It's May, the sun should be shining and spring should be in the air. Not so. Instead it's pretending to be sunny with a hint of blue peeking through the clouds and it's absolutely freezing! I know all about it because I spent two hours this morning shaking my collection thingy outside the local shopping centre, trying to raise a few pennies for the local MS Society branch, and mum and I realised too late that we should really have been wearing gloves.
But it went ok. We stood together, having a giggle at the characters that grace Derry streets first thing on a Friday morning, and our boxes were considerably heavy when we finished up so hopefully we've done ok. I have to say though, never again will I walk past a collector. Even if it's just a few pennies, it all adds up and it makes you feel like less of a beggar when people stop for a few seconds.
There's also a considerable feel-good factor to be had from doing your bit for charity. It doesn't take much and it warms the heart to be helping out. And those two hours went much quicker than I had imagined they would so for as long as I'm fit to help out, I will be!
Friday, 7 May 2010
Monday, 3 May 2010
Raising awareness
I'm a journalist by trade so it probably comes as no surprise that I've documented some of what I've faced over the last year or so in the publication for which I write ... And in the absence of a new, more fulfilling post ... here it is!
The day my life turned upside down
It’s a startling statistic but Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects around 100,000 people in the UK. And I happen to be one of them. Diagnosed last April, it felt at the time as though my world had been turned upside down. Although I had been feeling under the weather, I put the tiredness, headaches and sporadic collapses down to a hectic lifestyle and burning the candle at both ends.
Looking back I wonder how I ever believed that could be the case but I have a tendency to stick my head in the sand sometimes. Considering this time it concerned my health, ignoring the problem was not the way forward. In the time since, I have read up on the symptoms, treatments and information available both at the local MS Society Foyle branch, and on-line. Now I am a walking encyclopedia when it comes to MS.
This week is MS Awareness Week. It aims to educate people on the impact the condition has on patients and also to raise a few pound for the MS Society charity. As such, I have spent the last week home baking a stack of cakes for consumption at a ‘Cake Break’ at work, all in the hope that I manage to raise a decent amount for the charity.
They have been absolutely brilliant over the last twelve months. Locally, the Foyle representative, Terry McNamee, has been a fantastic source of knowledge and support, and some of the money the branch raises goes towards funding a local MS nurse who is quite simply, brilliant and nationally I have made use of the concise information available from the extremely well put together charity website - www.mssociety.org.uk.
And now I’m also writing this ... in a bid to get across the education side of things for those readers not familiar with what MS is and what it means for people like me. I don’t aim to be an expert, and the crux of it is that when it comes to people with MS, nobody is the same. Like many people, the first thing I thought when I heard MS was, ‘I’m going to end up in a wheelchair’. Yes, that can be the case for some people but I’ve been finding that it’s more of an exception rather than the rule.
If anything, having MS is a silent sort of condition. Well, that’s been my experience anyway. If I had a pound for every person who said, “You’re looking fantastic”, I would be a millionaire. While their sentiments are lovely, and certainly not to be scoffed at, if truth be told it can sometimes be a tad frustrating. It may be the case that I’m actually having a bad day, feeling excessively tired, suffering from pins and needles in my feet and/or running to the bathroom every ten minutes.
I’ve felt a few people stare when I’ve parked in a disabled bay, with my badge there for everyone to see, and watched me walk away with nothing seemingly the matter with me. Yet it is often the case that that trip to the shops may just have taken all of my energy to get there. Being able to park closer to the place I’m going to means I’m able to be independent, and when my feet are particularly painful, that can be the difference between an isolated week at home or a chance to get out for half an hour.
For the majority of the time however everyone has been fantastically supportive. My family and friends are my backbone and my work colleagues couldn’t be more understanding. That level of support cannot be underestimated. My approach is also very positive. I live every day as it comes and try not to worry about what’s around the corner because MS is unpredictable in its nature. I’ve also got a new perspective in life - I worry less about the little things and appreciate what I have more - and that can only be a good thing.
While the last twelve months haven’t always been easy, I’m pleased to say that the good times have definitely outweighed the bad. Last month I married my soul mate in a very moving and emotional wedding service and we are looking forward to a long and happy married life together. Before my diagnosis we had a whole host of plans for our life together and, to be honest, they’re still in place - we’ve just tweaked them slightly!
The day my life turned upside down
It’s a startling statistic but Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects around 100,000 people in the UK. And I happen to be one of them. Diagnosed last April, it felt at the time as though my world had been turned upside down. Although I had been feeling under the weather, I put the tiredness, headaches and sporadic collapses down to a hectic lifestyle and burning the candle at both ends.
