My Story- Pt. 2-The ‘Monkey’ in the Room
Another Part of Me
Clumsy Miss Morton
As a teacher’s assistant in primary school, one day having read a story to the class, my colleague asked me; ‘How did you get that pen on your leg?’ I looked down to see that a child had used my leg as a doodle pad while I read. How did I not notice? Next came various ‘clumsy’ incidences, dropping scissors, books, and the occasional wobble. Can anyone relate? I took myself to the GP who little did I know had expertise in MS. He had his suspicions. An informal exam and an MRI referral were done. The day of the MRI results was not fun but apart from the initial shock I carried on. I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). I had no symptoms and I carried on as normal.
Viva Italia
Months later, having gone through the trauma of heartbreak and my life being turned upside down, I escaped to Italy (refer Pt. 1- The Traveler) where I made amazing friends, and lived life to the full not thinking twice about the MS. Upon returning home, the delayed onset kicked in.
The next year, my body went through a boxing match - I was hit with over 6 relapses, getting back up every time. I lost my balance and had optic neuritis amongst other symptoms. Ok MS (or Monkey Scrotum as I call it) I am listening.
‘A boxer will only be hit so many times in the ring and get up again. We’re hitting you with the good stuff' my neurologist told me. After much consideration, I started Tysabri. That was over 11 years ago and zero relapses (touch wood).
Hello Yoga
To this day, I cannot tell you what led me to the next part, but whatever it was changed my life. At the time of the ‘crawling to the loo at night’ relapse, I heard about a beach yoga morning happening. Previously I had tried yoga at the gym and liked the stretching, but being a busy teacher, I never stayed for the ‘sleepy time’ at the end. I asked my mum to drive me to the yoga session. I could not do a lot but, after initially feeling nervous and self-conscious, I enjoyed being part of the group and being ‘present’. I came away feeling more positive, calm, and more myself. I felt like I was seeing light through the grey cloud of depression and Agoraphobia. I mean I struggled to eat like ‘normal’ people which didn’t help!
The Shift
Then and there I made the decision that I could not continue primary school teaching. I needed less stress if I needed to help myself and to not be controlled by my MS. In hindsight too, I was born to teach but not in that capacity. I trained as a yoga teacher (for ages 12 months +) and became self-employed. Being self-employed comes with its stresses but being able to balance my health gives me this freedom which I am so grateful for.
Life Now
I have to pinch myself that I have created my perfect schedule with such a gorgeous community. I get to connect with like-minded people who enjoy furthering their self-care and support their well-being through my life experiences. We meet on the beach at Sandbanks- the most beautiful coastline in the UK, we enjoy hot/cold contrast therapy (more about these in the next blogs), in studios in Poole, collaborations with some lovely friends who are amazing chefs and practitioners in providing memorable experiences. Who thought being ‘healthy’ could be so fun, transformative, and memorable? Now as the business grows, I hold Yoga & Wellness Retreats in the UK and abroad of varying lengths.
If this sounds like your vibe, check out our retreat offerings here at www.laughinglotusretreats.com.
MS Awareness
22-28 April 2024 is MS Awareness Week. Through the pandemic, I adapted to teaching yoga online, which provided balance in a time of change and uncertainty. This included teaching fellow MS Warriors through a fantastic charity The MS Trust which I support regularly due to the research and support they have given me and so many. So far I have raised money through a parachute jump with my mum shortly after my diagnosis, running a half marathon with some close friends, and more recently a 50km Coastal Challenge. Who knows when I might need support again? The link to their website is attached.
There are lots of other charities and outlets to look into. One piece of advice that stuck with me which I recommend to warriors who come to me is, do not research too much until you have had the full facts about your MS. Our MS team here in Poole passes my contact details on to patients who want to talk. I am here to say that applies to anyone. If you have MS, know someone with MS, or supporting someone with MS feel free to get in touch. Additionally, if you have MS and wondering if yoga can help you let’s chat.
I am not a medical professional by any means but what’s the harm in trying right?
