“Everyone was like an old friend”

Gail Mitchell, 55, from Nottingham shares how MS-UK’s peer pods have given her new-found confidence and a better social life

I have relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and I was diagnosed in May 2022. I had several falls where I couldn’t get up off the floor and my GP wasn’t interested – he just said come back if you have another fall! Then I was out driving one day and I saw two cars coming towards me when really there was only one. Luckily, I got home safely and found a GP who took me seriously and sent me for an MRI. As a result of that I saw a neurologist at the QMC in Nottingham and was diagnosed with MS.

I searched online and found MS-UK and emailed them – I was interested in the magazine and the peer pods. I attended the Sunday drop-in peer pod and then the women’s peer pod on a Friday. Some others did interest me, but I work full time otherwise I might have attended more.

Just before my first session I was very apprehensive but everyone was like an old friend. Now I can’t wait for my peer pods to happen. All the people involved have given me confidence. As a result of the peer pods, I have now joined the WhatsApp group for the pods too.

To anyone thinking of attending a session for the first time, I’d say – just do it! It is a lifeline especially if you are house bound. It is a new (and better) social life for me.

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