Multiple Sclerosis Support Services
Karina Dodd
Karina is our MS Support Nurse, working in the role on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
She has completed degrees in arts, nursing and public health at the University of Sydney, and did her initial training at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. She is a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife, and has a keen interest in seeing health education improve health outcomes.
As part of your healthcare provider team, she is available to provide information on the disease and treatment options, discuss symptom management, answer questions from you or your family and carers, and to coordinate other support services.
This service is free for anyone in the Central West with Multiple Sclerosis, and we encourage you to make contact if you require information or support on your MS journey.
To make an appointment, or for further information including patient suitability for advanced treatments, please consult your Neurologist or Karina.
Education
Newly diagnosed patients naturally have many questions about Multiple Sclerosis. Providing support to patients and their families at this time is very important.
The MS support nurse is also available to provide education to other health professionals, particularly those who provide direct care to patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
Medications
With new therapies for Multiple Sclerosis emerging, there are more and more options available. The MS nurse can review treatment options, including the new therapies with patients and their families.
Life with MS Resources
Life with MS is different for everyone. From the diagnosis process, to the symptoms you experience; MS affects everyone differently.
Finding quality information that is relevant and helpful, is important for you and your family/carers, in managing your disease. Disease management is not just about medication, but about adapting to the challenges you face and using all the tools available to you, so that you can thrive whilst having MS.
The following links provide news on the latest research in MS, different insights into living with MS, and other sources of information.
-
Covid-19, the vaccination and MS. For the latest advice on covid-19 for people living with MS. This page is updated regularly. Available here: https://msra.org.au/covid-19-and-ms/
- MS Research Blog from the team at Barts. Prof G and his team (based in London) blog about the latest MS research. The world of MS Research demystified. Available here: https://multiple-sclerosis-research.org/
Karina is available to discuss symptom management with patients and their families and ensure that treatments are implemented to improve quality of life.
1. Disease modifying drugs - A summary page of information on all immunotherapies. Available here: https://www.ms.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis/treating-multiple-sclerosis/treatment-information-sheets.aspx
2. Discussing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). This podcast episode provides an interesting discussion on DMT and things to consider. Available here: https://realtalkms.com/episode-158-a-deep-dive-into-ms-disease-modifying-therapies-with-dr-scott-newsome/
3. Making the most of appointments. The Multiple Sclerosis Trust (UK) has made a webpage with ideas and information on how to prepare for your appointments with health professionals. Available here: https://www.mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/making-most-appointments
4. Preparing for appointments. MS Australia has created a form to help you prepare for your neurologist appointments. Available here: https://www.ms.org.au/attachments/ms-information-sheet-preparing-for-your-neurologis.aspx
- Shift MS. An online community for those living with MS. Available here: https://shift.ms/
- Uninterrupted – Australian personal stories about the realities of MS. Available here: https://www.uninterrupted.org.au/
- A couple takes on MS. A blog by Dan and Jennifer, a couple that met at a MS Society event in America. Dan has RRMS, Jennifer has SPMS, and are each other’s carers whilst also living with the disease. Available here: http://acoupletakesonms.com/
MS Australia
MS Australia is the pre-eminent source of information, advice and services for people living with multiple sclerosis. They are a combined entity of ACT, NSW and Victoria with more than 55 years' insight into how to live well with the disease. While many things have changed over the years their mission remains the same: to help people live their lives with multiple sclerosis and provide them with the best long term options and life outcomes.
MS Diagnosis and Management
MS Diagnosis and Management application has been developed by Borm Bruckmeier Publishing LLC. It provides user with current information on diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Content includes signs and symptoms of MS, 2010 Revised McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS, patient education materials on symptoms management and how to enhance quality of life and more. It also includes different assessment scales on functionality, disability status, bladder control, and screening for depression. The information given in this application is to support you and does not substitute or alternate your neurologist treatment plan and/or diagnosis. This application is available on Android and Iphone.
