can make the workplace challenging. You may feel overwhelmingly fatigued and weak, or you may experience vision problems. These symptoms can prevent you from completing your day-to-day responsibilities. But this doesn’t mean youA few adjustments to your work habits can go a long way toBeing honest with your employer and coworkers can also relieve your stress and lead to more workplace accommodations. A great first step is to simply be aware of your particular symptoms and their impact on your job. The symptoms of MS are caused by the disruption of the nerve signals in your body. immune system is mistakenly attacking the protective sheath or covering on your Here are just some of the common symptoms people with MS face: With the list of possible symptoms, it’s clear that people with MS could face challenges at work. before you stop, or even quit your current job, take time to think about your You’re not required by law
to tell your employer about your condition. This can be a very personal decision, but it also needs to be a practical one. There are several things you should think about, including: relationships with your employer, supervisors, and coworkers could play a major role in your decision to be open about your diagnosis. You may be concerned about being viewed as “handicapped” and treated differently. On the other hand, you may feel a sense of relief once you let people know what’s going on. coworkers may be an important source of help and support. You must consider your particular symptoms, their severity, and how they could impact your work. you keep your illness a secret, and your job performance drops, you could be disciplined, demoted, or even fired. Your employer won’t be able to offer you any accommodations to help you do your job. If you decide not to tell your employer, then you lose the chance of being protected by the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under the ADA, your employer cannot discriminate against you because of your disability. they cannot fire you, withhold promotions, decrease your pay, or treat you differently in any negative way due to your MS. Under the FMLA, you’re entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave to help you rest or recover due to a serious health condition that can affect your ability to do your job. Not all employers are subject to ADA and FMLA laws. Be sure to look into the laws and regulations to see if they apply to your employment situation. If you’re having difficulty at work, you should speak to your employer and request accommodations. your employer can then work together to find ways to help you perform yourThe Job Accommodation Network offers lots of information and ideas for adaptive devices and other accommodations. Some examples of work accommodations and adaptive devices that could help with MS include:
Your employer may even consider a remote working environment, allowing you to work from home part- or full-time. The most important thing is that you don’t make any major decisions right away. Many people with MS continue to work without any major problems. And many more are able to keep the jobs they enjoy by making a few changes to the way they work. and examine your situation from all angles, and then make the best decision forLiving and working with multiple sclerosis can be a real challenge. Luckily, the Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA for short) requires most employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to qualified disabled individuals. Reasonable accommodations are modifications to a job, employment practice or process, or a work environment to make it possible for you to successfully fulfill the duties of your job. (For general tips about requesting workplace accommodations, see Workplace Accommodations Under the Americans With Disabilities Act).
Since the ADA places the initial burden on the worker to inform his or her employer about the need for an accommodation, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible before speaking with your boss. First, you’ll want to consider exactly how your multiple sclerosis makes it more difficult for you to do your job. Which specific tasks are more problematic? Is it difficult for you to carry things due to upper extremity weakness? Is it difficult for you to see or read? Are you having trouble communicating or remembering work assignments? Does fatigue make it difficult for you to get through the day? It’s important to remember that not everyone with multiple sclerosis will experience the same limitations – and the degree of each limitation will also vary. Once you pinpoint the specific issues that are most problematic for you, it’s time to start brainstorming suggestions for improvements. What types of accommodations would best be able to reduce or eliminate your issues? Here are some general suggestions that may be useful for individuals living with multiple sclerosis to request:
Make sure you identify which issues – and which solutions – you think are most important before making an appointment to speak with your employer. For help brainstorming about your specific health/job situation, contact the Job Accommodation Network – a free, confidential, and personalized service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.Everyday Solutions are created by Everyday Health on behalf of our partners. More Information Home Fixes for Multiple Sclerosis ManagementMaking a cup of coffee. Cleaning up around the house. Once simple tasks can become daily hurdles when you have multiple sclerosis.If your home isn't set up for you to easily navigate during your everyday routines, it may be part of the problem. Certain MS environmental modifications — changes to make your home living environment more comfortable — can help. MS Management Makeover No. 1: Your Bedroom"Rearrange things so you have a straight shot to your bed," says Kathleen Matuska, PhD, OTR/L, director of the occupational therapy program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn.Depending on the severity of your MS, you may also want to consider MS adaptive devices that can be installed next to your bed and include grab bars and blocks to stand on
Also, take a good look at your closets and dresser drawers to eliminate unnecessary items. Place items you use most often within easy reach. MS Management Makeover No. 2: Your BathroomAlways pay extra attention to safety in the bathroom. Consider installing grab bars to help you get up from the toilet and maintain your balance in the tub or shower. This is smart even if your MS isn't severe because balance problems and weakness can unexpectedly occur, Matuska says. A bench in your shower or tub will enable you to comfortably sit, and a handheld shower nozzle will let you maintain control of the water. MS Management Makeover No. 3: Your KitchenMatuska's advice for the kitchen? Keep your everyday bowls, plates, and cups on one easy-to-reach shelf that doesn't require any stooping or bending. Place items you use only once a year in higher or lower cabinets. Have a lightweight handcart in or near the room so you don't have to carry items in your hands. Another great item to have in the kitchen is a stool, so you can comfortably sit while preparing meals.
Also consider buying workhorse kitchen appliances such as a stand mixer, blender, and food processor that'll make preparing meals quicker and easier. MS Management Makeover No. 4: Your Living RoomUse seat and back cushions that are firm and thick so that you don't have to bend as much to sit or struggle to stand up. "Make it so you can get up and down easily," Matuska says. Place a small side table — perhaps a TV tray — next to your favorite seat to keep your phone, TV remote control, and any other essentials handy.In addition, use light bulbs that are at least 100 watts. multiple sclerosis can affect your vision, yet Matuska often finds the homes of her MS patients are too dark. MS Management Makeover No. 5: Your Dining Room and Home OfficeMake sure light bulb wattage is high enough in these rooms as well. Watch out for glare coming through windows — this can be a falling hazard if it interferes with your vision, warns Matuska. Anti-glare treatments are available for windows and shades.
Make sure chairs are easy to navigate. A seat cushion on both your office and dining chairs can minimize straining when getting on and off. MS Management Makeover No. 6: Your GarageIf there are just one or two steps to your garage, install a handrail for support. Eliminate any clutter along the path to your car, and always have your garage door opener close at hand, Matuska says. Keep your garage floors clean and clear to avoid any fall risk. If you're considering a move to a new house, consider one with a garage larger than you think you need to give yourself more room to maneuver. MS Management Makeover No. 7: Your Cleaning ClosetTo simplify daily chores, invest in equipment that minimizes bending as well as physical exertion. Examples are housecleaning items like a steam cleaner and a long-handled mop or vacuum. These cleaning tools can help you eliminate clutter, which will reduce your risk of falls. A September 2013 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that falls are most likely to occur in those with MS simply from walking, turning, and moving between positions.