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Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide to Wellness
Education about multiple sclerosis has traditionally been medically oriented and related to disease and dysfunction. In contrast, this brand-new second edition of the Guide continues to focus on staying well in the presence of MS, a disease that - while incurable - can be managed. The book covers a broad spectrum of topics related to MS and its effects, focusing especially on the needs of those who have been living with the disease for some time. Practical tips on self-care are designed to promote maximum independence, well-being, and productivity. The theme of the book - wellness - can be described by the acronym: Weighing options; Eating well; Living to your fullest; Learning new skills; Needing others; Evaluating situations realistically; Surviving stress; and Staying responsible. Contributors to the book are professionals who have a specialty or a special interest in MS. Their suggestions, advice, and strategies come from years of experience in the field. It is their hope that readers will come away with fresh ideas on how to cope with the ever-changing challenges of MS.
266 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 9, 2013
I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
This was one of the 1st books I read after my diagnosis January 29th, 2004.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.
MS is a progressive disease, meaning the nerve damage (neurodegeneration) gets worse over time. How quickly MS gets worse varies from person to person. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. Repeated episodes of inflammation can occur along any area of the brain and spinal cord. Researchers are not sure what triggers the inflammation. The most common theories point to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both.
People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS have a higher risk of the disease.
Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions). Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks. It is common for the disease to return (relapse). However, the disease may continue to get worse without periods of remission.
Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body.
Muscle symptoms:
* Loss of balance
* Muscle spasms
* Numbness or abnormal sensation in any area - I have this in my hands
* Problems moving arms or legs
* Problems walking
* Problems with coordination and making small movements
* Tremor in one or more arms or legs
* Weakness in one or more arms or legs
Bowel and bladder symptoms:
* Constipation and stool leakage
* Difficulty beginning to urinate
* Frequent need to urinate
* Strong urge to urinate
* Urine leakage (incontinence)
Eye symptoms:
* Double vision
* Eye discomfort
* Uncontrollable rapid eye movements
* Vision loss (usually affects one eye at a time)
Numbness, tingling, or pain:
* Facial pain
* Painful muscle spasms
* Tingling, crawling, or burning feeling in the arms and legs
Other brain and nerve symptoms:
* Decreased attention span, poor judgment, and memory loss
* Difficulty reasoning and solving problems
* Depression or feelings of sadness
* Dizziness and balance problems
* Hearing loss
Sexual symptoms:
* Problems with erections
* Problems with vaginal lubrication
Speech and swallowing symptoms:
* Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech
* Trouble chewing and swallowing
Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptoms as MS progresses. It is often worse in the late afternoon.
Alternative Names:
* MS
* Demyelinating disease
This book will allow you to get better acquainted with the disease of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and help you to recognize a variety of options available to you. It does not go in-depth (or even mention) many natural alternatives, however; it does provide positive outlooks and basic information that is needed when first diagnosed. Further down the line it is beneficial, in my opinion, to look at remedies such as Bee Venom Therapy as apposed to the typical Big Pharma meds.
The illustrations in the book are helpful, but look like they are taken out of a 40's sex ed book. It would be nice if they updated that in a new edition.
Get Your Copy of Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Nancy J. Holland (Editor) at Amazon Now!
This was one of the 1st books I read after my diagnosis January 29th, 2004.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.
MS is a progressive disease, meaning the nerve damage (neurodegeneration) gets worse over time. How quickly MS gets worse varies from person to person. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. Repeated episodes of inflammation can occur along any area of the brain and spinal cord. Researchers are not sure what triggers the inflammation. The most common theories point to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both.
People with a family history of MS and those who live in a geographical area with a higher incidence rate for MS have a higher risk of the disease.
Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions). Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks. It is common for the disease to return (relapse). However, the disease may continue to get worse without periods of remission.
Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body.
Muscle symptoms:
* Loss of balance
* Muscle spasms
* Numbness or abnormal sensation in any area - I have this in my hands
* Problems moving arms or legs
* Problems walking
* Problems with coordination and making small movements
* Tremor in one or more arms or legs
* Weakness in one or more arms or legs
Bowel and bladder symptoms:
* Constipation and stool leakage
* Difficulty beginning to urinate
* Frequent need to urinate
* Strong urge to urinate
* Urine leakage (incontinence)
Eye symptoms:
* Double vision
* Eye discomfort
* Uncontrollable rapid eye movements
* Vision loss (usually affects one eye at a time)
Numbness, tingling, or pain:
* Facial pain
* Painful muscle spasms
* Tingling, crawling, or burning feeling in the arms and legs
Other brain and nerve symptoms:
* Decreased attention span, poor judgment, and memory loss
* Difficulty reasoning and solving problems
* Depression or feelings of sadness
* Dizziness and balance problems
* Hearing loss
Sexual symptoms:
* Problems with erections
* Problems with vaginal lubrication
Speech and swallowing symptoms:
* Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech
* Trouble chewing and swallowing
Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptoms as MS progresses. It is often worse in the late afternoon.
Alternative Names:
* MS
* Demyelinating disease
This book will allow you to get better acquainted with the disease of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and help you to recognize a variety of options available to you. It does not go in-depth (or even mention) many natural alternatives, however; it does provide positive outlooks and basic information that is needed when first diagnosed. Further down the line it is beneficial, in my opinion, to look at remedies such as Bee Venom Therapy as apposed to the typical Big Pharma meds.
The illustrations in the book are helpful, but look like they are taken out of a 40's sex ed book. It would be nice if they updated that in a new edition.
Get Your Copy of Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Nancy J. Holland (Editor) at Amazon Now!
April 9, 2024
Sending you prayers, I was diagnosed in 2010 and seemed to go down hill quickly. In six years I could no longer work and had real problems with balance and joint pain. Brain fog was really bad sometimes. I took rebif and had a lot of problems and had to quit. I have been on techfadera (not spelled right) for a few years and have several side effects. I felt lost and decided to quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced me to Ayurvedic treatment. I had a total decline of all symptoms including vision problems, numbness and others. Sometimes, i totally forget i ever had MS. Visit Natural Herbs Centre web-site natural herbs centre com. I am very pleased with this treatment. I eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly. God bless all MS Warriors
March 5, 2025
I was on Multiple Sclerosis treatment from Uine Health Centre for 6 months. The treatment relieved symptoms significantly, even better than the medications I was given. Reach them at uinehealthcentre. com
May 18, 2011
A comprehensive guide for anyone dealing with MS. The only complaint I have are the illustrations that ranged from a little too basic to faded and hard to read. I do wish more details were given about tests and decoding those results.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews