Diary of a Man with MS
Started in June 2016. Diary of a man with MS is a sporadic report of my life with MS. There are so many ups and downs, twists and turns. Sometimes I think it is worth telling other people about them.
Sometimes I want to keep the story to myself. None the less this whole website is a story of my life especially the tab ‘Living with MS’.
Diary of a man with MS
MS is another piece of baggage that can make the emotional roller-cosaster ride of life even more exciting or should I say daunting as well as frustrating.
An after thought
I have divided the diary section up into years that way it is easier to see what happens and when. I think this makes it more logical.
Unless I am careful this website is going to get too large and unwieldy. Maybe it is there already. Who knows?
Seven days during the Rio Olympics
There are days when living with MS is really not too bad and there are days when it is awful. There are even days when it can be exciting. This has been a week when I have gone through all of these emotions and more. I even broke my Leki walking stick in a dramatic […]
Sticky electrodes and my FES
I started using a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in January 2014. It has been my game changer. Without the sticky electrodes and my FES I would probably have to use a wheelchair around the house. Hold on a moment, I would definitely have to use a wheelchair. Instead I have a different life. Sticky electrodes and my […]
I had a wonderful sailing holiday
I had a wonderful sailing holiday Earlier this year in 2016 I had a wonderful sailing holiday. Click HERE to read about it. I signed up to go sailing with the JST (Jubilee Sailing Trust) on the Lord Nelson. It was a six day trip from Southampton to France and back to Southampton. Help me […]
An invisible physical disability
Are you like me? I suffer from an invisible physical disability. Do these statements sound familiar? “Crikey I didn’t know you were disabled”. Or maybe someone said “You don’t look disabled”. Sometimes it’s even “You look healthy”, and then they deserve a slap. An invisible physical disability Millions of us in Briton have a hidden disability. […]
A Simple Decision Every Morning
There are decisions I must make every day from the moment I wake up. I have to make a simple decision every morning when I get dressed. The result depends upon the mood I am in, how I feel when I wake up. It is my decision and it affects me for the rest of the […]
My Badly Behaved Bladder
Sometimes you just want your MS problems to go away. I know the severity is different for everyone but there are times when the niggles just get to be too much. My badly behaved bladder has been around for over 35 years. Slightly longer than I have been married. My badly behaved bladder Its not […]
Living with multiple sclerosis is no laughing matter
Two reasons why living with multiple sclerosis is no laughing matter. Saturday 24 June I always look forward to Saturday. Not because it’s the end of the week. Not because it’s the start of the weekend. It’s the day I go to the local bakery buy bread and Chelsea Buns. Last Saturday came round and […]
Some things I simply do not see
Vision is a bit of a mystery to me at times. Some things I can see perfectly well and some things I simply do not see. I know my vision is not 20/20 🙁 I always have to wear a pair of glasses, I even have special reading glasses. Some things I simply do not […]
12 June 2016
Diary 12 June 2016 Here’s something to think about. It’s a quote from Mary Kay Ash, an American businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. “There are two things people want more than sex and money; recognition and praise”. In case you were wondering the Travelscoot that was for sale has been sold. I have […]
The FES has been a life changer
An FES was originally fitted over 18 months ago to help my footdrop. There is no doubt the FES has been a life changer. It makes me feel more confident, I have better balance and a definite ‘I-can-do’ feeling. OK so I still need to use a rollator. The FES has been a life changer At […]
I Need A Two Wheeled Walking Frame
I have come to the conclusion that I need a Two Wheeled Walking Frame. Coming to this conclusion did not make me feel happy. Would a zimmerframe mean that I would be less likely to fall over? Am I a step closer to always needing to use a wheelchair? Is this another tipping point on my journey […]
I cannot do things I once took for granted
Everyone knows Multiple sclerosis is a horrible disease. Now I cannot do things I once took for granted, its the Multiple Sclerosis. Its taken a long time but I thinks it has finally got me. I get so frustrated. I cannot do things I once took for granted Am I wrong? I don’t think so. […]
Tall Ship Boat Sailing Holiday
I recently had a week away on a Tall Ship Boat Sailing Holiday. It was an exciting experience, truly memorable. Organised by the Jubilee Sailing Trust the boat, called the Lord Nelson, is designed and built for people with a physical disability. There were 50 people on board, including the regular crew, varying in age […]
Zinger battery powered lightweight wheelchair
The Zinger battery powered lightweight wheelchair is fun to use. It’s small nippy and a new concept. It can be used both indoors and outside The Zinger is comfortable and it’s manoeuvrable; it can literally turn on a sixpence piece. The armrests on a zinger are optional. The basic model has no handle bar so […]
Di Blasi R30 Folding Mobility Scooter
A mobility scooter that folds up on the press of a button. It seems a genuine novelty but the Di Blasi R30 folding mobility scooter is not the only one on the market. Click here to find out more about it. I like the 1930’s style and the large wheels so it can go over […]
Visit The Shoulder Consultant Again
I had an operation to repair the rotator cuff in my left shoulder in August 2014. There is still an occasional twinge in my left shoulder. Shortly after the operation, the consultant said he could do a hip replacement in less time than it took to repair my shoulder. Only then did I realise it […]
Something prevents a good sleep
It all started in the middle of last year, 2015, I had an appointment to see a urology consultant. I was having problems with leaking urine before I inserted a catheter to have a pee. Only very very occasionally was there a total disaster. Accidents do happen and very occasionally I have to change my […]
The FES Really Changed My Life
