People with MS should read
What is MS?
Dr. Farzad Ashrafi, neurologist and associate professor of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, says about MS disease: MS is an abnormal response of the body’s immune system against the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which is more common in young people aged 20 to 40. It occurs four times more often in women than in men. He describes the symptoms of MS as variable and unpredictable and adds: no two people have the same symptoms and each person’s symptoms can change and their intensity fluctuates over time. One patient may experience only one or two symptoms, while another may have more. Blurred vision caused by inflammation of the optic nerve, fatigue, numbness or tingling of limbs, muscle weakness, dizziness, balance disorder, double nose and cognitive disorders are the most common symptoms of MS. Most of these can be effectively improved with medication, rehabilitation, and other strategies.
Ways of living with MS
In a person with MS, ways to maintain health are more important than treating this disease and its symptoms. In other words, improving health, satisfying personal relationships, performing daily activities, work and leisure time and paying enough attention to oneself are as important as treatment. About 30% of sufferers say that they experience more symptoms of the disease in times of stress. Prolonged stress causes insomnia, nightmares, concentration disorders and forgetfulness. It is more difficult to bear stress in patients with MS compared to healthy people due to physical problems. This neurologist considers stress treatment and psychological counseling to be effective in reducing the mental and physical symptoms of MS patients.
Lay the groundwork for a good night’s sleep
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and of course staying asleep and low quality of sleep are also considered as other sleep related disorders. MS symptoms such as spasms or bedwetting can disrupt sleep. Dr. Eshrafi advises about the sleep considerations of MS patients: exercise about four to six hours before sleep is helpful; But because it is a stimulant, doing it too close to sleep has the opposite effect. Consumption of substances containing caffeine, tea and coffee should be limited. Some medicines also cause insomnia, so it is necessary for the patient to consult his doctor about this.
Pay attention to your diet
Experts recommend that people with MS should use a low-fat, high-fiber diet. In this regard, Dr. Ashrafi says: These people should increase their consumption of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, folic acid and vitamin B12, use margarine and unsaturated oils such as sunflower oil, eat fish twice a week regularly. . make low-fat dairy products and low-fat chicken and meat a priority, consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily, and avoid fatty sauces and other foods containing saturated animal fats. The effects of consuming omega-3 and vitamin D in improving the symptoms of the disease are still unknown and in the research stage.
Exercise according to the condition of the disease
The results of doctors’ studies indicate that most patients benefit from physical activity and exercise. Dr. Ashrafi, in response to the question of what kind of exercise a patient with MS can do, says: Anaerobic exercise can improve cardiovascular status, bladder and bowel strength, reduce symptoms of depression, and increase positive attitude along with increasing participation in social activities. create Yoga and water sports are also recommended. An exercise program should fit the patient’s individual abilities and limitations. It is recommended that MS patients consult an experienced physiotherapist in designing, monitoring and modifying an exercise program.
Be careful with vaccination
Dr. Ashrafi points out the need to be cautious in injecting vaccines to MS patients: according to the studies conducted, there is no risk of relapse of MS in the case of influenza vaccination, and hepatitis B, tetanus and chicken pox vaccines are also safe, but before injecting vaccines containing live virus, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Experience the joy of motherhood under the supervision of a doctor
One of the concerns of women with chronic diseases is that despite the disease, pregnancy may cause harm to themselves and their children. According to Dr. Ashrafi, over the past 40 years, several studies have been conducted on hundreds of women with MS, and the results of almost all of them have shown that pregnancy increases the number of MS relapses, especially in the second and third trimesters, by nearly 70%. decreases. If patients are not treated after pregnancy, there is a 30% chance of recurrence after three months of pregnancy. The use of many MS drugs in pregnancy is not approved and patients should consult their neurologist before trying to get pregnant. However, in some patients, the decision to get pregnant is made based on the patient’s clinical conditions.
Salamat News: 5 recommendations for MS sufferers
February 7, 2015 19:30
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