For People Newly Niagnosed: Living with MS

If you or someone close to you has recently been given a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Or, you may be feeling so overwhelmed by the diagnosis that you aren’t sure what kinds of questions to ask. The National MS Society has developed programs to give you theinformation and support you need to live comfortably and confidently with this change in your life.

Knowledge Is Power An at-home educational series for people newly diagnosed with MS

An Introduction to MS

• Living with MS Addresses questions frequently asked after diagnosis of MS is received-from possible causes to advice on coping.

• Disclosure—The Basic Facts Discusses whom, when, and how to tell in both personal and work situations; includes personal vignettes.

• "But You Look So Good!" Coping with invisible MS symptoms.

• Someone You Know Has MS: A Book for Families For children ages 6 to 12 who have a parent with MS. Provides facts and explores children's fears and concerns.

• F.A.Q. About Society-Funded MS Research Frequently asked questions about Society-funded MS research, including funding, approach, philosphy, and progress.

Treatments

Various treatments are available to help reduce future disease activity and/or manage symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you.

• National MS Society Disease Management Consensus Statement Early treatment recommendations regarding use of the current MS disease-modifying drugs.

• The Disease-Modifying Drugs Information on the disease-modifying drugs (Betaseron, Avonex, Copaxone, Novantrone, Rebif, and Tysabri). Includes how each is taken, side effects, benefits, and available help.

• Putting the Brakes on MS Making the decision to use a disease-modifying drug.

• Visit our Treatments section for more on medications, symptom management, alternative therapies, and treating exacerbations (relapses).

• Choosing the Right Health-Care Provider

• MS Care Treatment Team

• Treatment Locations

Employment

• MS and Employment These programs and materials will assist you in making informed career decisions.

"I started telling people close to me that I had MS. This was a huge weight off my shoulders." Meet Mike Zimits.

When Sharon Dodge was diagnosed, she and her family joined the fight against MS. Meet Sharon.

Meruka Gupta—"I thought MS was an immediate sentence to a wheelchair, and having been very athletic all of my life, this terrified me. However, I very quickly realized that this was not the case. I was just beginning my life, and I was not going to allow MS to end it." Meet Meruka

Support

Connect with others whose lives are affected by MS.

There are over 1,800National MS Society-affiliated self-help groupsacross the nation representing people with MS, family members, and friends. Contact your chapter to find out more. 1-800-344-4867

MSWorldoffers the official National MS Society chat rooms and message boardswith a hosted chat on Wed. at 8:00 pm EST specifically to answer questions and concerns for those just learning about MS.

Chat Message Boards

Basic Facts

Just the Facts Frequently asked questions about MS and the National MS Society.

View online | View as PDF

Myths about MS Clearing up some misconceptions you may have heard about MS.

Glossary of MS Terms

Webcasts (transcripts available)

• MS Learn Online presents Newly Diagnosed with MS Where Do I Begin?

• Starting with the Basics

• The Facts on MS
• The Clinical Courses in MS
• Learn more about these and other webcasts

MS Magazine

InsideMS The Society's lifestyle magazine for people with MS, their families, and healthcare professionals. Also available: Teen InsideMS and Keep S'myelin—our newsletter for children.

Books

	The First Year—Multiple Sclerosis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Margaret Blackstone Read our review | Order through Amazon.com
	Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies by Rosalind Holland, Kalb, Nancy Barbara Giesser Order through Amazon.com
	Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed, 3rd Edition by Nancy Holland, T. Jock Murray, Stephen Reingold Order through Demos Publishing*
	Multiple Sclerosis: Questions and Answers by David Barnes, Ian McDonald Order through Amazon.com
	Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have—The Answers You Need, 3rd Edition by Rosalind C. Kalb Order through Demos Publishing*
	Multiple Sclerosis Q&A: Reassuring Answers to Frequently Asked Questions by Beth Ann Hill Read our review | Order through Amazon.com

Video

“But You Look So Well …” Produced by Geyer/Lindenmuth Productions Focuses on several people newly diagnosed with MS—people who have no visible sign of the disease. VHS. 60 minutes. Read our review | To order: Contact audreygeyer@aol.com, (810) 225-7796

*All orders placed on Demos Publishing web site receive a 15% discount from list price.