HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Self-care for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Living well with MS means knowing about the resources and choices that are available to you.
There are many things you can do to improve and maintain your health.
- Read Managing your MS symptoms. It has locally endorsed advice about when you should go to see your GP or seek other medical help.
- Look after your physical health by eating well and keeping active. This helps to keep you mobile and reduces your risk of falls.
- Avoid getting overheated from the sun, a hot bath or spa, or over-exercising. Overheating can cause MS symptoms to come back or get worse.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can make MS worse.
- If possible, keep working. Work can help your physical and mental wellbeing. But MS symptoms such as fatigue and limited mobility can affect your work. The support organisations listed below might be able to help you plan what to say in a job interview and how to manage when you have health issues.
- Use technology to make life easier. For example, outings and travel can take a lot of planning. Using the internet to research things like parking and toilets before you go somewhere new can help.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. People, even strangers, can be very kind and helpful.
- The Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson's Society runs a course for people with MS who have fatigue. It is called Minimise Fatigue, Maximise Life: Creating Balance with Multiple Sclerosis. Contact the West Coast Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Society for more information.
- If you're disabled due to your MS, the links below provide information on local resources to help you with your day-to-day living. You may also be able to get financial assistance.
- Keep up to date with MS Research. BartsMS blog is a blog that discusses new research about MS.
Support organisations for people with MS
There are several organisations that can provide support and information about MS. Try one of these:
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand
The Multiple Sclerosis Society advocates on behalf of people with MS and supports regional MS societies.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Aspire Canterbury
Support, advice and resources for everyday living for people with disabilities.
- Firstport – Disability support services in Canterbury
Support services for people in Canterbury with disabilities.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2019.
Sources
Review key: HIMSC-58142
