THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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Receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis is a life changing event.

For the person and their family, the diagnosis is likely to be stressful and possibly overwhelming; even if there is a feeling of relief at finally having a cause for unexplained symptoms. It is important to understand that there is no ‘right’ way to feel. People usually feel a combination of emotions such as disbelief, fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, anger and shock. Some people feel so shocked that they find it difficult to feel anything else.

 In the longer term, reactions to the diagnosis will partly depend on the particular symptoms the person experiences and how they affect everyday life. People with MS usually develop good coping skills and learn how to manage their MS very well. However, the sense of uncertainty and unpredictability is a particularly difficult aspect of living with MS.

‘Good days’ and ‘bad days’ are a feature of any chronic illness and living with MS involves an ongoing process of negotiation that includes a range of practical and emotional coping strategies. These strategies include maintaining meaningful occupations and roles, managing fatigue, consciously valuing positive life experiences and maintaining a sense of connectedness with those close to you. Remember that you do not have to handle your feelings alone. There are a variety of resources available to help you.

"Multiple Sclerosis is two words not a sentence. Be kind to yourself as you learn to live with MS"  Sharon, living with MS for 12 years

Things to think about

  • While each person with MS has a chronic, neurological disease, no one person’s MS is exactly like anyone else’s.
  •  Over the course of your MS, you may experience some of the symptoms described on this website and not others.
  •  Being knowledgeable about MS is your best strategy for dealing with the unpredictable nature of this disease.
  •  As you experience new or changing symptoms, take time to educate yourself about them. Learn about them and how they affect your life and work out strategies to deal with them.

"You can live with MS. Be open to learning from others' experiences. Find out as much as you can"  Bruce, living with MS for 20 years

For more information download:

MSWA Fact Sheet - Receiving the Diagnosis