Back to work

I know I've been very quiet these last few weeks but I'm back! I've started back into full time work and it's been a bit of a shock to the system. 

Working with MS is always an adventure. I was spoilt for a long time where employment was concerned. I was management when I was diagnosed so it was a lot easier to adapt my duties to what my body would allow. I did my own rota so I wasn't ever over worked. 

Then that came to an end when I was made redundant.

 I hadn't planned to return to work. I saw this as an opportunity to look after myself. Life had other plans (as is always the way). So I had to find a job.

Now I was faced with job hunting with a disability and quickly realised that everything I was qualified to do my body would no longer allow me to do. 

So I applied for work in a call centre. At least I could sit down all day. 

I have now discovered that sitting all day is in fact making me feel worse. My legs tend to seize up so I can't stand up even when I want to. 

However, I will not be beaten by it, I have no choice, it's this or nothing! 

Guess ill have to keep playing the lotto :) 

You Me & MS

I've mentioned my OH Gareth in previous posts but I suppose I should mention our relationship in a bit more detail. 

Gareth would be the main supporting cast member in my life dramas. 

We met in 2009 when he was a customer in hmv where I worked. We met up for coffee, more of a chat than a date.  Before I met him I had considered not mentioning the MS as it wasn't definite then and it's not exactly what people look for in a partner. In the end I decided that honesty was best. He needed to know what he was getting himself into. 

So our first proper conversation was about MS. I told him that if he wanted to run a mile then I wouldn't hold it against him. There was no hesitation from him. It didn't put him off. It didn't even seem to phase him. 

From then on it was a learning curve for both of us. New symptoms were discovered together. Some I didn't see but he did. He didn't provide pity (thank god) and thankfully saw the humour in the situation that I did. 

Gareth bought me my first proper walking stick because he knew that I wouldn't want to use a little old lady stick, if I'm gonna be crippled then I want to do it in style :) he learnt to walk on the right of me incase I needed the extra support and he will help me stand up when my Bambi legs don't want to. 

I know that people feel bad for me when they hear about the MS but they don't really think of everyone else it effects. I always tell people that its worse for Gareth than me. I sometimes wish Gareth had met me before the MS when I was 'normal' but there are benefits to him only ever knowing me this way. He never had to 'mourn' the person I was like me & my family have. 

Our life together is normal for us :) we learn to adapt and we will continue to discover the 'joys' of MS together (if he doesn't kill me first)