Reading time: 1 min 55 sec (481 words)
Hi. This summer, I’ll move to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme (HFU). I am in touch with a lawyer who helps me with everything, but I’m really worried about specific details of my disease.
I got my diagnosis in Dec 2019. My doctor did the best (everything she could)! Even after 2.5 years, I don’t have ANY problems with my body, except dizziness in the morning. Yet, I don’t have it during the day.
My life is closely related to specific sports activities (based on balance, coordination and precise movement). Also, my profession is about every day studying new knowledge (linguistics. I already know 4 languages and learning another 2). So, I hope nothing wrong will be with my brain and body for decades if the treatment is correct! Cos’ I’m doing my best!
I was taking Glatiramer Acetate, but It didn’t reduce the frequency of episodes. In fact, the frequency was reduced, but not too much as my doctor wanted! Nowadays, she wants to switch drugs to the Tysabri, yet I have JCV antibody-positive test (Index 1.8). And here is the limit of solutions which can provide my country.
The risk of PML is very high. Anyway, there is nothing else to do, except give me that drug which will make me a disabled person in the nearest future (around the next 2 years, as far as I understand it). That is why I’m moving, but not because of the war!
I’m scared to lose the ability to think clearly (yeah, I know it will happen anyway… But the later - the better!). Please, help me to understand what treatment can I expect to get in the UK in every stage of my new life: HFU visa (first 3 years), then work or study visa (next 2 years), ILR (+1 year, as far as I know), citizenship?
And what do I need to take out of my country to get this help? I have original MRI scans. Also, I can ask my doctor about the full report, take her notes (reports) about every episode that I had, or even ask for a copy of my medical card… But, I have to know exactly, what I need because the time is running out (some documents are easy to get, some of them require a lot of time to find or receive a valid copy)!
UPD: Of course, the migrants under the HFU scheme have the FULL GUIDE, but even autoimmunity disease doesn’t mention in there. The answer is frighteningly short “Ask your GP”, which I’ll have ONLY after arriving to the UK. And if something goes wrong, I’ll not be able to go back to my country. So, I want to clarify details beforehand taking the decision!
P.s. I’m really sorry for my bad English. I’ll improve it soon