Stumbling in Flats

You’ve all seen the news.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been glued to it, waiting for specific advice for those of us who live with compromised immune systems.

And just like me, you’re probably disappointed.

Instead, thankfully, we have our own trusted sources to rely upon during this incredibly confusing time – MS Trust, MS Society and many others have been quick to keep us updated.

If you are finding it difficult to get out and buy food, please don’t panic. If you can, ask friends and family and if not, there has been an amazing lift in community measures to make sure no one is left behind – look into the NextDoor app and your local Facebook pages.

In the midst of all the terrible news, there are, at this moment, three good things to take away:

• First, when this is over, and you ask your Boss if you can work from home, they’ll have a much harder time saying no. If we can mobilise half a nation to work from home within a week, why has this not happened before? After all, ‘reasonable adjustments’ are enshrined in law?
• Second, self-isolation is second nature to most of us with MS and we have honed and perfected our techniques over the years since our diagnosis. Let’s share our lessons with others. I know it’s tempting to yell, ‘it’s not Christmas or a snow break!’ but be kind. They know no different. We can teach them.
• The final point, although more intangible, may be that other people might realise just how difficult it is to be at home, day after day, week after week. We weren’t moaning unnecessarily after all!

Wow.

This is unprecedented – we have no rules to follow, but let’s be kind, look out for one another and stick together.

What is the alternative?