Life is for living! Meet Clare

For our #LifeIsForLiving campaign, Clare McKenzie explains how finding others who ‘get it’ helps her live life to the full

Anyone who receives a health diagnosis, physical or mental, understands the roller coaster of emotions that this can bring. Everybody’s journey is different. Here’s a little bit about mine and why MS-UK have been keeping me afloat on mine.

When my GP diagnosed me with RRMS in February 2019, I took it well. I knew all about multiple sclerosis (MS) because my brother had been diagnosed with the condition over 20 years earlier. I had symptoms for years and brushed them off. I put them down to the aches and pains of leading a busy, well-lived life. But, as the years came, my symptoms did too.

It started with trips and falls, tingly hands in the cold British winter, tingly feet that I thought was from sciatica, and then my walking and fatigue became noticeably challenging.

 With any diagnosis comes questions and you do not always want to burden your family or even feel comfortable speaking to friends. That’s where MS-UK are brilliant with offering their Peer Pods. There’s one to suit everybody – Newly Diagnosed, MS and Work, Parents with MS, Caregivers, LGBTQ+, and even a Sunday Drop-in to indulge in a casual catch-up with other MSers.

I would highly recommend trying the MS-UK Peer Pod service. It’s a safe place to discuss any concerns you may have or ask others with lived experience for help and guidance. If you have ever heard the phrase, ‘Nobody gets it, until you get it,’ – that’s what it is about

Has the diagnosis made much difference to my life? Well, it has given me some answers

Do I feel any different? Well… not really. I am super lucky as my symptoms are mild and I am DMT-free at the moment.

Nobody with MS knows what the future holds, but I am taking every day as it comes with a smile and a positive outlook, knowing that MS-UK and the wider community always have me covered if I need support.

You can follow my journey on Instagram at ms_jellylegs