My Action Plan for MS: Weathering the Storms

If you live with Multiple Sclerosis, you know that flares will happen — sometimes when you least expect them.

They can sneak up quietly or come crashing in like a storm, throwing your plans and peace of mind right out the window.

That’s why having an action plan matters. Because when chaos hits, a plan gives you a little bit of calm in the middle of it all.

When the Waters Get Choppy

A flare-up simply means your symptoms are flaring — getting worse or more intense for a period of time. For some, that might mean a few uncomfortable hours; for others, it could drag on for days, weeks, or even months.

MS flares are unpredictable. Pain, brain fog, fatigue, vertigo, migraines, and mobility issues can show up anywhere, anytime. Even in remission, there’s still the dance of planning around medications, treatments, and energy levels.

I’ve learned to work with my MS, not against it. I do my chores and daily tasks before 1:00 PM because I know that after that, my energy tank runs dry. Brain fog and balance issues tend to set in — and once they do, productivity is off the table.

Letting Go of Control (and My Planner)

I used to thrive on schedules. I even worked in a job that revolved around organizing and planning — a dream come true for a control freak like me. But MS doesn’t care about calendars.

These days, I live one day at a time. Sometimes one hour at a time. And while that used to frustrate me, I’ve learned that flexibility doesn’t mean giving up — it means adapting.

My Action Plan

Here’s what I do when MS tries to steer the ship:

I’m Honest With My Loved Ones

I don’t sugarcoat how I’m feeling. My family and I have an agreement that I’ll tell them when something’s off. Sometimes they notice before I do — and that’s okay. We keep communication open and real.

I Listen to My Body

I keep notes on my phone about what makes my symptoms better or worse. It helps me spot patterns and figure out if I’m dealing with a relapse or just an old symptom flaring up.

If symptoms last more than two days, my neurologist gets a call. Often that means bloodwork or a urine test to rule out infection before blaming MS. Not every symptom is the disease talking — and it’s important to treat what’s actually going on.

I’m the CEO of My Own Health

I manage my treatment plan like it’s my job — because it is. I stay open to adjusting medications or routines when needed. Taking ownership helps me feel a bit more in control, even when my body isn’t cooperating.

I Practice Self – Compassion

When a flare hits, I give myself permission to rest.

Sometimes that means curling up with my electric blanket and watching something mindless. Other days, it’s meditation through Insight Timer, YouTube, or Chopra.

I remind myself that the only person putting pressure on me — is me.

I Nourish My Body and Mind

I double down on the good stuff: smoothies, veggies, hydration, and positive reading.

I let myself feel the hard emotions — frustration, fear, sadness — but I don’t let them unpack and stay.

I find joy wherever I can: singing loudly (and off-key), wandering through my garden, or cooking something comforting in my kitchen — my happy place.

I am Choosey of Where To Spend My Energy

Over-committing is my fast track to burnout, so I try to protect my time and peace.

My family and friends understand when I cancel — they know nobody is more disappointed than I am.

I’ve also let go of relationships that bring more stress than support. That’s not selfish — that’s survival.

I Ask for Help ( and Try Not to Feel Guilty About It)

This one’s tough.

It’s easy to ask someone to grab a glass of water, but harder to ask for help with groceries, wrapping gifts, or chores.

Sometimes I board the shame train for asking, but I remind myself that balance will come back. When I can do more, I will.

I Hold Onto Faith & Hope

Research is advancing. Treatments are improving. And tomorrow just might be better than today.

Hope keeps me grounded when everything else feels uncertain.

Final Thoughts

These are my coping strategies — they may not all work for you, but I hope they spark ideas for your own plan.

When the winds of illness threaten to blow you off course, remember: you’re not alone. There’s a whole tribe of us out here, paddling through the same waters.

MS may have changed the way I sail, but it hasn’t changed who I am.

It’s simply taught me to steer more carefully — and to celebrate the calm, quiet moments when they come.

We are capable of weathering the storm.

Bonus: Comfort Food For the Soul

Now, let’s end on something delicious — because comfort food is always part of my recovery plan!

During our son and his fiancée’s last visit, we made Smoked Burnt Ends Pork Belly, and it turned out amazing. It’s rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Pair it with Sweet Skillet Cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that makes everyone happy.

👉 Get the cornbread recipe here.

If you try it, let me know how it turns out — I’d love to hear your take!