Diagnosed with MS in 1988, I was told that there was no cause, no treatment and no cure and to add to my emotional turmoil there was no definitive diagnosis either. That didn’t leave a lot of hope for the future but my mother’s brother, who also had MS, helped me through the earlier days, weeks and months.
Mary O Rourke and Conor Devine guest speakers this year!
Event for people with neurological conditions and their families
While in Barcelona the topic of MS and Young Adults was discussed. It was interesting to me, as I am the youngest person I know with multiple sclerosis. I know some very inspirational people with MS who happen to be older than me, but I sometimes feel as if my concerns as a 26 year old are irrelevant to many of the people I know with MS. Maybe, because they already have established careers, are married, have bought their own house and achieved many of the things that I find I am holding myself back from. I'm sure there are people who are older who experience the same concerns as I do. This blog is for anyone who reads it and anyone who relates to it!
Recently I was lucky enough to attend a media briefing in sunny Barcelona hosted by Novartis (makers of Gilenya) ahead of a conference - Advancing Research in MS and the Brain.
Hi there! My name is Mark Whelan and I am doing the Electric Run on the 22nd March on behalf of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. In 1981 my dad Joseph Whelan went to his doctor on a Friday complaining of pins and needles in one of his legs when he walked. The following Monday he was sent to Mercer's hospital in Dublin where he stayed for two weeks while they done tests.
I have known that something was up in the old noggin department for a few years. That sinking feeling when I forget a word I KNOW I know. When the check-out at Aldi is too much for me to keep up with. When I can’t help a nine year old with her Maths….. The best way I can describe it is to say that things aren’t working as smoothly as they used to.
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