I’ve been diagnosed MS for about 11 years and it affects my mobility and I get fatigue also. My mobility has slowly worsened (left drop foot, decreased balance, gradually worsening left leg weakness). I seem to be in a forever battle with anxiety about going out and not managing to walk. I can walk only for a minute or 2 now. I’ve just started my physio exercises again after fatigue and low mood meant I hadn’t for a few weeks 
. I have a foot up, an AFO, an FES machine, a stick and a wheelchair. I’m trying to stay working 4 days (supportive employer, thank goodness 
) as I need the money, but short spells of walking are part of it. I’ve applied for an increase in PIP (I wasn’t believed 2 years ago and I have worsened). I just feel that everything’s a constant battle! Oh and I am a mum of a very busy active teen too. Just wanting to hear of others who are in the same boat or any words of wisdom!
I’m in a similar position to you, except 9 years in, not 11. Can walk short distances with a stick and keep an electric chair in the boot of my car. I call it my “insurance policy” in case I find myself in difficulty. Am still independent, can drive (left leg numbness/ loss of motor control = auto trans) and so far have used the chair maybe 6 times. It weights 26kg and I have the strength to lift it in & out of the car boot. Mine is a Lith-Tech and is beautifully made in light alloy with lithium batteries. I have a blue badge and no longer pay car tax but Gov may take the view that PIP mobility would pay for a chair.
If you’re EDSS6.0 and have medical reports from your consultant to your GP that confirm it, Blue Badge & PIP should be forthcoming.
Sadly no words of widom! but I understand what you are talking about. Left leg weakness (and lack of control) and the trip risk posed by foot drop is @:&*(_^ annoying.
It sounds like you are doing all the sensible stuff. The balance (?!) between exercise and fatigue drives me nuts, not sure how I’d cope if I also had active youngsters to consider. I am pleased that your employer is supportive, maybe they can help with your pursuit of Higher rate PIP.
Wishing you and your family all the best
Mick
Sazzle, I totally get how you are feeling. I thought many years ago that “this won’t happen to me” but here I am and it is so very nerve wracking and scary.
I am still at work mon-frid with extremely supportive management but I am finding it tricky.
I have the stick and am managing most days but like you say Sazzle it is walk and then have to take a rest after a minute or two.
Please take care and I hope you get everything you need and deserve from PIP.
Mary x
My tip would be to give yourself as many options as possible. My problem is balance primarily. If in a new situation I opt for my all terrain rollator. This gives me confidence and is versatile as it folds neatly and means I always have somewhere to sit. I have a boot scooter which I use for longer trips, but it is more hassle. Use crutches for short transfers. Bounce around the walls at home. Use a stick around the garden. Would like to get back to using trekking pole, but regaining balance and strength after a relapse before Christmas. I think what do I have to do today and how can I achieve this.
A good physio will identify your particular problems and help to correct them. Doing things the wrong way tends to be more exhausting.
I am late joining the party already retired with a pension, but I suspect those who can keep working (obviously depends on what you do) have a constant challenge. I think working is much more than the money, but you need to judge your circumstances. Whatever happens keeping active is important as inactivity will make things worse. COVID lockdown knocked me back as I was not “allowed” out and so many things stopped.
Thank you all for your kind words 
I think it’s always easier to manage when I know I’m not alone! I think being prepared and versatile is a very good way forward! I keep finding myself forgetting my stick or having the wrong foot support in . Yeah Covid is very tricky for so many reasons too. I am learning (slowly) to ask for help too. And not worrying as much about my disability being visable (why was I embarrassed?)
Thanks GCCK. That sounds a good idea to have an electric chair in the car. I have a self propelling one that I rarely use as I would need pushed for any distance. I was also very lucky to have a scooter bought by my dad- it’s for walks out with the family and needs to go in his van. Fingers crossed that I get more PIP this time and could think about other things to help me become more independent again