Jan/Feb 2013 - MS Society Wigan Branch Newsletter

Multiple Sclerosis Society Wigan Branch

Multiple Sclerosis Society Registered as a LTD Company in England and Wales. 07451571

Now, simple eye scan that can reveal extent of multiple sclerosis

London, Tue, 25 Dec 2012

A simple eye test may offer a fast and easy way to monitor patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), medical experts have claimed.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a scan that measures the thickness of the lining at the back of the eye, the retina, which takes a few minutes per eye and can be performed in a doctor's

In a trial involving 164 people with MS, those with thinning of their retina had earlier and more active MS, the BBC reported.

According to a team of researchers from the Johns HopkinsSchool of Medicine, larger trials with a long follow up are needejudge how useful the test might be in everyday practice.

The latest study tracked the patients' disease progression over a twoyear period.

Multiple sclerosis is an illness that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord causing problems with muscle movement, balance and vision.In MS, the protective sheath or layer comes under attack which, in turn, l

The study at Johns Hopkins found that people with MS relapses had much faster thinning of their retina than people with MS who had no relapses. So too did those whose level of disability worsened.

Similarly, people with MS who had inflammatory lesions that were visible on brain scans also had faster retinal thinning than those without visible brain lesions.

The study has been published in the journal

Wigan Branch Front Page Newsletter

Multiple Sclerosis Society - Registered Charity Numbers 1139257/SC041990Registered as a LTD Company in England and Wales. 07451571

WIGA

Now, simple eye scan that can reveal extent of multiple

A simple eye test may offer a fast and easy way to monitor patients (MS), medical experts have claimed.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a scan that measures the thickness of the lining at the back of the eye, the retina, which takes a few minutes per eye and can be performed in a doctor's surgery.

In a trial involving 164 people with MS, those with thinning of their retina had earlier and more active MS, the BBC reported.

According to a team of researchers from the Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, larger trials with a long follow up are needed to

judge how useful the test might be in everyday practice.

The latest study tracked the patients' disease progression over a two

Multiple sclerosis is an illness that affects the nerves in the brain and causing problems with muscle movement, balance and

In MS, the protective sheath or layer around nerves, called myelin, comes under attack which, in turn, leaves the nerves open to damage

The study at Johns Hopkins found that people with MS relapses had much faster thinning of their retina than people with MS who had no

hose whose level of disability worsened.

Similarly, people with MS who had inflammatory lesions that were visible on brain scans also had faster retinal thinning than those

The study has been published in the journal Neurology. (ANI)

February Newsletter 201

Newsletter Jan/Feb 2013

1139257/SC041990

Page 2Events

Page 5Edith Cavell

Page 8Radio

Page 11Donations

WIGAN

Now, simple eye scan that can

A simple eye test may offer a fast and easy way to monitor patients

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a scan that measures the thickness of the lining at the back of the eye, the retina, which takes a

In a trial involving 164 people with MS, those with thinning of their

University d to

The latest study tracked the patients' disease progression over a two-

Multiple sclerosis is an illness that affects the nerves in the brain and causing problems with muscle movement, balance and

around nerves, called myelin, eaves the nerves open to damage.

The study at Johns Hopkins found that people with MS relapses had much faster thinning of their retina than people with MS who had no

Similarly, people with MS who had inflammatory lesions that were

Newsletter 2013

Multiple Sclerosis Society Wigan Branch 2 Newsletter Jan/Feb 2013

Event: Professor Young will be coming to give a talk, hosted by the St Helens & District Branch of the MS Society.

Event Location: Langtree Park, St Helens RLFC Date/time: Tuesday 9 April 2013, 7-7.30 pm

Professor Carolyn Young Consultant Neurologist Walton Hospital Liverpool

Specialist in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Motor Neurone Disease (MND), and neurological rehabilitation. http://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/medicalservices/consultant_young_carolyn.asp. If you would like to attend could you please contact David Cross, Vice President, St Helens & District Branch, or email: Secretary [email protected] So that we can book places and arrange refreshments.

