You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with MS. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
- Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
- What type of MS do I have?
- How quickly is it likely to get worse?
- What can I expect with flare-ups?
- How can I plan my life when I never know when I will have a flare-up?
- Based on my health history, lifestyle, and family background, am I at risk for MS? Are other family members at risk?
How do I best treat MS?
- What are the risks and benefits for each treatment option?
- What other options are there?
What medicines can help me?
- What are the benefits/side effects of these medicines?
- Will they get in the way of other medicines, over the counter products, or supplements I am already taking?
- How long will I have to take these medicines?
- How much do they cost?
- What is the plan if the treatment does not ease my symptoms?
- What will I need to change in my daily routine?
- How long can I keep working and caring for myself?
- Are there changes I should make to the foods that I eat? How do I do this?
- Is there anything I can do so I do not get a flare-up?
Should I workout?
- What type of workout is best?
- How much should I workout?
- How do I get started with a workout program?
- What are my risks for having problems from MS?
- Will I be able to live a normal life?
- Will I become disabled or need help with personal care?
Will I still be able to have children?
- Will I put my future children at risk for this disease?
- Will I have to put my MS medicines “on hold” when pregnant or trying to conceive?
References
Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed March 16, 2022.
Multiple sclerosis (MS). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/multiple-sclerosis-ms. Accessed March 16, 2022.
NINDS multiple sclerosis information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Multiple-Sclerosis-Information-Page. Accessed March 16, 2022.
What is MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS. Accessed March 16, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 03/26/2022