So, you're working on your checklist. You've decided on (or have started) a disease-modifying therapy, you've created a health care team, done your research, and created a support network. Now what? Planning for your future is your next most important step. You want to create a life full of hope and determination while keeping an eye on practical matters, such as financial planning, employment issues, and unanticipated surprises.

Dealing with Unpredictability

After hearing from your doctor that you have MS, one of the first pictures to cross your mind may have been a wheelchair. This is an all too common response, owed to various media images that have crossed our paths or because of the misconceptions about MS that exist in the minds of the general public. By now you've come to understand that the majority of people with MS remain mobile throughout their lives and that their life expectancy is on a par with the rest of the general population. And these days, therapies increase the chances that people with MS will live with little disability for longer times.

The reality is, however, that for most people, the DMTs don't completely stop relapses, and despite all of the good news in the MS arena, a percentage of people with MS face some type of disability. While you're sitting tight waiting for a cure, it's important to get a handle on your future. And while you may never need to access any of these safety nets, knowing that you're prepared brings peace of mind. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Understand the disease course of MS. A percentage of people with relapsing-remitting MS transition to a more progressive course within twenty-five years.

• Anticipate a change in your income. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. A good financial planner can help you strategize for the future, taking into account your assets, savings, and current expenses.

• Review your insurance plans. This is essential. Know the who, what, where, and why of your health care coverage, life insurance, and disability policies. In other words, read the fine print and ask questions now.

• Keep good records. That means filing all insurance claims, medical records, receipts, and prescriptions and any other paperwork pertaining to your condition.

• Assess your employment status. Your job security needs to be taken into account so you can better plan for the future. Is now the time to switch jobs? Change careers? Go back to school?

• Create a management team that can help you with any future issues, such as social security attorneys, financial planners, career counselors, or social workers.

• Know the laws in your state that apply to employment, health, and disability. The laws are there to protect you.

The field of MS research holds a lot of promise for those who are living with this illness, and for those who will be diagnosed in the years ahead. The past decade has uncovered new clues, diagnostic techniques and treatments — and the next ten years look even more promising. Staying one step ahead by doing your homework, communicating with your health care team, and setting realistic goals for yourself will help you to manage MS until the next generation of therapies — and hopefully a cure — comes to the forefront.