By Ed Lash
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Whether we personally have multiple sclerosis (MS), have a friend or relative with MS, or are a medical professional involved with MS, we have all developed a philosophy about the disease. We’ve developed that philosophy through personal experience, from our reading, from talking to and observing others, finding out what the experts say, getting advice from doctors or other professionals, and relying on our own instincts. All these experiences and more help us to develop a personal attitude about MS which can carry us through the rough spots.
In addition, our lives before MS have contributed greatly to that philosophy by giving us a certain attitude towards solving personal problems and coping with illness or adversity. Psychologists tell us that our attitude, although changeable, has been influenced by the lessons we’ve learned and are still learning, by our talents and personality traits, by the environment we live and work in, by our ways of relating to others, by our education and training, by our successes and failures, and especially by our deep inner desires. Those experiences, that attitude, that philosophy, directs us now in coping with our personal responsibilities with MS.
But, as I once read, attitude can sometimes be the real disability. This must be true of at least a few people we all know with or without MS. A bad or negative attitude seems to set the stage for failure. The attitude I respect most is one of calm determination. That is, quietly going about the business of doing the things that need to be done to recuperate as best as possible, while calmly doing the best that can be done to maintain a reasonable living pattern. It assumes a posture of confidence for success in coping with any problems that may arise, with the will to make the changes that are necessary to increase the odds in your favor. With that in mind, consider the following.
Statistics have shown that two out of three people with multiple sclerosis have a relatively mild course and remain ambulatory over their entire lifetimes (except, perhaps, during some flare-ups). This seems to indicate that because MS has no cure or specific treatment at this time, it does not mean that it cannot be managed. The best strategy for success seems to be to learn how to control it with good medical care, and by altering behavior that contributes to MS and its symptoms.
Whether you’re on medication or not, things to concentrate on are:
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• physical conditioning (without exhaustion)
• good sleep habits
• moderation for perfectionists and overachievers
• attention to nutrition
• relaxation techniques when and where appropriate
• a reasonably calm and cheerful attitude at all times (I hope that prompted you to smile.)
• the avoidance of toxins and stimulants that mimic the effects of stress
• stress-management and/or psychological counseling, if required
• the active pursuit of interests, hobbies, and social or recreational activities
And until they find a definite cure or treatment, don’t look for a quick fix. But the most important thing to understand is that if your present strategy is working, if you’re happy with your treatment, and if you are getting better, then stick with it. If you’re not getting better after a reasonable amount of time, don’t become discouraged and, above all, don’t quit. Instead, analyze your treatment, reevaluate your life-style, and consider changing your philosophy, or reconsidering your strategy.
Note: Self-help is not intended to replace medical treatment. It should be used together with the help of appropriate professionals in a team effort.
Ed Lash is a United Spinal member who lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. This essay is adapted from his book, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, Self-help . . . A Patient’s View (Vantage Press 2001), which is available by e-mail from edlash.ms.selfhelp@juno.com, or by phone at 203-445-0118.
