Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies

Everyone's MS is different—learn the best way to manage yours Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It poses unique challenges for people with MS and their care partners because the symptoms (many of which are invisible to others) are so variable from day to day and month to month. Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies helps you and your loved ones understand the importance of early treatment and become familiar with all of the latest treatment options and therapies. You aren't alone—this compassionate guide includes resources for connecting with the right MS care provider, building a care team, managing your emotions and stress, and getting the support you need. Plus, you'll get tips for making lifestyle choices that help you along your MS path. Discover information on the latest diagnostic information, treatments, and symptom management strategies Learn why it's so important to take care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing as you treat your MS Get pointers for talking to MS care providers and your loved ones, advocating for yourself, and making decisions alongside your care team Find trustworthy books, websites, and community resources to expand your knowledge and improve your health Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies is a great starting point for anyone facing a new MS diagnosis or looking for updated information. Partners and family members will also learn how to care for themselves while caring for the person they love.

Foreword xv Introduction 1 Part 1: When MS Becomes Part of Your Life 5 Chapter 1: Meeting MS Face to Face 7 Chapter 2: So, What Do I Have? Getting a Diagnosis 25 Chapter 3: You Have MS — So Now What? 39 Chapter 4: Getting the Right Players on Your Healthcare Team 57 Part 2: Taking Charge of Your MS 73 Chapter 5: Developing a Plan to Take Charge of Your MS 75 Chapter 6: Managing the Disease Course and Treating Relapses 83 Chapter 7: Managing Symptoms That Impact Sensation 101 Chapter 8: Managing Symptoms That Impact Motor Function 111 Chapter 9: Managing Invisible Symptoms 125 Part 3: Staying Healthy and Feeling Well 165 Chapter 10: Paying Attention to Your Health — It’s Not All about MS 167 Chapter 11: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices 177 Chapter 12: Handling Stress without Giving Up Your Life 189 Part 4: Managing Lifestyle Issues 203 Chapter 13: Presenting Your MS Face to the World 205 Chapter 14: Making MS a Part of the Family 219 Chapter 15: And Baby Makes Three, Four, or More: Planning a Family around Your MS 241 Chapter 16: Parenting: It Wasn’t Easy Before You Had MS! 251 Chapter 17: Coping with Progressive Forms of MS 269 Part 5: Creating Your Safety Nets 287 Chapter 18: Keeping Your Place in the Workforce 289 Chapter 19: Getting a Grip on Insurance 305 Chapter 20: Planning for a Future with MS 319 Part 6: The Part of Tens 333 Chapter 21: Ten MS Myths Debunked 335 Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Care Partners 341 Chapter 23: Ten Tips for Trouble-Free Travel 347 Glossary 353 Index 365