Newly Diagnosed

You’ll probably experience a range of powerful emotions and it may take some time to come to terms with MS being part of your life. But there are things you can do to help you get on top of your MS and help you feel in control.

TREATMENTS

ACTING FAST IN MS

LIVING WITH MS

SUPPORT NETWORKS

Although there is no cure for MS, treatments exist that can help limit the damage, symptoms and disability caused by the disease.

International MS guidance reinforces the importance of time and speed in the management of MS. Recommendations state that treatment should focus on working to preserve your brain and spinal cord to help reduce further disease progression.

Help control the severity of an MS attack – they work by reducing inflammation.

disease-modifying therapies picture text

Work by modifying how active your immune system is – the goal is to slow the frequency and severity of MS attacks on your brain and spinal cord.

Dampen down your immune system.

Always consult your neurologist if you have any questions about your MS treatment.

Our discussion guide can help identify your top areas of concern to make the most of your next appointment with your neurologist.

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MS is a disease that smoulders in the background and may be causing damage to your body even though you feel fine.

Importantly, MS can damage your brain and spinal cord, and therefore embracing a ‘time and speed’ mindset is an important management strategy.

Acting early and actively managing your disease can help reduce the impact MS has on your life – both now and in the years to come.

A landmark report in MS revealed that the goal of managing MS should be to urgently try and slow the disease and help preserve tissue in the brain and spinal cord as much as possible.

Delays in diagnosis or starting treatment can cause further irreversible damage and progression of the disease.

Research shows early MS treatment can:

To help spread the important message, share these social resources with your own networks.

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Having a healthy brain is important for everyone. There are some positive lifestyle steps you can take to help keep your brain as healthy as possible, which may improve your quality of life with MS.

Research suggests that exercise can help improve the overall health of people with mild MS, and can help those with more severe MS stay as mobile as possible
Exercise can also help manage some symptoms associated with MS, such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, anxiety, depression and bladder or bowel problems
MS Australia has provided recommendations for people living with MS that look at ways you can make lifestyle changes to help empower you and reduce the impact of MS.

Smoking can have an impact on your MS and has been linked to higher relapse rates, increased disability progression and more cognitive problems.

Relationships can change when a person has MS – often because of poor communication or misunderstandings – and some MS symptoms can affect intimacy
Sexuality is an important part of wellbeing – and there are strategies to help manage the physical changes of MS that may affect your sex life
Watch the videos below to learn how you can manage your sex life with MS.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important as there is evidence to show that increased body weight and obesity are linked to more MS lesions.

Managing stress and mood changes are important for people living with MS as these can affect brain function and may increase fatigue. Ways to manage these may include breathing techniques, exercise, gardening, taking walks outside, connecting with friends or family, or seeking professional help when needed.

Participating in creative, intellectual, physical and social pastimes can help to keep your mind active – such as sport, reading, hobbies and arts.

Connecting with others who may be going through a similar situation can be empowering and help you manage your MS. There are several international, national and state MS Societies that may also be of assistance.