Ryan Vella
Every time Paul* tries to embark on some new project he tends to lack the energy and concentration to do so. Physical activities are beyond his reach. Having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for the past eight years, Paul admits that this has been a life- changer for him in various ways. Completely undetectable to the naked eye, this condition has subjected Paul to its severe control.
Speaking to Carmen Muscat, President of the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Malta, provided an insight into the complications linked with this condition on a wider scale.
Rather than looking at MS as only a stumbling block, one needs to also look at the social frustrations that lie in the wake of this condition. Members of this society regularly report conflicts and undue pressure in the families of MS patients, due to increased dependence of the patient on family members. Separation and loneliness are likely torments that people diagnosed with this condition face. "Such patients may also come face-to-face with financial and economic difficulties," Ms Muscat said.
"My children sometimes feel embarrassed by my condition," says Paul, lamenting that there is not enough awareness of the condition. This only makes matters worse."
There should be appropriate measures for accessibility, and Paul highlights the fact that he still has not been issued with a blue sticker that would allow him to park his vehicle in designated areas because of his particular needs. Many times he ends up being fined, and ends up wasting hours at local tribunals explaining his situation.
"Having traffic wardens with a quota of parking tickets to tot up over so many days is not the kind of justice that we need to have in our country", he complained. Lack of energy, especially during hot summer months, pile up aggravation on MS sufferers and parking worries and lack of accessibility rack up the burden.
Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system, in other words, it affects the brain and the spinal cord. The electric impulses that are sent through the central nervous system to the rest of the body are hindered because of MS. This is due to the fact that the condition attacks the insulation sheets of the nerves known as myelin.
The dire consequences of this development are huge. Symptoms of MS may include impaired vision, lack of mobility, speech disturbances, numbness, inability to think clearly and fatigue. It is because of these debilitating factors that the condition is known as 'Multiple' sclerosis, because it affects more than one area at the same time. A person might at times seem to be lazy but this is only one of the effects that MS brings on. There are MS patients who lose the ability to walk independently while others experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.
"Fatigue is the main concern for most patients," Paul says. Certainly more needs to be done in order to assist MS patients live life in as 'normal' a manner as possible.
*The patient's name has been changed to respect his anonymity