How I found practical support, connection and confidence through Overcoming MS

When I began experiencing double vision in 2000, I went straight to the hospital where I worked. When they called me back for a CT scan the next day, I realised they suspected a brain tumour. When that was ruled out, I began to suspect MS.  

When I had a second episode the year after, I did some research in the Oxford Textbook of Medicine (this was the early days of the internet!), and I was fairly sure. I worked with my neurologist, and he broke it to me in a very matter-of-fact way. He said, “As you expected, it is MS.”  

Although the diagnosis was a shock, I wasn’t immediately overwhelmed by it. I think I have quite a meditative character, so I concentrated on the present and went with it. But I did go through a stage of being upset a few months later, once it had sunk in.  

As an NHS physiotherapist, I had always believed in evidence-based practice. When I was diagnosed, I was very cynical about miracle MS cures on the early internet. I followed the medical thinking that little would help, and at the time, there were no medications suitable for me.  

For several years, I was lucky enough not to experience any major symptoms. My vision improved, and really, I was back to normal. But then in 2006, I noticed a change while trying to go for a jog; my right foot was off, and as a physio, I knew I had a slight foot drop.  Looking back, I have realised that I probably have had secondary progressive MS since then. 

Finding Overcoming MS

I first discovered Overcoming MS around 2016, and it immediately made sense. I was always fairly health-conscious; I’d previously been a cycle racer and was still cycling regularly. Some dietary changes felt really manageable; my wife had already moved away from dairy after finding that milk seemed to make her asthma worse so I had joined her in cutting that out  

The Overcoming MS Program became a practical framework, something I could work with and adapt, rather than something I had to do perfectly all at once but I gradually made changes in all the areas recommended. The greatest benefit for me is that I feel I am doing all that I can to look after myself.  

Making medication part of every day life

Stress management and meditation were not something I’d ever done, so that was completely new. But I feel like I have quite a meditative approach to life, so it’s really chimed with me. I tend to use guided meditations because I like the structure and I can settle into it, and I use them regularly, including the meditations available on the Overcoming MS website. I  often use the one-minute one whilst cooking.  

I think meditation is not about an instant transformation; it takes time to feel the benefit, and there’s no magic moment. But I do notice instant  changes to my symptoms when I am stressed; for  example stair climbing becomes worse. Meditation is helpful beyond my MS, too, and my wife uses it to help with the stress of her job.  

Finding connection through Overcoming MS

Finding and connecting with other people living with MS has been incredibly useful. Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t know anyone else with MS, although I had come across a few patients with it in my work as an NHS physio. I’ve now been on two Overcoming MS Retreats, which gave me the chance to make some deep connections. The second one was almost better in some ways, because I could share how things had changed for the better through following the principles of Overcoming MS,  and I could also ask more in-depth questions.  

For me, one of the most powerful things was seeing other people change over the course of the retreats. There were people who arrived feeling really cyncal, but by the end had changed their views completely. That really gave me a sense that I was doing the right thing.  

I vividly remember someone’s husband coming along. He was a smoker and quite unhealthy, but by the end he said, “I don’t have MS, but I’m going to do this too,” because he could see the benefits.  

I also went to Living Well Live. The speakers were great and the food was fantastic. I met new people, and also saw people face to face who I had not seen for ages, or had only ever met online. It was fantastic to hear different views and perspectives.  

In Manchester, where I live, we occasionally have a Circle meet-up. Five or six of us meet every six months or so and have a nice Overcoming MS meal together. It is always a real boost having a day with people living by the same lifestyle choices. And even when I go to events or courses run by different MS charities, I’m finding more and more people are doing Overcoming MS. I think there’s a wider shift in how people think about health and diet, such as reducing ultra processed foods. Everything we do as part of Overcoming MS is becoming more mainstream, and for me it is just how I live now. 

Living with change and adapting over time

My MS has changed over the years, particularly my mobility and balance. I’d say my balance is very poor, and going upstairs, I cannot step up with my right leg. When I walk, I have to use two crutches, so I normally use a mobility scooter. What I will never know is whether my symptoms would be different if I had started Overcoming MS at the time of diagnosis.  

Cycling also became difficult. I used to ride a bike, but it became hard to balance, so now I have an electric trike, and I use it to cycle down the Bridgewater Canal three or four times a week. I love the independence,  meeting friends in the coffee shop, and getting my exercise in. 

Small changes can still matter

For me, Overcoming MS has been a practical framework. It is not about doing everything perfectly or making every change overnight. You do not have to do it all at once, but if you make a little change, it might make you feel better.  

Living with MS means adapting. My mobility has changed, and I have had to find different ways of doing things. But Overcoming MS has helped me see that the things I do every day can make a real difference to my life and happiness.