Tips and Tricks for Making Life a Little Easier with MS: How to Dress for Success when you Have MS

 My tip is: "When you are not feeling well keep it simple. Get a few great basics that look good but are easy to get off and on again.  I think a good pair of jeans is essential."

I agree Nadja!  Keep it simple.

*  Momdukes who is a regular here on MS Central has this to say about shoes: 

"Dressing is also another passion of mine.  So here we go.  When you have MS fashion does not have to go down the tubes, but it changes from high heel fashion to flat shoe fashion which is not a bad thing.  Because wearing the spike heels can cause long term problems, girls, we who are resigned to having to wear flats, yes we are i n style.  When you choose a flat, go to a shoe store that carries good shoes.  Now at first you may have to spend a little more until you learn the secrets.  You want a shoe that has some sort of rubber protection on the toe of the shoe.  If you are like me, you have the almighty "foot drop" so you drag one foot.  But with the brace it is suppose to help.  I have not gotten mine yet so we will have to see.  My left foot drags.  My left foot srinks in the winter and swells in the summer.  So my shoe fits fine during the warmer months and flops during the winter, go figure, it's MS.  Ladies that are so many cute flat shoes out there we still can look good.  Your first couple of pairs should cost just a little bit of money.  Then after you know what to buy, then you can venture out to the more less expensive stores.  But remember, you get what you pay for, that is what I always say.  If you need more info let me know." 

That's right Momdukes!  There are so many pretty flat shoes in style nowadays.  I never liked wearing heels anyways!

And  Denise Coleman, also a regular here on MS Health Central, should really write a book on tips to help people who have MS. 

"Dressing, ugh!  One thing I have realized over the past year is how much energy is involved in getting dressed. The first time I said that to someone they looked at me like I was crazy, but it is true for me anyway.  As a result I don't try clothes on in dressing rooms when I shop.  I bring them home and if they don't fit I have to return them. This allows me to shop a little longer; if I try something on that is the end of shopping.

I love to go to the pool at the Y for the aquacize class but getting dressed afterwards is a big deterrent, and it isn't  because I don't like being naked in the locker room.  When I go I wear my bathing suit there, which I put on in the morning, and bring the easiest clothes to put on afterward.  No fashion statement here, it's all about ease.

 I do a few things to try to preserve energy while dressing; I have a recliner in my room that I sit on to do my hair, apply skin lotion, socks, underwear and shoes.  I also sit to get my legs into pants and then just stand to pull them up.It is impossible for me to balance myself while I put one leg in at a time.