MS affects not only the person with MS but has an impact on partners, family and friends. MS symptoms may change the roles within the household or have an impact on mood, sexual function and intimacy. Its important to communicate openly and honestly about your feelings with your loved ones. Your MS nurse is a good source of support and can offer advice and signpost to supportive networks and help manage the symptoms. It's important to talk to children about MS and there are a number of publications that could help with this. There is also a great website which helps to explain and involve young children which can be found at http://digestingscience.co.uk
If you are worried about the impact of MS on your relationship you can also contact confidential services like Samaritans and Relate for advice .
You can also call the MS Society UK confidential helpline on 0808 800 8000, or order one of their many publications from www.mssociety.org.uk.
The MS Trust is also a very good resource for publications on relationships and talking to children. See mstrust.org.uk.