The FES really changed my life. I am quite sure it was the Functional Electrical Stimulator otherwise known as an FES. Originally fitted in December 2014. I immediately stopped falling over with monotonous regularity. Instead I stayed upright, it changed my life for the better . So many people commented that I looked better and […]
Wobble Cushion
I bought a Wobble Cushion in 2012. My balance was much better then than it is now in 2016 multiple sclerosis has killed off my walking and sense of balance.. Nowadays I cannot walk unaided. So what is a wobble cushion? The best description is to imagine a rubber cushion filled with air and it is made […]
Heads MS Wins or Tails I Lose
Heads MS wins or tails I lose. Its all on the toss of a coin? Life is unfair. Running, driving, dog walking, employment are just a few things my friend MS has won from me. It is exerting such a strong grip on my life. Nowadays I run out of energy more quickly than ever 🙁 […]
Essential Extras For The Topro Troja Rollator
The Topro Troja rollator is a reliable walker if you have difficulty with balance Maybe you find walking difficult or struggle carrying items such as a plate of food. I have used these rollators for several years. I’m a happy customer. I am going to tell you about some essential extras for the Topro Troja […]
Can You Cure Multiple Sclerosis
Can you cure multiple sclerosis (MS)? It is a question that would always receive a negative reply. Recent medical developments, described as miraculous, can now lead to a cure for MS. People newly diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) can have their immune system rebooted using stem cells extracted from their bone marrow. Before […]
Be a Garlic Crusher With A Rocker
Be a garlic crusher with a rocker though the experts say you should chop garlic. Well try a Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker that’s all well and good saying you should chop garlic but they ain’t got my problems. No I definitely find it easier to crush garlic with a rocker. Even The Wife says its […]
The Highwayman in Berkhamsted
The Highwayman in Berkhamsted used to be a Blanc Brasserie restaurant, it catered for people who use a wheelchair admirably. There was a good disabled loo at pavement level. The dining area is over half a dozen steps lower than the entrance but there was a lift for wheelchair users to get to the dining […]
Life without a FES would be unthinkable
I have SPMS and seriously disabled with foot drop. I was fitted with a Functional Electrical Stimulator (FES) in December 2014. A consultant from Queens Square, London suggested that it would help my walking. At first I found it very fiddly to setup and this did not inspire me with confidence. Within a few days […]
Swimming is proper exercise
At hydrotherapy I had unexpectedly found myself swimming doggy paddle. Suddenly I realise swimming is proper exercise. There is no fear of falling over. It uses so many muscles. It is healthy exercise and no fear of falling over, call it a water workout. Feeling exhilarated by the thought of swimming a few strokes I […]
Repairing my rotator cuff
Repairing my rotator cuff was my operation in August 2014. Its now December 2015, that was more than 15 months ago. My shoulder now has a full range of movement but no strength when lifting my arm up to the horizontal position. I assumed this would to be my misfortune for the rest of my […]
Were There Any Benefits Doing The MS Mile?
Were the any benefits walking the MS mile? Definitely! On the 9th September I walked the MS mile. Definitely YES 🙂 I raised just over £ 1,700 for the Chilterns MS Therapy Centre I proved to myself I could walk three quarters of a mile even with a rollator :-)) Taking exercise on a regular basis, […]
Game Using Only Dice And No Board
Think of a game using only dice and no board, they are few and far between. Here is a game using only dice and no board. It is a classic South American variation of liar dice. Its called Perudo. An exciting dice game of skill and luck. This is a game of bluff Knowing the odds certainly helps. […]
Long handled Leaf Collector
Use the Long Handled Lead Collector to keep the lawn and patio clear of fallen leaves and you will not even need to bend over. The two large plastic grabbers It makes collecting fallen leaves, cut grass and other garden debris easy. The design of the two large flat scoops makes the removal of garden rubbish so […]
One Way Flextendable Drinking Straws
One Way Flextendable Drinking Straws This is a pack of 15 flexible drinking straws, they can be made longer and have a one-way valve. One Way Flextendable Drinking Straws These long flexible drinking straws have one big advantage, the liquid stays in the straw when you stop sucking. There is a valve in the base which […]
High Vision Reading Light for the Desk
The Desktop Reading Light is a high vision reading light, ideal for the desktop. The flicker free bulbs create a near daylight effect. This means it makes reading easier especially if your sight is not perfect or you are visually impaired. The strong glare-free clear light allows you to read and concentrate for longer. If […]
Bananagrams Game
Bananagrams game is a fast and fun word game that is easy to play. No need for a board, pencil or paper just a small flat space big enough to build up a cross word of the letters. Ideally Bananagrams game is for two people but more can play. It is an immensely enjoyable game of words. Educational […]
Now Its My Turn To Walk the MS Mile
After several weeks of training the big day arrived. 12 September, now it’s my turn to walk the MS Mile. Getting there My training was walking 100 yard lengths with my Rollator. I felt huge benefits from the exercise, I feel more positive and my balance is now so much better. I am now walking distances […]
PURElite 3 in 1 Magnifying Lamp
PURElite 3 in 1 Magnifying Lamp can be used as a floor lamp, a table lamp or a clip-on lamp. The bulbs of the multipurpose lamp create a near daylight effect. This makes them excellent for reading and as a study light. It offers natural light as well as magnification. And best of all, long […]
Walk the MS Mile. Video, Good Exercise For Me
Good exercise is something we all need to do. It gets those muscles working and it also makes me feel a whole lot better in mind and body. Since I signed up for the ‘Walk the MS Mile’ for the Chilterns MS Centre I have gone out nearly every day with my rollator pushing myself […]
