I increased my knowledge and understanding of MS
I was diagnosed in 1997, when I was 50. I only found out two years later when a new consultant was appointed, that I had Primary progressive MS. This led to me taking ill-health retirement in 2000 from my social work job.
Celia Byham
I found I was not given a lot of information at this stage and I chose to find out for myself, both about local and national services and provision. I attended as many courses and lectures as possible to increase my knowledge and understanding about MS. I discovered the local MS therapy centre and attend there for various therapies. It's now too far to drive myself and cope with the therapy. I link up with a friend who also attends, whose husband drives both of us there or sometimes my partner takes me when his commitments permit. Social contact with other MS sufferers is as important as appropriate practical help.
Up until now there has been considerably less information about primary progressive MS but I am pleased to see the MS Trust is redressing the balance a little with the new book, Primary progessive MS exposed
I fractured my femur in a fall in December 2009 and the recovery has complicated life somewhat. It has taken much longer than I expected. Fortunately (I think) I broke my already MS-affected leg. My foot drop is worse since the fall but at least my good leg still works quite well! Finding comfortable and appropriate footwear that I can actually walk in properly is a HUGE ongoing and expensive problem.
