Multiple Sclerosis Health Center

If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), it is important to find ways of coping with the practical and emotional demands of the disease. These are different for everyone, so home treatment varies from person to person.

Home treatment may involve making it easier to get around your home, dealing with depression, handling specific symptoms, and getting support from your family and friends.

• Modify your home or make adjustments to your work situation. It also may help to adjust your daily schedule so that your routine is less stressful or tiring. Excessive fatigue is a common problem for people with MS.
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. A balanced diet for a person who has MS is the same as that recommended for most healthy adults.
• Get regular exercise, either on your own or with the help of a physical therapist. If you want to exercise on your own, ask your doctor or a physical therapist to recommend appropriate exercises.
• Deal with urination problems. At some time, most people with MS have bladder problems that can involve difficulty retaining or releasing urine or a combination of both. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help you. It may also help to plan your fluid intake and activities so that a toilet will be available when you need to urinate.
• Change how and what you eat if you are having problems swallowing, a common problem with advanced MS.
  • Thicker drinks make swallowing easier. Try milk shakes or juices in gelatin form.
  • Avoid foods such as crackers or cakes that crumble easily. These can cause choking.
  • Soft foods need less chewing. Use a blender to prepare food for easiest chewing.
  • Eat frequent, small meals to avoid fatigue from eating heavy meals.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nonmedical treatment done at home may also help you manage symptoms and adjust to living and working situations. For more information, see:

Multiple Sclerosis: Rehabilitation Programs.

Make all efforts to preserve your health. Proper diet, rest, wise use of energy, and practical and emotional support from your family, friends, and doctor can all be very helpful.

For more advice about coping with MS at home, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.