Hi I’m Karlene Rickard, very unexpectedly, I woke up one morning to find myself completely paralysed from my neck to my feet. It took two years for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.
It was an MRI scan that revealed my neural damage. Over the years I’ve tried pharmaceutical medication and this hasn’t worked for me. What has worked is a strong spiritual focus, diet and exercise.
These three make the world of difference. I am from an African-Caribbean background and feel strongly that the Black community needs to be a lot more aware of MS.
Me last year – 2012
I suspect there are many sufferers who have been misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed. The symptoms can be subtle or attributed to something else. My symptoms were fatigue, muscular weakness, poor memory, pins and needles in my hands and feet, multiple vision, incontinence and severe constipation.
Family members can dismiss these symptoms as laziness, hypochondria, or poor diet or old age. MS also affects my emotions – one minute I feel fine then the next minute very tearful.
Others can see this as someone just being overly emotional. This is upsetting and embarrassing for the sufferer. It is important that the disease is recognized and the symptoms acknowledged.
I have been proactive and joined the MS society as well as read up as much as I can about the condition. Very gradually I have changed my diet and this has helped to improve my condition.
I have managed my MS with varying levels of success for the last 30 years. Some days I have been delighted with the results and other days I have despaired.
Most days I am thankful that I can still walk despite the pain and stiffness. My diet and the herbal supplements I take as well as exercise has made a huge difference. I decided to start blogging to share my experience and educate readers on how precious life is.
I hope you enjoyed this my first blog and I look forward to any questions you might have…Karlene
