Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies

by Rosalind C. Kalb, Nancy Holland RN EdD MSCN, Barbara Giesser

Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) doesn’t have to mean your life is over. Everyone’s MS is different and no one can predict exactly what yours will be like. The fact is, lots of people live their lives with MS without making a full-time job of it. MS for Dummies gives you easy to access, easy to understand information about what happens with MS—what kinds of symptoms it can cause, how it can affect your life at home and at work, what you can do to feel and function up to snuff, and how you can protect yourself and your family against the long-term unpredictability of the disease. You'll

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Reference

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2007

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about MS as my sister is dealing with an exacerbation of the disease. This was really a great book to learn a lot without being talked down to. My sister loved it so much that she went out and bought a copy for herself. Highly recommend to anyone with MS or anyone who knows someone with MS.

[Rachel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is an excellent reference for the newly diagnosed and their families. The chapter regarding mood, memory and cognitive change was interesting, but seemed unsupported. While I realize MS is considered an autoimmune illness with unknown causes, random courses and varying outcomes, I wish there had been a chapter or even pages dedicated to what can be expected, even in generalities or specific examples (for better or worse). Several chapters covered possible symptoms and exacerbations, but it would be nice to hear from individuals about their personal stories.

[Michele Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good overview of tips and resources for someone just starting out on this difficult journey. I like that a bit of humor is included and even the most difficult symptoms that many of us will not bring up to our doctors are discussed. Many resources included for additional information.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave much needed information in small doable amounts. When it started to get overwhelming, the humor definately helped. Shared it with family so that could pick it up and read the chapters they thought applicable. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for people newly dx with MS. Great for people who want to learn about ms, maybe they recently had a friend or family member DX with MS? Presents information in a non-scary way. Helped me when I was first diagnosed.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely thorough, I got this as a freebie from one of the drug companies. Good for a review and a reminder of some things that may have been forgotten. An excellent reference to refer back to.

[Michelle Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies is a practical, approachable guide for anyone newly diagnosed with MS, as well as their families and caregivers. True to the "For Dummies" brand, the book breaks down a complex medical condition into plain language without being condescending. It covers the basics of what MS is, treatment options, lifestyle adjustments, emotional coping strategies, and ways to advocate for yourself within the healthcare system.
What makes this book valuable is its balance of medical knowledge and everyday advice. The authors, who are experienced clinicians and MS specialists, explain medications, therapies, and symptoms in a way that’s easy to follow. At the same time, they don’t shy away from addressing tough topics like fatigue, cognitive changes, and long-term planning.
While the book isn’t a replacement for medical care, it works well as a foundation for understanding the condition and knowing which questions to ask doctors. Readers who prefer in-depth scientific detail may find it a bit light, but for those who want clarity and reassurance, it’s an excellent starting point.
Verdict: Accessible, supportive, and informative, Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies is a must-have primer for people at the beginning of their MS journey.

[Stella Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was living with MS for years before being officially diagnosed in 2021. I got annual MRIs, and I did not take any meds due to side effects. I had one flare up in 2021. My legs decided to a break, and I was numb from the waist down. I decided to try MS-4 from Uine Health Centre. The numbness and Muscle spasms went away after a couple of weeks, but it took almost 3 months to walk properly without a cane. In June, it will be four years without incident, and I am extremely happy that I made the decision to not take any meds and went for the MS-4 formula even though my neurologist got upset and one told me to quit my job because I will be disabled. Well, I am not disabled, I still refuse to take those meds, and I am doing just fine. Believe in yourself and go with your instincts. Doctors don't know it all. I’m surprised a lot of people with MS haven’t heard of the MS-4 protocol, I got the treatment from uinehealthcentre. com I am absolutely confident that this protocol offers a viable solution. I hope you find it helpful.

[shahd hazem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have multiple sclerosis or have a relative or friend suffering, thankfully. I'm just a curious pharmacy student who wanted to get educated on MS, and this book achieved exactly what I wanted it to. The book is divided into lots of sections starting from explaining the mechanism of the disease really simply to all the symptoms whether they were physical or mental ones and diving into the treatment, different aids and how the disease affects patients' different aspects in life and their surrounding friends and relatives. I can see how this book can be so useful for people with MS it literally gathers everything up and gives you all the resources you need while remaining funny and intuitive. I learned so much from this book, and I think the for Dummies books are just masterpieces. This was my first one, and I can't wait to read more about subjects I'm interested in.

[Cassie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joining the long list of ‘For Dummies’ Series is ‘Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies’. Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed (or the possibility of being diagnosed) with MS, and you don’t know where to start on looking into this mysterious disease, this is the book to pick up.

Beginning with a clear explanation of what MS is and then going into what happens in the body when going through an active period of this disease. From there, the symptoms of a flare up, medications approved for use, and side effects of those medications are covered. The book then finishes up with a lot of strategies to help a person with MS and their families to weather this unpredictable disease.

Covering all of the information that you could possibly want about MS, from the course of the disease to the realities of living with it. Written in common language with pains to be easily understood, this book is a great resource to give to anybody who is curious or affected by this disease.

Recommended to all who are teens or older, but there is a chapter that speaks of sexual issues that come with MS, so parents should go through it first to see if they approve.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having MS (Multiple Sclerosis), I like to know the rudimentary facts, treatments and understanding on how to live with a disease that keeps on "giving." I really liked this book. It was REAL. I encourage anyone with MS or is a caregiver for someone with MS to read this book. I still read it to this day and I have been living with MS for 10 years.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same information as most of the other MS books.

[Gareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for MS suffers that covers everything you need to know.

[Angie Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information about the disease for those recently diagnosed. The book is a little outdated but still lots of relevant things to be aware of.

[Björn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read.
Good advice & discussions.
A bit dated (2012) and parts only relevant to US.

[Isa Fernandes]

I was unable to finish this book. Got 50% through before anxiety got the best of me. Hopefully in the future I can come to terms with MS and use this to educate myself more.

[Kimberly Foulger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick reference, and easy read. Thorough info on symptoms but pretty basic. Good one to keep on the shelf. Unfortunately--no Canadian content so a lot of information had to be skipped over.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative, and offered a lot of valuable information. However, it was also a little out-dated. I'm actually surprised that the most recent edition was released in 2012. Some of the links referred to in the book didn't work, and since many new developments have been made specifically in regard to medications, I found myself not fully informed on a few chapters, and needed to do some further research.

Regardless, I learned a lot from reading it, and was very pleased with it overall.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for people who are newly DX with MS. It explains terms that you should know and what to expect. For my it was not that helpful because I had been dealing with MS for years before I picked up the book but for someone who just found out they have MS this is a great starter book to answer a lot of questions that you may have.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives information that you can use including an overview of all of the new drugs on the market. Also a good section about talking to your family about your illness. My favorite of the MS books on my list.

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with the thoroughness of this book about MS. Of course I didn't know much about the topic before so maybe it was written for people like me! This is the second edition so it's also nice to know that they're trying to keep the title current.

[Simon Purdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, what I read - but owing to the fact my mother, who had MS, went into hospital on the evening of the fourth of February, and died the morning of the fifth - I feel it was not possible for me to continue reading, it was too upsetting.

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very US-centric but still useful for people in other places. I listened to the audiobook (available at time of writing in the audible plus catalogue) and really appreciated the excellent reading by Xe Sands, whose warm and empathetic tone made some difficult bits very comforting.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful with a scary diagnosis; I suggest it for those who are newly diagnosed with MS.

[Jeanne Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for understanding MS.