Personal Impact: Multiple Sclerosis Nbiyea N. Conley
University of Phoenix
NUR/427

Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a chronic as well as progressive disease of the central nervous system. MS effects primarily women, between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is not a curable disease and the exact cause is unknown. It has been shown that Multiple Sclerosis has a major connection with genetics, environment, pathogens and vitamin D deficiencies. There are four types of Multiple Sclerosis relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis. My sister whom is 20 years old was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in January of 2015. She simply took a shower one day and couldn’t determine the temperature of the water on her right side. She has never been one to complain so there was a definite concern from my entire family. Her gait remained steady, she has not has any falls at home. So my mother and I which are both nurses wrote it off as just general fatigue cause by her college final exams. After visit to the emergency room, spinal taps, MRIs and series of other test it was confirmed she had Multiple Sclerosis. I can remember the day the neurologist confirmed the diagnosis and that she had lesions on her brain. She looked at my mother and said “I have always tried to be a good person, why is this happening to me”. Since her diagnosis a series of things have had to be modified in order for her to live with her new diagnosis. One of the major ones is staying cool. Avoiding hot tubs, hot showers and warmer climates as these things could easily trigger MS symptoms. Being a young college student this spring break she spent at home as the concern was there in regards to her going to a spring break destination with friends and ending up sick because of it. Ayana my sister has always maintained a spot on the dean’s list and stressed herself to no ends in regards to making perfect grades and volunteering. She can no longer place so much stress on herself in the name of a grade as stress is also a MS trigger. Due to her age some resistance has been met in regards to education and compliance. No 20 year old wants to be faced with a chronic illness that can change every aspect of life. Diet changes had to be made. Less fast food, emphasis on nutrients and food that will aid in fighting fatigue. Support groups where Multiple Sclerosis could be seen from the perspective of young black women her age that where experiencing the same things in life, some whose conditioned improved and some which had worsened. Support groups helped her to become more accepting in regards to medical advice and education. Another means of patient education received was weekly education in the form of homecare which came along with medication administration. Homecare nurses took advantage of each session to provide education in all forms pamphlets, videos, demonstration and discussion. As well as encourage her to do her own research in order to know everything there is to know about her diagnosis. Educating herself in regards to her diagnosis led to a sense of empowerment and confidence. It seems when patients are aware of the needs they may have related to his/or her disease they advocate for themselves and are also more likely to be compliant. They are also very aware of the issues that may arise from non-compliance so are less likely to be non-compliant. In this particular age group the thoughts of peer groups still weight heavily on decision making. So any new diagnosis that causes a difference leads to a huge risk from no compliance. Things as simple as appropriate parking for people with disabilities. Teens and young adults might be less likely to utilize this parking due to fear of what other peers may think or assume about them. It is imperative that this particular group be given the opportunity for counseling if needed. Diagnosis of a chronic illness can cause depression, counseling can determine if there is a need for pharmacological interventions. Research has proven that patients that are educated on their illness have a better outcome. In 1977 in at a hospital in Minnesota something known as the MS program was put in place. The MS program is an education program for patients with new diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. In the program which is all based on patient education on current symptoms as well as possible future outcomes caused by multiple sclerosis. The patients are even issued a workbook with short chapters and easy to understand verbiage. It was found that 90% of the patients that participate in the Multiple Sclerosis program minimize long term symptoms. This form of education allots for a formal environment for education which is beneficial for some learners. People are less likely to retain information received while in the hospital as this is a stressful environment. Emory University has a MS clinic and a MS program similar to the one offered in Minnesota. The class has been so beneficial for many there is a waiting list to attend. Since my sisters attendance she is much more receptive and responsible in regards to her diagnosis. She recently researched and purchased a portable cooling vest so she may participate in any family outing during the summer months. All chronic illnesses pose stress on the patient diagnosed as well as the families involved. It is important to provide continued support as needed to any individual diagnosed with a chronic life changing condition.

References
Burke, T., Hooper, K., Barlow, S., & Hatter, L. (2013). Multiple sclerosis. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 21(5), 30-33. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1459391898?accountid=35812
Fair, L. (1986). Innovative approaches to multiple sclerosis education. Patient Education and Counseling, 8(4), 419-422.