Anne was diagnosed with MS in 1985 and over the years, she’s learned to adapt and thrive even with the obstacles her illness has presented. She moves through the world with a positive attitude and believes that to receive positivity from people, you must first give.
Anne isn’t under any illusion that her life has been easy, but she is an intentional and grateful person who takes pride in the life she’s built. She is surrounded by reciprocal care from her husband and broader community.
MS Diagnosis
“My god, I’m going to die.” This was Anne’s first thought when she was diagnosed with MS. After a week in hospital and many rounds of testing, she was delivered the news. She later returned to her specialist with her husband for a better understanding of MS and was reassured by the information that was shared with her.
Upon reflection, Anne shared that she had lived with her symptoms for most of her life and was relieved to finally have an explanation.
“The dishes that kept falling out of my hands, the tingling in my hands and feet, the incontinence problems were not imagination, THEY WERE REAL.”
Over time, Anne has adjusted to her body’s limitations while remaining determined to stay active and participate in activities with friends and family.
“We used to go on holiday with friends, and I couldn’t walk at the speed that they walked at. So, I would tell them to go ahead, and I’d take my own time. It doesn’t matter to me because I could do it. And I’ve always said that I can do it and MS is not going to stop me.”
Life in Australia
After learning that the Australian climate was better for MS and hearing rave reviews of the lifestyle from friends who had chosen Australia as their home, Anne moved to Perth from England with her young family in 1989.
As a stay-at-home mother for 15 years, Anne decided to start temporary work as an opportunity to meet new people after the move. She enjoyed her work and appreciated the support of her team who readily accommodated her needs. Anne learned quickly that an open an honest approach to discussing her MS suited her well.
“The company was very supportive of me. If I didn’t feel too good because of MS, they’d say, ‘Go home and come back when you’re feeling better. I think when you’re open and you tell people the truth, then they appreciate it.”
After her MS made it difficult to drive, Anne reluctantly decided to retire and set out in a caravan with her husband in 2005. The couple had often discussed purchasing a caravan and travelling around Australia in their retirement and this was their opportunity.
They set off on an adventure from Perth, travelling 100 kilometres at a time before finding themselves over 600 kilometres from home.
“It probably took us three or four weeks to get to this place, and we just fell in love with it. We got an on-site van there and we just started going there on holiday all the time.”
In her retirement, Anne is a sociable person who makes an effort to attend gatherings when she can, although she has experienced limitations due to her mobility. She discovered a love of fishing which also offers her an opportunity to take a step back and enjoy nature.
“Fishing is a sport that I found late in my life but, I love it. I do try to participate as often as possible, it is so relaxing to sit on the beach or bank waiting for a fish to take the bait.”
Better than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow
Anne embraces her life with gratitude and determination. She takes pride in her resilience and adaptability to life’s challenges.
“MS has made me much less self-conscious. I am now incontinent, a few years ago I would have been very ashamed of this but now I am very proud that even though I was over 70, I managed to learn how to use a catheter.”
She is now a carer for her husband who was her carer since her diagnosis.
“Gradually over probably six months the position’s reversed. So now I just look after him and it’s hard work, but it’s rewarding. It’s nice to be able to give back to him what he gave to me.”
Anne’s message to people who have been newly diagnosed is that it is possible to live a good life with MS.
“When people say to me, how are you feeling? I like to say, I’m feeling better than I was yesterday, but I’m not as good as I’m going to be tomorrow.”
