Back in 1999, a global panel categorized multiple sclerosis (or MS) into different types. One of the most common forms they identified was relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (or RRMS). This MS type is characterized as such in patients who experience periods of MS symptom flare ups marked with periods of stability in between relapses. These MS relapses can be best described as new and worsening symptoms that last longer than 48-hours and don’t occur as a result of an infection or fever.
Thankfully, healthcare providers offer several supportive tips for managing RMSS:

1. Keep a symptoms journal
One of the most effective things patients can do is to keep a journal of all symptoms. While it may seem tedious at first, this record offers several benefits. It can help to raise patient awareness as well as to identify triggers and trends. By creating a journal it will give you a higher sense of control over your body and treatment plan as symptoms may become more overwhelming. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that documenting symptoms can actually save patients money because it produces a more thorough history, which has the potential to eliminate unneeded medical testing.

2. Maintain a support call list
As a part of ongoing treatment solutions, most doctors recommend that MS patients should have a reliable support call list that consists of loved ones and expert support providers, such as Biogen Support Services. This is because of the numerous emotional rollercoasters patients feel as they move from feeling okay, to experiencing worse and different symptoms. A study published in PubMed.gov found that patients are more capable of coping with the symptoms of RMSS if they have a solid support system that they can call on in times of need.

3. Record medications and dosages
In some cases the symptoms experienced with RRMS may stem from a new treatment option, such as Vumerity (or diroximel fumarate, which is a popular oral medication prescribed for RRMS). Studies show that patients who fail to record drug dosages that they’re taking, are often not able to compare them to the symptoms they are experiencing, usually as a result of the new treatment. By recording the drug dosages, patients are better able to identify how their bodies react to each treatment option as well as specific new medication.

4. Talk to your employer
Living with RMSS can present a challenge when it comes to being at work everyday as scheduled. In some instances, severe symptoms may prove to be too overwhelming. While in other instances, patients may have to partake in physical therapy sessions during normal work hours. That is why most doctors recommend that patients make their employer aware of their condition, specifically a Human Resource Manager (if they have one at their place of employment). This way employer dialogue is open and transparent and HR can provide assistance to supportive resources, as well as provide work accommodations according to workplace rights should your condition affect your work performance or schedule.

5. Stock up on essentials in preparation of a relapse
MS relapses can occur at a moment’s notice. While you may not be able to stop them, you can do several things to be prepared for them. One of the things you can do is to stock up on items that you’ll need daily in case you can’t venture out safely to get them. Some of the essentials to stock up on may include water, pain relief medication, nighttime sleep aids, ready to eat frozen meals and shampoo and personal hygiene products.