A guide to living with multiple sclerosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) or know someone who has, you may be wondering what it is, what helps multiple sclerosis and ways to live with this chronic condition. It may be challenging to deal with, but remember that you can still take control of the things that are important to you and learn to live fully, safely and independently.

We’ve created a guide to multiple sclerosis, including aids, tips, and advice that could help you relieve your symptoms and live your life as fully as possible. 

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. With MS, the substance protecting your nerves (myelin) is damaged, which affects the brain and spinal cord. There are three types of multiple sclerosis:

• Relapsing-remitting (RRMS)
  You’ll experience episodes of symptoms which will worsen (relapse) and then slowly get better (remission).
• Secondary progressive (SPMS)
  This can come after RRMS, and symptoms will steadily get worse.
• Primary progressive (PPMS)
  Your symptoms worsen even more with no chance of remission. This is less common. 

In the UK, 1 in 400 people live with multiple sclerosis, and it affects middle-aged women two to three times more than men.

Causes of multiple sclerosis

There’s no known cause of multiple sclerosis; it’s considered an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks itself by mistake, likely due to genetic and environmental factors. Although it can’t be directly inherited, those who have close relatives with MS are more likely to develop it. It could also develop from vitamin D deficiency, infections or even long-term exposure to solvents like paints, varnishes and glues. 

If you’re unsure of whether you could have multiple sclerosis, there are many symptoms to watch out for.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis presents itself with many symptoms which can affect everyone differently. Here are some of the most common:

• Problems with vision
• Lessened mobility
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness and stiffness
• Cognitive difficulties—trouble with memory and concentration
• Vertigo
• Incontinence
• Difficulty with speech or swallowing
• Sexual dysfunction

However, these symptoms are common with several other conditions, if you’re regularly experiencing them and think you may have multiple sclerosis, please consult your doctor as there could be an alternative explanation.

What to do if you have multiple sclerosis

Once you have consulted with your GP, you may be diagnosed with MS. As there isn’t a single test to diagnose it, you’ll be referred to a neurologist and may have blood tests, MRI scans and lumbar puncture. It is a thorough, sometimes lengthy, process to rule out other conditions and ensure you’re correctly diagnosed.

Treatment for multiple sclerosis

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for MS; however, some treatments—like disease-modifying therapies—can help reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. You may also be prescribed pain relievers and muscle relaxants to help with pain, stiffness and cramps, and you’ll be supported by many different specialists, such as neurologists, physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists.

You can also implement lifestyle changes to help alongside your treatment, such as adding more vitamins and minerals to your diet and light exercise to ease your mind and muscles. If MS is severely impacting your daily routine, there are other ways and products to help. 

What helps living with multiple sclerosis?

If you’re living with this disease or know someone who is, you must be looking for what helps multiple sclerosis. Muscle stiffness and pain can make completing everyday tasks challenging. At Complete Care Shop, we have a range of products and multiple sclerosis living aids to make your life a little easier.

Multiple sclerosis aids

• Mobility aids
  Being outdoors is essential for our mental and physical health, whether it be for the day or just 15 minutes a day. Our mobility aids can help you get out and about comfortably and safely. We have a wide range catering to any mobility needs, from wheelchairs and scooters to rollators and walking frames.
• Bathroom aids
  As with most chronic conditions affecting your muscles, it can be easy to neglect your hygiene if washing up takes too much energy. We have many bathroom products to make the process easier, like bath lifts and bathroom seating, long-handled sponges and washing aids, and personal care aids. 
• Dressing aids
  As dressing can become more difficult due to weakness, sensory loss and tiredness, our sock aids, button and zip hooks, and dressing sticks make it easier to put on your outfits using less range of motion.
• Kitchen aids
  Being able to do your own chores and cook your own meals can boost your confidence and independence but can be challenging with mobility issues. You can preserve your energy with our perching stools, can & bottle openers, and carry multiple items with our kitchen trolleys.
• Memory aids
  MS can severely affect your memory and make it difficult to remember the important stuff; our pill reminders and phones can help you to take medication and easily contact loved ones in case of emergency. 
• Hobby aids
  Living with MS doesn’t mean having to give up doing the things you love. In fact, regularly practising hobbies can boost your mood and mental well-being. We have gardening aids for the green thumbs and magnifiers and reading & writing aids for the bookworms. 

Useful charities and resources

Living with multiple sclerosis can be hard, and you may require additional support that healthcare professionals can’t provide, like financial aid, helplines or support groups to meet others like you. The UK has various resources to help you. 

Financial aids

If living with MS is affecting your income or you just need more funds for treatment and living aids, you may be eligible for funding. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are available for those who are unable to work due to disability or chronic illness. You can also use the benefits calculator on Disability Rights UK to see what else you could be entitled to. 

MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) is a registered charity that offers grants for aids, equipment, and services to those who need them. You can apply on their website. 

MS Society

The Multiple Sclerosis Society is the UK’s largest charity for this disease. It funds world-leading research to find more treatments and cures. They have a wealth of resources, such as information about MS and different treatment options, ways to live with MS, and support groups and forums.

Overcoming MS

Overcoming MS (OMS) is a global charity that aims to help people with multiple sclerosis live well. It offers a free six-month well-being program to help people with this disease live their best lives, a blog, podcast, exercise and meditation videos, and an online community.

How can Complete Care Shop help?

At Complete Care Shop, we want you to live well and independently with our multiple sclerosis aids and advice. We offer expert advice from our in-house Occupational Therapists and assistants for those who need help figuring out which products to purchase; they have your best interests at heart and would never push you to buy something you don’t need. 

Browse our Health Hub for more expert information and product recommendations on chronic health conditions, and our help and advice blog for more on what helps multiple sclerosis and other illnesses. For any other queries or support, don’t hesitate to contact us.