You Won’t Know If I Don’t Tell You …

BBCI took part in filming for BBC Wales last week.

I’d responded to their question, ‘What Would You Do If You Were Prime Minister?’, as part of their #MyManifesto2017 campaign. How could I resist?

They contacted me, we set up a date and they popped into the office for a chat, cameras in tow.

We discussed a whole range of issues, including disability rights, discrimination, PIP and benefit cuts.

One issue that came up again and again was describing MS at its worst. Having come out of an epic relapse, my longest ever (February to May), it was surprisingly hard to convey just why I looked so weirdly happy and brimming with optimism.

Between takes, I thought about this. Leaving a relapse is like being let out of jail. You’re handed back everything you signed over when you entered this awful state; perhaps not a watch and wallet in a plastic bag, but your innate energy, curiosity, vibrancy.

I found myself constantly saying, ‘no one sees me at my worst’. And you know, they don’t. As the only adult in my household, I shield The Teenager from the majority of a relapse’s effects. I can also work from home, alone. Or in the office, alone. During my endless days off work, I kept myself to myself. Most people were surprised to hear I’d even been through a relapse. It’s because they don’t see me. And I don’t tell them.

Pride? Obstinacy? Or am I just becoming a brilliant MS actress? I’ve had a few emails from you guys saying you know I’m not doing great as I haven’t blogged so much. Absolutely spot on.

I really don’t know why I lock myself away. I do know that one of a relapse’s effects is survival – you just have to get through it, so you put your head down, grit your teeth and keep on keeping on, as much as possible. This doesn’t leave much room for societal niceties – I don’t tend to have friends over, I don’t meet up with friends (my Excuse Bank is extensive) and I don’t do anything except putting what’s left of my diminished energy into getting through a horrendous time, with no idea how long it will last.

Relapses are reflective – you only know how bad they are when you start coming out of one. Part of me wishes the BBC could film me during a relapse but I also know that I wouldn’t have picked up my phone and sent that initial tweet if I was still in Deepest Darkest Relapse Dungeon.

So hopefully I can harness my rising energy levels for something positive. My short film will go live next week, on the telly, radio and internet (I know! Me – in all my glory), and they said they will Photoshop me down to a size 8 and make my chubby cheeks a bit more pointy. (I fear they are joking … )

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6 thoughts on “You Won’t Know If I Don’t Tell You …

  1. Annie says:

    Can’t wait to see that. You are amazing….really inspiring. I get the whole acting thing, pretending all is good…. it’s so strange…. need to figure out why we do this ? Such sad news again last night ?Where’s it all gonna end…just tragic … hope the A levels are going well in your gaff…Take care x

    • stumbling in flats says:

      AW, thank you!!
      It is definitely weird, the MS-acting. It’s so automatic now. It’s a relief to be on firmer ground, post-relapse. I feel I can be more honest and more myself, if that makes sense?
      The Teenager woke me again last night, as he did with the Manchester attack. Horrific. Senseless.
      A levels almost over, just two more weeks and that’s it. Seems to be going ok, despite everything – hope you guys are doing well too!
      X

  2. Annie says:

    Going ok. Finish on 20th?… she tells me Smirnoff will be in the black that day ?! Watching the concert atm and feeling v emotional ?X

    • stumbling in flats says:

      Chris is saying exactly the same thing! He’s planning a huge night out with all his friends. Another thing to worry about 🙁
      I’ve got the concert on too. Hard to hold back the tears. I just feel emotionally wrung out, as I’m sure everyone else does. Hard to process everything that has taken place this year.
      x

  3. Annie says:

    Keep us posted on your video .. will keep an eye out x

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