Looking back I wonder how I ever believed that could be the case but I have a tendency to stick my head in the sand sometimes. Considering this time it concerned my health, ignoring the problem was not the way forward. In the time since, I have read up on the symptoms, treatments and information available both at the local MS Society Foyle branch, and on-line. Now I am a walking encyclopedia when it comes to MS.
This week is MS Awareness Week. It aims to educate people on the impact the condition has on patients and also to raise a few pound for the MS Society charity. As such, I have spent the last week home baking a stack of cakes for consumption at a ‘Cake Break’ at work, all in the hope that I manage to raise a decent amount for the charity.
They have been absolutely brilliant over the last twelve months. Locally, the Foyle representative, Terry McNamee, has been a fantastic source of knowledge and support, and some of the money the branch raises goes towards funding a local MS nurse who is quite simply, brilliant and nationally I have made use of the concise information available from the extremely well put together charity website - www.mssociety.org.uk.
And now I’m also writing this ... in a bid to get across the education side of things for those readers not familiar with what MS is and what it means for people like me. I don’t aim to be an expert, and the crux of it is that when it comes to people with MS, nobody is the same. Like many people, the first thing I thought when I heard MS was, ‘I’m going to end up in a wheelchair’. Yes, that can be the case for some people but I’ve been finding that it’s more of an exception rather than the rule.
If anything, having MS is a silent sort of condition. Well, that’s been my experience anyway. If I had a pound for every person who said, “You’re looking fantastic”, I would be a millionaire. While their sentiments are lovely, and certainly not to be scoffed at, if truth be told it can sometimes be a tad frustrating. It may be the case that I’m actually having a bad day, feeling excessively tired, suffering from pins and needles in my feet and/or running to the bathroom every ten minutes.
I’ve felt a few people stare when I’ve parked in a disabled bay, with my badge there for everyone to see, and watched me walk away with nothing seemingly the matter with me. Yet it is often the case that that trip to the shops may just have taken all of my energy to get there. Being able to park closer to the place I’m going to means I’m able to be independent, and when my feet are particularly painful, that can be the difference between an isolated week at home or a chance to get out for half an hour.
For the majority of the time however everyone has been fantastically supportive. My family and friends are my backbone and my work colleagues couldn’t be more understanding. That level of support cannot be underestimated. My approach is also very positive. I live every day as it comes and try not to worry about what’s around the corner because MS is unpredictable in its nature. I’ve also got a new perspective in life - I worry less about the little things and appreciate what I have more - and that can only be a good thing.
While the last twelve months haven’t always been easy, I’m pleased to say that the good times have definitely outweighed the bad. Last month I married my soul mate in a very moving and emotional wedding service and we are looking forward to a long and happy married life together. Before my diagnosis we had a whole host of plans for our life together and, to be honest, they’re still in place - we’ve just tweaked them slightly!
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
On this day
At the request of my lovely Uncle Tom I'm resuming blog posts with a bit more regularity from here on in .... promise. To start back however I need to go back a bit because I've missed so much out!
Of course, first on the list was our absolutely amazing wedding day. Friday 5th March, 2010 will forever reign high on the list of days I would most love to have all over again. It was, quite simply, amazing.
The day started early as the florist was due at 7.30am, and I rushed straight off the hairdressers for two whole hours of preening. But I was completely calm, not at all nervous and just really excited at the prospect of being J's wife. The morning flew, our house was chaos, but in a good way, and I actually managed to be at the church with ten minutes to spare .... fulfilling a promise I had made to J that would NOT be late ;)
Our service was just beautiful and I only wobbled a little bit at the 'In sickness and in health' part of the vows - obviously those words hold so much more weight now than they would have done twelve months previous - but J gave me a little look, one that only I know translates into a nod that encourages me to be brave, and I was fine. He has been my rock up to now and it's the most wonderful feeling to know I have married my soul mate - someone who I know will support and encourage me no matter what life throws at us.
But enough of the soppy stuff .... the rest of our day went off without a hitch. It was amazing to have everyone we love with us for such an important part of our lives together and it all went so well, making the months of preparation very much worth the saving and compromises along the way.
Yes, my feet didn't hold out too well and I found myself ditching the beautiful white wedding shoes for a battered pair of black pumps once the dancing really kicked off, but I wouldn't have changed it for a minute. You know, to be dancing at all was just fantastic. I maybe should have planned ahead and bought a nice white pair to set the tone but the fact that I didn't sort of sums the day up ... laid back and comfortable!
Of course, first on the list was our absolutely amazing wedding day. Friday 5th March, 2010 will forever reign high on the list of days I would most love to have all over again. It was, quite simply, amazing.
