“I have definitely gained a whole new group of close friends”

Lisa McAdams explains how joining our Peer Pods opened up a whole new world of support

“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1997 when I was 23 years old. For over 10 years I didn’t talk to anyone about it. My family and close friends knew I had it, but when asked, ‘How are you feeling, how’s the MS?’, I brushed it off, put a brave face on it, made a joke.

“I lived in denial for a long time, and I was able to because the only symptoms I really had were sensory, and thus mainly invisible. Then in 2011, I had a big relapse and my MS suddenly became much more visible to everyone. My drop-foot became permanent, and my fatigue was noticeable.

The pandemic

“Fast-forward to 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic. We were in lockdown and everybody was feeling isolated. Add to that, the loneliness of dealing with MS and it made for a difficult time for many.

“Luckily for me, I was on the mailing list for MS-UK. I had an email about their new peer pods and I decided to join the Media pod (like everyone, I was watching a lot of TV at the time).

“The experience of talking with a group of people who understood completely the mobility challenges, the tingling, the fatigue, the bladder issues, and whatever else, was absolutely liberating. And they were lovely and friendly too!

Life-changing

“Suddenly, I was not at all alone with my MS. I soon joined almost all the peer pods, saw the same people at some, and met different people at others. I was fortunate to meet two people in person and with both it felt like we’d known each other for ages!

“I have definitely gained a whole new group of close friends. So much so that I now host the Thursday evening Women’s pod and I have never known such a supportive group.

“There is no pressure to talk if people don’t want to, and it’s never all about MS. We often talk about TV, books, and hobbies. For me, the peer pods have been an absolute salvation. To anyone thinking of joining, I would say please, please join us, you will be very welcome indeed!”

If you’re interested in joining our Monday Peer Pod, then click the button below. You’ll be directed to a form to fill out which and our  Peer Support Coordinator Vicky will get back to you on soon.