Meet Trish
“Self-advocacy, transparency and yoga”
As a person living with MS, it’s important for you to play an active role in your care decisions through ongoing discussions with your neurologist and care team. Sharing the symptoms, flare-ups and side effects you may experience is a way to self-advocate and gain a sense of control over your MS.
When those conversations turn to treatment options, there are several factors to consider.
Effectiveness is determined by the medication’s effect on your body, meaning how well it works. When discussing effectiveness of MS treatment, your neurologist may refer to its ability to reduce the number of relapses, reduce the number and volume of active brain lesions on MRI scans or slow down the progression of physical disability.
The dosing schedule of a medication refers to when and how often you take it. Different medications are taken at different frequencies – including once or twice daily, or once a month. Your lifestyle may play a role in determining a dosing schedule that works best for you.
All medications can cause side effects, and some may have long-term risks. You may think that a stronger medication comes with more side effects, but this is not always the case. Side effects and long-term risks should be part of your discussion with your care team.
Most MS treatments are taken either by injection, infusion or pill – and you may have a preference. Your comfort level with these can be part of your conversation, as well.
As you can see, deciding on a treatment that is right for you involves balancing the importance of convenience, your lifestyle preferences, your personal risk tolerance and your treatment goals.
All medications have risks; the goal in a treatment discussion should be to assess your priorities and treatment goals to help your healthcare professional select a treatment that is aligned with your rules.
Self-advocacy in ms care
Neurologist Dr. Warren Berger shares his perspective on the importance of open communication and collaboration between people living with MS, their neurologists and care teams, and why self-advocacy matters.
Now that you know your rules, learn more about your options
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