The day started early as the florist was due at 7.30am, and I rushed straight off the hairdressers for two whole hours of preening. But I was completely calm, not at all nervous and just really excited at the prospect of being J's wife. The morning flew, our house was chaos, but in a good way, and I actually managed to be at the church with ten minutes to spare .... fulfilling a promise I had made to J that would NOT be late ;)
Our service was just beautiful and I only wobbled a little bit at the 'In sickness and in health' part of the vows - obviously those words hold so much more weight now than they would have done twelve months previous - but J gave me a little look, one that only I know translates into a nod that encourages me to be brave, and I was fine. He has been my rock up to now and it's the most wonderful feeling to know I have married my soul mate - someone who I know will support and encourage me no matter what life throws at us.
But enough of the soppy stuff .... the rest of our day went off without a hitch. It was amazing to have everyone we love with us for such an important part of our lives together and it all went so well, making the months of preparation very much worth the saving and compromises along the way.
Yes, my feet didn't hold out too well and I found myself ditching the beautiful white wedding shoes for a battered pair of black pumps once the dancing really kicked off, but I wouldn't have changed it for a minute. You know, to be dancing at all was just fantastic. I maybe should have planned ahead and bought a nice white pair to set the tone but the fact that I didn't sort of sums the day up ... laid back and comfortable!
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Time's up
So, it's almost here ... and I've been so busy I've neglected my updates slightly ... I promise I'll be back when the honeymoon is over :) Until then, keep everything crossed that my feet stay well ...
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
All systems go
It's celebration time today ...
The feet feel great (touch wood!) and with nine days to go until the big day that's a massive deal.
Now all we have to cope with is this blasted weather.
Can I ask nicely that the snow clear up PLEASE.
And in case you didn't know, I'm getting married next week!!
Yes, I know, you haven't heard that yet ....
The feet feel great (touch wood!) and with nine days to go until the big day that's a massive deal.
Now all we have to cope with is this blasted weather.
Can I ask nicely that the snow clear up PLEASE.
And in case you didn't know, I'm getting married next week!!
Yes, I know, you haven't heard that yet ....
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
A weekend to remember
So, it has been a few days, but wedding details have taken over! Anyways, the hen do was, as I said before, unbelievably amazing. I think my chief bridesmaid should start giving classes on how to be a brilliant bridesmaid - I know I'll be taking tips from her if I ever get the role.
She organised a night on the West End, including a scrummy meal, Dirty Dancing live on stage and our names on the guest list of a cool club that also played cheesy music and was therefore perfect for boogie-ing on down til the wee hours. We continued the party back at the hotel with a sneaky bottle of rose and an even bigger bottle of vodka - oops!
Next day was pretty much wrote off for most of us as the hangovers started to set in but I was whisked off all the same to a very sumptuous hotel - you know, the type you would want to live in if you had the money, filled with blooming flowers, Laura Ashley style interiors and plush bathrooms - in short, beautiful.
It was here that I was treated to a champagne afternoon tea, complete with small triangular sandwiches, cup cakes, strawberries and cream and fresh, still hot, scones. The girls then raised their glasses and gave me a short toast which brought tears to my eyes and I know I've said this before, but I felt very loved.
Every one of them has been completely supportive over the past year, beyond my wildest dreams and I could never have gotten through all that MS has thrown at me without them.
The toast was a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, having friends who care is priceless.
Next on the agenda was pizza and more bubbles in our room but they weren't letting me off so lightly. They had requested I wear a pink dress and I had duly done so, while the rest of them were wearing black dresses with a hint of pink on their attire - lovely touch I thought, not too tacky, just nice. Boy was I in for a shock when 'chief' produced a bright pink feather boa, long black gloves, a 'bride-to-be' sash, 'L' plates, a mask adorned with even more pink feathers and the icing on the cake, a headband complete with pink willies! But I took it all in good humour - nothing else for it really!
They then started a round of Mr and Mrs - with a twist. They asked me questions and once I had answered they produced a lap-top with J giving his answers on a video camera. The amount of effort they had gone to was unbelievable. Thankfully we didn’t do too badly – proof that we are really made for each other J
A comedy club followed, where I hid at the back and hoped the comedians wouldn’t pick on me, and then another reserved area in the club. Again we danced til our feet hurt and I went home with a huge smile on my face.
I had braved my high heels on night one but gave them up for comfort on night two – a wise choice as my feet survived quite well! Now back home, it’s just over two weeks until the ‘big day’ – how that came around so quick I’ll never know – and I’m trying to pace myself. My feet were a bit sore on Monday but that’s because I didn’t stop all weekend, and I’ve learned a sore and sorry lesson. This weekend you’ll find me laid up watching films and taking it easy!
She organised a night on the West End, including a scrummy meal, Dirty Dancing live on stage and our names on the guest list of a cool club that also played cheesy music and was therefore perfect for boogie-ing on down til the wee hours. We continued the party back at the hotel with a sneaky bottle of rose and an even bigger bottle of vodka - oops!
