| For
some people, a diagnosis of MS means relief … at last you have
an explanation for the symptoms you've been experiencing for months
or even years. For others, it can be an anxious time as you struggle
to understand what this will mean for the future. Misconceptions about
the disease can sometimes make diagnosis a more frightening experience
than it need be - people often assume that a high level of disability
always occurs with MS. Obtaining
the correct information can often be the key to adjusting to an
MS diagnosis, and managing the condition successfully.
If
you've been recently diagnosed with MS, please call on our Information
Line 1800 177 591. We can provide information over the telephone,
and by mail, about MS and about MS Society of Queensland services.
Counselling is also available for those in distress. Depending on
where you live, we can arrange a group or one-to-one information
session with an MS Society of Queensland staff member.
We can also put you in touch with a local support group, if you
wish to meet with others who have MS. Please note that family members
are also very welcome to make use of these services.
If
you have just been diagnosed with MS these are some of the ways
that we may be able to help:
There
is more information about all of these options in the How
we can help section.
If you would prefer to speak to somebody straight away, please feel
free to call our toll-free
Information Line on 1800 177 591.
Being
diagnosed with MS is commonly a devastating and shocking experience
which threatens
to disrupt your life in unpredictable ways. When you receive the
diagnosis of MS, your mind is full of worried thoughts. The reality
of life confronts you as you consider your situation.
| ·
MS is a chronic disease – now although your symptoms
may change, wax or wane, you will never not have MS.
· There is no explanation of why you have got MS.
· No-one can predict what MS will do to you.
· There is, as yet, no cure for MS. |
Consider
this:
| A
large percentage of people with MS (approximately 45%) are
not severely affected by MS and live normal and productive
lives. |
Nevertheless,
diagnosis of chronic illness will provoke a range of feelings –
disbelief, anger, fear, depression, grief, loss and guilt will be
part of the spectrum of reaction.
Many
people with MS do discover peace of mind once they have worked through
their reactions.
These people find they have grown in maturity and wisdom –
they have adjusted their perception themselves, they have retained
their dignity and self-esteem, and they have developed philosophy
of life which deals with the problems of suffering and of human
imperfection.
These
observations are true not only for people with MS, but also for
people confronted by any unpredictable life change and chronic condition.
In
obtaining the diagnosis of MS, you have already had dealings with
some of your support network. You’ve had discussions, perhaps,
with family members, work mates, friends, doctors and health care
professionals. All these people, and others as well, will remain
essential to your support network. It is wise to make every use
of these people’s skills and interest in your well-being. Remember,
you are allowed to search until you find the people and groups best
suited to your needs – you are entitled to change doctors,
to ask questions, to request services, and so on, until you are
comfortable and have received the information you need to be in
control your own situation.
It
is useful to take note of the many specialists you might consult
about MS matters.
- Your
GP, the family doctor.
- The
neurologist, the specialist in diseases and conditions of the
nervous system.
- Appropriate
specialists. For example: MS Society staff, physiotherapists,
occupational therapists, speech therapists, counsellor (psychiatrist,
psychologist, etc), social worker, dietician, continence adviser,
urologist.
|
| The
Knowledge is Power (KIP) program is a free, at-home educational
series for people newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and their
families.
KIP was originally developed in America and written by highly regarded
professionals who know about MS and the affect it can have on your
life and the lives of people who care about you. KIP has been adapted
and is now available in Australia.
The KIP series provides up to date facts about many aspects of MS
and is designed to give you information about how to deal with one
of the greatest challenges presented by MS – the unpredictability
and uncertainty of what might happen in the future.
You can have KIP delivered to your email or postal address and once
you’ve registered for the program, you’ll receive a
new topic each week for 10 weeks, in the convenience of your own
home. Topics include “Dealing with your Diagnosis”,
“Treatments in MS”, “The Impact of MS on the Family”
and “Maximising your Employment Options”.
You can order the KIP program, free of charge, by completing the
online
registration. Alternatively, phone
our Information Resource Centre Co-ordinator, Roma Kumar on 07 3840
0848 or 1800 177 591.
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