MS - Living with multiple sclerosis
- Introduction
- Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- Causes of multiple sclerosis
- Diagnosing multiple sclerosis
- Treating multiple sclerosis
- Living with multiple sclerosis
- 'You just find the tools to get around it'
- 'Monthly infusions help treat my MS'
- 'Cognitive behavioural therapy worked for me'
- 'I consider myself very lucky'
Relationships and support
Coming to terms with a long-term condition such as MS can put a strain on you, your family and your friends. It can be difficult to talk to people about your condition, even if they're close to you.
Dealing with the deterioration of symptoms, such as increasing difficulty with movement and tremors, can make people with MS very frustrated and depressed. Inevitably, their spouse, partner or carer will feel anxious or frustrated, too.
Be honest about how you feel and let your family and friends know what they can do to help. Don't feel shy about telling them that you need some time to yourself, if that's what you want.
Support
If you have any questions, your GP or MS nurse may be able to reassure you. You may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or to someone at a specialist helpline. Your GP surgery will have information on these.
Some people find it helpful to talk to other people who have MS, either at a local support group or in an internet chatroom.
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Having a baby
Fertility
Being diagnosed with MS shouldn't affect your ability to have children. However, some of the medication prescribed for MS may affect fertility in both men and women. If you're considering starting a family, discuss it with your healthcare team, who can offer advice.
Pregnancy
Women with MS can have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Some women find that they are less likely to have a relapse of symptoms during the pregnancy but may have an increased risk of relapse after the pregnancy. Women with MS can have a normal birth and breastfeed afterwards.
You may need to continue taking medication throughout your pregnancy. However, some medication shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy, so it's important to discuss this with your healthcare team.
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Money and financial support
If you have to stop work or work part time because of your MS, you may find it hard to cope financially. You may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial support:
- If you have a job but can't work because of your illness, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
- If you don't have a job and can't work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
- If you're aged 64 or under and need help with personal care or have walking difficulties, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance
- If you're aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance.
- If you're caring for someone with MS, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
- You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or if you have a low household income.
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Driving
If you've been diagnosed with MS, you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and also inform your insurance company.
You won't necessarily have to stop driving. You will be asked to complete a form providing more information about your condition, as well as details of your doctors and specialists. The DVLA will use this to decide whether you are fit to drive.
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