This is something I posted on my blog today. Normally I ignore my MS and concentrate on wildlife and gardening, but today I was tempted to share a little. Today is World Multiple Sclerosis Day. There is always a day for something or other and most of them pass us by unremarked. Unfortunately, rather like the weather this is one of those days, that I notice because MS has been part of my climate for over a decade now. In terms of awareness I do want more people to be aware of the effects of this disease on people. Firstly it is hugely variable and the effects on one person can be very different from the effects on another. It is much more common in women, but men do get it. The effects on men seem more debilitating. It can manifest itself in all ages from the teenager to the retiree. If MS results in being unable to walk, then it is easy to spot the problem and the wheelchair is a big hint. Fortunately not all people with MS lose the ability to walk: but everyone is affected in some way and those problems may not be as obvious as needing a wheelchair. Because MS damages nerve connections, all sorts of things can suddenly change. There can be changes in swallowing, moving hands, moving legs, going to the bathroom, clear thinking, skin sensitivity etc, etc, etc …………. Once a nerve is damaged it cannot be repaired and the problems may get a bit better ( if you are lucky) but it can stay forever. Which problems manifest themselves depend on which nerves are damaged and you can’t predict which they will be. There are lots of types of medication which can help to slow down the disease, but not cure it. Some are very, very expensive. Physiotherapy helps to keep the bits that work supple and strong and exercise keeps the spirits up. So, if you see a healthy looking person using a walking stick, or really needing to use the loo in a cafe, or stumbling, or knocking over a cup of tea; they may not be drunk, clumsy or lazy, but have MS. Be understanding and don’t jump to conclusions. They don’t need pity; they might need a hand now and again and they definitely don’t need suggestions about some super food that will make it disappear overnight! For me, my garden keeps my brain and body and spirit alive. Gardens are food for the body and soul for everybody; public parks; allotments and back gardens keep us all sane in sunshine and rain!