Having MS shouldn’t mean you have to stop living your life. In fact, even small changes to your normal routine may help you better cope with the changes MS brings. Laughter, a positive attitude and patience are some good ways of dealing with change, but there are other practical things you can do to help fit MS into your daily life at work and at home.
Your Work Life:
Do your homework
Do your homework
Many people with relapsing MS continue to work long after being diagnosed. But a number of others do decide to stop working.1 Before you make your decision, it can be beneficial to familiarize yourself with symptom management techniques, legal protections that may be available to you and preparations you can make before deciding whether or not to tell your employer about your MS.
Start your research now by tuning in to the Talk MS web event, Making It Work: Your Career & MS. This program features some useful strategies for balancing your career and MS as well as general information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The information in this program should not be construed as legal advice.
Your Home Life:
Focus on family and friends
Adjustments to your routine at home may include learning to incorporate extra help now and then.
Need a night out? Wish someone else could pick up the kids today? Want to talk to an old friend who can always make you laugh?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family when you need them. Talking openly about your feelings and being specific about your needs can help those close to you learn how best to support you.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
There may be days that fatigue and/or other physical symptoms slow you down or keep you from completing all the tasks on your list. Remember: it’s ok.
Small changes in how you plan your day can help. Try some of these tips for making the list of chores less stressful:
 |
Prioritize your to-dos, and only do what you have to
|
|
Break down big projects into smaller bits that you can spread out over a longer period of time
|
|
Ask a friend, neighbor or family member for some help
|
|
Take a break; maybe you’ll have more energy later
|
|
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t get to it all; learn to let it go
|
Source:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Should I work?” 2009. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/download.aspx?id=69
***********************************************************
“Providing You with ‘MS Views and News’, is what we do“
Keep Informed and up–to–date with information concerning
Multiple Sclerosis when registered at
the MS Views and News website.
****************************************************************
Disclaimer: ‘MS Views and News’ (MSVN), does not endorse any products or services found on this blog. It is up to you to seek advice from your healthcare provider. The intent of this blog is to provide information on various medical conditions, medications, treatments, and procedures for your personal knowledge and to keep you informed of current health-related issues. It is not intended to be complete or exhaustive, nor is it a substitute for the advice of your physician. Should you or your family members have any specific medical problem, seek medical care promptly.
. ****************************************************************
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews