The professional staff at Faith and Hope Hospice, a palliative care facility in Los Angeles understand that it isn’t easy to hear that a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). As a matter of fact, when such a diagnosis is learned, it can be very overwhelming for the patient as well as the family. Oftentimes, many people at any hospice in Pasadena or Los Angeles find there are no words to explain how they feel and they don’t know how they can help themselves or their loved ones.
However, as many carers at the palliative care center in Los Angeles have said, the best way to deal with MS is to have a better understanding of this disease. It is the most crucial thing you can do to let your loved ones know that you are there for them through it all.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis, or better known as MS, is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. The body’s immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective layer around nerve fibers. When this occurs, it causes inflammation, scar tissue, and lesions. Many patients of hospice in Los Angeles and Pasadena have different symptoms so they vary from person to person, and each person’s symptoms can change over time.
Medical professionals at palliative care Los Angeles tell us that the two most common symptoms of MS are fatigue and difficulty walking. However, it can also include tremors, pain, and cognitive issues. MS is usually identified in a person who is in their 20s or30s when they start to experience early symptoms such as:
- Numbness and tingling in their arms, legs, or face
- Weak legs and balance issues
- Vision issues including double vision, blurry vision, or partial loss of sight
There are various types of MS, but the main diagnosis is normally either relapsing-remitting MS or primary progressive MS. Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form at the beginning of diagnosis.
Sometimes there are flare-ups of the disease symptoms followed by remission periods where symptoms are mild or absent. When it comes to primary progressive MS, most people experience their neurological function becoming progressively worse over time. When relapsing-remitting MS evolves into progressive, it is referred to as secondary progressive MS.
Although your loved one is diagnosed with MS will encounter challenges from this serious chronic condition, many people with MS can live a long life.
What’s Important For Your Loved One?
Most probably your loved one felt some tingling in their arm and decided to go to the doctor where he or she was told of their MS diagnosis. Perhaps, hearing about this news has overwhelmed you, so you can only imagine how difficult it is for them. For the time being the best thing you can do is to ask what is important for them right now.
Maybe they want some time to process. If so, make sure to give them space while letting them know you are here when they are ready. Perhaps they want to keep a sense of normalcy. If that is the case, make sure to keep things normal. Also, make it a point to take some time out to hang out and do the activities you have always done together.
When a person has a serious chronic illness such as MS, they don’t want to feel useless. They are going to have moments of challenging symptoms, however, they are still the person you cherish with plans and hopes, and dreams. So, it is even more important that you are always there for them.
How To Help Your Partner If They Have MS?
Relationships are full of ebbs and flows, that is just the way it is. Even though your partner has a long-term health condition such as MS, there may be some extra hurdles for you both to jump over. Here are a few ways you can support your loved one through this journey.
You Just Need A Little Patience
Patience is very important in any relationship, but when your loved one is struggling with the symptoms of MS, it is even more crucial. So, when your loved one experiences ‘cog fog’ which is when they experience cognition issues that are commonly associated with symptoms of MS, you shouldn’t act like a know-it-all.
You should be understanding when they can’t keep up with your pace since the MS fatigue wears them down. Or just give them the time and space they need to make sense of their MS diagnosis. It is amazing how that little bit of patience can make a huge impact.
Stay Informed
MS is a complicated condition that can sometimes be misunderstood. For this reason, it is important to recognize the facts from the fiction. Research online for information on MS, or contact a palliative care facility in Los Angeles like Faith and Hope Hospice and Palliative Care with any questions you may have. You can also attend medical appointments with your loved one. The more you understand the condition, the more support you can give.
Keep A Sense Of Normality
When an MS diagnosis hits home, the first thing you want to do with your loved ones is to protect them and smother them with love and attention, and never let them do any more chores around the house again. Even though your loved one will enjoy this new lifestyle for a while because who doesn’t like to be pampered every now and again, in the long-term this could be a very dominating approach that will eventually wear thin over time. Many people with MS are driven to attempt to live a life that is as normal as possible and will be constantly insulted when they are asked if they are ok. Don’t worry too much about them. They will ask for help if and when they need it, so don’t force it on them.
Find Support For Yourself
As you discover and navigate this whole new reality for yourself and your loved one, you are going to have many questions. It is a good idea to get in touch with the National MS Society who can help connect you with an MS Navigator who can provide you with the education resources, and support you require so you can be a good partner and supporter for your loved one.
