Let’s work together to get multiple sclerosis (MS) out of the way of your plans and goals. While MS isn’t yet curable, it can be managed through a personalized care plan that targets your individual challenges and frustrations.
Depending on the type and stage of MS that you have, we’ll focus on minimizing symptoms and doing everything possible to stop the disease from getting worse — and we’ll always try to do that in ways that won’t interrupt your plans or get in the way of your responsibilities and daily activities.
Every expert you see at our Multiple Sclerosis Center understands how MS can impact your overall health. Any specialization we have is only enhanced by the additional experience we have with MS. As a result, you aren’t left trying to explain why your bladder might be bothering you or your vision seems to have changed — our urologist and our ophthalmologist already know that MS might be the culprit. Same goes for our physical therapists, psychologists, speech therapists and other center specialists, all of whom coordinate your care between each other and your lead neurologist.
Think of MS as an interruption, not as an end to your activities and plans
We don’t want you to have to stop doing what you love or stop dreaming of more. If current therapies aren’t effective or new symptoms surface, we’ll work to find the medicine or other support you need to move forward. We’ll also help you plan for the future.
Keep playing sports
Physical activity is important for patients with MS. It can increase balance, reduce fatigue, improve mobility and enhance your overall quality of life. We’ll help you maintain safe activity levels and find an appropriate sport for your interests and physical abilities.
Continue working
We can help you find ways to adjust your workspace for more comfort and safety. We have loads of memory tips and other helpful habits that can make work less tiring too. And if you end up needing short- or long-term disability, we’ll assist with any paperwork.
Begin or grow your family
MS isn’t shown to affect fertility in either men or women, but we can discuss birth control options, and we’ll want to discuss what type of disease-modifying therapies you’re using if you’re thinking about becoming a parent. For our female patients, we’ll partner with your Ob-Gyn or maternal fetal medicine specialist throughout pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding to keep your baby safe while minimizing your MS symptoms and disease progression.
Stay safe on the road
We know that driving a car is more than an activity; it represents freedom. However, as MS symptoms change, you or a loved one may become concerned about safety. That’s why The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers safe driving assessments and support through our Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Program. We’ll help you maintain or restore the mobility needed for safe driving. If that’s no longer an option, we’ll connect you to the right community resources so you can get out and about, even without a car.
Maintain daily independence
Just because your physical, cognitive or sensory abilities may limit you in some ways, we can help you adapt. With an understanding of MS, Ohio State’s occupational and speech therapists can work with you to develop better motor control and improved speech. Our unique Outpatient Rehabilitation Assistive Technology program can also provide the specific technology or medical device that may transform your approach to daily life, whether that’s specialized computer equipment, communication devices, vehicle modifications, smart technology or a custom-fitted wheelchair, scooter or walker.
Modify your home to keep it safe and easy to get around
For example, to help prevent falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and don’t use throw rugs. Try adjusting your daily schedule so that your routine is less stressful or tiring.
Get help with urination problems
At some point, most people with MS develop bladder problems. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help you. You may be referred to a urologist, who specializes in conditions that affect the bladder.
Avoid getting overheated
Increased body temperature can temporarily make your symptoms worse. Use an air conditioner, keep your home cool and avoid heated swimming pools and hot tubs. During warm or hot weather, exercise in an air-conditioned area, rather than outdoors, and wear a cooling vest or collar when you go outside.
Eat a balanced diet
Get plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
