MS News: December 2014
Well, it was a busy December, in more ways than one. I hope you all had a great Christmas and wish you the best for 2015. From the amount of research and clinical news we keep hearing about month after month, I can only be optimistic for the future. A cure will not happen tomorrow, next year or even in five years, but we’re edging closer to more relief. My wish is that all those people with primary and secondary MS will receive better treatment options than they now have.
Je Suis Charlie
#JeSuisCharlie
2015: Year of the Pen
We’re a few days into the New Year already, and I’m looking forward to sitting down in Starbucks Ireland once again. Parker pen, a large latte and carrot cake to take me through the thoughts in my mind while a new notebook waits for thoughts that sound like words; with emotions that sound like sentences or paragraphs. Life’s the story; my family, friends & MS gang, my inspiration. This year will mark my fourth year of blogging, although mentally blog ‘posts’ are now called ‘articles’ and blogging turned into ‘writing’. No, it’s not a matter of being arrogant, being a social climber, or being above ‘mere’ blogging. Writing simply became a lot more than blogging. Writing became a lifestyle.
Ireland, still here
"Ireland is still the protagonist in my life that runs away with its stories, and drags me along in its clear chants and rebel songs. I hear tears falling on the sound of uilleann pipes; I feel the waves when I read Seamus Heaney’s ‘Lovers on Aran’. I’ve walked with James Joyce and listened to William Butler Yeats. It feels as if my heart came home. In my mind, I was already part of Ireland."
How to wrap friendship
Friends reply less when words fall between the cracks of self-censorship. When they decide to stay away, it’s up to us to never think any less of the friends who stay away. I consider it a justified reaction. I’m also on the other side of the scale where I chose to stay away from certain people because of their words.
#FestifyMS Christmas appeal
"If you’re in Ireland, text Festify to 50300 to donate €4 for Christmas. If you want to give a larger amount if you are living abroad, you can go to http://ms-society.ie/pages/donate to donate any amount you wish to the society. A lifetime membership costs €50 ($67 or £40), and ensures much-needed services to people with MS can be retained or improved."
Managing fatigue
Dr Anita Rose is a Consultant Neuropsychologist who works across the globe. She created a list on how to manage MS fatigue and this is something to live by. Dr Rose is well-known for her clinical work, research and consultancy to different MS groups. She travels the world speaking of patient, as well as health professional empowerment. Fatigue is not only a debilitating symptom of MS; it also is the most common symptom. Those living with it speak of it in various strength and terms, and only have one hope: to one day be relieved of a symptom that upsets daily routines and causes people to retire from work. Managing fatigue top tips, by doctor and author Anita Rose Always remember you should never accept fatigue as an inevitable consequence…
