AMN carrier and working life - advice please

Hi

My mum is an AMN carrier and still working but it's becoming a struggle for her. I'm just wondering what position other female carries are in. Have they had to give up work. This will be devastating for my mum if this happens as she's only 50. Lately she is really starting to suffer with her back and walking Thanks

[gemini2305]

Hi miss moneypenny my mum is also a amn carrier and had to give up work with similar problems to your mum, I do not have the gene but my younger brother does and is symptomatic, keep thinking positive, healthy eating and exercise are the best thing to fight this disease my mum is now 60 and is still going strong, best wishes carl.

[dryder]

First let me say that we are not just carriers, about 40% of us start see symptoms later in life.I am also just turning 50. It has started to be a struggle for me as well. Also having balance and tripping issues. gemini2305 is correct that healthy eating and exercise with stretching will help.

[Hillary]

Hi, I am a carrier and had to give up work about 4 years ago, I'm now 58. As Carl said, healthy eating and going to the gym are the best way but if your mum needs to give up work she will need good information to help her claim the Benifits she is entitled to. I found a really good web site that does guides to help you fill in the drated forms from Work and Pensions, it's called benifitsandwork.co.uk, you have to pay to join but it was the best £20 I ever spent. I am now in the support group for Employment and Support Allowance which I get as well as my DLA. I have problems with my back and legs and my mobility is restricted and some days I use a wheelchair but mostly I am using two crutches. It's not the same for all carriers, my mum who died last year at the age of 87 and she was in much better condition than I am now. Hope this is of help and if you need any other help just ask. Hillary

[SusanBr]

Hi, agree with all above. I had to take early retirement from work as had so many falls and broken bones, could not cope with commute back and forward and the stressful job!! Best thing as I have joined the gymn have monthly back and leg massages which help with my tight muscles. Also joined the local health walk and met some friends and joined our local MS group who help a lot. As one door shuts another opens and best to grab every chance to stay healthly and fit and good outlook on life. Hope your mum gets the support from the Employment and Support Allowance and DLA and if she drives blue badge, or disabled bus pass. Your doctor should arrange for community support to visit to see how she manages at home, and if they can help with any assistance. Hope this helps, Sue

[Hidden]

Thanks for the replies. I would have thought that company's should be accommodating and make some adjustments for her. She's fine in herself just the back ache, stiffness and spasms are causing pain. What type of exercise is best? Also does anyone take beclafan and does it help

[bluesweets]

I just turn 51 and I am still working but it is hard. My lower back hurts all the time, my ankles get stiff also while sitting I have to keep moving them or they will stiffen up and I also get headaches almost every day. I also go to the gym.

[julie_]

I turn 50 later this year, but I was diagnosed 3 years ago. My symptoms are progressively getting worse, so I work harder at keeping ahead of it. I have always been and remain very active. I've had very bad falls but luckily nothing broken. I have an excellent physical therapist whose specializes in treating MS patients (I am in NYC). Physical therapy exercises and stretches are a daily part of my life in addition to being active. I do take baclofen and it helps me greatly with spasticity, enabling better mobility. I recommend it but I understand it doesn't work for everyone.

[Quiller]

I started Baclofen a couple years ago-I should have had it many years before! It has helped so much! I am 54 still working but struggling. AFOs and forearm crutch. Just had wheelchair eval to see if insurance will help pay am going through all the motions so hen it is such I can't work any longer I will have done everything I could have and hopefully be approved.