My relationship with Inflammatory Neuropathies UK (formerly GAIN)... I started to develop symptoms in March 2019 which, by that October, had virtually completely paralysed me, leaving me unable to stand, walk, feed myself or manage any self-care tasks. I was lucky to receive treatment which has put my disease into remission, currently, but I am left with permanent disabilities and chronic pain. Inflammatory Neuropathies UK has been an absolute lifeline for me, offering me information, support and community since I received my CIDP diagnosis.

CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy) is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. The disorder, which is sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, is caused by damage to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering that wraps around and protects nerve fibres) of the peripheral nerves. You need to have had symptoms for at least 8 weeks for CIDP to be considered. Although it can occur at any age and in both genders, CIDP is more common in young adults, and in men more so than women.

The course of CIDP varies widely among individuals. Some may have a bout of CIDP followed by spontaneous recovery, while others may have many bouts with partial recovery in between relapses.

The Inflammatory Neuropathies UK charity helps people understand and manage CIDP and other associated diseases, raises awareness, and promotes clinical and non-clinical research into these conditions. For more info visit https://www.inflammatoryneuropathies.uk/

2020 - Learning to walk again on the Lokomat