Living with an oftentimes debilitating and unpredictable disease like multiple sclerosis (MS) without a doubt presents some of the most challenging health and lifestyle scenarios. In this post, we would like to break down living with MS into two categories: Treatment and management, as they are not one and the same, but should be approached interdependently.
Treatments for MS
Depending on an individual’s severity and presence of symptoms and attacks, there is a myriad of treatment options when it comes to MS.
1. Treating attacks – The most common treatment for MS attacks are corticosteroids, which target the inflammation that spurs the relapses. These are typically given intravenously, but have side effects including high blood pressure, mood swings, and sometimes following long-term use, cataracts. An alternative to corticosteroids is plasma exchange (also called plasmapheresis). This process separates plasma containing autoantibodies from blood cells and returns those cells, along with healthy donor plasma, to the body.
2. Treating the course – Another class of medications that work to treat MS is especially helpful in targeting the course of the disease. Drugs such as Beta interferons reduce the rate of relapses, while others including Fingolimod and Natalizumab serve a similar function.
3. Treating symptoms – A combination of muscle relaxants and medications that fight fatigue (such as amantadine) can be helpful in combating symptoms of MS, particularly uncontrollable muscle stiffness and spasms that are associated with the disease.
Managing MS
Let’s face it, no one is a fan of loading up on multiple medications and placing the body under that kind of stress, which is why it is important to integrate other types of therapies and lifestyle changes into your MS management plan.
1. Diet – Since MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease, it is a given that including a healthy, balanced diet in your management plan is a must. A strong immune system will boost the efficiency of related treatments, and prevent further complications that occur outside of MS.
2. Exercise – Modern research has actually found that regular exercise improves the quality of life and eases the occurrence of symptoms for those with MS. Physical activity helps fight fatigue, bladder control, bone strength, weight management and heart health issues that are characteristic of MS patients.
3. Lifestyle adjustments – When managing a disease like MS, it is important to maintain a sense of mental and emotional wellbeing in addition to the physical. Joining support groups, seeking counseling and incorporating mind-body wellness therapies (such as yoga) are all good options to consider.
Consult your physician before starting any type of lifestyle plan for dealing with MS, especially if medication is involved. A health professional will help you prioritize and put you on the right track.
Sources:
Everyday Health – Multiple Sclerosis – Why Exercise? http://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-and-exercise.aspx
Everyday Health – Dealing with the Emotions of Living with MS: http://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-and-emotional-health.aspx
Guide 4 Living – Beta Interferon – Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: http://www.guide4living.com/multiple-sclerosis/beta-interferon.htm
Mayo Clinic – Multiple Sclerosis – Lifestyle and Home Remedies: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/DS00188/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
Mayo Clinic – Multiple Sclerosis – Treatments and Drugs: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/DS00188/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs