When managing one’s MS, there can be many factors and elements involved in the process. All such journeys are different, and each person’s experience with MS is very unique. This makes it difficult at times to compare and help navigate its course and impacts. Its unpredictable nature can cause challenges in finding ways to help manage symptoms and disease changes. But there are so many different types of support, treatments, and strategies in place nowadays. Experiences can be shaped and influenced greatly.
Support
Outlets of community support and resources are pieces that help shape the MS experience. There are several types of support forums and avenues for those affected by MS. And these only continue to grow and expand. Through support groups, online peer forums, phone lines, community events and services, you have so many ways to connect with others. With camaraderie, understanding, and encouragement, you can find ways to receive help during your MS journey and find relentless support.
Treatment
MS journeys can also be shaped in treatment and care of the disease. This is another realm of the disease course that is so different from person to person. Each person has their own healthcare team/physician/system they work with for management and treatment of their MS, while some may not. And while some individuals may see MS neurology specialists, some see general practitioners or other types of providers. It depends on what people have available to them in their community or through their health coverage, if applicable. While this can vary greatly, there are many treatments, symptom management therapies, and other strategies used to try and address MS issues. Again, it’s unique to each person’s disease course on what may work for them. But hopefully, treatment and care are pieces that help shape your experience with MS in ways that can be effective for your care needs.
For individuals affected by MS there is much about the disease that can be unpredictable. But finding methods to have some control — like reaching out for support, working with healthcare providers, finding ways to help manage the disease — are all ways that the MS experience can be shaped, and each person’s journey their own.
This is a crock. Let me know a support group that’s meeting within 50 mi of Sarasota, FL. There isn’t one. There used to be one in Clearwater before Covid. Seems to be gone. I can’t get a message back from anyone on the MS team I’ve been going to for 4 years to update my Ocrevus referral and neither can Ovrevus. There’s a sea of internet jumble you can drown in. That’s pretty much the only real support out there. Everyone thinks you’re insane and discounts your illness- I suppose until you’re in a wheelchair. Gratefully not there yet. Eventually you will be desperate enough to have flakey loving relationships used to validate your sanity with people who are also sick with chronic illnesses and zero other commonalities. This is a cute article though. It would be so fly if it were true doe.
Thank you for sharing your personal story, Nicole. Please feel free to contact our Client Services Specialists via email at MSQuestions@mymsaa.org who may be able to help you find the resources you need in your area. You can also join and talk to others living with MS through MSAA’s online peer support forum My MSAA Community at the following link: https://mymsaa.org/msaa-community/my-msaa-community-forum