I’m not really looking forward to this bit.
I’m now booked in with my GP to go and have a whole bunch of vaccines in 3 weeks in preparation for the disease modifying therapy. They’ll put a time gap between the shingles ones but, I’m not looking forward to the after effects of some of the others. Ah well, it’s progress I suppose 
Take care all 
Jon.
Wow, good luck either way having them! You’re very fortunate that your GP is that accommodating for the vaccines. Mine point blank refused, and every time I go to them it’s a constant battle to get anything done.
So it’s good to hear there’s still some decent GP surgeries out there. Not much longer now and you’ll be able to start your DMT, which I’m sure is a relief for you.
Take care, and make sure you listen to your body once you’ve had them done. x
Thankyou mate
Yes, I seem to be very lucky with my GP surgery. They can be a bit slow to move at times but, All of the doctors, nurses and receptionists have always been great with me down there. It is a shame that that seems to be a bit uncommon in other places.
Hopefully yours will improve over time as they get to know you better
All the best.
Jon.
Thank you jthatcher, I wish that was the case but unfortunately I’ve been with the same GP surgery since I was 25 and I’m now 57,lol. Tbh most in my area offer a poor service, which is a shame really and they’ll only deal with one issue at an appointment which can be quite frustrating.
So it’s always good to hear someone is experiencing a positive response from their GP surgery , long may it last for you.
Take care
Maria
Hi Maria,
Yes, that is a shame. I think there’s definitely been a change over the years. My old GP back home in the 90s did my medical and signed my boxing licence then spent over an hour warning me of possible brain damage. He was a nice man though. The receptionist at my surgery now has definitely moved away from the Gestapo gatekeeper reputation. She’s softer and kind when I struggle to use the big touch screen to book in for appointments. I sometimes wonder if it’s because she’s a bit motherly and maybe knows all of my diagnoses. She told me that she’s booked me a long appointment for the vaccines because there’s a lot to do. I do remember the fairly recent change in appointments where they started allowing a 7 minute slot to discuss 1 issue only which, can be unhelpful but, I wonder if it’s a damned if they do, damned if they don’t kind of thing where they try to help everyone but, still get complaints if there are no sooner appointments free. It’s quite sad that my surgery have a sign up asking people to not abuse the staff 
Do you have an MS nurse nurse? mine seems to have more time available.
We have quite a few GP surgeries here in Swindon but, my one is only half a mile walk down the road which, because I’m not allowed to drive anymore does suit me well.
Have a good day mate x
Jon.
Hi Jon, yes it’s such a shame, but I don’t think things will improve any time soon. I think it’s part of the criteria for the role, scare them off tactics.
I’ve complained in the past but it becomes tiresome, now I’m just assertive but always polite but it’s a shame you don’t get the same response back from them! Yes I have a ms nurse, but let’s just say everything is left for me to address, chase up!
We have a few in my area of Suffolk, but they all pretty much have the same response to things, not helpful! Yes it’s frustrating, it’s annoying but what can I do.
That must be hard to come to terms with , and I feel for you . That’s such a big adjustment in your life. I hope you get the support from your ms team?
Take care Jon.x
Maria
Thanks Maria 
Politely assertive is a good thing - it can often get things moving
I do like my neurology team. My consultant will sometimes ask me to do little things like arranging a blood test and getting it done. I know it’s not for me to do but, it’s quite nice to be in the loop a bit.
My MS nurse is a neurology specialist nurse that deals with my MS and my Epilepsy. I may know her for years so, it’s nice that we get on so well.
Stopping driving wasn’t really much to come to terms with - I took myself off the roads and scrapped the car in 2023 (before my diagnoses) when my vision deteriorated. I think the DVLA would take my licence now if I declared the epilepsy and being visually impaired anyway.
The standards of driving are so poor now. Manners and common courtesy seem to have been discarded by most and, the roads are such chaos and mayhem that, I really don’t miss it. I like to use my legs while they still work (never know what may happenl ater) and, at 47 years old, I already have a free bus pass which, is very useful
It looks we have another run of hot days coming so, I hope you manage to keep well through it
All the best x
Jon.
Thank you Jon, yes I have to agree with you on that one. It’s good when it works out, the neurologist I’m under now is better than my first one but it takes them such a long time to get things organised. But I know there’s probably loads of people in the same boat as myself.
It’s not a pleasure to drive anymore, I only drive once a week to do some shopping, but if I’m feeling rubbish will do an online shop instead. Most definitely, when I was first diagnosed in 2023 I brought a walking pad, and try and use it daily, although I can’t do as long as when I first brought it but I’m determined to continue to walk as long as possible.
Yes I don’t do well in either extremes of temperature, so when it’s really hot I have to stay in the cool in front of a fan. I hope you’re having manage to stay cool with the next hot spell of weather.
Take care and stay cool Jon. x
Thankyou Maria.
I have read that this heat is no friend to alot of people with MS. For me, it’s completely the other way round I really suffer from the cold now. The slightest breeze in a shaded area, even on a hot day, has me cold through. Anything from low 20⁰s downwards chills me to the core and, my hands go icy cold and my fingers and knuckles actually hurt so, for me now, the warmer the better. This heatwave is great. I’m actually dreading the autumn and winter.
Take care mate x
Jon.
You’re welcome Jon,
I’m sorry to hear that and can relate as both extremes affect me which is quite annoying. I’ve found in the winter time I usually wear thermals when I go out to combat the cold temperatures this is including thermal gloves, hat and scarf. Ms just keeps on giving with all these unwanted symptoms. Invest in some thermals, it’s a game changer, otherwise being cold to the core takes so long to get over and makes you feel quite rubbish.
Take care jon. x
Maria
Hope the vaccines go smoothly, Jon! I’d also take it easy afterward and give yourself time to recover. I’ve found the Omega XL page useful for checking details on the fish-oil product, subscriptions, orders and returns, so it’s handy if you’re considering something for joint support too.
Thankyou Brian.
I’ll come back and report when they’ve finished with me
All the best mate
Jon.
I should do ok this year
My missus and our daughter are great.
They got me a nice wool blend jacket that’s quilted inside and zips up the front. Thermal vests and socks, a beanie hat and, some thin stretchy gloves. That should all see me ok when the weather turns. They either care or, they’re sick of my moaning 
The funny thing is, I actually used to quite enjoy working outside in the cold (in minus temperatures some years) with wind howling down the railway lines. I suppose I didn’t have MS and brain lesions then.
Have a good evening Maria x
Jon.
Well sounds like you’re well equipped for the cooler weather then!
Same here, and I use to love the heat! I get the sun from the time it comes to the time it goes down which was great to begin with until the ms. But hey there’s always someone out there in a worse predicament than myself.
You take care as well. x
Maria