I’m wearing shorts today (obvs) but got a good look at my walking gait as I approached the doors at M&S. A bit disconcerted to see how much I “throw” my left leg (instead of driving it normally). I knew I did this when running, but trousers must hide the extent of it in a way that shorts do not. It’s made me feel a bit sad, tbh. Nothing has changed and I’ve probably been walking like this for months, but seeing it really drives home how much mobility I’m losing
For reference, I pay about £80 for 2 month’s supply of oil, plus £50 consultation fee every 6 months. That’s a private clinic, so it would be a lot cheaper for the NHS to supply and, I’d argue, would actually save money. It’s political, isn’t it? They won’t allow it to be prescribed because it’s political.
I used to be on a disease modifying drug that cost ££££ a month on the NHS. I’m not on that anymore, but they still aren’t able to prescribe a perfectly legal and proven therapy. Why??
The law was changed by Theresa May, and it perhaps won’t surprise you to learn that her husband is one of Europe’s biggest investors in cannabis cultivation.
Make it available, FFS.
I have #MultipleSclerosis which causes muscle spasms in my legs that keep me awake. I take drugs to try and control this: baclofen, gabapentin. None work as well as cannabis. It’s legal in this country, but next to impossible to get on NHS prescription. When I finally convinced my neurologist to write me a (private) prescription, the estimated cost for 2 months supply was nearly £1000. I now use a private clinic at a fraction of that cost, but it’s absurd.
Popped out for a slow and painful 5k. Halfway round, another runner stops me:
“What on earth is that contraption?” (Points to my brace, pictured)
“Oh, I have #MS and it’s to help me flex my ankle so I can run without falling over.” He sets off again.
“Good on you”
“I think my marathon days might be behind me now”
“Never mind that. It’s all about doing what you can!”
Amen, brother. I’m more than 50% slower than I was and it’s not pretty, but that’s 5k done.
My Facebook memories this time of the year are filled with marathons. I can’t run much any more, but although #MS has taken a lot from me, it will never take these memories away.
(And, let’s be honest, marathons are bloody hard work).
If you’re running this weekend, best of luck and, whatever happens, remember to try and enjoy it. There’s a million people out there and they’re cheering just for you!
Barto Nemo Kopeć | ♿ MS+ | 🏳️⚧️
Rust
swisslet
Marie