It is estimated over 100,000 people in the UK are living with Multiple Sclerosis, but what do we actually know about it?

 

What is multiple sclerosis? MS is a neurological condition which impacts the central nervous system, which means the range of symptoms for MS are vast, including vision and mobility problems, muscle stiffness and spasms, extreme fatigue or numbness on the body. We invited nine people living with MS to tell us what it’s like to live with the condition, how they manage their symptoms, and what misconceptions they’d like to banish.

1. It’s different for everyone Kat Garner, whose parents both have MS, said: ‘I didn’t realise how MS affects everyone so differently. ‘Both of my parents have MS and the symptoms are completely unpredictable – you never know how it’s going to affect you from one day to the next.’

2. Exercise is extremely important Emma Reid who runs a local support group for MS Society in Sheffield said: ‘We run exercise classes to get people with MS to feel comfortable and positive again about exercise. ‘It can be hard with extreme fatigue and some of the other symptoms but lots of medical professionals encourage us to exercise. Sometimes exercise can bring on symptoms for a short time when the body is hot, but they go soon after.’

3. You can still work with MS Kaz Lalijee from Positive MS said: ‘MS can affect anyone at anytime and the doctors don’t know what the direct cause is. ‘A common misconception is thinking an MS diagnosis means your life is over. ‘They say ‘hang up your boots, you’re done’. ‘But you can still work and have a successful career with MS, you just have to make some adjustments and stick to what you’re good at.’

 

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2018/04/26/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-multiple-sclerosis-7494884/?ito=cbshare