Joan's Experience: MS, a Fall, and a Broken Bone

A Frightening Fall 

Whenever I fall, I usually apply an ice pack to the part of my body where I feel the most pain. It’s always a bit frightening when I fall, so I made myself a cup of tea and waited for things to calm down, while keeping my leg elevated. I was relieved it happened at home.  

Almost Falling, All the Time 

I nearly fall all the time. Uneven pavements, gaps on trains, stairs, and things left lying around are the main obstacles. The cinema is tough if I need to use the bathroom mid-film, which is why I try to get an aisle seat. I’d be curious to use a wearable device to measure how many times I nearly fall. It would be interesting for MS research purposes.  

Getting My Leg Checked Out 

I fell on Sunday and decided to get my leg checked on Wednesday. I was still in pain, but that’s nothing new for me. I drove to the hospital and had two X-rays. The tracksuit bottoms I wore were too tight, so I was given a gown. I was alone and couldn’t tie the gown strings behind my back. Apart from that, I didn’t have to wait long and was well prepared. I always keep an emergency bag with items like a pen, painkillers, a power bank, snacks, earplugs, and a change of underwear and socks in the car. I also have a list of all the medication I take on my phone. 

 A Broken Fibula 

My fibula (the bone in my shin) was broken! I was genuinely surprised. I was fitted with a backslab from above the knee to my ankle and given crutches. My husband had to leave work, and my mother drove him to the hospital to collect me and the car.  

The Next Step 

I have to go to the fracture clinic this week to see what happens next. It’s a bit of a relief to know that my broken leg is treatable and I will probably recover—unlike Multiple Sclerosis, which has no clear cure. 

 My House is Like a Florist! 

Friends and family have been so kind. My house is filled with flowers, thanks to their generosity! I have learned to accept help and am grateful for every single bit. I don’t like to say that I am wheelchair-bound, but rather that my wheelchair is enabling me to get out and about.  

Seeking Advice 

I didn’t really know who to contact to see if there’s anything else I should do because I have MS and broke a bone—physio and things like that. I can imagine that if I lived alone, it would be very difficult to manage things like personal care and eating well. Have you experienced anything similar and have any advice for me? Thank you! 

The views and opinions expressed here are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information provided, the editor is not responsible for any error or inaccuracy contained herein.

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