During this crisis my stress levels are high
I can’t sleep because I’m worried about paying bills and buying food. It’s making me physically ill. Not sleeping increases my fatigue which makes it difficult for me to function.
At night, my brain can’t switch off. I can’t eat because I worry all the time. And I can’t take some of my medications on an empty stomach.
Sleepless nights from worry make my fatigue worse
Fatigue is the worst MS symptom for me. I try and keep busy, because as soon as I sit down I go to sleep.
As well as MS I also live with lots of other conditions, including degenerative bone disease, asthma, epilepsy, arthritis and migraines. I took medical retirement because of trouble with my back.
I take 42 different tablets a day to manage these conditions.
Shopping takes all day, worsening my fatigue and pain
I go to 4 or 5 different shops to do my grocery shopping. I research which shops have deals on, especially when it comes to laundry detergents and essentials. Unfortunately, I can't buy shops’ cheaper own brands as I’m allergic to some of the ingredients - or I absolutely would.
‘Eat or heat’ has never been so real
Winter terrifies me as heating prices are also increasing. I found a cheap store, bought blankets, thermal leggings and hot water bottles. The choice of ‘eat or heat' has never been so real. I can’t afford to get into debt because I’d never be able to pay it off.
The thing that breaks my heart the most is not being able to visit my 74-year-old mum as much as I used too. She lives 35 miles away now and the cost of petrol makes the journey very expensive.
Benefits need to increase in line with inflation
I would definitely feel more confident if people on disability benefits were given an increase in line with inflation. I’d like to see the government start to give a s***.
It’d be a step in the right direction if they listened to and read the petition presented to them, and actually did something for us.
Tell the UK Government: it’s time to act
Sign our petition to call on the UK Government to urgently roll out a new cost of living package to support people with MS to survive the winter and beyond.
You don't have to face challenges alone. Find out about extra financial support you could get, as well as disability benefits.
You can also speak to our MS Benefits Advisor through our MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000 or email [email protected].
