Heating, eating or independence?
Craig Watson from Falkirk, Scotland, lives with primary progressive MS. His mobility scooter helps him gain independence, which benefits his mental health. But what happens when high energy costs mean he can’t afford to charge it?
Independence
When I talk about independence, I’m talking about personal independence, the kind where I can go down the street to visit my mate or to the loo without asking for someone to push me there. I’m not talking about the type where you paint your face and yell “freedom”!
Heating or eating?
'Heating or eating' is a choice some folk have to make. For me, as a wheelchair and mobility scooter user, the choice is 'heating, eating or independence'.
Petrol and diesel prices are high, as are gas and electricity costs. All of these are forcing food prices up. I don’t personally use petrol or diesel, but gas and electricity? Yes. And food? Of course.
Mobility scooters
I'm fortunate to have two mobility scooters. One that folds up and goes in a car boot, the other that doesn’t fold and I use locally. Mobility scooters are electric vehicles and they’re charged by plugging them into a mains socket. So I have to think about the cost to the household.
I am unable to go for a walk, so I go out for a 'scoot' to get me out the house – or I did. It’s rainy or freezing. What should I expect? It’s Scotland and it’s always cold and wet here! I can put on waterproof clothing, or stick on an extra jumper and some gloves, but I like to have my lunch in warmth.
Weighing up my options
So I have to weigh up heating (I like to be warm), eating (a hobby of mine) and independence (I don’t walk). Can I live without heating? I would rather not. Can I live without eating? No. Can I live without my independence? Yes! Although my mental health may suffer, my physical health won’t.
So it appears that the loser is my independence.
To me, personal independence is high on the list of priorities. Like tying my own shoelaces, it’s important to me. But it's not as important as staying warm and fed.
Two out of three ain’t bad (just ask Meatloaf).
Mental health is important
Regardless of cost, maintaining mental health is important to us all but especially to those of us that live with lifelong conditions. Taking care of my health (both physical and mental) can improve my symptoms.
So if I can’t get out then memory games, number games, and even Sudoku help me. As these make you think and that makes your brain work. These are better for me than shooting games on the Xbox and PlayStation, which require speed and thumb movement.
If you can get out, do
Good health won’t cure MS but maintaining it will help ease the symptoms. Getting outside really helps me, and I wish I could get out more. Mental health is important and we all have to find what we can that helps.
Get support
You don't have to face challenges alone. Find out about extra financial support you could get, as well as disability benefits.
Our MS Helpline gives information and emotional support to anyone affected by MS. Call 0808 800 8000 for free or email [email protected]. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays.
You can also speak to our MS Benefits Advisor through our our MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000 or email [email protected].
