Momentum - Winter 2012

Yet these drugs will only help if you take them.
It’s crucial to start disease-modifying medicines as
soon as possible to ward off future damage, experts
say. “The Society and the Consortium of Multiple
Sclerosis Centers agree that as soon as patients
are diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, they
should be offered a disease-modifying therapy,”
Hartley says. “We know that the earlier we start
treatment, the better people do in the long run.”
“Most of our patients are on some treatment to
decrease the disease activity,” Dr. Bowen says. “We
tend to take a fairly aggressive treatment approach,
regardless of whether they have a milder or more
aggressive case.”
Beyond taking disease-modifying drugs, you can
take a number of other actions to ensure you
continue feeling your best.

Pay attention to the signs. Your body isn’t always going to accommodate your daily routine, so you need to accommodate your body. After more than a decade of living with MS, Dodge has become very aware of her capabilities. “I’ve really learned what I can and cannot do, and what my limits are,” she says. Learn when your energy levels tend to peak each day; schedule errands and activities around those high-energy periods; and rest when you feel the most tired. Ask for help when you need it.

Eat a healthy diet. There is no specific “MS diet.” But universal healthy diet recommendations also apply to people with MS. “People should follow the basic high-fiber, low-fat diet that’s good for everybody,” Dr. Kalb recommends. “But if there are foods that make you feel better or don’t make you feel as well, modify your diet accordingly.”

Exercise. While there is no specific fitness routine recommended for those with MS, “staying active protects your heart, strengthens your bones, helps prevent obesity and diabetes, improves your

muscle strength and gives you more energy,” Dr. Giesser says.

Sue Kushner, MS, PT, associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa., agrees. “Exercise such as strengthening, stretching and balance activities, and coordination routines can certainly help with function, mobility and overall fitness.” Kushner says people with MS also need to exercise for general health. “Just because you have MS doesn’t mean you’re exempt from the normal health risks that everyone else faces, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity.” Dodge does yoga, rides her bike and runs a few times a week. “I always feel better after I exercise,” she says. “If you’re looking for an MS-friendly exercise program that won’t wear you out, try swimming, tai chi or yoga.”

Relieve stress. Stress is toxic to good health, especially when you have MS. Many people say their symptoms get worse when they feel overwhelmed. “When I have more stress, I can feel myself deteriorating,” says Bernadette Couch. She and Sven unwind by relaxing on their back porch, exercising or taking a ride in the car. Others use meditation to tame stress (see “Meditation—more than just ‘om,’ ” pg. 38).

Connect with others

While you’re caring for your body, look after your emotional health, too. When you feel overwhelmed, seek out support from friends and family. “It’s a very volatile disease. Emotionally, it’s like a roller coaster,” Sven says.