Bethany Schreiber, MD:
A multiple sclerosis relapse can
happen at any time.
You should have that conversation
with your provider
how to be prepared
and how to take care
of yourself.
During a relapse, call your healthcare provider.
You should know who
in the office
you're going to call.
Do they have a nurse that you
call, or are you going to speak
directly with your doctor
or his receptionist,
and let them know what's going
on.
Your provider will talk with you
about, are there any medications
that can help?
Would IV steroids benefit you,
in terms of helping
your symptoms get better faster?
Have a list of people you could
call if you need something.
Involve your family and friends.
Prioritize what's really
important for you to get done.
You may not be up to doing all
of your normal activities.
Is it OK if a few
of these things
don't get done for now?
Multiple sclerosis is a very
unpredictable disease.
It is important to be eating
the right foods,
making sure you're getting
enough sleep,
and managing your stress
and anxiety, which are often
common during a relapse.
Patients who have
an ongoing sense of hopelessness
may also benefit from speaking
with a mental health
professional, like a counselor
or a psychologist,
to help manage those emotions.
These symptoms should be getting
better over a period of weeks,
and you should be in contact
with your medical provider
and let them know how things are
going.
