Importance of
Monitoring Progression
Relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is a progressive condition that ebbs and flows. It is important to stay on top of how you’re feeling over time and monitor your progression. Below are tips for staying on top of your condition, tracking symptoms over time, and communicating changes to your healthcare team.
Tips on monitoring RMS progression
Compare your physical abilities now to your physical abilities from 1 year ago. Ask yourself if the physical tasks you perform throughout the day have become more difficult.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows your healthcare provider if any new lesions have formed in your central nervous system, or if your existing lesions have gotten bigger. They therefore are crucial for tracking both the progression of disease and the efficacy of treatment.
Knowing the signs of RMS progression and possible disabilities associated with RMS can give you a better idea of what you should bring up in conversations with your healthcare team. You may also want to attend events in your area or online to learn about treatment options.
Be mindful of RMS and keep a constant dialogue with your healthcare provider. It’s never too late to start a conversation about RMS, and with the right treatment, RMS progression may be slowed.
Self-advocacy is the ability to say what you need when you need it. It’s arming yourself with information and feeling comfortable asking questions based on your personal situation and research. The more you know about your RMS, the more you can explain things to your family, friends, doctor, and other key members of your RMS team.
What I wish I’d known
“To me, self-advocacy is simply equipping yourself with knowledge about relapsing MS treatments, medications, your own medical history, etc, and proactively sharing that knowledge with your healthcare team. Simply put, I try to do everything I can to help them help me.”
- Stewart, living with RMS
From the Nurses' Station
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, RMS may be progressing in your body. Remember to be aware of how you’re feeling from day to day so you can talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms, as well as get routine MRIs.
Start Tracking Your Symptoms
Next up: Tracking RMS symptoms
When you know the ins and outs of your symptoms, you and your healthcare team can determine how to best manage them.
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