advice please

I havent been on this in quite a while probably being a bit selfish as i have been doing so well. I was diagnosed march 2012 and have been on avonex since then. Returned to work with reduced hours and was enjoying life in general more time with kids and hubby. we even began dance lessons just to do something together.

However due to a relapse I havent been at work since early feb i had oral steroids which had no effect so then had 3 day course of IV steroids. I just cant seem to see any light at end of tunnel just feel miserable all the time with painful legs excessive fatigue and bluured vision. I am meant to be going back to work after easter but at minute I just cant see this happening.

Sorry for going on a bit but I just wanted to see if anyone had any advice for me. Also I have applied for DLA as I thought I could be doing with some additional help but I dont want to feel like a fraud if I recive any.Sorry again for the rant.

Missy

Hi Missy

I would get onto your MS nurse about the residual symptoms from the relapse. They should be able to give you some advise or signpost you to someone who can. Your local branch of the MS Society might be a good shout too.

I know with the whole DLA/PIP thing, you can feel a bit of a fraud. I do at times myself - it’s just the nature of the flucuation of MS. I think when it comes to the assessment if you’re call for one is to emphasise how bad you are when you have a relapse. I feel lucky with mine as the majority of the notes the assessor was doing with mine was hammering home how bad I am when I have a relapse, and she seemed very clued up on how bad a relapse can be to someone.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Thanks Scott for taking the time to reply just think I have to accept its going to take a bit of time to get over this relapse.I saw my GP last week who suggested applying for a blue badge and also told my husband to take a bit of time off work to help with the children I think that spooked me a bit that he thought I was that bad

Thanks again

Missy

Hi Missy,

I agree that you should contact your MS nurse for advice. Also you need to be good to yourself and do whatever you want if it works no matter what! Rant as much as you like, most on this site won’t put you down for that and never ever put yourself down or think you are ever a fraud.

Regarding PIP or ESA claims then just go for it and bear in mind the worst times you have and proceed with these in mind whenever you fill out any forms or attend any medicals etc.

I am sure you know that MS can be ever changing and different for each of us, I have had relapses that have lasted for days and some for months, it literally drives you down and with this in mind you should ask to see a clinical psychologist to discuss things, I did this and have been on small class courses that were with other MSers and it does work, ask if there is a MSMP Multiple Sclerosis Mindfulness Programme course available, I would really reccomend it.

All the very best to you and just do and go for everything that is right for ‘you’

Steve x

Thanks Steve advice really appreciated

Missy