MS research is my beacon of hope
Annabelle was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2011. She was the first person to join the first stage of a myelin repair trial we’re funding.
I have a brilliant life, surrounded by friends, family and so much fun and love. But I hate my MS.
I hate that my children have to hold my hand with such a firm grip to make sure I don't trip. I hate that I'm always grumpy and tired in the evening and don't want to stay up to watch a film. And I hate that I can't run. I loved running.
Sometimes I’m not myself
MS seems to get me when I’m at my worst and already struggling. Most recently, my very beloved uncle died unexpectedly. I absolutely adored him. I was desperately bereaved and needed time to heal. But instead, I got the worst flare up of optic neuritis I’ve ever had. I didn't know it could get that bad.
It’s like MS loves to be a catalyst of devastation. I love my job, but my sight was so affected I didn't know whether I'd be able to carry on. Thank goodness I was able to juggle things around with work so I could get through the worst of it.
When I was going through that stress, I wasn't myself. I was a bit of a wreck. I feel fortunate that my husband is so beautiful and patient.
As things were so difficult, I went to see the neurologist and insisted on an MRI scan. But as she suspected, there were no new lesions. It's just the way it is.
Finding hope in research
I’m an optimist. Just knowing that MS research is happening is a beacon of hope. It keeps me focused on living my best, healthiest life.
When I'm feeling gloomy and scared about the future, I look up what research is going on. Honestly, it picks me up.
When I'm feeling gloomy and scared about the future, I look up what research is going on. Honestly, it picks me up.
When I'm happy and positive, my symptoms feel better. If I'm stressed and worried, they feel worse. When I have the hope of treatment, it's like a different world.
Joining a clinical trial
I’ve found Professor Coles, who is running the myelin repair trial that I’m part of, to be such an inspirational man. I met him in clinic, years before the trial. He delivered the devastating news about my diagnosis with such kindness and professionalism. That always stuck with me.
When I read about the trial on the MS Society website, it sounded too good to be true. As it was in Cambridge, it was local and familiar. And the drugs were already well used and being re-purposed, so that was reassuring.
I actually enjoyed it, which might sound strange! I got to ask billions of questions and learn so much. Everyone involved in the trial were really kind, too. That's so important to me – to be around positive, kind people.
I won’t be defined by MS
First and foremost, I'm Annabelle. A wife, sister, mother and friend. And then a zillion other things: busy, silly, to the point, likes wine. And then, somewhere down that line, I live with MS.
When I meet someone with MS, of course there is a connection, but it's the person that matters. MS is a big part of my life, but it isn't me. There are lots of preconceptions about MS. We all need to see the person and not the illness - me included.
Help us make tomorrow brighter
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that has donated to the Stop MS campaign.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that has donated to the Stop MS campaign.
In my lifetime, I would love for MS not to cause the disability it often does today. And I believe, with the ongoing generous support and research, this could be within reach. And that keeps me exercising, eating well and getting all I can out of every day. Because I have to believe tomorrow is going to be even sunnier.
Will you help us stop MS?
We’re making real progress in all areas of myelin repair research. Will you donate today to help us continue to build the connections between MS, its causes, and how we can stop it?
