Information sheets

There is a wealth of information available about multiple sclerosis on the internet, however not all material is credible or tested and should not be taken as fact. Please speak to a medical professional first before making any changes to a treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Below is a small selection of trusted resources published by Multiple Sclerosis Australia, as well as links to other useful websites.

Information about MS

	MS The Mystery Disease A detailed overview of multiple sclerosis including how MS is diagnosed, physical and psychological symptoms and medical management. Download from MS Australia.
	What Everyone Should Know About MS Suitable for younger readers (10 years +) and for those wanting an overview of the disease and its effects. Download from MS Australia
	Living with MS: A guide to our programs and services The Society has a proud history of caring for Tasmanians with MS for nearly 50 years. The organisation is governed by a Board of Directors and has three staff teams working hard to make the Society strong and sustainable now and into the future. These teams are: Client Services, Marketing & Development, Corporate Services. Download.
	Living with MS: Live Fully, Laugh Often, Love Always In 2008/09, eight Tasmanian couples living with MS participated in the Couples’ Project: Live Fully, Laugh Often, Love Always. The project included two weekends away, focus groups to gather information for this booklet, and ongoing support for the couples during after hours groups. This booklet contains the information gathered during the weekends and in focus groups. It is designed as a resource for Couples Living with MS. Download.
	INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS
	MS In Focus MS in focus is available in English, Spanish and German. With an international cross cultural board, easily accessible language and free subscription MS in focus will interest all those affected by MS worldwide. Download from Multiple Sclerosis International Federation
	INFORMATION FOR HEALTH PROESSIONALS
	MS Practice for Health Professionals MS Practice is an initiative of MS Australia and is a series designed to support allied health professionals in the symptom management of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The series discusses various symptoms associated with MS and provides health professionals with evidence-based information and clinical practice recommendations to enhance the quality of care and outcomes for people with MS. Read More MS Practice is a free online resource. Please be aware that MS Australia does not hold printed copies of MS Practice for distribution. If you require a print version, please print directly from the website.

Information for Newly Diagnosed

Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Practical thoughts for people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Download

MRI - The Facts

This pamphlet answers some common questions about what is involved in having an MRI. Download

Employment & MS

Working Together - Employing people with MS

This booklet aims to answer some of the queries an employer may have about employing and siccessfully managing a person with MS in the workplace. Download

Working with Multiple Sclerosis - Information for Employees

This booklet aims to assist a person with MS in making decisions about employment. It outlines steps that can be taken to maximise employment options, a list of "things to think about" and other useful resources. Download

Multiple Sclerosis & Employment - FAQ's

A list of questions and answers for people with MS. Topics include disclosing a diagnosis of MS, adjustments to work and financial issues.

Information about Symptoms

Managing Pain: For people living with MS

With approximately 60% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiencing pain, this resource has been developed to provide people with MS, their families and carers with practical information on managing MS-related pain.

The booklet provides:

Answers to commonly asked questions about pain
Information on medications used to treat MS-related pain
Suggestions for working more effectively with your healthcare team, and
Practical strategies to self-manage MS related pain

Managing Pain: For people living with MS highlights the importance of developing a personal pain management plan. Download

Understanding the effects of multiple sclerosis on the bladder

The purpose of this booklet is to help people with multiple sclerosis and others understand the common problems in bladder function. Download

Spasticity and how it relates to Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this booklet is to help people with multiple sclerosis and others understand the effects of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Download

Information for Children

	Has your Mum or Dad got MS? A booklet for children who have a parent, family member or friend with MS. Download
	AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS
	Someone you know has MS: A book for Families For children, 5-12. A story about Michael and his family explains Ms and explores children's fears and concerns. Adapted by Martha King from original material by Cyrisse Jaffee, Debra Frankel, Barbara LaRoche and Patricia Dick (last updated April 2008). Download *Please note: Not all material in this publication will be relevant to Australians.
	When a parent has MS: A teenagers Guide For older children and teenagers who have a parent with MS. Discusses real issues brought up by real teenagers. By Diane O'Connell with the Programs staff of the National MS Society. Download *Please note: Not all material in this publication will be relevant to Australians.

Some useful Tasmanian and Australian Websites

Build for Life

Build for Life is a new website developed by the Victorian Government. It provides design ideas to create an accessible home, using information from the book Welcome - Design ideas for accessible homes. A must see for anyone building, moving to or renting a new home.

Independent Living Centres Australia

The ILCA’s member organisations are leading providers of information and advice on an extensive range of assistive technology that can help individuals improve their quality of life and remain independent.

Young Carers Australia

Designed for young carers, this website gives information while allowing young carers to share ideas and support and keep up to date on news and events.

Carers Australia

Carers Australia and the network of carers associations in each state and territory's purpose is to improve the lives of carers.

Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania

A Tasmanian Government online resource to find health services within Tasmania.

FIDO

Financial tips and safety checks from the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Please note this is only an information guide and should not be considered as financial advice.

Some useful International websites

UK Multiple Sclerosis Society - Free Publications

The Multiple Sclerosis Society UK have an extensive range of free publications with information covering most aspects of MS. Please keep in mind that while a large amount of information is helpful, information about laws and services may not be available in Australia.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA) - Multimedia Library

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society have free publications covering a range of issues from telling your children about MS to home adaptations. Please keep in mind that while a large amount of information is helpful, information about laws and services may not be available in Australia.

MS Trust - Publications (UK)

MS Trust have a large amount of information about symptoms of MS and how to minimise their impact on daily life, as well as information on various forms of treatment.

Staying Smart

Learn more about cognitive difficulties at this UK based website.

Keep S'myelin (USA)

A fun resouce for kids: Newsletters filled with stories, interviews, games, and activities that related to MS. Produced by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

CHUMS - Children's Hope for Understanding MS

A national nonprofit organisation designed to enhance awareness and comprehension levels of children whose lives are affected by MS.

Multiple Sclerosis International Federation

Independent information from MS Professionals Worldwide.

MS Tasmania