Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease affecting young people. MS affects about a quarter of a million Americans. Symptoms can range from reoccurring inflammation attacks in your central nervous system to consistent debilitation.
Multiple sclerosis is a life-changing diagnosis. It might be tempting to focus on the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis, but you don’t have to. While it is a serious illness, there are some upsides to multiple sclerosis that you’ll discover as time goes on.
Acceptance of your condition can help you adapt and use your creative energy to solve problems and find solutions. When you focus on winning "battles" rather than the whole "war," you'll gain the confidence to keep overcoming these challenges.
Building a solid care team can help you more than you may know. Regular reviews can help you feel supported, and more people will be accountable for the progression of your condition. After an MS diagnosis, you’ll be able to see and feel the presence of everyone that cares for you and wants to help. This can make you feel less lonely and more like a part of the team.
Another upside of MS is the lifestyle change you'll need to undertake. Making this change may seem hard at first, but it will be more beneficial for your overall health in the long run. Eating healthy and exercising can help you manage the symptoms of MS. A balanced diet and moving can also reduce your risk for other health conditions, like heart disease. The benefits of exercising with MS include:
- Reduced fatigue.
- Increased strength.
- Better mobility.
- Improved bowel and bladder function.
Living with multiple sclerosis can help you appreciate different things in your life, large or small. Whether you're able to see it at the beginning of your diagnosis or you need some time to accept your new way of life, you can find reasons for gratitude in dark situations. Lean on your care team, doctor, and family for support. They'll be able to help you when you feel like you can't help yourself.
