Who are the team members of the Multiple Sclerosis Program?
You and your family are at the center of this team. You may not require the services of all of these health professionals but should you need them they will plan your care with you according to your needs.
Your neurologist is there to evaluate your medical condition, establish a neurological diagnosis, suggest and monitor treatment and provide follow-up of any changes in your health condition. Also your neurologist is actively involved in therapeutic trials with the hope of developing new treatments and understanding of MS .On a day to day basis, he/she interacts and collaborates with the team members.
Your Clinical Nurse Specialists are concerned with how MS affects your biological, psychological, and social health. We are there to help you and your family to learn to live with and manage this disease. We are available to discuss issues of concern to you and your family and to help you find ways to cope with the illness experience. We also provide education on many aspects of MS and can help you and your family to link with community resources as needed.
Your physiotherapist can help you to plan an exercise program to strengthen your muscles, maintain your flexibility, and improve your balance, mobility and endurance. She/he can also assess whether you could benefit from bracing and/or walking aids in order to safely perform your daily activities.
Multiple sclerosis can affect your daily routines. Your occupational therapist can help you perform your activities of daily living at home, work or school. Some examples of activities of daily living are getting dressed, mobilizing, bathing, grooming, etc... Ways that your O.T. can help include giving you energy saving techniques to help with fatigue, suggesting adaptations, home services and safety advice, and giving you exercises to maintain your coordination and strength.
A diagnosis of MS may necessitate having to make , or adapt to life changes. Your social worker can provide support and counselling to you and your loved ones. She/he can discuss your concerns related to relationships, lifestyles, employment ,financial plans, insurance eligibility, etc.. and assist you and your family with decision making.
Why it is so important to have a family doctor
He/she is the one who manages your non-MS health issues such as general medical exams, treatment of cold, flues and other medical conditions. The family doctor could also collaborate with the MS team members to organize treatment of MS symptoms in your community if needed. For these reasons it is very important to have a family doctor.