Practical advice for very real concerns...

How to live your life, not your MS: Tips from opinion leaders and young adults living with MS.

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“As a professional who works 50 to 55 hours a week, I worry about going into exhaustion and placing myself at risk of becoming ill. That said, I work hard to be honest with myself with regards to my health. If I don't feel well one day and I need to take a day off and have some down time, then I do so. It’s important that you give yourself time to rest and relax, even during those very busy times in your life.”

~Denise, National MS Society Ambassador, Living with Relapsing MS Since 1994

“It took receiving an MS diagnosis to help me realize what’s really most important to me. As you work to build your future, stop and reflect upon what’s really most important to you.”

~Sarah, MS LifeLines® Ambassador, Living with Relapsing MS Since 2002

“Sometimes your biggest challenge in life is yourself. While I sometimes think I’m invincible, I know that’s not the case -- which is why having balance is key. It’s important that you know your limitations, while still allowing yourself to live a full and active life with MS.”

~Jason, National MS Society Ambassador, Living with Primary Progressive MS Since 2005

“If you start having changes in your physical symptoms, write them down -- keep a calendar with you. Tracking your symptoms is really critical so that you can talk with your physician about any changing symptoms.”

~Caitlin Anderson, PhD, CPCC, ACC

“It is so important to keep a positive outlook on life; always compliment yourself on your minor triumphs, always have a good opinion of yourself, don't allow yourself or other people to talk negatively around you and always try to have something to look forward to.”

~Tony, MS LifeLines® Ambassador, Living with Relapsing MS Since 1990

“You can't control what's going to happen today. You can't control what's going to happen tomorrow. Have a good attitude and be that positive person. Don't let your MS get in the way of living a full life.”

~Chris, living with relapsing-MS since 1993

“Don't let the uncertainty of this disease keep you from living a full life today and doing the things you're capable of now. Live your life, not your MS.”

~Jacob, MS LifeLines® Ambassador, living with relapsing-MS since 2002

“If you decide a relationship is worth pursuing, then it's worth telling. You don't have to tell immediately about your MS. Tell when you would want to know. Try to put yourself in the other person's place, and use that as a guideline for yourself.”

~Peggy Crawford, relationship opinion leader

“Take control. You need to know as much as you can, and be empowered to take control of your MS. There is a wealth of information on-line and some great resources available to you through your local MS Society Chapter. Don’t let your MS take control of you and you will live with it much better.”

~Connie Easterling, adult registered nurse practitioner and clinical coordinator for the MS Care Center of Neurological Services of Orlando (NSO)

Career Management Strategies
“The addition of an MS diagnosis makes it even more important to be aware and to implement career management strategies.  Be prepared for the unexpected!  Manage your career in a way that will assist you both for the changing nature of the world of work and your own evolving health situation.”

~Michele DeRosa, MA, MCC, master career counselor