A management plan is a like a written instruction booklet that will assist you in seeing the big picture — treatment strategies, goals, and coping strategies are all part of the plan. Throughout this book, it's been suggested that you keep careful track of your medical records as well as using journals and calendars to record your feelings and thoughts, important appointments, and medication routines. In the same notebook, or perhaps a separate one, it is useful to outline your management plan so that you can turn to it when you need to identify a problem and decide best how to deal with it. Of course, your neurologist is the best person to guide you, but a management plan can help you stay on track. A good management plan will include the following components.

Goals

Make a list of goals you'd like to achieve, such as an exercise regimen or a nutritional plan. Also outline how you can best achieve these goals, such as joining a gym or enlisting the help of a nutritionist. Give yourself some time to implement a task but pinpoint a “do date.”

Treatment

An outline of your treatment plan is helpful in managing your treatment goals. For example, if you're on one of the disease-modifying therapies, outline your injection schedule and list any questions or concerns you have for the neurologist. If injection-site problems are an issue, list it under side effects. For every concern you face, have a plan to address it and decide whom you should address it to.

Symptom Management

Keep a symptoms list with a strategy on how to manage each one. For example, if leg weakness has become an issue, you may want to talk to your neurologist about getting some physical therapy. Your goal here is to address and strategize each and every aspect of the disease that needs your attention.

Emotional Health

Keep track of your emotional health, too. Sometimes people get so bogged down in the myriad of details and appointments that they forget how important their psychological health is to their well-being. You may want to take note of your moods and identify stressors in your life. Have a strategy in mind to deal with your mental health issues, such as locating a therapist or someone who can help you alleviate stress.

A management plan is a good way to strategize the problems associated with a chronic illness. Your goal is to be organized and proactive when dealing with your health. If organization isn't your strength, get some help from a family member or a social worker.