Adjusting to life with NMO and MS

Laura Musambayi was diagnosed with NMO in 2018

• Upon diagnosis it is normal to panic. But don’t stay in the state of panic for long. Calm down: don’t make any rush decisions.
• Accept that you are sick. Do not live in denial. With proper management one can live a full life with MS or NMO.
• Surround yourself with a team: a neurologist, a physiotherapist, a counsellor, family, friends, and other social circles. Explain to those close to you what the diagnosis means and how they can be of support and help to you.
• Do not feel sorry for yourself: live life as you had intended to. But be cognizant of the fact that some undertakings may be impossible or risky: like driving under intense spasticity.

• When you make a commitment don’t forget to explain that you have NMO or MS and that in case of a relapse you may fail to meet expectations.
• If the disease renders you unable to perform at a job, costing you employment, think of pivoting into other areas like writing and speaking.
• Maintain an active lifestyle and eat a healthy balanced diet. Some patients of NMO/MS (like Laura) are left feeling awful when they consume too much sugar, wheat products, meat and alcohol.