I used to come to this forum almost 10 years ago when I was first dx but “lost” the plot and stopped for a while. My MS has been ok but I’m now finding I’m frustrated at everything from family, to work to medical people. I’ve been lucky in that my MS has been stable for years but now I’m suffering (horrible word) from a variety of symptoms and constantly having to fight at work. For the last three weeks I have experienced a numbness in my left leg which has grown from an area of my thigh which was inactive for years, down to my ankle and now over two days it has reached my toes. It gives me the feeling of being in wet clothes which is unbearable. My work colleagues although lovely are somewhat ignorant. My “boss” recently told senior managers in a meeting that I was “waiting for a rediagnosis” pending my neuro appointment next week - how dare she presume to be in the know when so far she has ignored all my pleas for some understanding!! The worst thing is I am the Disabled Members Officer for my local union branch and have recently taken part in a disability focus group at work and I know I should know better but I’m at the end of my tether. I have a walking stick which I’m ashamed to admit I keep taking to work with me but leaving folded up in my bag… I’m ashamed of myself. I’ve had to renew my disabled badge and I’m feeling really down. My family are all taken with new grandchildren and I feel left out and abandoned right now. I have a loving husband who really does care for me but he’s been out of work for 2 years and this has left me being the only person working, always bypassed for promotion etc… I’m sorry to sound like I’m whingeing but I really need a lift right now!!
What I really want to know right now is, how do I introduce a walking stick into everyday life and work, how do I get across to people (family, friends etc) that I’m not doing great and get my happiness back? My GP just issues prescriptions without even examining me these days (latest was Tramadol!!) and I’m at a loss!
Hi Loulou,
First and foremost, you are not whinging, the correct word is venting - releasing the frustration. Sounds so very familliar lass, I have only been living with it for the past three years now and generally have coped regardless of how much seems to change, slow and steady as she goes! Anyway, the only place I don’t use my stick is at work even though people understand what is going on for me. One of the hardest things is trying to make people understand that you are not feeling great and could do with some support. I am going to try using my stick at work when I go back on Monday. Will let you know how it goes. Most important of all is go easy with yourself, it isn’t easy at the best of times so take care
Willie
Hi Loulou,
First and foremost, you are not whinging, the correct word is venting - releasing the frustration. Sounds so very familliar lass, I have only been living with it for the past three years now and generally have coped regardless of how much seems to change, slow and steady as she goes! Anyway, the only place I don’t use my stick is at work even though people understand what is going on for me. One of the hardest things is trying to make people understand that you are not feeling great and could do with some support. I am going to try using my stick at work when I go back on Monday. Will let you know how it goes. Most important of all is go easy with yourself, it isn’t easy at the best of times so take care
Willie
Hi Loulou
I was worried about using my stick at work, I was like you leaving it folded up in my bag and then walking like I’m drunk in the office when I walked. I did what Willie is planning to do, I went in one Monday using it all the time. Some people asked me about it and I just said that I felt more wobbley and needed it to keep my balance. Most people didn’t say anything so I didn’t, anyway they all knew that I have MS. You have a loving husband and that’s something positive in your life. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck.
Lynne xx
Lynne, Like you I keep my stick folded up and struggle to walk always looking like I’ve had a few sherberts but need it more and more now for balance issues. I have a very loving husband who encourages me to use it more as he hates to see me struggle, however my kids hate me using it think they feel embarrased to be seen with me incase their mates mock them for having a mum that uses a stick!! That’s one of the reasons I divorced my 1st husband he couldn’t handle/cope with my MS maybe I should divorce my kids too? I am joking regarding the kids but they do struggle to accept it 
I sincerely hope you can get through this with the help of those that understand. Sue xx
The last part of that message was for you loulou xx
I fully understand what you mean about the GP not being at all interested. Iv visited him 3 times in the last couple of weeks because extremely painfull legs and feet. He hasnt looked at them once, Just makes all the right noises. So contacted my neurologist and waiting for appointment. Maybe you need to see a neuro. Hope you manage to get something sorted really soon
Big Hugggs
Hi, you may be feeling like this, because you have coped so well with MS for several years and now suddenly, you are made to realise all over again, that you do have a serious health problem.
My own condition spiralled quite quickly and so I and those around me didnt really have time to study what was going on.
This, I think, is where we differ. Having said that, my eldest daughter did not take well to the fact that her mum was actually ill, with something serious. But I did hide my stick and then my walker/wheelcahir from her until it was impossible to do so.
What you need to try to do, is think how YOU will benefit from using your stick exactly when you need it, and not wonder how the sight of it may or may not be perceived by your work colleagues.
If you are concerned that colleagues will see you as less of a valid person, then it is THEY who have the problem and not you.
much love
Pollxx
well folks, I took my stick with me today and sat it on the floor beside my workstation. It is so stupid but I guess there is a wee bit of a confidence thing though I know no one will turn a second look. Hey ho. I am going to persist with it though.