Whitehaven News

Me, MS and Moose

Last updated at 09:25, Tuesday, 22 September 2009

When you look at this picture what do you see? A picture of me and my dog, true. But what you don’t see hiding in my shadow is the Multiple Sclerosis. It follows me everywhere I go and no one can see it.

Katie and Moose

In these columns that I write, I would like to let you have a glimpse of my life with MS. A lot of it I try to make a joke out of, as that is my coping mechanism, but some of it is dark. Like for example, when this photo was taken I had double vision. I had a relapse the week before and I woke up with yet another symptom. It was very scary as this had been my worst relapse yet and if it didn’t go away how was I going to manage? I couldn’t drive and the only way I could see single vision was if I cover an eye up. Was I going to have to wear an eye patch for the rest of my life? If I couldn’t drive, what will happen with my job? All these things ran through my head but the hardest thing to do is to not stress about it as it can make it worse. There is nothing that could be done as I already had some steroids in February and the consultant was reluctant to give me more in such a short space of time. All I could do was rest and wait. Luckily, the double vision has now gone. I can drive again and I’ve started back at work this week so fingers crossed all will be well.

Just before my relapse, I had my medication changed by the consultant, as my previous medication wasn’t working. Unfortunately, the main medication for relapsing remitting MS is a disease-modifying drug called beta interferon or another one called Copaxone. These can only be administered through an injection. I had gone from a once a week injection to a daily injection. I wasn’t too chuffed about that, but if that’s what had to be done then that’s what had to be done. The funny thing is that my boyfriend is an insulin dependant diabetic so between us we look like a pair of drug addicts with all the needles! The areas that I inject into have left marks on my skin and lumps of fatty tissue underneath the skin. My mini skirt wearing days are definitely over now! It will take a while before I find out if the new medication is working, but fingers crossed it will.

It isn’t all doom and gloom having this disease. I have met some amazing people since being diagnosed and having someone to talk to who knows exactly what you are going through is priceless. I have set up a group for people with MS and their families, where we talk and get things off our chest. Not just MS things but anything at all. The worst thing that anyone can think about with MS or any medical problem is that they are alone. It is not true and I feel as though it is part of my duty, as having MS, to let people know this.

You may be thinking why is Moose included in the title. The title describes three of the biggest things in my life. Me, the MS and my dog Moose. Anyone who has a dog, regardless of whether you’re ill or not, will know that feeling of the unconditional love you can get from these animals. They are always happy to see you even if it has only been ten minutes apart. You can have the worst day ever and there is always a wagging tail there ready to greet you and cheer you up. Moose has been so important to me through everything. He is a particularly cuddly dog and I think that a hug can make a lot of things better. Cuddle therapy as I call it! You may all think I am mad but he is my therapy dog and as long as he isn’t scrapping through the bin or snoring too loud that I can’t get to sleep, he makes me smile.

- Katie Bailey

P.S. On the 4th October I shall be doing an abseil down Carlisle Civic Centre to raise money for the branch. It is my first fundraising event and the nerves are beginning to kick in. But it will be worth it, knowing that I am helping the cause that one day might find a cure for this shadow.