No, this is not leading to a side splitting joke - honestly.
Over the past week and a half, 2 health visitors (both at the same time) and an occupational therapist have visited me at home.
I have been patiently waiting for 3 months or so to see such people.
They were visiting me to reassess my needs as to whether an electric wheelchair would be more suitable now that my ppms has progressed and other assistive devices to help with daily living.
I truly understand that out there in the community, some people have it worse than us - I’m thinking terminally ill and families coping with loved ones who have dementia, so I do understand I’m not a priority and therefore I’m grateful to them for coming to seeing me.
I was astounded and saddened by their collective lack of knowledge of MS in general, let alone PPMS. Just for reference the age range of the healthcare workers is late 20’s, late 40’s and late 50’s.
I will only give you a selection of comments from the health workers
“I know people with MS and they are still walking and even taking part in a local half marathon”
“You look so well, it’s a pity that this has happened to you, you’re so young”
’ Make the most of what time you have and have as many experiences as you can"
“Get a puppy, it would make a good companion for you and you can take it for a walk and get out more”
“You should move into a more suitable home”
“You looked after your children, it’s their time to look after you”
Well, I suppose, the above comments do make you shake your head in disbelief and put a wry smile on your face in a farcical way.
I did retort to the OT regarding the puppy - ‘and who is going to scoop the poop, mop the wee and take it to obedience classes, let alone the vet when it needs it’s vaccinations and walk it. (The more I think about my retort the more I could apply it to me and PPMS - in joke for ppmsers’).
Go on make me laugh with your experiences of healthcare workers.
Take care all xx