If you’ve recently received an MS diagnosis, you may have questions about what the future holds for you and your family. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease. The most common symptoms of MS include:

  • difficulty with balance and coordination
  • blurred vision
  • speech difficulties
  • fatigue
  • pain and tingling
  • muscle stiffness

These symptoms may become more pronounced over time as the disease progresses.

Considering the what-if scenarios of a life with MS can help you prepare for what’s ahead and plan for potential changes. Read on to learn more.

MS is typically a progressive disease.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, around 85% of all people who have MS initially receive a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS. With this type of MS, you may experience periods of increased symptoms (relapses) and periods of partial recovery (remission).

The rate at which MS progresses is different for everyone. Try not to compare yourself and your experience to anyone else’s. The list of possible MS symptoms is long, but it’s unlikely that you’ll experience all of them.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help slow the progression of MS. Caring for your body may help extend your remission periods and make your relapse periods easier to handle.

Some things you can do that may help slow the progression of MS include:

Not everyone with MS loses the ability to walk. But you may need to use a cane, crutches, or a walker to help you maintain balance when moving or provide rest when you’re tired.

At some point, the symptoms of MS may lead you and your healthcare team to consider a wheelchair or another assistive device. These aids can help you get around safely without worrying about falling or hurting yourself.

You may face new challenges in the workplace as a result of MS and the effects it can have on your body. These challenges may be temporary, such as during a period of relapse. But they may become permanent as the disease progresses or if your symptoms don’t go away.

Whether you’ll be able to continue working after a diagnosis depends on a few factors, including your overall health, the severity of your symptoms, and the type of work you do. But many people with MS can keep working without changing their career path or their job.

You may want to consider working with an occupational therapist as you return to work. They can help you learn strategies for coping with symptoms or complications that affect your ability to manage day-to-day life and self-care. They can also help you adapt to your disability at work.

An MS diagnosis doesn’t mean you need to live a sedentary life. Many doctors encourage people with MS to stay active.

Some studies have shown that people with MS who exercise may have better quality of life and greater ability to function than those who don’t.

Still, you may need to adjust your activities. This is especially true during relapse periods. You may need to use an assistive device, such as a cane or crutches, to help you maintain your balance.

Don’t give up on your favorite activities. Staying active can help you keep a positive outlook and avoid excess stress, anxiety, and depression.

Sexual intimacy may be far from your mind after an MS diagnosis. But at some point, you may wonder how the disease affects your ability to be intimate with a partner.

According to a 2022 study, MS can affect sex drive.

MS symptoms, such as sensory changes, may make sex uncomfortable or less pleasurable.

Further, symptoms such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress can affect sex drive. Depression and anxiety are common in people with MS.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, reach out to your doctor. They may prescribe medications to help treat these symptoms. Therapy may also be an option for you.

The effects of MS vary greatly from person to person. Your experience may be different from someone else’s experience, so it’s likely not possible to predict your future with the condition.

Over time, your specific type of MS may lead to a gradual loss of function.

While there’s no cure for MS, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to reduce your symptoms and delay progression. Starting treatment early may help delay neurological damage and disease progression.

You can also help slow the rate of disability by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Do your best to care for your body by getting exercise when you can and eating nutritious foods. Also, try to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Caring for your body as best you can may help you stay active and minimize your symptoms for as long as possible.

Bezzy MS

If you’re looking to connect with other people with MS, resources like Healthline’s Bezzy MS offer an online safe space for community, peer and expert guidance, and support.

As a Bezzy member, you can participate in forum discussions, weekly live chats, and have access to in-app one-to-one messages.

After an MS diagnosis, you may have dozens of questions about what your future will look like.

While the course of MS can be difficult to predict, you can take steps now to reduce your symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Learning as much as you can about your diagnosis, starting treatment right away, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help you effectively manage your MS.