Discharge Instructions for Multiple Sclerosis

Activity

Do's and don'ts: 

• Get plenty of rest. Extreme tiredness is a common symptom of MS.

• Plan your activities in advance so you won't get too warm.

• Stay out of excessive heat.

• Use a cane or other aid to help you get around and save your energy, if needed.

• Try stretching. It can help ease stiff muscles.

• Exercise. Aerobic exercise may help your strength, muscle tone, balance, and coordination. A physical therapist can help you learn which exercises are safe for you.

• Try swimming. This exercise may not increase your temperature. Don't swim alone.

Other home care

More do's and don'ts: 

• Take your medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Don’t skip doses.

• Don't soak too long in hot tubs or hot baths. It could make your muscles become weak. Don’t get in a hot tub unless there’s someone nearby who can pull you out if needed.

• Move into a cooler place for a few hours if you get too hot and your symptoms get worse. This will help you return to normal.

• Put an air conditioner in a window or elsewhere in your home if you don’t already have one.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking vitamins. If you have trouble swallowing, ask what foods you should eat and what not to eat.

• Prevent constipation. To do this:

  • Eat a diet high in fiber.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless directed otherwise.

  • Use an over-the-counter laxative as directed by your provider.

• Let your healthcare provider know:

  • About any pain you're having

  • About any sexual issues you're having

  • If you laugh or cry for no reason (such as crying when you're really happy)

  • If you feel sad or depressed

  • If you lose control of your urine (incontinence)

  • Your provider may tell you about other things to look out for depending on what medicines you take.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider as advised.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Extreme tiredness or increasing weakness

• Confusion or unusual behavior

• New nervous system symptoms, such as weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs

• Double vision or loss of vision

• Trouble urinating or a change in the color or odor of your urine

• Fever over  100.4°F ( 38°C)