Hello, my name is Judith Morland, and I received my diagnosis of Primary Progressive MS in 2013, following several years of severe migraines, and worsening weakness in my legs. I live with my husband Tony in Broadstairs, we’ve been married for nearly 44 years, have three adult children and six wonderful grandchildren.
I call my MS my ‘retirement present’ as the diagnosis came a year after retiring from 38 years of nursing. I had suspected that I had MS for some time, so the diagnosis was somewhat of a relief, as it was then confirmation of the varying symptoms that I had been experiencing.
While waiting for my diagnosis, I had been researching what support might be available and this led me to the discovery of the MS Therapy Centre.
I remember my first visit clearly, and the feeling of being understood, welcomed and accepted that it gave me.
I started oxygen therapy immediately, and started to try different therapies such as massage and acupuncture, all of which I continue with to this day, as I have had continued benefit from them. I choose to manage my MS by following the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis programme (OMS) and take a drug called LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone).
Cardiac Arrest
The ongoing benefits I have had are; sleeping well, no brain fog, good concentration and minimal fatigue. I am also a counsellor and was able to carry on working until February 2020, when out of the blue, early one morning I suffered a cardiac arrest at home. My guardian angel, aka Tony, gave me CPR for 15 minutes before the paramedics arrived! I then spent 40 days in hospital, in ITU and Coronary Care, having extensive investigations, after which they could find no reason why I had experienced a cardiac arrest. I came home, in a hospital bed, after being fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (exactly the same as Christian Eriksen, the Danish footballer) unable to stand without help.
Whilst being in hospital, the world had gone slightly crazy, as I came home two days after the first lockdown had begun, and of course the MS Centre had to close.
Lockdown classes
However, the wonderful staff and volunteers kept in touch with support calls and the online Zoom courses began. I took part in breath-work and guided meditation, book club, art workshop and seated Pilates and yoga.
I now use an electric wheelchair, feel wonderful and I am enjoying life to the full. I know 100% that as well as my amazing family and friends, the MS Therapy Centre has been instrumental in my recovery.
I still have oxygen therapy, although outside the tank due to my ICD, hydrotherapy and continue with seated Pilates and yoga. Yes, I’m still sleeping well and continue to feel alert and experience minimal fatigue.
A heart-felt thank you to all of you at the Centre.
