Tips for living with MS - saving time and energy

The saying 'every little helps' is certainly true in the case of MS. Small changes to the way you do things can add up to make a huge difference to how you get through the day.

These are useful tips from people who live with MS:

In the home

Fit a jar/bottle opener beneath a wall mounted kitchen cupboard. This requires very little strength to use
Wear rubber gloves if you have trouble opening jars and bottles. Wind thick rubber bands round pens, pencils and door handles to make them easier to grip
Sit on a bar stool while you do chores in the kitchen and attach a plastic bag for food rubbish to avoid numerous trips to the bin
Buy small cartons of fruit juice with straws attached. They are easy to carry from the fridge if you use crutches and, even better, create no washing-up!
Conserve your energy whenever possible. If you have to go upstairs to use the bathroom, save up other chores that need doing upstairs, to avoid having to make separate journeys. Also, keep duplicate cleaning materials upstairs and downstairs
Buy a laundry bag so that you can drag washing to the machine rather than having to carry it
Make use of Meals on Wheels - it's not just for older people! If you have access to a computer, shop online for food and clothes. There is now a great choice available and you can try clothes on at your leisure
The Internet can be a lifeline for anyone who is feeling isolated or who needs access to information or services. AbilityNet can help if your hands are weak
An electric toothbrush is often easier to use than a manual one
Cool water is generally better for symptoms than hot. When you take a bath or shower, start with tepid water and reduce the heat gradually
If you have loss of feeling in your hands, invest in a water thermometer to avoid scalding yourself
If closing your eyes makes you dizzy, wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes when washing your hair in the shower
Opt for practical rather than fashionable clothing and footwear. Velcro fastenings are much easier to manage than fiddly buttons, zips and laces. If you use a wheelchair, a sarong - or a kilt! - can be a sensible alternative to a skirt or trousers, keeping you cool and making it easier to go to the loo
When family and friends telephone, ask them to leave the phone ringing for longer to allow you time to answer. Also, invest in an answer-machine or use the free BT 1571 service
If you struggle to pick something such as a piece of paper up from the floor, wet your fingers and you will find it easier to manage

Out and about

If you tend to be forgetful, pin a list to your coat or bag to remind you what you need when you go out
Use rucksacks or back packs rather than hand-held bags - they leave both hands free and don't throw you off balance
Key contact details of friends and neighbours onto your mobile phone so that you can call for help if the need arises
Don't be embarrassed to go to the front of the queue for the disabled toilet when, as usual, everyone else is using it!

Pacing yourself

Prioritise tasks into those that are essential and those that can wait. Divide one major task into two more manageable jobs
Get to know your limitations and work out a regime that suits you
Save your energy for what you can do rather than struggling with tasks you find difficult - delegate these to other people!
Listen to your body. Rest when you need to and learn to adapt to life at a slower pace. It can be helpful to divide the day into three parts: be active in two of them and rest well in the third
Don't be tempted to overdo it if you are having a good spell - you might pay the price in a day or two!
If you have a big event coming up, prepare for it by getting as much rest as possible beforehand

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