The focus for World MS Day 2019 is to raise awareness of the invisible symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the unseen impact of MS on quality of life. We asked our MS contributors about the symptoms that most affect their daily living. And their advice to other MS patients.
Arvind Sanghvi , who lives in Pune, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 30.
Since then, he has been diligently practising Yoga to control the many complications of MS.
Smitha Sadasivan is a Chennai based Disability Rights Activist who was diagnosed 20 years ago.
Jamuna Rangachari is the author of a book on her experience with MS and an editor of a magazine on Positive Living
Jyoti Ronghe is an Adoption Coordinator in Pune and has had MS for more than 2 decades
What is the one symptom (can be invisible) that most affects your day to day life?
Jyoti: Fatigue affects my day to day life.
Smitha: Fatigue, urgency to urinate due to lack of bladder control and frequent cold/flu.
Arvind: One of the common invisible symptoms of MS is fatigue In fatigue, the patient gets so tired that he can do little Even if he walks 10 feet he feels sleepy and exhausted And because of reduced physical activity, other complications set in The patient’s weight increases, digestion problems occur and there is problem in walking.
Jamuna: As of now, nothing affects me as I have a regular fitness routine Earlier, it used to be speed i walking This has become completely ok with regular exercise, especially yoga
Your advice to other MS patients.
Jamuna:
Form a regular fitness routine This is extremely important to stay in shape. Further, do not give power to your ailment.
Jyoti:
Plan your day the night before Listen to your body but don’t pamper it
Smitha:
Don't keep on thinking or crib about your MS Accept and move on
Exercise regularly, take healthy diet along with medication, plan your day, work/contribute to family or society, keep your calm and enjoy life.
These things are good enough to take care of the rest of your life; Anybody's life for that matter!
Arvind:
In my experience you can deal with fatigue by doing the Shavasan or Corpse Pose in Yoga one for about 30-60 minutes
Diet should be good with balanced nutrients.Drink lots of water so that bladder works properly Drink at least 2.5-3 litres of water daily
Have positive attitude and positive approach towards life. If will power is good we can fight everything.
Don’t be totally dependent on medicines Life should be balanced with diet, exercise, yoga, meditation and limited medicines.
Lastly, laugh as much as you can because laughter is the best medicine.
Also read:
Swarnalatha: I gave life one more chance
