MS Society
The MS Society is great for finding local resources and events. They will send newsletters on clinical trials and such, but I find that MSIF does better in that arena. I believe the MS society is great for connecting you with people, doctors, facilities and fundraisers. It is great to take part in funding research and to be in touch with people nearby. They will be able to give you a first hand perspective on their doctor and the local resources.
For example, The Cleveland Clinic is one of the best hospitals in the country, but their Mellon Center for MS is in an old, run down building. When I was sitting in the waiting room, which consisted of 30 chairs in an open, dark hallway with plastic sheeting mysteriously hanging everywhere, I was left feeling like I was just another head of cattle. Add that to the fact that you will only be seen by one of their neurologists on your initial visit or when you have disease progression – the following regular appointments are just a visit with the staff RN – and suddenly the national awards and ratings don’t seem to matter as much.
It is good to know the reality of the neurologist visit and there is no better way to know that than from someone who has been there. Networking is key and the MS Society is great for that. On a side note, I used to live in Seattle and the Swedish Medical Center is great. Dr. Repovic provided me with the best care I have ever had; I thrived under his care.
Forums
Forums like this one, MS New Life Outlook, are another great source of information. I was initially drawn to New Life Outlook because this site is great at looking at MS from a more human perspective. I swear, if I have to read another article about how someone has lost the ability to do everything they love but is "still happy" I am going to lose my mind.
Nothing annoys me more than reading about how people are battling this disease but they are "just fine" and "never looked back". The old, "I was upset at first but I didn’t want to let MS get me down, so I got over it." That is a total line of you know what, and it sounds trite to all of us real people, who realize that this is a disease that taunts you on a regular basis and getting upset about it from time to time is a natural and healthy reaction.
This site is great because people like me have the chance to put a real spin on this disease without projecting onto you the need to suck it up and act all pollyanna. Reality is important in every situation. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that can really bend your entire reality, so I find it particularly necessary to remain real at all costs while swimming in its wake.
Whatever Makes You Happy
Finally, the best multiple sclerosis resources are whatever makes you happy. I hop from one thing to another for information and coping mechanisms. Through the years, I have realized that there is information all around that can help us carve out a better experience within our new parameters.
I regularly read books on clean living and yoga. I do this because, for me, eating healthy makes me feel better and practicing yoga adds to that experience. Tiffany Cruikshank is my favorite yoga instructor on yogaglo.com and her book “Optimal Health for a Vibrant Life” was wonderful for getting me started on my path towards health and wellness. Yes, I am one of those clean eating, exercise addicts, but that is what floats my boat and makes me feel good.
Find the things that make you feel centered and good in life. There are plenty of resources out there to binge on!
