What if someone doesn't want to talk about walking problems?
Talking about walking problems can be hard for some people with multiple sclerosis (MS). But it's important that the person you care for is able to talk to their healthcare team about how MS may be affecting how they walk.
Walking difficulties are common for many people with MS.8 And there might be options available that can help improve the walking of your loved one.8 You can start off a conversation by bringing up news about MS treatments or advancements in treating walking difficulties.
Here are some strategies for talking about walking difficulties:
- Start simple—tell the person you care for that you want the best for them, and that you have some questions about their walking. They might be waiting for an opportunity to admit they have concerns
- Ask if your loved one will take a walking self-assessment, then share it with their healthcare team
- Remember that your voice doesn't have to be the only one asking about walking. Suggest your loved one bring up any issues they're having with their healthcare team
- Establish your own relationship with your loved one's healthcare team. Make sure doctors know that you're there, and that you're able to help discuss sensitive issues
The Provider Discussion Guide can help you both.
One easy way to prepare for appointments, establish a dialogue, and make sure not to forget the important stuff, is to write down questions and concerns ahead of time. Using the Provider Discussion Guide—a free, printable checklist that you create—you can go to each appointment ready to get the information you need on behalf of the person you love.
And, as part of the Guide, your loved one can even take a simple assessment of their walking, which can help the healthcare team come up with the best treatment plan.
Provider Discussion Guide
Make a checklist of what to ask—
including a brief walking speed assessment.
own Guide
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