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Visiting the Rwandan mountain gorillas – in my wheelchair!
13 Oct 2017 | Frances Whinder
When MS started to affect her mobility, Susie thought she’d have to give up travelling. Then other wheelchair users showed her what was possible…
I love to travel. I’ve always dreamed of seeing the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. But when MS started to affect my mobility, I doubted that I’d ever be able to do it.
When I started using a wheelchair in 2012, I thought it...
Cannabis and MS in Parliament
10 Oct 2017 | Jonathan Blades
On Tuesday, the House of Commons debated a Private Member’s Bill to legalise the prescription of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Paul Flynn, MP for Newport, introduced the Private Member’s Bill, (sometimes known as a Ten Minute Bill). During the debate, he highlighted the experiences of people with MS who've taken cannabis to manage their symptoms. People like the late Elizabeth...
How could exercise boost your mental health?
10 Oct 2017 | George Marshall
However your MS affects you, a little gentle exercise can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
Here are four ways exercising can help keep your mind healthy.
1. Lift your mood
There's a scientific reason why people often feel better during and after exercise. Being physically active can encourage your brain to release ‘feel good’ chemicals called endorphins that help lift your mood.
Studies...
Me and my MS Nurse: Karen and Julie
04 Oct 2017 | Frances Whinder
Keeping on top of your MS treatment can be challenging. But for many, an MS nurse makes all the difference. Find out why Karen thinks of Julie, her MS nurse, as a ‘safety net’.
I’ve been seeing Julie for several years now – ever since I moved to Leeds. I see her once every six months and we talk about how my...
5 things that help me live well with MS
02 Oct 2017 | hmaunder
Hi, my name is Ronnie and I was diagnosed with MS in 2015.
This year I signed up for one of the MS Society’s Living Well with MS courses, because I want to know how to best manage my MS, and to get a support network around me.
Here’s some things I’ve learnt help me live well with MS.
1. Sharing with others
The course was a chance to share experiences with others and know we’re not in...
How we tested 3 venues for accessibility
01 Oct 2017 | hmaunder
Can you have an accessible day out in Edinburgh if you use a wheelchair? Karine and Sarah put access to the test at three different venues.
Check out their film, and a text description of the film and audio description of the film
Text description of the film
Hi I’m Karine and I’m reporting today for the MS Society for Disabled Access Day, and this is my wife.
Hi, I'm Sarah!
First stop: lunch
Greeted by a cupcake sign saying ‘open’ we head inside Mimi's Bakehouse in Leith.
This cafe has a ramp, accessible loos and we can book a table with extra space...
4 things you need to know about ESA reassessments
29 Sep 2017 | Babs Guthrie
Last week the government announced it will no longer reassess some people with severe and progressive conditions for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
This applies to people who meet new criteria and have no prospect of getting better. We've been calling for an end to these unnecessary reassessments. And we'll continue to work hard to ensure this change meets the needs of people with MS.
1. What...
Top tips for travelling with a wheelchair
27 Sep 2017 | Frances Whinder
I love travelling. Before I was in a wheelchair, I’d visited 70 countries. Now things are more challenging and require more preparation. But I’ve visited nearly 20 countries in my wheelchair.
My name is Susie Twydell. I’m 39 and I was diagnosed with MS in 2007. I’ve been a full-time wheelchair user for four years.
When I’m planning a trip, I find reviews from other wheelchair users inspiring and helpful. So I set up a...
"My dogs allow me to take things at my own pace."
22 Sep 2017 | Morag
Since her MS diagnosis Morag has found her four-legged friends to be a constant source of support.
I’m 67 years old and proud mum, mum-in-law, and granny to three fabulous kids whose lives I’ve been lucky enough to share to the full.
I live with my husband Phillip in The Black Isle, just north of Inverness. Every day, I walk a couple of miles with my seven year old Dalmatian, Kruger.
Phillip,...
Skool runnings: MS and being mum to a teenager
12 Sep 2017 | Barbara Stensland
MS hit our little family of two when The Teenager had just started high school.
Up until then, I had been an eager, hands-on parent, the type that ‘helps’ their child create a magnificent castle from nothing but empty loo rolls and a glue gun. Or stands at the sidelines for every rugby match, cheering on each side (not quite knowing the rules of rugby).
I washed...
