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…
25% OCD
When I was growing up, I used to hear stories about my grandfather’s need of having things sorted in an often peculiar way. He would line up items on the fireplace mantel with the edge of the mantel and if items were placed too far back, he would raise his eyebrows in jest at my grandmother. Other examples exist, and if the term ‘OCD’ existed in his time, he might have been a possible candidate to earn that title. My granddad’s legacy? I inherited some of his peculiar ways. He was the king of his fireplace mantel. I am the queen of my kitchen cupboards. When I see that things have moved in my absence, I go on the lookout for explanations.
Lifetime membership
"Looking back at my physical self between the end of November 2009 and today, my MS took a fairly big step backwards twice. With hindsight being 20/20, retiring was the right thing to do. I cannot even begin to think where I’d be medically had I not retired, so if you want anything to work out in your life, then please let it be your early retirement."
MS News: November 2014 (*F)
"Hoping for a cure? Of course. I am realistic though, as it might not happen in my lifetime. Simply being part of the solution, is all I wish for right now. Whichever comes first, the 8,000 people with MS in Ireland, 100,000 in the UK, 400,000 in the US and many other people around the world are looking forward, and simply... hope."
Ireland Blog Awards 2014 certificates
Happy days! The certificates of the Ireland Blog Awards 2014 finalists arrived today so I can now frame them and give them a nice place on my walls. I want to thank everyone once again for voting me in, and for the continuous support. Without sounding too cliché, I would not be able to keep on writing if it wasn’t for all the good intentions, friendship and love you’ve given me so far. © Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me with…
Conversations with myself: 2005-2006
While doing a big administration clean up, I came across some old notebooks. The one that caught my eye started on June 5th 2005, and lists MS, professional, friendship and relationship woes as I was diagnosed just two months prior. It’s very much an interior monologue trying to make sense out of nonsense. For example, I wrote about the last meeting with my dog Wolf right before he was put down. Questions about certain relationships also feature heavily as a new me was now meeting new demands, wishes etc. In the next few weeks, I will be publishing parts of my diagnosis diary, so keep an eye on my blog. For more: Dogs, miracles with paws See you then! ©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorised…
Making Sense of MS
One of the many things people newly diagnosed with MS (PwMS) look for is information on what their illness will have in store for them. From thinking back to when I was discovering what MS might be like, I remember an overwhelming feeling of “where on earth do I even begin?” when I finally went online. I was numb and in denial but knew I had to find out more if I wanted to create a realistic idea of it. Approximately 5,000 people are newly diagnosed with MS each year in the UK, and for this reason, the MS Trust commissioned the “Making Sense of MS” resource to highlight the need for more information at the time of diagnosis.
