For most, the new year comes with excitement of what’s to come. For those of us who battle MS, the new year comes with its fair share of worries, challenges and anxious thoughts of what the new year may bring. We reflect on our past year, perhaps your MS got worse, and you’re worried it won’t get any better, or maybe you are finally considered “stable”, and you’re concerned it is too good to be true and you will get worse. However you choose to look at the new year, we all worry one way or another. I am here to tell you that you are not alone.
Staying on top of your MS and your health in general can bring anxious thoughts and may make you feel overwhelmed. I am going to share my New Year health checklist with you. I hope this can ease your mind and quiet any racing thoughts.
- Make an appointment to see your neurologist.
- Get an MRI. I know this can be a scary part of the year. But facing your health head-on is important.
- See your eye doctor.
- See a primary care physician for your yearly physical examination.
- Make an appointment to see a dermatologist.
- Get your blood work done. For those of us on a disease-modifying treatment, bloodwork is often needed periodically.
Last, but certainly not least. Check in with yourself. You are living with a disease that is NOT easy. You must check in with your emotions, mental state and body. Give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself and your body. Keep fighting. Keep going. You’re important. You’re needed. You’re strong.
