Living Well With MS: How to Slow Progression & Reduce Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. live with multiple sclerosis (MS). This autoimmune disease causes your body to misidentify and attack the protective cover around your nerves known as myelin. The damage can cause muscle weakness, vision changes, numbness and memory problems.

Anyone can develop MS, a chronic autoimmune disease that's three times more common among women. MS can appear at any age, but symptoms often begin between the ages of 25 and 40.

An MS diagnosis can be scary. You may wonder what your life is going to look like in the long term.

"At the time of diagnosis, most of our patients are people who have just graduated or about to get married or have their first child," says Dr. Abdul Alchaki, a neurologist at Houston Methodist who specializes in MS. "Many are young with big dreams, and then they get this diagnosis and feel hopeless, like all their dreams are gone.

But as stressful as the diagnosis can be, Dr. Alchaki says there is more hope — and effective treatments — than ever before.

"I tell patients that while we can't ignore MS, we often can control it, so they barely remember they have it," Dr. Alchaki says. "The first year can be very stressful. But when I see them in the clinic the second year and after, they usually are smiling. Patients tell me, 'You were right, I'm still doing everything I want!'"

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatment for the disease has improved dramatically over the past decade. Whether you've lived with MS for years or are newly diagnosed, doctors at Houston Methodist can help you slow the disease progression, manage your symptoms and live your best life.

What is my life expectancy if I have multiple sclerosis?

While there is no cure, multiple sclerosis is not considered a fatal disease. A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with MS, on average, lived to be 75.9 years old while those without MS lived to an average age of 83.4 years old.

A couple of decades ago that gap was much bigger. Fortunately, therapies today are much better, and MS can be diagnosed earlier, when treatment is more effective.

However, people with MS are more vulnerable to certain complications or conditions that can result in death. These can include heart disease, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections. The risk of these complications can vary depending on the severity and type of MS.

There are three main types of multiple sclerosis:

• Relapsing-remitting: RRMS is the most common type. People have periodic attacks of symptoms that then partly or completely fade away.
• Secondary progressive: Some people with RRMS go on to have this type, in which symptoms get progressively worse and are unlikely to dissipate for periods of time.
• Primary progressive: About 10%-15% of people with MS will get this type, which sees neurologic function worsen as soon as symptoms appear.

How do advanced treatments affect life with MS?

"There really is no general 'best treatment' for MS," Dr. Alchaki says. "The best treatment for my 8 a.m. patient is not going to be the same treatment I recommend to my 9 a.m. patient. We look at each person individually and ask: What type of MS do they have? Are they planning for pregnancy? How is their immune system? What is their job? And then we come up with the best personalized treatment plan."

Dr. Alchaki says disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), however, have been a game changer in improving life expectancy and quality of life for many people with MS. DMTs, which are administered as oral medications, injections or infusions, can:

• Reduce how often patients have a relapse
• Slow the progression of the disease
• Prevent new MS lesions from forming on the brain and spinal cord

"These new treatments can prevent a new lesion in 99% of MS patients," Dr. Alchaki says. "They are very effective. We now have the confidence to tell a patient, 'We can't cure your MS, but we can stop it.'"

In addition to treating the underlying cause of MS, there are many effective treatments to manage symptoms of the disease. These can include:

• High-dose corticosteroids to treat acute flare-ups and reduce inflammation
• Muscle relaxants to alleviate spasticity and stiffness
• Physical and occupational therapy to enhance your mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks
• Mental health support and counseling to address depression, anxiety and other emotional effects of MS
• Medications for cognitive symptoms and fatigue

One thing that DMTs can't do, unfortunately, is reverse damage that has already been done. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is particularly important for MS — we want to prevent damage before it occurs. (Related: What Are the First Signs of Multiple Sclerosis?)

Dr. Alchaki encourages patients not to delay getting treatments such as DMTs due to their price tags. He and his team work with insurance companies and assistance programs so patients can get the treatment they need. In addition to existing treatments, Houston Methodist is an international leader in neurology research and clinical trials that offer patients early access to brand-new treatments, often at no cost to eligible patients.

What can I do to live well with MS?

There's no doubt that MS symptoms can be frustrating and unpredictable. However, with expert care, you can lead a full and active life with MS.

"It's not uncommon for patients to tell me that they sometimes forget they have MS, or that their colleagues don't even know they have it," Dr. Alchaki says. "They get the jobs they want and go on to have children. They're living fulfilling lives and achieving their goals."

Along with medical treatment, practicing a healthy lifestyle can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Following these tips can improve your quality of life with MS:

• Not using tobacco products – Smoking has been linked to faster progression of MS symptoms
• Eating nutritious meals – A well-balanced diet can regulate the immune system and promote overall health
• Practicing good sleep habits – MS can cause sleep problems, including insomnia, frequent nighttime urination, narcolepsy and leg spasms
• Being active – Regular, moderate exercise can improve mobility, strength and mental health, and reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease and respiratory problems

Coping with a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis can be emotionally and mentally draining. MS also can affect your mood and memory. Working with a therapist or psychologist can be an essential part of managing the condition. You may also want to join an MS support group to connect with peers and exchange ideas and information.

See an expert for MS care

Because early symptoms of MS can be vague and inconsistent, many people delay seeking care. This is especially concerning because we know that MS patients who are treated earlier have much better outcomes and fewer disabilities.

You know your body best. If something odd is happening, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about it. And if they don't listen to you, find another provider. Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition, and you want to find a care team that will be with you throughout your journey.

"I see the same patients year after year," Dr. Alchaki says. "I get to know not only the patient, but also their family, their kids, their support team. It's very rewarding to have such long, lasting relationships with my patients."