My MS nurse...

I thought on this post I would talk about my MS nurse, well my previous nurse who has recently retired.

From the age of 18, she has always been my first point of contact and until last month I seen her at least every three months. There’s no other way to describe Barbara (my nurse if you didn’t guess that) than a straight to point, assertive and a ‘hard as nails’ nurse. I would go in for a check-up and before I know it, my next appointment was booked, my MRI was checked, and I was getting my bloods taken. She was always on the ball sometimes before I even sat down.

She was not your typical nurse though. She was ex-army and you can definitely tell… She was determined to make sure MS was not a hindrance on anyone’s life and she made me believe I could fight it from day one - her patients were her main priority.

I think I was one of her youngest patients, so I always felt she wanted me on the best treatment to make sure I could live like a normal person my age. The first day I met her she said I promise you this will not affect your life, we will continuously find the best treatment for you.

So far, she’s been right, as I’ve explained in previous blogs, I’m really lucky to only have had four main relapses and that is thanks to the continued support of Barbara and the rest of the team at Sunderland Royal.

I’ve always found it useful to have a point of contact like that as when you go to the Doctors, they aren’t specialists, so they don’t really know what you’re going through but you can mention one problem to your MS nurse and they’ll explain why that is happening.

Before Barbara retired, I went to see her for my last appointment and to say my thanks and farewells. I bought her a present to say thank you for everything she has done, and anyone who knows or has heard me talk about Barbara would know she’s not the softest, but I seen the real caring side of her when she actually got tearful and said she can retire happy knowing that she has helped me live a better life over the last six years.

Anyone who knows me knows that I was obviously an emotional mess at this point…  

After all the years, Barbara worked for the NHS I hope she’s enjoying her retirement because she deserves it so much. I meet my new nurse next month and I’m sure she’ll be as good – wish me luck!

If anyone else has had a similar relationship with their nurse or doctor, please let me know. You always read the negative stories about the NHS but really without these people we wouldn’t have a free amazing health service so it’s nice to thank them for their hard work and appreciate them whenever we can.