Many years ago when I worked in the field of medical market research I was given one very useful suggestion when conducting interviews with people with different medical conditions. My, then, Colleague said I should always ask a respondent what piece of advice should they give to a person who has just been diagnosed with a particular medical condition.

Remembering this recently I thought it might be useful to ask our readers on the MultipleSclerosisTalk page on Facebook the simple but vital question “What one piece of advice would you give to somebody who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?”

I have to say the results were fascinating. So I decided to share a few here. If you have any ideas or tips of your own please do write then down in the comments box below.

First off Sophia was please we asked the question. She mentioned “I just found out and I am still absorbing it all while having doctors who will not take the time to explain the implications… I’m happy for this group because I am learning what the doctors won’t tell me.”

One of the most popular suggestions came from Christa. She advised “Learn quickly that your life will change… But don’t obsess over the diagnosis… Adapt… Be strong… Don’t sink into it and wallow in it ….or it will quickly overtake you emotionally… Just my opinion ❤️
Having said that…. Do educate yourself… Be a smart patient… And don’t let them drug you to death… Take what you have to but note some docs will put you on a new pill for every single little thing and you’ll quickly become a mini pharmacy…” In fact a lot of what she has to say applied to pretty much any medical condition and it is great advice.

Looking at it from a more personal situation Linda “Allow yourself time to grieve. That’s the best advice I have received. I would allow myself 15 minutes (to cry in the shower) and then carry on with the day. Also, whenever you have flair, I tell myself “this too shall pass”. Be kind to yourself. Hugs and prayers to you”.

“It is NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. I thought so when I got diagnosed. I was depressed in the hospital that evening and the following weeks. But after fighting it by eating healthy and exercise, my MS has been inactive (remission) for a little over a year now. Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. Don’t try to push through it.” Shared Jaime!

Suzi and Katie focus on their relationships with others. “It sucks and your life will change. Accept support from your family and friends and try not to get mad when they’re being over supportive. You’re not the only one affected. Don’t read the horror stories of how you’ll be in a wheelchair and die young. Most of all think of the disabled parking sticker you get and how much easier Christmas shopping is 😂” said Katie.

While Suzi shared “Don’t let people push you around. If you’re too tired, didn’t remember, or are too weak to do something and someone puts you down because of it and says you’re just making excuses you need to cut them out of your life because all that does is stress you out and bring you down. At the end of the day a good support system is all you need.”

Finally Fiona spoke for many of our readers “Listen to your body. Read and make your own decisions as to what you believe your MS is. No two are the same and only you will know how your MS affects you and the triggers for you.”

As I we said earlier if you have any tips you would like to share please feel free to use the comments section below!

Many thanks in advance!

 

ANGIEDEE

I have just been diagnosed with MS, well about 2 months ago. And even though all this is still new to me I would say this; find yourself a doctor who listens to you, and cares about your wants. One who does not just want to shove pills down your throat but offers you good, natural and healthy alternatives. One who encircles you to take up yoga and find way to manage stress levels. And above all else, keep a positive attitude! What I have come to realise, is that this is not a death sentence, it is a life sentence, so make the most of it, become healthy, and keep moving forward.

hahamed1964

Just cut out the junk food and preservative materials and drink just natural juices ,I garantee you’ll stop the progression 100% . I don’t take any medicines nor injections since 2002 .