‘I won’t let MS get the better of me’... Kells woman battling neurological condition
A KELLS woman has told of how she has refused to allow an MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis take over her life.
Speaking out ahead of World MS Day last Friday Gretta Kavanagh (73) who was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 1991 when she was 39 said that despite challenges over the years she has always been determined not to let MS define her and encourages others in the same position to seek support.
MS is a progressive, neurological condition of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Around 250 people in Meath suffer from MS and more than 10,000 people are living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland. It is the most common disabling neurological disease affecting young adults in Ireland. MS impacts the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body and is usually diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age.
After experiencing some unexplained symptoms, Gretta orginally from Galway sought medical help eventually leading to the shock diagnosis.
"I ended up with double vision for a good while and I was sent to up to the Mater Hospital and I was told it was an eye virus I had," said Gretta, Chairperson of MS Ireland Meath branch.
"Eventually that cleared up but I also very tired," she added. "And then the following year I started to lose power in my legs and I had terrible pins and needles. It went from one leg to the other and up to the waist. So I went up to Beaumont and it was there that I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
"It took me time to live with that thought, it was an awful shock but I made up my mind while I can get out of bed every morning and wash myself and dress myself that I'm beating it, it's not taking over my life."
Gretta says she has been managing the condition well with her only medication being a drug typically for Parkinson's disease to alleviate restlessness in her legs.
" I had that terrible restlessness in my legs and I found that awfully difficult to live with, to go anywhere or do anything," explains mum of two and grandmother of four Gretta.
"The treatment I'm on for that is for People who have Parkinson's disease, and that's the only thing I'm on since then, it has really changed my life.
"The only thing that really has changed for me is that I used to love dancing but there is just not enough power in the legs anymore. But look, it's a small price to pay in comparison with what other people have to go through with the condition."
The Kells resident offers advice to those facing a new diagnosis.
"You have a mourning period for yourself but don't let it get the better of you. Try your best to make keep moving everyday, physical exercise is very important. Family support is really important too and support from your local MS Ireland branch because you realise you're not the only one going through this.
" In Co Meath now we have about 255 people with MS but that's not the full story, because there are some people who aren't registered with MS Ireland and it would be lovely if they would get in touch because there are people that will help them and our area support worker Tracy is brilliant and is at the end of the phone if we need her."