Your MS Health Care Dream Team

When you look at the number of different health care specialists and the volumes of books available on the subject, it's pretty easy to see how much of a focus symptom management is in the area of MS treatment. This is an area that gets the attention of the greatest number of health care specialists from all kinds of different backgrounds. Put all these minds, their dedication and their experience together, you've got a health care dream team on your side - with the odds stacked in your favor.

Recruiting all these players may seem like a big job. But there are networks you can tap into to get started, particularly with primary care physicians, neurologists, even insurance companies. Local MS organizations and chapters can also help point you in the right direction.

Let's meet some of these team members and take a look at their different roles in helping to improve the quality of life for people living with multiple sclerosis and their families.

• Family physician: Primary care physicians are typically the first to refer people to neurologists when MS is suspected, and continue to be valuable referral resources. They can also help treat a number of symptoms that don't necessarily require the particular experience and expertise that a health care professional who specializes in a certain area can provide.
• Neurologist: While they are probably most thought of in terms of their role in diagnosing MS and prescribing treatments aimed at altering its course and reducing relapses, neurologists also help treat neurologicalsymptoms, such as spasticity, fatigue and behavioral disorders.
• Dieticians and nutritionists: Healthy bones and muscles depend on protein, vitamins, nutrients and exercise. Though regular activity can be challenging for people with progressed forms of MS, dieticians and nutritionists can work with the whole family to help incorporate simple, nutritious menu ideas designed to fit individual lifestyles and levels of ability.
• Occupational therapists (OTs): Specialists who work in the field of occupational therapy play an important role in helping people with advanced multiple sclerosis adapt their home or work environment to make it easier to get around. A key part of their job is to focus on activities of daily living (ADLs), and how to help make living with MS physically and emotionally a little less complicated.
• Optometrists and ophthalmologists: Because vision problems are common in MS, regular eye exams and timely eye care are essential to staying on top of the symptoms associated with vision impairment. Ophthalmologists also have successful surgical procedures that can make a tremendous difference on how well certain visual problems can be managed.
• Physiotherapists: Physical therapists play an important role in helping people with MS manage mobility issues. Their role is both to monitor muscle-related symptoms of MS and to help develop programs to address problems or prevention of problems related to these symptoms. PTs may combine motion, strength training, resistance exercises and coordination therapies to keep muscles active and healthy.
• Psychiatrists and therapists: Multiple sclerosis can put a strain on families when financial or emotional effects get to be hard to handle. Roles in the marriage or the family may begin to change, income may be lost while expenses are added, careers may be put on hold. The focus of these counselors' work is on helping people with MS and their families make their way through these difficult changes brought on by a chronic illness.
• Rehabilitation nurses: Medical professionals schooled in this type of nursing often play an essential role in symptom management because of their ability to help address bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunctions and help people regain a sense of confidence and control. They also assist in other daily living activities, both at home and in the workplace.
• Social workers: Knowing how to find in-home care, what resources are available in the community and how to find financial aid for home health equipment or modifications fall into the expertise of many social workers. Because they are also familiar with local legislation, they may also assist people in workplace-related issues and ways to help sustain an income.
• Support groups: Sometimes the most valuable treatment advice you can get from other people living with MS is advice on what not to do. In chronic illnesses, it is not uncommon to feel moments of desperation, where anything seems worth a try. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Listening to advice others have learned the hard way can help prevent people from falling victim to the same false hopes.
• Vocational counselors: Vocational rehabilitation counselors work with patients and their employers to accommodate changes in activity and ability so that people have a better chance of maintaining or returning to their jobs.