To receive the best care, good communication is crucial. Here’s what to do — and avoid — when describing your multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Fatigue, pain, numbness, weakness: The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel overwhelming. And, because they tend to vary in severity and change over time, it can be difficult to express how you’ve been feeling when it’s time to meet with your doctor.
But, communicating as clearly as you can about your symptoms is critical to making the most of your appointment. “[Doctors] are only as good as the information we get,” says Barbara Giesser, MD, a neurologist and MS specialist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “So, the more detailed and specific you can be, the more we’ll be able to help you.”
What to Do (and Avoid) When Describing Your MS Symptoms
The first rule of thumb is to be open and descriptive when speaking to your doctor. These strategies can help you communicate more effectively with your MS care team.
Do: Be Honest if You Ever Skip or Miss Doses of Your Medications
You may not want to disappoint your doctor by telling them that you haven’t stuck to your treatment regimen, but it’s very important to share this information. “If you’re not taking your medication — because you have side effects from it, or it’s hard for you to keep up with the schedule, or there’s some other reason — your doctor needs to know that,” says Dr. Giesser.
Not taking your medication consistently can affect your MS symptoms. Let’s say your doctor prescribes disease-modifying therapies to slow the progression of MS. If they notice more scars on your next MRI or that your next neurological exam is worse, your doctor may assume the medication isn’t working if you don’t tell them you haven’t been taking it.
“We don’t judge,” says Giesser. “It’s okay if you haven’t been compliant with your medication, but try to tell us why, so we can help you figure out a way to take your meds regularly.”
Don’t: Stay Silent About Supplements, Alcohol, and Recreational Drugs
Any nonprescription medications and supplements you’re taking may affect how well your prescription MS treatments work. “Some of them can interact with prescription medications, and some of them might even be harmful,” says Giesser.
click here to continue reading
——- Learn more about MS resources – Click here: https://msviewsandnews.org/resources/