With being diagnosed with MS, comes a lot of new doctors, nurses, office managers, insurance agents, drug companies, and so forth. You are going to have contacts you did not even know you needed until now. They are now all part of your Health Care Team! They are all a vital part of your health care needs and important resources to have.

Here is some advice to organize your new team information and resources.

1. Get yourself a binder, and get the biggest one you can because you are going to need it. Purchase dividers and folders for it to be organized. If you do not want to use a binder, file folders in a filing cabinet work just as well. As long as you keep them organized too.
2. In the beginning of your binder or folders, write down all your contact information for your new Health Care Team. Write down all your doctors name’s, addresses, phone numbers, emails, contact person, and emergency number to call. Write down all your insurance information, including the number, insurance phone number, group number, and id number. They will always ask you for this information. Write down your drug company’s phone number, id number, and name of all medications from them. Also, their hours of operation so you know ahead of time when to call.
3. Keep all EOB ( explanation of benefits) from your insurance company on file so you have a reference to them.
4. Keep all bills together in groups of where they are paid to. Also, when paying the bill, if paying by check, write down the date you wrote the check, the check number, and how much you paid for future reference if needed. Ifpaid online, write down the date in which you make the online payment and the amount. This all will help in the event of a missing payment or uncertain statement charge.
5. Keep all contact information for your other Health Care Team contacts like massage therapists, physical therapists, counselors, and so forth. Having all the right information at the tip of your fingers is crucial to your health. And less stress!
6. Bring a notebook to every appointment. Have questions or concerns written down before each appointment so you do not forget to ask. Also, write down the information the doctors share with you so you can refer back to it when you get home. Doctor appointments can be overwhelming at times and a lot of information is thrown at you all at once. So be prepared, take notes, and you will be fine.
7. Tell a family member, loved one, roommate, whoever is around you the most, where this Health Care Team information is located. Just in case in the event you cannot get to it, they know where to go to help you out right away.

So there you have it. Welcome to this new team that will only benefit you in the long run and who wants you to be the healthiest you can be. It will take some time and work to get all organized, but make sure you do this step for yourself and your health!

This is crucial to your well being. And like everything with having MS, it is not going to be easy to do and happen over night. But, you have to do it. Your health is now going to be your first priority in life. It trumps over your job, your relationships, your hobbies, your social life, and everything in between. If you are not healthy, then things in life that you want and do are going to be achievable. I know this may sound harsh, but people that is now your reality. You have to take care of yourself from here on out. No excuses!

Each day you wake up, after thanking God for the day, take an evaluation of how your body feels. Is something in pain, is something numb, is something weak, are you emotionally drained? Then base your day and activities on what you are feeling. If you are feeling great, fantastic! Do not overdue it and know your limits. And again, thank God for this great day! If something is in pain or bothersome, take action on how you are going to cope with the condition, how you are going to make your day easier, and know what to do to get yourself stronger. It is going to be an everyday, 365 days a year job, to put your health first and stick to taking care of yourself. You are worth doing this and for those who love and care about you, they want this for you too.

Some people may not understand why you may not be able to do something or attend an event like you usually would. But you have to remember, they are not the ones fighting MS. You are, and if they cannot accept that you are taking care of yourself, you do not need them in your life. Again, harsh, but true. Surround yourself with those who will inspire you to be the healthiest and best you can be.

Find the time to make your meals up ahead that are healthy and nutritious to your body. Eat the foods that will give you more strength and power to keep on fighting. Exercise to your own body’s health limits. And do it as many days a week as you can. With again, not overdoing it. Know what your body is feeling that day, and plan your exercise according to what is strong and what is weak that day. Always remember to stay cool when exercising so have plenty of cold water with you at all times. Do your exercising when it fits in with your schedule and no excuses with this. Put your health and yourself first!

I had a somewhat hard time with this concept as well. I love my job and love what I do but when I was first diagnosed, I still worked as much as I could. I never slowed down with my work schedule and my social life schedule. It wasn’t till I was not getting stronger that things had to change. My doctor told me I was at about 95% of doing all that I can, but to slow down a bit more would help. My new mantra in life became “If you do not take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.” I want to take care of others, take care of my clients, and take care of my life. So, I am going to do just that!