Next day was pretty much wrote off for most of us as the hangovers started to set in but I was whisked off all the same to a very sumptuous hotel - you know, the type you would want to live in if you had the money, filled with blooming flowers, Laura Ashley style interiors and plush bathrooms - in short, beautiful.
It was here that I was treated to a champagne afternoon tea, complete with small triangular sandwiches, cup cakes, strawberries and cream and fresh, still hot, scones. The girls then raised their glasses and gave me a short toast which brought tears to my eyes and I know I've said this before, but I felt very loved.
Every one of them has been completely supportive over the past year, beyond my wildest dreams and I could never have gotten through all that MS has thrown at me without them.
The toast was a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, having friends who care is priceless.
Next on the agenda was pizza and more bubbles in our room but they weren't letting me off so lightly. They had requested I wear a pink dress and I had duly done so, while the rest of them were wearing black dresses with a hint of pink on their attire - lovely touch I thought, not too tacky, just nice. Boy was I in for a shock when 'chief' produced a bright pink feather boa, long black gloves, a 'bride-to-be' sash, 'L' plates, a mask adorned with even more pink feathers and the icing on the cake, a headband complete with pink willies! But I took it all in good humour - nothing else for it really!
They then started a round of Mr and Mrs - with a twist. They asked me questions and once I had answered they produced a lap-top with J giving his answers on a video camera. The amount of effort they had gone to was unbelievable. Thankfully we didn’t do too badly – proof that we are really made for each other J
A comedy club followed, where I hid at the back and hoped the comedians wouldn’t pick on me, and then another reserved area in the club. Again we danced til our feet hurt and I went home with a huge smile on my face.
I had braved my high heels on night one but gave them up for comfort on night two – a wise choice as my feet survived quite well! Now back home, it’s just over two weeks until the ‘big day’ – how that came around so quick I’ll never know – and I’m trying to pace myself. My feet were a bit sore on Monday but that’s because I didn’t stop all weekend, and I’ve learned a sore and sorry lesson. This weekend you’ll find me laid up watching films and taking it easy!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
I blame 'brain fog'
The big hen do extravaganza - as my chief bridesmaid called it - is now officially over. Technically it was over on Sunday but with all the reminiscing and chat it sort of only feels as though it ended today!
It was one hell of a weekend - completely amazing and totally unforgettable - but not without its traumas either.
To start with, I left my handbag on the plane - with my phone and purse safely tucked away inside it. And while I said I wasn't going to mention MS through the preparations and wedding itself, I feel I sort have to here.
Reason being, I think MS is to blame! Honestly, there's a thing out there that MS people call 'brain fog' and I completely 100% believe that it is 'brain fog' that has me forgetting stuff and leaving things behind me.
Once I discovered the loss I missed a heart beat, followed by a mad dash to an airport telephone where a lady on the end said she could do nothing to help me - typical. The woman at the easyjet desk was even less helpful, with her aggressive 'arms across the chest' stance and withering look.
So, once I realised there was nothing I could do, I accepted my fate and rounded up the rest of the posse to catch the train.
A year ago this sort of fiasco would have had me reduced to a blubbering mess, frustrated at my inability to look after myself. This year, I have a new approach. I couldn't fix it and the withering lady wouldn't help, so I got on with it, not a tear to be seen. My late grandmother used to say, 'Don't cry over what money can buy' - and never before have I taken her advice so literally.
The weekend was just about to start .... and those stories will be posted later, promise.
It was one hell of a weekend - completely amazing and totally unforgettable - but not without its traumas either.
To start with, I left my handbag on the plane - with my phone and purse safely tucked away inside it. And while I said I wasn't going to mention MS through the preparations and wedding itself, I feel I sort have to here.
Reason being, I think MS is to blame! Honestly, there's a thing out there that MS people call 'brain fog' and I completely 100% believe that it is 'brain fog' that has me forgetting stuff and leaving things behind me.
Once I discovered the loss I missed a heart beat, followed by a mad dash to an airport telephone where a lady on the end said she could do nothing to help me - typical. The woman at the easyjet desk was even less helpful, with her aggressive 'arms across the chest' stance and withering look.
So, once I realised there was nothing I could do, I accepted my fate and rounded up the rest of the posse to catch the train.
A year ago this sort of fiasco would have had me reduced to a blubbering mess, frustrated at my inability to look after myself. This year, I have a new approach. I couldn't fix it and the withering lady wouldn't help, so I got on with it, not a tear to be seen. My late grandmother used to say, 'Don't cry over what money can buy' - and never before have I taken her advice so literally.
The weekend was just about to start .... and those stories will be posted later, promise.
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