MS-UK’s work, and the information we pull together for the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, is always guided and directed by people affected by MS. The MS community told the helpline team that they wanted some information about ‘preparing for the future’.
MS-UK recognise and understand that there is often a lack of clarity over what the future holds for people with MS. People affected by MS often have worries over disease progression and future support needs. This includes worries over how MS will impact on work, meaningful activities, treatments for your MS and the psychological and cognitive impact of MS over time. All of these factors influence people’s concerns about the future.
When we probed a little further with the MS community, the information that people wanted broadly fell into two areas; ‘preparing for an uncertain future with MS’ and ‘planning for a future with advanced MS’.
Making plans and thinking about the future can feel scary and a huge task to take on. People often feel overwhelmed and anxious. If you have ever asked yourself ‘how do you plan for a life with MS, when MS itself never follows a set path?’, we hope these web pages will be useful for you and help you live the most fulfilling life possible.
When it comes to a sense of uncertainty, there can be emotional conflicts as it is in human nature to try and resolve that sense. Often temporary relief can be gained by ignoring or avoiding the challenge, but without addressing the root cause, this is rarely a coping strategy that will have a positive outcome.
MS-UK want to be able to support people with MS to lead happy and healthy lives and it is known that people who have planned usually feel relieved that arrangements are in place. Plans can enable people to focus on living their life, rather than worrying about an uncertain future.
We know that we cannot be prescriptive and definitive over any future decisions, and no one knows what the future will bring. We have pulled together some tips, suggestions and resources that we hope will help you think and plan for aspects of your future and help you get the best out of each and every day.
