Why Keep a Symptom Diary?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms come and go. One day you’re fine, but the next you may be too tired to get out of bed. Lots of things can affect the way you feel, from the weather to the medicines you take. A diary can help you track your symptoms and look for patterns that may explain why they’re happening.
Low-Tech Is OK
Your diary doesn’t have to be fancy. You can write it by hand in a journal you keep near your bed. Keep a log of how you feel every day and what you were doing when your symptoms started. You might write, “Yesterday I went shopping. I barely slept last night. Today, my symptoms were worse. My left arm felt weaker than my right.”
Go Digital if You Like
Free apps can help you manage your MS on your smartphone or tablet. Some let you track your symptoms along with your energy level, mood, medicines, and activity. Others sync the way you feel to the day’s weather forecast and let you share your journal with your doctor.
Learn the Signs of MS
To keep an accurate log, you need to know what to look for. Some common MS symptoms you may have:
- Intense fatigue that starts early in the morning or comes on suddenly and gets worse
- Weakness in your legs and feet that makes it hard to walk
- Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Double or blurred vision, or fast eye movements
- Dizziness and balance problems
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