Living with multiple sclerosis often means finding yourself not just dealing with the many complexities of managing symptoms and the disease itself, but also in the unfamiliar position of having to advocate for your own needs in many areas of life where you might not have had to before.
With a diagnosis that can vary so widely in how it manifests from one person to the next, living with MS means many people around you don’t understand what you’re going through and what you need. This can be true whether they’re medical professionals, a partner who’s helping with your care, family and friends, colleagues and coworkers, or anyone else you meet. Even the most well-meaning people may not truly “get” what it’s like living with a sometimes unpredictable chronic illness, especially one with so many common symptoms that are invisible to the outside world.
In this issue of InforMS, we’ll explore some of the ways your MS may require you to step into this new role of self-advocacy, through several different lenses. First, we’ll have a look at your interactions with your MS care team, and how to make the most of the limited time you have with these people who are helping you make such important life decisions. Next, we’ll talk about the rest of your medical care, focusing on how to make sure other doctors and health professionals know what they need to know about your MS. And finally, we’ll discuss navigating and advocating for yourself in the complex and often difficult healthcare industry, including interacting with insurance companies.
Together, the tips and strategies outlined here will help you empower yourself to ensure you’re getting the best care possible every step of the way.
