Summer Sunshine

Finally, the sun has decided to make an appearance and, how beautiful it looks as it lights up everything around us. Everything is full of just a little bit more colour, things seem brighter and the warmth is exactly what most of us have been waiting for.

Summer is absolutely my favourite season, but I’ve learnt over the last couple of years, what precautions I need to take to make sure that I am functioning as best as I can through the heat and direct sunlight. After having my parathyroidectomy last month, I’ve thankfully made a full recovery which means I can now focus on raising the vitamin D levels in my system. Most of us in the UK suffer with a vitamin D deficiency, thanks to our Great British weather (not so great most of the time). But now we have hope of a few days of sun, it’s the time to get out there, slap on the SPF and soak those rays in. Sunlight is one of the easiest ways to obtain this crucial vitamin and, keeping levels in check is particularly important for MS suffers.

Vitamin D is the essential vitamin that keeps our immune system strong and ready to fight. For the average Joe this is important, but a weakened immune system can really cause difficulty for an MS suffer and something as simple as a cold can lead to an exacerbation of pre-existing symptoms. For me, I’m completely knocked back when I have a cold or a cough. My balance is like a jellyfish on a tightrope and my visual/mental comprehension is compromised. It’s not fun, but hard for others to understand. Yes, it is a normal misfortune to catch a bug every now and again, but I have been known to catch a few colds consecutively with nothing more than a fortnight’s break in between. Therefore it is really important for those suffering or otherwise to be in the sunshine. Maybe someone should be proposing an extra day off in the week in the upcoming election to make more time for this? I think that would go down a treat.

Remember to bear in mind your own body, consider if heat sensitivity is an issue, do you need to take breaks in the shade? Think about water intake and opportunities to exercise outside that suit YOU. No one else.

Also, I’m getting married. Wahoo! And it’s creeping up pretty quickly. Time management and minimising stress have been things I’ve had to really work on and will have to continue working on as we head towards the big day in September. I’ve got my final Lemtrada infusions at the end of July, so all the more reason to keep well and look after myself. I want to be happy and healthy on the big day and I won’t let MS ruin this one. It’s really important to share responsibility, delegate and pick your battles when it comes to organising something like this. It has certainly been a learning curve going through the motions so far. I’m not too sure my husband-to-be knows quite what he has signed up for with me and my lifestyle habits, but I have confidence he will learn on the job. If you’re reading this, brace yourself for salmon, seeds, lavender oil and yoga 24/7. It’ll all be an adventure and I’m nervous and excited, but here we go, we’re heading straight for the sun!

Another update soon pre-Lemtrada. Til then, fill your days with love, togetherness and compassion for yourself and others.