Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Living well with multiple sclerosis

Pacing yourself, staying active and knowing your triggers can help you live well with MS.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 1 minute read

On this page
  1. Fatigue
  2. Heat
  3. Exercise
  4. Healthy living
  5. Pregnancy
  6. Driving
  7. Support

Fatigue

MS fatigue is not like normal tiredness. Plan your day, pace yourself, take rests before you need them, and prioritise what matters.

Heat

Heat, from hot weather, hot baths or exercise, can make symptoms worse for a while. Cooling vests, fans and cool drinks help.

Exercise

Exercise is safe and helps strength, balance, fatigue and mood. A physiotherapist can suggest what suits you.

Healthy living

  • stop smoking, as smoking can make MS progress faster
  • eat a balanced diet
  • ask your team about vitamin D

Pregnancy

Many people with MS have children. Talk to your team before trying for a baby, as some treatments need to be stopped or changed.

Driving

You must tell the DVLA if you have MS. Many people can carry on driving, sometimes with adaptations.

Support

The MS Society and MS Trust both have free helplines and information.

Sources we used

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