How long can a relapse last?
I had a relapse in early May affecting my legs. I couldn't walk much and was using a wheelchair for a while. This was almost 5 months ago. I'm still struggling to walk, although I now mainly get pain in my knees when I put weight through them rather than all the time. I'm still using a mobility scooter and have had to change my car to an automatic, because putting weight on my clutch foot was agony. It's good to be able to get around independently and drive to work now though.
I'm wondering if this is as good as things are going to be with my mobility. How do I know?
Buying a scooter and replacing my car were a huge expense to me. I work part time and support two children. When can I apply for PIP? Should I give it a few more months to see if things improve first?
@anniem1978 , is this as good as it's going to get? That's up to you. Our MS can cause damage which affects the normal passage of nerve impulses to and from the brain. But, if we can continue to use the affected function, our brain may be able to re-route the impulses to avoid the damage. So, exercise is important. Just moderate and regular is key. As for PIP, this is a benefit to help with some of the extra costs caused by long term ill-health or disability. And, you've already been impacted by these extra costs. So, apply now. Just enlist some help in completing forms etc. e.g. the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB). Also, you may want to view the Benefit and Work website (https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/), which provides in-depth guides regarding the application process. There is a negligible fee to access this information, but this is money well-spent.
Thanks @Stumbler, I'm still struggling to accept the idea that this could be a permanent problem. I used to be quite into running before this happened (fatigue allowing). I guess I need to explore other ways of exercising. Swimming is good, but I'd need child care to be able to do it.