World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day is officially marked on May 30 each year and several awareness campaigns are held to bring the global MS community together to share stories and campaigns for everyone affected by the disease. The theme for World MS Day 2020-2022 is MS Connections. The theme has been selected keeping in mind recent research that suggests that 3 in 5 people with MS experience loneliness as a direct result of their condition. The main motto behind this theme is to build a community connection as this develops a support network for other patients. Dr. Umesh Shetty, Sr. Orthopedic Surgeon & Director, AXIS Hospital, feels that building a community of patients going through a particular trauma is always one of the best forms of support for other patients.
“It is interesting to know MS Connections is the official theme for World MS Day 2020-2022. Building a community of patients who have experienced a particular trauma is always one of the best forms of support for other patients. It is extremely easy to relate to the pain and trauma and also provide guidance for better management, more on an emotional front to other patients via telling your own stories,” Dr. Umesh Shetty told Health Wire.
Talking about the circumstances that increase loneliness among people with multiple sclerosis, the doctor said the nature of the disease and number of symptoms makes patients extremely uncomfortable to talk about his experience, pain, and trauma to others. “Such a situation increases loneliness,” he said.
MS patients generally feel numbness or weakness in one or more limb that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time or the leg and trunk. Tremors, lack of coordination, or unsteady gait are other common difficulties faced by the patient. One may even experience a partial or complete loss of vision usually in one eye at a time often with pain during eye movement.
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Symptoms of MS can vary with the most common being blurred vision, numbness, or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. According to Dr Shetty, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system and the specific causes of multiple sclerosis aren’t known.
Multiple sclerosis is if of different types with the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) being the most common one. “There are other forms such as Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) and Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS), etc., clinically speaking,” he said.
According to the Director of AXIS Hospital, there is no readymade cure for the disease and early detection always helps the patient to manage it well. “Lifestyle changes can help mitigate the effects and some drugs may help in controlling the progress of the disease, bringing relief to the patient,” he said.
Do’s and don’ts
If MS is detected, the patients should avoid saturated fats, cow’s milk, sugar, sodium, and refined carbs. It is recommended for them to take plenty of rest, look at their sleep habits to make sure they get the best possible sleep. If the patient is affected with mild to moderate MS, some regular exercises can help improve strength, muscle tone balance, and coordination to cool down. Also, a balanced diet and living in a stress-free environment will tremendously help.