Momentum - Winter 2012

It can be difficult to discuss your condition, even
with people closest to you, but that’s exactly what
you should do. LeVan says communicating with
your family is essential. “The worst thing to do
is not say anything and think that you’re sparing
them. You’re not—because the family’s picking up
that there’s something wrong, and they don’t know
what it is,” she says. “You can’t just stay silent and
hope it goes away. You have to communicate and
let them know what’s going on.”
A psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor should
be a first line of support. Their job, in part, is to
help you develop coping skills for whatever life
throws at you. Your emotional health should get
the same attention as any other symptom. Joining
a support group or online community for people
with MS can provide an outlet for your fears
and frustrations. Some groups focus on specific
populations, such as young adults, parents with
MS, care partners or African-Americans. “You can
share support. You can share ideas and problem-
solving strategies. You can laugh and cry together,”
Dr. Kalb says.

Above all, try to keep a positive attitude, even though that may be difficult when you’re living with such an unpredictable disease. Dodge says she has always tried to look on the bright side, even though she watched her father die from disease complications.

“It’s important to know that you can live your life well with this disease,” she says. “In the beginning, with the fear from having watched what happened to my dad, I definitely thought that was going to be me someday. So I’ve been surprised that it’s not me,” she says. Today at age 46—almost the age at which her father passed away—“I’ve already lived longer with my diagnosis than my dad—and, most importantly, I’ve lived quite well,” she says. n

RESOURCES For referrals to healthcare professionals in your area, or for advice on financial, employment or accessibility planning, call an MS Navigator® at 1-800-344-4867 or visit nationalMSsociety.org.