By Molly Lee

There are over 150,000 people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the UK. Nearly 7,100 people are newly diagnosed each year (MS Society). It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure. As someone who lost a family member to this, it is important to spread the word, not only during the awareness month in March, but also throughout the year. Maybe one day, there will be a cure.

On Friday, March 11, 2011, I lost my beloved Nanny Pat who battled the disease for 19 years. Her immune system mistakenly attacked her brain and nervous system. Although she was physically weak, she still had her cheeky personality which brought so much joy to everyone around her. Eventually the hospital appointments came to her at home, as her mobility was close to nothing. She started to sleep in a hospital bed in her living room. One day we were told by her doctors that she didn’t have long left.

MS took her away from me at the young age of seven. This is why I want to spread awareness of this disease, to help others and make Nanny Pat proud.

Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Problem with eyes or your vision
  • Numbness or a tingling feeling in different parts of the body
  • Dizziness and uncoordinated
  • Muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness
  • Needing to pee more often
  • Problems with memory or concentration

Tests for MS

  • Blood tests
  • MRI scan to see if there is damage to the nerves in your brain or spinal cord
  • Lumbar puncture – taking small sample of spinal fluid from lower back
  • Movement/mobility checks

Treatment

  • Management techniques for fatigue
  • Physiotherapy
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with mental health
  • Cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory, concentration, thinking and mood
  • Advice, exercises and medicines to help with bowel or bladder problems

Help and support for MS

MS can be a difficult condition to live with both physically and emotionally. You will get support from your doctor and MS nurse, but there are also plenty of support available through local or online groups.

Charities

  • MS Society – website, support and services, podcasts and more.
  • MS Trust – website, helpline, local support groups, community forum and virtual support events
  • MS-UK – website, helpline, peer support service and online activities