Tag Archives: fatigue

Oct 09 2012
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Daily Life

Going out on a work night…

Ooh, I’m going out on a work night! I haven’t been out much at all since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, so this is BIG news. Fingers crossed, I’m well and truly in remission right now, so I’m going to make the most of it. Anyone with MS will know the dark spectre of a new relapse is always lurking round the corner, ready to pounce.

Up until very recently, just getting through the day and then falling headlong in the sofa used up all my energy. Having an evening out did not even cross my mind. Loading the washing machine was akin to running a marathon, cooking dinner from scratch was replaced by the microwave and life was scaled back to the absolute bare minimum needed to function.

So, decisions, decisions. What to wear? Can’t really wear the same as you’d wear on a Friday or Saturday night. Need to look as if I’ve just thrown together a chic outfit whilst juggling my oh-so busy life. The ‘no-effort, but somehow devastatingly fabulous’ look. A bit unstructured, but put-together. Does that make sense?

Right, now, got to think about what to have to drink. Soft drink? Maybe a bit unsophisticated. A mocktail? Bit naff. Wine? Well, I’m not driving, so possibly, but drinking so early in the week? Could be viewed as starting the weekend a little too early. Perhaps a spritzer then. Next, I have to think about how long to stay. We are meeting half six for seven (what does that even mean?). Should I turn up dead on half six and look a bit tragic or play it more mysterious by arriving just before seven?

Fleetingly, an image of me all cosied-up on the sofa with a good book pops into my mind. So tempting, so…..comforting and familiar. But, no, I am going out. And I can’t wait.

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Oct 08 2012
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Daily Life

Doing Housework the MS Way

MS and HouseworkI used to be a real neat-freak, probably a hangover from my tiny 1-room box in London years ago, when the sofa was next to the cooker and I could switch the kettle on from my bed. I was there until I was 8 months pregnant and could clean the shower by simply rubbing soap on my stomach and turning round.

Up until a year ago I was still pretty much the same until jaw-dropping fatigue hit me like a demolition wrecking ball. Standards had to slide, but rather than becoming depressed, I just came up with some handy hints, which I am now passing on to you:

  • Rip up your carpets and put down wooden flooring wherever possible, adding a few non-fluffy rugs if necessary. Majorly cuts down on dirt.
  • Chuck out most of your knick-knacks and ornaments – dust traps.
  • Use paper plates whenever you can. There’s some great designs now, don’t worry.
  • Use make-up remover wipes, then when you’re brushing your teeth use wipe to quickly clean sink. A bit icky, but small gestures count.
  • Fit dimmers to your lights and adjust accordingly – the less dust you see, the less it matters.
  • Borrow a small child. Put a feather duster in one of their hands and a lollipop in the other. Make up a fun game, but check they dust with the right one.
  • Invest in light-coloured furniture (IKEA, I salute you) – shows up way less dust.
  • If you must invite friends round, wait til it’s dark and light candles. Lots of them. And make sure there’s wine. Nothing matters after a couple of glasses.

If questioned by worried, well-meaning friends about the shabby state of your house, gently explain you are channeling the vintage, boho-chic vibe. William Morris once said, ‘have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’. So that covers me and The Teenager then.

And don’t forget, experts reckon a little dirt is good for your immune system, so don’t feel guilty – you’re actually looking after yourself…

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