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I've Just Been Diagnosed With MS...
what should I do now? 
Put your MS healthcare team together: 
MS is difficult to correctly diagnose and treat, so you want anyone you see for your MS to know a LOT about MS.  Your team might consist of one or more of the following for your MS healthcare team (primary care physician, neurologist, urologist, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, dietitian, case manager, psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc.) Not everyone is lucky enough to live close to a Multiple Sclerosis Center (which is one of the primary reasons we started this virtual MS Center), so you might not always be able to see a someone who specializes in MS. Here are some tips and resources:
  • To find MS specialists in your area, you can use this link to the National MS Society by typing in your zip code: National MS Society
  • A great place to start looking for a physical therapist in your area is through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) specialists website.  Check out their website for someone with a Neurologic Certified Specialist designation (NCS). APTA
  • Or find a physical therapist in the area who is an MS Specialist (MSCS).  To find one, go to MSCS, this is the website of The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.  Click on "contact us", fill out the form and ask to be connected with a physical therapist who is an MS Specialist in your area. 
  • If you are depressed or in need of counseling, you can use the link to the National MS Society previously mentioned, or you can use HELP PRO or Psychology Today (again, try to seek out a psychiatrist or counselor that has experience with people that have multiple sclerosis.)
  • Get moving! Exercise is an important component to fighting fatigue and maintaining and improving balance and strength. Contact Daryl Kucera for exercise programs you can do virtually from your home or anywhere. Find out more at 
    http://www.powerforward.energy/
    Phone:     402-330-6292
    E-mail: powerforward8802@gmail.com
     ​
Utilize the HealthCare Journey Virtual MS Center if you live in an area where there are no healthcare providers who specialize in MS. If this is the case, find the best physician you can in your area and use our Virtual MS Center to get your questions answered by MS specialists. Your healthcare providers can ask questions too!
Learn about the different treatments for MS so you can effectively discuss them with your physician: READ MORE 
Store your own Medical Images READ MORE
Properly prepare for every doctor visit: READ MORE
Learn about insurance coverage (if you can't afford medications, there are groups and pharmaceutical companies that can help): READ MORE
Understand and Help Manage symptoms: READ MORE
Learn about potential changes personally and professionally: READ MORE
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Still have questions?  Use our Virtual MS Center