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(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Imagine being told by your doctor that you have a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In an instant, your world changes and many questions run through your mind.
For the approximately 400,000 Americans living with MS, this might be what they faced when they were first diagnosed. It is important for people living with a chronic condition to decide how to handle it, and that decision can make all the difference.
Learning to advocate for your own health can help ensure you receive quality care. But for individuals newly diagnosed with a chronic condition such as relapsing MS, it is also a critical part of managing their disease.
Being your own health advocate involves taking the initiative to learn about your condition and talking with doctors about your treatment options. Identifying programs and support systems to help you better manage your condition is also important when you’re first diagnosed. In today’s information age, looking for online resources is a great place to start.
For MS LifeLines Ambassador Janet M., the Internet is an essential way to connect with other people living with the condition without having to leave the comfort of her home. Janet visits www.mslifelines.com to access dynamic tools, resources and information about local and online MS-related community events. This helps her feel empowered. “Seeing other people who are living normal lives despite having relapsing MS gives me the support and confidence I need,” said Janet.
MS LifeLines and its ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer Inc. MS LifeLines, a dynamic and educational support service, provides information ranging from personal stories of people living with relapsing MS to lifestyle tips and information about events. MS LifeLines is an interactive resource that has games, podcasts, real-life journals from MS ambassadors and much more. The site also features a “Peer Connection” tool where you can be matched with an ambassador who will listen to your concerns, share his or her experience and help you feel more at ease about your future with relapsing MS. Janet, along with other MS LifeLines Ambassadors Jennifer M. and Francesca A., shares the following tips on how to become your own health advocate.
Take Control
Knowledge is an important first step in overcoming some of the fears associated with a diagnosis. This makes the Internet a valuable resource.
“Immediately after I was diagnosed with relapsing MS, I went online to find out more about the condition,” said Jennifer M. “MS LifeLines.com helps me get access to information in ways that are convenient for my fast-paced lifestyle. If I have a busy day and don’t have time to look around the site, I can quickly download the podcasts to my iPod and listen to them in the car while I’m running errands.”
A report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that the number of adults who look to the Internet for health information has nearly doubled in the past two years. In fact, 60 percent of adults say the information they found online affected their decision on how to treat a condition.
Find The Right Support
Reach out and learn from others who have your condition. How have they addressed the obstacles you are facing? How did they improve their quality of life?
“Visiting online forums and attending local events for people living with relapsing MS was extremely helpful in accepting my condition,” said Janet.
You may consider calling the local chapter of a national advocacy organization for your condition and finding out if it has events in the area.
Find Your Doctor
Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable and who suits your needs. A good doctor should involve you in decisions. This is an important part of the empowerment process.
“After I was diagnosed with relapsing MS, it was very important for me to find a doctor who fitted my individual needs, was knowledgeable and listened to my questions and concerns,” explained Jennifer.
It’s also a good idea to write down your questions and bring them to your doctor appointments. This will help you remember to discuss important issues and is a vital part of the health advocate process.
“I learned to be my own biggest advocate when I was diagnosed with relapsing MS, and it helped my confidence and attitude tremendously,” said Francesca A. “I think that is the most important thing a person living with a chronic condition can do so that it doesn’t take over your life.”
For more information, visit www.MSLifelines.com or call (877) 447-3243.
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