
Millions of people all over the world suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), and there’s still a lot of information about it that we probably don’t know. People with multiple sclerosis somehow consider the help of a professional that can guarantee proper guidance or counseling. One way to get that is from BetterHelp.BetterHelp is an online platform that gives us access to therapy at the tip of our fingers. It is one of the best online support system you can get.
However, in terms of psychological support, it is believed that “Under the right circumstances, online counseling can be just as effective as the traditional in person therapy model, or sometimes even better. Knowing what factors to be aware of from the beginning can help you find the best online therapist for you,” according toMICHELE QUNITIN, LCSW. Since almost everything they do depend on the central system, they opt to find solutions to the problematic situation they have. But what can multiple sclerosis do? We compiled a list of things you need to know to be able to understand what MS is all about.
The typical reaction of millennials when they come across a 70- or 80-something individual who finishes a marathon or has unblemished skin is: “How can that happen at their age?”
In truth, there is no secret formula for that. Such people are neither magicians nor drinkers from the fountain of youth. While some may indeed be born with fantastic genes, most merely know what to do and not do with their body both internally and externally. It’s highly probable that they don’t also have other vices than living healthily.
In case you’re envious of the oldies and want to get as close to 100 years old as possible, there are some unhealthy habits to ban from your life.
Binge-Eating
You need to eat to recharge your energy or boost your mood, but you should refrain from munching on chocolate or chips every hour just because you’re bored. Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes can result from that, which may effectively shorten your lifespan. Stick to an eating schedule and practice moderation for whatever you consume.
Binge eating can also be a disorder. “People with binge eating disorder feel like they have little control over their binges, causing them to eat large quantities of food in a short period of time, often to cope with emotional distress,” says Joel L. Young M.D.
Source: media.defense.gov
Stressing Over Everything
Stress produces a mess. Apart from it lessening your efficiency at work, but it will also make you look much older than your real age. You have to chill out and learn how to cope with stress early to avoid that.
“When finding the stress techniques for you, the main thing to keep in mind is find “what works for you.” People cope differently with stress and what works for other people in your life may not be helpful for you. If you want to see professional help, reach out to a therapist or psychologist in your community,” says Erlanger A. Turner Ph.D.
Binge-Watching
Tuning into Netflix and other TV channels are sometimes beneficial since it takes your mind off demanding activities. However, allowing it to take over your days, to the extent that you call in “sick” in the office just to not miss an episode of your favorite show, is alarming. It’ll most likely turn you into a couch potato too, and any thought of exercising will go out of the window. That isn’t exactly a healthy way to live, is it?
Living Through Your Smartphone
The birth of electronic devices and internet will always feel like a gift from the heavens. They make taking notes, remembering significant dates, capturing images, and connecting with loved ones effortless with a single click of a button. Despite that, you can’t remain fixated on that digital screen for hours and assume it won’t be harmful to your well-being. Go out instead when you have nothing else to do and enjoy life without it as much as you can.
Lacking Goals
Dreaming isn’t only for kids. You need to have at least one right after accomplishing every goal so that you can direct your actions well. Not having a dream at any age may encourage you to procrastinate and focus on getting by alone.
Just a thought: “Self-direction is a person-centered approach to working with people to achieve their goals. This method has been applied to various populations, initially used for older people, brain injury patients, and the disability segments. Most recently it has seen success in the treatment of mental health disorders and substance/behavioral addictions,” says Adi Jaffe Ph.D.
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Drinking/Smoking
Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes may taste amazing when you feel tensed or problematic, but they’ll wreak havoc in your system. Your liver and lungs are at high risk from the beginning; nonetheless, the other organs will also be in danger the longer you drink and smoke, respectively.
Looking For Social Approval
Another unhealthy habit that many are guilty of is seeking the approval of others for anything you wish to do. That lets them run – and ruin – your life, to be honest. You should dig deep in your heart to know what makes you happy rather than ask people if they like your decisions or not.
Keeping Toxic Relationships
Lastly, you are better off with affairs that don’t elicit heartaches, anger, and insecurity from that. In case you don’t break the relationship immediately, it can poison your mind and cause you to try all the unpleasant activities you’ve just read above.
Having multiple sclerosis is not a walk in the park. As an autoimmune disease, the doctors cannot honestly pinpoint what causes the immune system – your body’s first line of defense – to turn against you. Some days you feel as healthy as an ox; other times you lose your vision, feel numb, have trouble with your balance, etc. Undoubtedly, it doesn’t just bring physical pain but also emotional distress since the disorder robs off your capability to do even regular tasks. “Identifying the predictors of pain is important for both health professionals and researchers, because pain has repeatedly been found to be a strong predictor of activity limitations and participation restrictions,” Shahnaz Shahrbanian, PhD wrote.
Once diagnosed, a physician can prescribe medicine or therapy or both. The thing is, neither can cure the condition, and you may get short-term relief in exchange for thousands of dollars’ worth of medical bills throughout your life. In case that fact doesn’t sit well with you, realize that there are ways to treat multiple sclerosis without drugs.
Manage Digestive Problems
The disease wreaks havoc efficiently and almost stealthily as it begins in your gut, the section where everything you consume temporarily settles before they go to their rightful places. “The gut is the second largest site of exposure of the body to the outside world after the skin, which is a largely impermeable barrier,” explains Daniel Mielcarz, PhD. In case your intestines become inflamed due to the unpleasant substances they have to deal with often, they can malfunction and push the contaminants toward the bloodstream. The harmful chemicals can then reach the nervous system at that point and disturb the central organ – the brain – that tells the rest of the body what to do.
To fight multiple sclerosis, therefore, you need to fix your digestive problems first.
Detoxify Your System
Now that we are in the modern age, it is effortless to inhale or consume substances that seem good yet are bad for our health. Fast foods, for instance, bring you closer than ever to saturated fats and sugars that most likely affect the progression of the disease. Every straw you sip on, every plastic cup or utensils you use, may allow heavy metals like silver and lead to enter your bloodstreams.
“What we eat influences the ability of bacteria in our gut to produce small molecules, some of which are capable of traveling all the way to the brain. This opens up an area that’s largely been unknown until now: how the gut controls brain inflammation,” Francisco Quintana, PhD explains.
In reality, a human body does not have the proper tools to transform all of that into useful nutrients. That’s why they often remain as toxins in there until you find a way to flush them out. Thus, you may do juice cleanses a few times a week. Or, drink green tea and other herbs with anti-inflammatory properties on a daily basis to detoxify your body.
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Say No To Candida Overgrowth
Have you ever had a yeast infection? It is the ailment that results from the excessive amount of fungus growing either inside or outside of your system. How that usually takes place is similar to how bakers activate the dry yeast that makes the bread soft and fluffy – by feeding sugar to the microorganisms and leaving them in warm water.
What connects this issue to multiple sclerosis is the truth that you tend to cure the infection with antibiotics or steroidal creams. When they’re absorbed, your brain signals the immune system to blindly fend off the chemicals even though they mean no harm. But since your antibodies are under mutiny, the drugs can trigger the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, giving you pain.
For that reason, avoid the germination of candida at all costs. Stop eating dairy products or taking probiotics for some time as well as they contain live active culture that promotes yeast growth.
