“In all things it is better to hope than despair”
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Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a therapy designed to maximise ability that uses physiotherapy and often also occupational therapy.
It isn’t a holiday and requires hard work and dedication. Having said that, I have experienced great humour and camaraderie.
At an early stage you will be involved in a goal planning meeting to set out what expectations there will be. Items of equipment used are tailored to your needs. There are so many I can only remember a few, for example, plinth, dumbells, treadmill and standing frame.
I have been in rehab four times, firstly when I had relapsing remitting MS when my legs were strengthened. Latterly, when I progressed to secondary progressive MS I was taught how to propel a wheelchair.
My last session involved a lot of trunk and stomach strengthening and I was able to sit up at the sink and wash my top half. Incidentally this would not of been possible without the treatment I now have.
My advice? Get as much rehab as you can by getting your GP to refer you a rehab unit.
I am working on my abilities at home both alone and with the aid of one off the unit’s physio and a private physio. I’m hoping to go into rehab again for another working holiday.
Angie
Angie fights to loosen the grip that MS has on her life.
If you would like to help Angie please contact Proventus;
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And we will pass your response to her.
Proventus is unable to accept any direct donations in Angie’s name.
We are given to understand by the Charity Commission that it is not considered to be a charitable act.
Complaints were made by the MS Society’s (Lymington) Therapy Centre manager (Mr Bray) to the local newspaper concerning Angie Garrett and her friends and family’s attempts to fund raise for her.
He attempted to suggest that it was Proventus who was orchestrating these actions when it was not.
Angie, and other sufferers in her situation are more important than trivial criticism.
Is it not a charitable act to extend the hand of help to a sufferer?
Or is it right to leave them to suffer alone?
I am 49 years of age and was diagnosed with relapsing - remitting MS in 1995.
At the time I kept it a secret from most people until I could hide it no longer. Several years ago it changed to secondary progressive MS. By Sept 2004 I could no longer stand or walk. Slowly but surely my treatment, started in 2006, is turning things around for me.
My story is about the benefits as well as the nuisance of the problems that are caused by heat.
Living alone I am looked after by 1 carer for breakfast, 2 to wash me and get me up, 1 for my tea and 2 carer’s to put me to bed.
I spend my time either in my bed or in a wheelchair.
After three injections I was able to roll onto my side in bed,, lean forward in the wheelchair, write better and reduce night time diazepam by ½ tablet. Although heat increased my spasms, my medication and weekly physiotherapy help them to lessen. After the 4th injection I could straighten and stretch my legs in bed.
Gradual improvements lead to my being told that my voice is becoming stronger and I have now been able to raise my legs from the hips whilst laying on the bed and also raise them on and off the footplate's of the wheelchair, my writing and use of the computer have become slightly better too.
My career's are very impressed as well.
My own feelings are that I can hardly believe the difference that the medication has made and live in hope that it continues this way.
I can only have physiotherapy once a week my PCT does not provide it and I have to pay privately for the benefit.
Although I know that Proventus is working hard on my behalf, however I am concerned about what happens to people like me when the money runs out!
Angie
Angies Video Story -