MY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR HEALTH CARE

Chris Freer

I woke up on a warm beautiful late summer morning the sky was bright blue, and I could hear the birds singing their hearts out. As I gazed out of the window, I felt quite detached and alone, there was no reason to life anymore. Today was the day I would end this misery; it was the perfect day to kill myself!

Nearly 20 years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an incurable auto immune condition that affects the nervous system. This completely changed my life. As I look back on my journey, there have been dramatic times, many tears and scrapes, and even some broken bones along the way.

During my initial diagnosis I was prescribed Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs) which were supposed to slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, this did not appear to be the case for me! My life was crumbling before my eyes. Divorce, loss of earnings, selling the family home all contributed to my stress and descent into depression.

The day that I decided to end my life had a profound effect on me. I intended to throw myself under a large lorry, but as I locked eyes with the driver – I hesitated as I felt compassion for him and wondered what my action would do to him. That moment’s hesitation saved my life as I bounced off the side of the vehicle and was thrown backwards onto the verge. This caused a change in my thinking. Was this my new beginning?

Following the incomplete attempt to take my life, but not because of, the neurologist booked my second enhanced MRI scan. The symptoms that affected me were increasing with no remission, and the results revealed that there were many new lesions in my brain. The disease had now entered the secondary progressive stage and there were no more DMDs available to slow its progression. The neurologist said he would monitor me in the hope of new drugs becoming available, but in his opinion, I should expect to be in a wheelchair by 2012. I found his words very sobering.

“My hope for tomorrow’s world is that lifestyle and how it plays a role in creating good or bad health will become more mainstream within our health services”

I started to study, researching about my condition. Things were looking up! Additionally, I was also fascinated about how much power our brain has and the influence our thoughts have over our wellbeing. One of the charities I attended called SWANS (Sometimes We All Need Support) introduced me to a mindset practitioner and reiki master who started to treat me. It was in one of our deep sessions, I said to her “it’s great what you are doing but we have to accept the damage to my nervous system cannot be repaired.” She replied, “so why does it work sometimes?” A question I put to the neurologist, whose response was “I have no idea why.”

That simple question and response opened my mind to new possibilities. I began to believe I could take control. I alone was master of my own fate. Well, not totally alone as I had relocated, moved in with my new lady. I could not believe my luck! Near where we live is a Victorian promenade park on the Blackwater estuary. On a trip out in my wheelchair to the park, I remember looking out over the Blackwater admiring the view. I could feel the sun on my face as my thoughts started to drift while watching how the people were walking. Were my walking days really over? A little voice in my head said, “if you don’t start using those legs you are going to lose them forever” and that was the motivation I needed to encourage myself.

It suddenly made sense to me - we are what we eat and my diet had to change. In fact, there were many lifestyle choices that had become habitual. I needed a complete rethink! MS and other auto immune conditions are not something we catch. It is my belief that we create these conditions because of the lifestyle we choose.

I am a work in progress, and I will live with MS for the rest of my life. However, I refuse to give in and now think of MS as that best mate who you may not see for many years. Yet, when you do something wrong, they will ring you up and remind you that they are still there with symptoms returning when I stray from my new lifestyle approach!

I am not suggesting that you should not follow the advice of your medical professional. Any changes you make should be discussed with them first. What I am saying is that you have more control over your health than you think.

Believe in yourself and the power of your brain. Your body and your brain can build new pathways, and you can create healthy habits that will be to your benefit. Change is not easy and can at times be quite challenging but nevertheless the results are worth it!

Little by little I have regained things I thought were lost forever. My wheelchair is parked in the garage and only comes out when necessary. I now find myself attracting some amazing people and organisations, one in particular being Collaboration Global, which I am proud to be a member of the community, a group of forward-thinking game changers.

My hope for tomorrow’s world is that lifestyle and how it plays a role in creating good or bad health will become more mainstream within our health services. Good health is not a right, we must work at it and examine the choices we make. Deep down, I know I created MS within my body. However, I have chosen to take back my power. We all have the ability to change! The choices we make create our reality, and I am living proof!

Contact Chris

E-mail chris@upbeatlife.co.uk Contact Number 07809692652 Website Address www.upbeatlife.co.uk