Jay's Ironman Wales page

Ironman Wales · 6 September 2020
I'd like to support Ms society because of my personal experiences with the condition.
When I first met my wife Megan her job was to care for those with MS, specifically a true gem of a lady called Eunice.
Megan would be Eunices full support, basically moving her body for her to allow her to do the things Eunice would like to do.
This wasn't always the case as Eunice condition developed over time, preventing her from completing tasks we take for granted. Walking, changing the channel, having a drink, opening a window, letting the dogs in, having a wash.
All these menial tasks were, for Eunice, virtually impossible without my wife there to act as her nervous system and move for her, allowing her to just do what she had done her entire life herself. Megan was giving back to Eunice what is most precious and deer to those with MS, her independence.
Eunice Powell wasn't just someone Megan looked after, she was another mother, friend and family member, not only that but the entire Powell family were an extended family to. Megan.
Watching someone you know over what was a short time of knowing Eunice deteriorate and become completely immobile was devastating. As well as seeing the women I love struggle with loosing someone she loves, but continue to stay strong for Eunice and her family was difficult.
Then my sister Lina started to show symptoms, losing feeling in her legs and hands. After multiple visits to the doctors, hospitals, specialists, scans and blood tests, Lina was also diagnosed, at the age of 32, with relapse remitting MS.
As part of her treatment she has had to change her diet to a near dairy free, wheat free, meat free, alcohol free diet to gain the best results. As well as this stay active, fit and healthy, rest and sleep, all while working night shifts with a life to live.
Linas treatment for the past 2 years has involved 8 doses of LEMTRADA medication. 1st treatment of 5 consecutive days 8 hours on a drip with the medication being injected. 2nd of 3 consecutive days.
After this treatment she is to stay in her home for 5 weeks or more with virtually no interaction with anything outside.
This is because her immune system has in effect been shut down while Lemtrada works to bind to the killing immune cells (lymphocytes or white blood cells) which are involved when the immune system attacks myelin.
It is thought that the immune cells which grow back after treatment do not cause damage to nerves.
Eventually hopefully slowing down the effect of MS. She's now has to be monitored monthly for at least 4 years.
Megan's sister, Heidi recently also started to show symptoms, with impaired vision, unbalanced motor skills and sensory problems.
Having to also endure various tests, scans, doctors and investigations, At the age of 27 Heidi has also been diagnosed relapse remitting MS.
She now also has changed her diet and leading a healthy lifestyle to slow down the effects of MS. Soon to be starting her medical treatment.
MS has and is playing a role in my life and initially I hadn't thought it would be so prevalent. Initially to support my wife, now my sister and my sister in law. This is a condition that changes someone's life entirely, changes their grasp on choice and independence.
Please help to raise awareness by supporting the MS Society
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