Living Better With MS

Multiple sclerosis is believed to be caused by the immune system wrongfully attacking a person’s own myelin, the substance that insulates nerves and helps them send electrical signals to control movement, speech and other bodily functions. 

If you have MS or care for someone who does, you know that it can be incredibly frustrating due to how unpredictable the condition is. No two days are the same for someone with MS, and there’s usually no way of telling how intense the symptoms will be or when they’ll start. 

Here are some tips that can make it easier for both patients and caregivers when dealing with MS.

Eat for Optimal Health

It’s true that everyone can benefit from a good diet, but this is especially true for people with chronic disease such as MS. The NMSS (National Multiple Sclerosis Society) notes that there’s no specific dietary requirements for someone with MS, although focusing on low fat foods high in vitamins and fibre can help the individual feel better whilst giving them maximum energy, supporting healthy bladders and improving bowel functions. 

A good, well rounded diet can support caregivers too, giving them more energy, optimism and keeping them in overall good health.

MS has been known to trigger other conditions too, such as metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Maintaining a better, more fulfilling diet can reduce the risks of MS leading to other, potentially lethal conditions. 

Address Sleep Issues

MS can often cause sleep problems, including insomnia, night time urination, narcolepsy and leg spasms/cramps. Good quality sleep promotes overall good health, and lack of sleep can worsen MS symptoms. Many times, sleep disturbances in MS go undiagnosed and untreated. 

There are some things you can try to minimize the sleep disturbances throughout the night. Some ways include:

• Establishing and sticking to a bedtime routine

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day

• Avoiding bright screens before bedtime, and gradually making the room darker as the night progresses

• Avoiding caffeine in the evening and afternoon 

If there are still night time struggles, be proactive and ask your doctor for advice, whether you have MS or whether you’re caring for someone with it. Chronic illness can be exhausting, and MS patients and their caregivers both need as much quality sleep as they can get. 

Commit to Regular Exercise

It’s common knowledge that exercise can help improve muscle strength and fitness, as well as posture. On top of this, for someone with MS, it can help rescue symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Low to moderate aerobic exercise can improve heart health, too. 

Regular exercise in those who suffer with MS can help support sleep quality, depression, cognition, walking mobility, slowed disability progression and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Staying active can be done in many ways - some tactics work better depending on the individual. Some ideas include

• General physical activity, such as cooking, dog walking or cleaning 

• Adaptive sports at a local community centre

• Swimming for movement which may be harder on land 

• Yoga for balance and flexibility

• Resistance bands for improve muscle strength 

No matter the activity, always prioritise your safety first. If you’re unsure whether an activity is too much, consult a healthcare professional to discuss your options before committing. 

Customise your Environment 

MS symptoms can strike suddenly, which can make it hard for individuals to physically navigate the environment they're in. Life can be significantly easier for someone with MS if their homes, offices and workspaces are arranged for maximum efficiency. 

Adaptations to the home can be major, like converting a bathroom into a wet room, or smaller, like adding a temporary ramp for a wheelchair. Your local council can often advise on the adaptation equipment available for you, or you can contact an occupational therapist for more support. 

It’s important that MS doesn’t stop you from having fun and enjoying new experiences. Engaging in activities you love will contribute significantly to your overall health and mental wellbeing. Many activities can be adapted to suit someone with MS, whether that be by specialised equipment, mobility aids or AR technology. Adaptive equipment exists in most activities and sports, including cycling, swimming, horseback riding, basketball, sailing and more. 

Reach Out

Self-help and MS support groups and charities can help you connect with other patients and caregivers to establish a valuable network for exchanging ideas, new research news and encouragement. You can often find information about these groups at hospitals and local care centres, as well as via MS organisations.

There are a number of leading charities who are supporting those living with MS and their families, including the MS Society, MS Trust and MS UK. 

It’s important that those with MS understand that they don’t have to go through it alone. As well as physical support groups, there are also social platforms such as “Bezzy MS”, which can help MS sufferers connect via online forums filled with people in similar situations. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you how you want to manage your MS. You may need small lifestyle changes, larger ones or none at all - it’s different for everybody. Although professional support from your MS team is important, there’s also a lot you can do for yourself, too. 

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Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one aspect of managing MS, but hearing other people’s experiences and sharing tips for living with MS can be helpful too. 

Take control. You don’t have to be a superhero who deals with everything perfectly and you also don’t need to be a victim of MS. Many people who have the condition say “I have MS but MS doesn’t have me” - this can be a good mantra to live by. The key is not tackling it all at once; focusing on one issue at a time, and watching the improvements roll in, bit by bit. A positive attitude can be one of the best ways to handle MS. 

Let’s use this MS Awareness Week to spread awareness, support research and show those living with MS that they are not alone.By sharing knowledge and compassion, we can significantly impact the lives of those affected by this condition. Together, we can build a supportive community that fosters hope and resilience.