Coping with your MS Diagnosis, tips from Men’s Liberty
We know that there are lots of diagnoses which are associated with urinary incontinence, including multiple sclerosis. And when you first get diagnosed its easy to feel totally overwhelmed. So whether you’ve been diagnosed with MS or something else, we are thrilled to share some basic coping tips from David Novak.
Certainly people react in a variety of ways when they find out they’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It might help to know that while the news of the diagnosis is not the most pleasant, many people with MS have been able to successfully manage their symptoms and live fruitful and productive lives in spite of it. With the right education, information, treatment and support system, you can do the same.
Immediately Plan Your Treatment
Upon receiving news that you’ve been afflicted with MS, it might take some time to deal with your feelings and thoughts. However, addressing strategies for treatment is not only extremely
important for the condition itself, but also for your good mental health.
With Multiple Sclerosis, it’s vital to begin treatment as soon as you are diagnosed. In most cases, addressing it early gives you a significantly better chance of reducing the number of symptomal relapses you may have, which can slow down the progression of future issues. The ultimate goal is to interrupt and slow down the advancement of the disease and at the
same time, avoid further interruption of your life and the things you want to accomplish.
Be True to What You Feel
As with many life-altering situations, coming to terms and being true to your feelings with your MS diagnosis is paramount. Whether you feel mad, sad, scared, anxious or ashamed, just know that all of those feelings are experienced by many who are in the same situation. It also might be comforting to know that these feelings will change and dissipate over time. So, sit with your feelings. Get them out. Give yourself time to get used to these emotions, because this is the best way to move forward after you have lived with these feelings for a while.
It’s also important to remember not to blame yourself. Multiple Sclerosis is not your fault, and having the condition is not your fault either. There’s nothing that you did in your life that could have prevented it, but there are many, many things you can do to make your life significantly easier.
March Forward, and Get Out There!
This is a new chapter in your life. Sure a diagnosis of MS is challenging to cope with and will have an impact on your life, but it also means that there will be good challenges in your life that, if overcome, will allow you to live a very fruitful, satisfying and accomplished life. Continue to do the things you like, especially staying active. This will help you stay focused
and positive. You’ll find out that when you stay busy and do the things you love, you will live in much the same way you always have. This can include your career, your personal relationships, your family and your daily routine.
Don’t Be Shy about Your Diagnosis
It’s normal to feel alone and want to be alone after you receive a diagnosis. But this may not be the best course of action. Having a support system with nearly everything you do in life is
extremely helpful. It’s no different with MS. Don’t cut yourself off from the people closest to you. The support of your friends and family can make all the difference in the world as to how you handle the disease. There’s no doubt that living with MS can be stressful and challenging. And those whom you share your life with probably know you best. Having them around to share experiences with and talk with can make everyone feel better about the situation, especially you.
Outside support groups with those afflicted with MS-like you are especially helpful. You’ll have those around you that really understand what you’re going through, mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.
David Novak is a international syndicated newspaper columnist, appearing in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV around the world. His byline has appeared in GQ, National Geographic, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, USA Today, among others, and he has appeared on The Today Show, the CBS Morning Show and Paul Harvey Radio. David is a specialist at consumer technology, health and fitness, and he also owns a PR firm and a consulting company where he and his staff focus on these industries. He is a regular contributing editor for Healthline. For more information, visit https://www.healthline.com/.