Your Guide to MS Support and Local Resources

Learning you have multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Over 1 million people in the United States are living with MS, each with their own unique journey. MS is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves, called myelin. This can disrupt communication between your brain and body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, vision changes, and difficulty with balance or coordination.

While the exact cause of MS isn’t fully understood, factors like genetics, environmental triggers, and infections may play a role. Because symptoms can vary so widely and often resemble other conditions, MS can sometimes be challenging to diagnose.

The good news is that many people with MS live fulfilling lives by working closely with their healthcare team, exploring treatments, and finding support. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward building a care plan that fits your needs and ensuring you have access to the resources and guidance to navigate this journey with confidence.

Although there’s no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), there are many effective treatments that can help you manage symptoms, reduce relapses, and maintain your quality of life. By partnering with an MS specialist near you, you can create a care plan that helps you stay active, independent, and in control of your journey.

Medications

• Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs): These medications, such as Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) or Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), help reduce the number of relapses and slow the progression of MS by targeting the immune system.
• Corticosteroids: Common options like Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) or prednisone are used during flare-ups to reduce inflammation and provide short-term symptom relief.
• Symptom-Specific Medications: These can address issues such as muscle spasms, fatigue, pain, depression, or bladder and bowel challenges. Medications like baclofen (for muscle stiffness) or amantadine (for fatigue) are commonly prescribed.

Therapies and Supportive Care

• Physical Therapy: Helps improve mobility, balance, and strength, and provides exercises to address specific challenges like walking difficulties or leg weakness.
• Occupational Therapy: Focuses on strategies and assistive devices to help you maintain independence with daily tasks.
• Speech Therapy: Provides tools to manage speech or swallowing difficulties, enhancing communication and safety.

Lifestyle and Self-Care

• Healthy Living: Regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet are key to improving overall well-being and reducing symptom impact.
• Assistive Devices: Tools like canes, braces, or walkers can help improve mobility and support independence.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often unpredictable condition. While MS affects everyone differently, it is generally considered a progressive disease, meaning symptoms may change or worsen over time. Understanding how MS progresses can help you feel more prepared and make informed decisions about your care.

The Unpredictable Nature of MS

Your MS journey may be shaped by factors such as age, overall health, and the type of MS you have. Symptoms can come and go, with periods of stability followed by flare-ups or relapses. Many people with MS experience fewer relapses and slower progression thanks to advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

The Stages of MS Progression

While the experience of MS varies widely, the condition typically follows one of four patterns:

• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form, marked by flare-ups followed by recovery periods.
• Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): RRMS may transition to SPMS, with symptoms steadily worsening over time.
• Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): A steady progression of symptoms from the onset, with little to no remission.
• Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS): A rare form involving steady progression with relapses.

While it’s normal to feel uncertain about how MS may evolve, there are steps you can take to stay empowered. Keeping a journal to track symptoms can help you recognize patterns and share valuable insights with your healthcare team. Leaning on your support systems—whether family, friends, or local MS groups—can provide encouragement and practical advice. With proactive care and a strong network, you can navigate changes with confidence and continue living a meaningful life.

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be financially challenging, but there are resources available to help you access medications and support services. Whether you’re navigating insurance, seeking financial aid, or exploring disability benefits, the following programs can help you manage costs and maintain your quality of life.

• MS Navigator: The MS Navigator program, offered by the National MS Society, connects you with a highly skilled professional who can guide you to resources tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s financial assistance, medical resources, or emotional support, MS Navigators can help you move forward.
• Call: 1-800-344-4867
• Visit: Contact an MS Navigator
• Help Hope Live: This nonprofit provides one-on-one fundraising help for people with MS. Funds raised are verified for medical need, managed to avoid impacting state benefits, and can help cover medication, treatment, or assistive technology costs.
• Social Security Disability Benefits: The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes MS as a condition that can cause disability. If MS symptoms, such as difficulty walking, extreme fatigue, or vision problems, prevent you from working, you may qualify for benefits.
• MS Emergency Assistance Grants: The MS Focus Emergency Assistance Program offers financial support for urgent needs like rent or utilities if you’re facing disconnection or eviction. The MS Foundation also provides grants for homecare, healthcare, and assistive technology.
• MS Focus Emergency Grants
• MS Foundation Grants
• National MS Society’s Find Resources Tool: Use the National MS Society’s Find Resources Tool to locate assistance programs, including help with medications, in your area. You can search by location, resource type, or support need.

These resources are here to help you access the medications, financial aid, and support you need to manage MS effectively. If you have questions or aren’t sure where to start, contacting an MS Navigator can be a great first step.

Connecting with others who understand the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS) can provide encouragement, practical advice, and a sense of community. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or navigating ongoing challenges, support groups can help you share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build confidence.

National MS Society Support Groups

The National MS Society offers a variety of support group options, including virtual and in-person meetings. Their tools can connect you with the best fit for your needs:

• Search Virtual and Local Support Groups

Highlighted Programs

• New to MS Virtual Meetup: Designed for individuals recently diagnosed with MS, this casual group meets via Zoom on the 4th Thursday of each month to share coping strategies and resources.
  • Learn More and Join
• MSFriends Peer Support Program: Offers one-on-one, confidential conversations with trained volunteers who understand what it’s like to live with MS.
  • Learn More About MSFriends
• Society Online Communities: Join private, inclusive spaces, coordinated by trained volunteers, to connect with others through platforms like Facebook and Discord.
  • Explore Online Communities

Your MS Navigator Can Help

Not sure where to start? Contact an MS Navigator to learn more about these groups and find the best fit for your journey.

• Call: 1-800-344-4867
• Connect Online

Caring for someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) can bring unique challenges and rewards. The right resources can provide education, emotional support, and practical tools to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

National MS Society Resources

• MSFriends®: This one-on-one peer support program connects caregivers and carepartners with trained volunteers who understand life with MS. It’s available to anyone affected by MS, including friends, family, and those who’ve lost someone to the disease.
• Ask an MS Navigator: MS Navigators provide personalized support and guidance to help you access caregiver resources, support groups, and tools for managing challenges.

Family Caregiver Alliance

• Services by State: This tool helps caregivers locate local programs, including health services, financial aid, and legal assistance.
• Caregiver Resource Guide: A comprehensive guide covering emotional support, financial planning, and legal tools for caregivers of those with MS.
• CareNav: This free, secure online service offers personalized resources and support for family caregivers of adults with chronic conditions like MS.

Explore these resources for more information, education, and support on living with multiple sclerosis (MS):

• Momentum Magazine: The National MS Society’s flagship publication features stories from people living with MS, expert opinions, and updates on research. Available in print (free for individuals with MS) or online.
• National MS Society Education Programs and Library: Access a range of virtual webinars, resources, and programs designed to help individuals understand and manage MS. Topics include resilience, wellness, and navigating life with MS.
• Ask an MS Expert: Weekly webinars and Q&A sessions with MS specialists provide timely and reliable information to help you navigate your journey.
• For Kids: Keep S’myelin: An educational program designed for children, helping them understand MS in a supportive and accessible way.
• Pathways to Wellness in MS: Focused on improving overall well-being, this program offers guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and addressing the challenges of MS.

These resources provide valuable insights and tools to help individuals and families affected by MS thrive and navigate the challenges of the disease.