Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I love the outdoors and have wanted to walk the West Highland Way since I was a teenager. When, out of the blue, the opportunity arose I jumped at the chance and raise some money for a charity at the same time. I am starting on 29th May 2017 amd finishing in Fort William on the 3rd June 2017.

I was diagnosed in May 2015 following a visit to the GP with an unrelated matter and after many blood tests it was confirmed. I didn’t realise I was ill and just thought I was run down and stressed from being a full time working mum. Following my diagnosis I was immediately started on treatment which is lifelong injections. According to guidelines treatment begins with 6 injections over the space of 2 weeks then 12 weekly thereafter. I now receive mine every 10 weeks as I was not able to last the 12 weeks between injections. The injections used to be administered monthly in the 60’s, then in the 70’s it was moved to every two months then in 1984 it was changed to every 3 months. The frequency of the injections is what sufferers find is the most common complaint. My symptoms have included mouth ulcers, thinning of hair, lethargy, confusion with words, forgetfulness, low mood and anxiety which on one occasion has led to a panic attack. There are many more symptoms which can be found on the website. I believe compared to other sufferers I have got off lightly as some can’t even get out of bed. Some days are a struggle especially towards the time that my injection is due.

The Society has a number of ongoing projects at the moment and I have chosen that any money raised will be used to help fund a documentary to highlight the problems with the diagnosis and treatment of Pernicious Anaemia. In this way hopefully it will help raise awareness of this condition over a wider audience.

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