“It’s lovely to chat with people who understand what it is like to live with a life-long condition”

Clare McKenzie, 50, from Essex, has found our newly diagnosed peer pod to be a lifeline

I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in February 2019 by my GP. I had only popped to the doctors to update my prescription for my migraines. It was the longest GP appointment I have ever had – 20 minutes! The doctor also had a trainee doctor in the consultation room and I thought that was a little odd. I had been for three MRI scans over the previous six months, so I was expecting some results back, but you know how the NHS works! This was confirmed by my neurologist at Broomfield Hospital in March 2019.

I regularly attended the newly diagnosed peer pod with Lisa and Emma on Monday evenings at 7pm. It’s lovely to chat with people who understand what it is like to live with a life-long condition.

I was made to feel comfortable and at ease right from the first Zoom meeting. It was a safe space to chat informally with other people about anything health-related and life in general really. It was lovely to meet fellow MS-UKers and make new friends.

It was a great way to learn about symptoms and coping mechanisms that gave me the confidence to face anything that came my way. I always knew that I was not alone and there was always someone who could offer guidance.

For anyone thinking of joining a peer pod, go for it! It’s a great way to meet like-minded people We are stronger together!

Help us support even more people with MS. For two weeks only, from 12pm on Monday 13 May, until Thursday 30 May, every donation you make will be DOUBLED! Click here to donate and make double the difference!