Resource Guide for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), navigating the disease's many complexities and finding the resources you need can be challenging. It’s crucial to go beyond the doctor’s office to find support groups and organizations for MS. Thankfully, several resources are tailored for MS to help you manage your symptoms and connect with others living with MS.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for years, these resources can help you lead a fulfilling life and manage your symptoms.
National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society helps people with MS and their families find the resources to navigate their health. The organization does its part by funding research towards MS, advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with other MS organizations, and offering programs and services to people with MS and their families.
Here are some of the multiple sclerosis resources offered by the National MS Society:
Emotional support resources, such as support groups
Crisis intervention
Connections to local wellness resources
Financial resources
Also, the National MS Society has MS Navigators, professionals who help you manage the challenges with MS.
MS physical exercise resources
You can exercise with MS, though there may be limitations on what you can do. Common symptoms of MS, like fatigue, poor coordination, and weakness, can make working out a challenge with this chronic condition. But, it’s been shown that at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise can provide health benefits like reducing the risk of obesity, increasing strength and balance, decreasing MS spasticity, and improving bowel and bladder control.
Can Do MS is a national nonprofit organization providing education, resources, and support for people with MS and their caregivers. They offer in-person, live, and on-demand programs covering nutrition, MS symptoms, relationships, and more.
The organization has several free exercise videos that are designed for people with MS. You can find exercise videos on strength, range of motion, total body, flexibility, endurance, and balance.
Some examples of MS exercises that Can Do MS provides instructional videos include:
Glute squeezes
Building your balance
Sit to stand
Countertop plank
Grip strength
Climbing stairs and curbs
MS stretching resources
A common symptom of MS is spasticity, which is the tightness or stiffness of your muscles. Spasticity typically occurs in your legs, groin, and buttocks. One method for alleviating spasticity is to use stretching exercises.
ActiveMSers is an organization helping motivate people with MS to stay as active as possible. The organization offers free MS stretching resources, such as a guide, stretching demonstrations, and a blog.
Other multiple sclerosis resources for stretching include the National MS Society’s Stretching for People with MS: An Illustrated Manual and Overcoming MS’s Stretches to Improve Spasticity.
Physical equipment and digital tools for MS
Mobility device assistance programs
Many people living with MS may require mobility devices to get around. Unfortunately, many MS mobility devices, like walkers, grab bars, and shower chairs, may not be affordable for some families.
To help people with MS and their families with financial strains get the resources they need, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) offers an Equipment Distribution Program. The program has products that can assist people with MS in improving their safety, mobility, daily activities, and exercise opportunities.
For those who qualify for this program, mobility devices are given to MS families at no charge and shipped to their homes. In addition, program participants can get equipment products from MSAA every three years.
You can complete their application form to participate in the MSAA Equipment Distribution Program.
Pacing Journal
Living with a chronic illness like MS can include painful flare-ups. Also, you likely have a set amount of “spoons” or energy each day to complete tasks.
At Chronius Health, we offer a free pacing journal to help manage your MS flares and energy. You can fill out the pacing journal online or print it out.
MS symptom tracker
It can be challenging for you or your caregiver to keep track of the symptoms you experience with MS. As chronic illness warriors, we understand the struggles of remembering every aspect of your health to share with your healthcare team. With this in mind, we’ve created a free symptom tracker for MS.
The MS symptom tracker, available as a Google Sheets or printout, can help you better understand what is going on with your MS and give you the ability to relay that information to your healthcare providers.
Mental health resources for MS
Having a chronic condition can take a toll on you mentally, so it’s crucial that there’s resources available to ensure you’re emotionally and physically well with MS. There are tons of support groups available you can access, alongside the help of mental health professionals if necessary:
Here are some MS support groups to consider:
Of course, there are several other resources for multiple sclerosis, but this list is a great starting point to help you and your loved ones navigate this chronic condition.
Found this helpful? Then check out these blogs: 10 Ways to Pace Yourself with a Chronic Illness and The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing Chronic Illness Specialists.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
