Living with MSA
This section summarises basic information that people have found helpful in living with MSA.
You may also like to look at previous copies of MSA News as there may be articles that deal with the issues that you are interested in.
If you have a question which isn’t answered here or in other areas on our website, please do contact us.
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Changes to swallowing
Changes to the mouth, throat and face muscles may result in times when your swallow...
Fatigue
Many people living with MSA will experience fatigue. Our factsheet ‘Fatigue in MSA’ looks at...
Sleeping
Some people with MSA find that their sleeping pattern changes. Please see our article on...
Eating & Drinking
It is really important to eat and drink well and to continue to enjoy mealtimes....
Saliva management
MSA causes problems with muscle movement and co-ordination throughout the body. Reduced movement of your...
Low blood pressure & monitoring
MSA commonly causes a drop in blood pressure when changing position for example, standing up...
Bladder and Bowel Management
It is quite common for everyone as they get older to experience changes and difficulty...
Dizziness/Postural Hypotension
Dizziness is a common symptom in MSA and may be due to low blood pressure...
Going into Hospital
There will be occasions when you will need to visit hospitals or other healthcare facilities....
Meeting others with MSA
MSA is a rare condition, so many people find it helpful to talk to others...
Communication
Some people living with MSA may develop problems communicating. Our factsheet details some equipment that...
Complementary Therapies
Our Health Care Specialists at the Trust are often asked about Complementary Therapies and how...
Relationships & Sex
MSA can have an affect on your close relationships. Our information sheet on ‘Relationships and...
Socialising
Do you enjoy meeting friends, attending worship, going out for a meal or attending entertainment...
Infections
People with MSA may not show the normal signs of infection that you would expect...
Financial support
Living with MSA or caring for somebody living with the disease can mean additional expenditure....
Driving
The decision about when to stop driving is a difficult one for people with MSA....
Moving about
Everybody who has a diagnosis of MSA faces the frustration of limited mobility, but despite...
Spiritual support
Some people find their religious faith or spiritual beliefs give them strength when facing a...
Housing adaptations
By the time you have been given a diagnosis of MSA you are probably aware...
How do I explain MSA?
Please find below a basic explanation of MSA that you can give to people that...
Travel
We all enjoy going to see family, friends and having holidays, so don’t let MSA...