Living with multiple sclerosis in Canada

Special to The Canadian

(NC) — Imagine waking up on a beautiful, warm and sunny summer day. You rise out of bed, open the curtains, walk to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee and decide to go for a long walk with your dog before taking your kids to soccer.

For most people, mornings can involve this much optimism and enthusiasm; however, for the estimated 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS), daily activities are not as easy to plan.

MS is a genetic disease of the spinal cord and brain. When an MS attack occurs, communication between the brain and other parts of the body is interrupted, resulting in symptoms like extreme fatigue, loss of balance, speech problems, short-term memory problems and even partial or complete paralysis.

Many MS patients claim fatigue is one of their most debilitating symptoms and they have to alter their lifestyle in order to cope with the limited amount of energy. Daily activities have to be restricted and simple tasks like trips to the supermarket or post office become cumbersome and straining.

Paulette O'Leary, 36, has been living with MS for over half of her life. At one point, a relapse left her without the use of her legs and numbness across the left side of her body. She tried a number of options before finding the one that worked for her. For Paulette, her current therapy has helped her gain her life back and live virtually free of disease. "I'm one of the lucky ones, but more people with MS need to understand that they are not helpless. Patients should talk to their doctors about all available options and take time to understand what healthcare options exist and what will work best for them."

Unfortunately some MS patients can only afford the treatment options that are publicly funded. Expanding provincial healthcare coverage for MS patients is critical.

Ask yourself, "What would happen if I was diagnosed with MS or another serious illness and I had no private health coverage?" Would you want other Canadians to stand up for your right to afford the most appropriate healthcare options for you?

You're not helpless.

Take some time to learn more about policy issues and what role you can play as an advocate. While you don't have to be an expert on MS treatment or the legislative process to be effective, it does help to understand the basics.

If you or someone you love is affected by MS and you want to help ensure all MS patients have coverage for the most appropriate treatments, you can show your support by checking out, LINK.

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