Where to relocate?
My daughter will soon receive results of a brain mri and lumbar puncture which are expected to confirm MS. If anything is good about that, it’s the timing. My husband plans to transfer to another branch of his company next year, his choice of location. Where’s the best place to be? We live in the Deep South, where the heat and humidity are bad for MS. Extreme cold is also not great. Where is the best region for mitigating symptoms? We especially are interested in states that allow medical marijuana. Any advice? We are trying to be proactive at a time when we are most frightened.
Hi Arlee!
I hope your daughter's test results are definitive, so you are able to create a treatment plan and decide on a course of action that works for your daughter and your family.
Honestly, the weather issue can be highly personal. You may want to cue off what your daughter has already been experiencing. Some people with MS find the heat brutal, while others have trouble in the cold. Still others find both extremes to be challenging AND then, there are people with MS that don't find the extremes as challenging, as they do constant fluctuations in the weather (i.e. hot, then cold, hot, then cold, then sunny, then raining, then windy, then cloudy, etc).
I know one of our contributors found the state of Colorado to be a good fit for him -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/moving-new-home-finding-new-health-care-team/. It's also a marijuana friendly state.
This is such a highly individual choice, so again, don't hesitate to consult with your daughter about what types of weather cause her the most stress. Are you able to visit any prospective areas before making a permanent move? That might be a good way to see what might work best for your family.
As far as coping during this time, it's okay that you feel scared and overwhelmed and confused. MS can be a scary diagnosis! Please know that you are not alone. You might find this piece comforting -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/a-letter-for-the-newly-diagnosed/.
Also, two great support organizations you may want to check out are the National Multiple Sclerosis Society -- https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America -- https://mymsaa.org/. They are great organizations that offer a wealth of resources and support. Don't be afraid to reach out to them if you need help!
I hope you are able to get some clear answers as to where to move and that the moving process goes as smoothly as possible!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
Erin, Thank you so much for your reply. I did not see it until today. Your message and links are very helpful. My daughter’s tests confirmed MS, so now we will begin to adjust. I will be asking many questions in the forum.
