Globally, over 2.8 million people are living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Of those diagnosed, approximately 74% are women. This is an illustration image.
Image: Pexels/ Shvets Production
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects over 2.8 million people globally, with women making up approximately 74% of those diagnosed.
Yet, for many South Africans, the reality of living with MS remains a mystery. It’s a condition that often goes unnoticed, leaving those affected struggling with symptoms that can feel isolating and misunderstood.
Understanding MS is not just for those diagnosed - it’s for their families, friends, and communities, too. By raising awareness, we can support and empower those living with MS while breaking down the stigma and misinformation that surrounds it.
The Roche MS resource page shares six essential facts about MS that may change how you view this invisible illness:
1. The early symptoms of MS are often invisible, but they’re real
Imagine waking up one morning with blurry vision, unexplained fatigue, or numbness in your hands. These are some of the early symptoms of MS, and they’re easy to dismiss as stress or exhaustion.
But for those living with MS, these are signs of real neurological changes. Muscle weakness, clumsiness, balance issues, and even bladder problems are common early indicators.
Unfortunately, many people delay seeking help, brushing these symptoms off as everyday challenges. This delay can impact treatment outcomes.
2. MS primarily affects women, often during life’s most demanding years
MS doesn’t have a convenient timeline. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 20 and 50, the years when careers are built, families are started, and life feels most demanding.
3. Living well with MS means listening to your body
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to MS. For some, yoga or other low-impact exercises help manage symptoms. Others find solace in prioritising mental health, rest, or nutrition. The key is education and empowerment.
When you have access to the right information and resources, you can make choices that work for your unique journey. Listening to your body and adapting to its needs is the cornerstone of living well with MS.
4. Treatment options are advancing
While there’s no cure for MS, advancements in treatment are offering hope. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are designed to slow the progression of MS, reduce flare-ups, and improve long-term quality of life.
The journey doesn’t end with a diagnosis. Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals can dramatically improve outcomes.
5. Pregnancy and MS
For women with MS, pregnancy is not only possible but often very manageable. With the right medical support and planning, many women with MS go on to have healthy pregnancies and thriving children.
Today’s treatments and support systems mean that MS doesn’t have to be a barrier to motherhood. Each journey is deeply personal, and the right guidance can help navigate it successfully.
6. MS is not contagious or caused by stress
You can’t catch MS from someone, and while stress can make symptoms worse, it doesn’t cause the disease. It’s believed to be linked to a mix of genetics, environment, and possibly viruses. But science is still working on the exact cause.
Support makes all the difference
Living with MS can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Digital platforms like MyMSTeam, patient-driven campaigns, and local organisations are creating spaces to connect, share experiences, and access resources.
Support networks are vital. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or an online community, having people who understand and empathise can make the journey less lonely.
Even if you don’t know someone living with MS, chances are, you will encounter someone affected by it in your lifetime.
By understanding the condition, you empower yourself to offer support, compassion, and encouragement. And for those supporting loved ones with MS, your understanding and advocacy can make all the difference.