It’s important to monitor your symptoms to see how they change, worsen, or get better over time. This will help you, your caregiver, and your doctor understand how your MS is progressing. Documenting your symptoms also can help you make a claim for disability benefits. You can create your own symptom tracker, ask your doctor for one, or use one from online. 

After your diagnosis, your head might be flowing with questions. Jot them down in a notebook or in your phone and keep them handy when you meet with your doctors. Some questions you might ask: “When will I need to start treatment?” “What are the benefits and risks of certain treatments?” or “How will my MS change as I get older?”

MS is a complicated disease. Arming yourself with knowledge can help ease your mind and better prepare yourself for a life with this new diagnosis. Ask your doctor to recommend reading materials or where to go for more information. Or check online to learn about the latest treatments, tips on managing your condition, and other valuable knowledge.

Early treatment is key when it comes to MS. Your doctor will suggest treatments that may help you recover from attacks, slow your disease from worsening, and ease your symptoms. It’s possible that your MS is mild enough that you might not feel that treatment is urgent. But damage from MS starts from the outset of the disease. Timely treatment may help you live better and for longer.

MS is a life-changing disease that affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally. You might feel overwhelmed or anxious about your recent diagnosis. This is normal and understandable. You can ask your doctor to connect you with a counselor or a mental health therapist. Confiding in a trusted loved one also can help you sort through your emotions.

You may not know what they are yet. But learning about possible triggers can help you better understand your disease and to lessen flare-ups or relapses. Triggers can differ for everyone. But avoiding stress and smoking, eating a healthy diet, and keeping your heart in good shape are among your best moves. 

Legally, you generally don’t have to tell your employer about a medical condition unless it affects your ability to do your job. But you may still want to share your diagnosis. Federal law requires most employers to make reasonable accommodations. For MS, that might include: 

• Providing a chair or stool if your job involves standing
• Moving your workstation closer to the restroom
• Allowing you to work from home or shorter hours

Complementary therapies such as meditation, yoga, massage, exercise, or acupuncture may help lessen your muscle pain. But evidence is limited. Some research shows that chemical extracts from the marijuana plant can ease pain and stiff muscles from MS. Low blood levels of vitamin D are linked to a greater chance of MS and more disease activity once you have MS. But there needs to be more research to see if taking vitamin D supplements will decrease MS activity. 

This can connect you to others who understand what it’s like to navigate life with MS. You might learn about new assistive tools, get tips on managing relationships, or hear from experts on the latest treatments. There also are more targeted gatherings, such as for Black people with MS or partners of people with MS.

Think ahead about how MS will affect you economically. Review your insurance benefits to make sure you have the best coverage for your needs. Check if your employer offers short- and long-term disability coverage. Plan for out-of-pocket costs and how you’ll stay on top of your medical expenses. Learn if you can get Social Security disability benefits or Medicaid or Medicare insurance if you can no longer work.