By Road: Langtree is an excellent location in between the major cities of Liverpool and Manchester and is easily accessible via the M62 motorway. To reach the stadium simply exit junction 7 from the M62 and follow the A570 (St Helens Linkway) until you reach Sherdley Rd and then bear left on to Peasley Cross Lane. Sat Nav Details: St Helens RFC Ltd, Langtree Park, Mc Manus Drive, St Helens, WA9 3AL.

Event: Come and join us at our coffee morning!

They take place at the Mount Hotel, Orrell, on a Tuesday @ 11am.The next one being held is on the 12th February then fortnightly onwards.

”Come and join us for a natter and a laugh“ We look forward to meeting you there!

Events Page

The first to apologise is the bravest,The first to forgive is the strongest.

And the first to forget is the happiest

Multiple Sclerosis Wigan Branch 3 Newsletter Jan/Feb 2013

Crossword 20

Across1. Comical (5) 4. One of the senses (57. Freedom (7)8. Regret (3)9. Woodwind instrument (4)11. Ire (5)14. Valuable item (5)15. Singing voice (4)18. Large antelope (3)19. Greed (7)21. Force out (5)22. Compare (5)

Down1. Bird of prey (6)2. Seize suddenly (3)3. Tall story (4)4. Attempting (6)5. Dreamlike (7)6. Level (4)10. Vague (7)12. Leave (6)13. Forward-looking (6)16. Monster (4)17. Shopping precinct (4)20. Writing fluid (3)

One of our members has passed away

Ms Angela Irvineto send our deepest sympathy on behalf of

the Wigan Branch, to all her family and friends

A Celebration of ThanksgivingFor the Life of

Bernard James Hough

23rd July 1953 – 20th December 2012

Our friends and fellow committee members Jan and Martin Houghhave both recently lost a loved one.Jan has lost her husband Bernard to MS,and Martin his Dad.

To lose a close relative, is such a sad time. But too lose him a few days before Christmas is particularly cruel.

Jan & Martin are lovely people, who have worked so hard for the MS Wigan Branch and are going to continue to do so, when they have had the time, they both need, to grieve.

We would like to send, on behalf of the Wigan MS Branch and committee members.

Our deepest sympathy to Jan, Martin and their family

Multiple Sclerosis Society 4 Newsletter Jan/ Feb 2013

Progress on PIP: positive changes announcedPosted on 21 Dec 2012 at 11:50AM by Samantha Kennedy

Since the Government announced their intention to scrap DLA and replace it with Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the MS Society has been campaigning hard to make it as fair as it can be for people with MS. with key decision makers to tell them how the reform will impact on people with MS, and what needs to change. Over 1000 MS Society campaigners wrote to the new Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey, to raise their concerns.

We’ve also responded to government consultations about how the application process will work and the criteria that will be used to judge whether people qualify for the new benefit.

A tough fightIt’s been a tough fight, with the government determined to make cuts, but last week they announced some positive changes. These are down to the hard work of everyone who refused to pipe down about PIP!

The biggest announcement was that the main reassessment phase for PIP has been delayed until October 2015. Those with indefinite or lifetime awards of DLA will not be reassessed for PIP until this time.

This will give many people with MS some breathing space until the changes come into force. And it gives us more of an opportunity to identify problems and take the government to task. The rates of the new benefit were also announce

What has changed?On the application process and rules about how the benefit will work it was announced that: moreconsideration will be given to people with fluctuating conditions who need to reapply for disability benefits following a flare up of symptoms, and the time period which people claiming the benefit can be out of the country for has been extended from 4 to 13 weeks.

The criteria are made up of a number of activities and it was announced that:

x Over the last year we’ve had countless meetings more consideration will be given to a broader number and type of aids and appliances that people with disabilities use

x the activity used to assess how people wash and bathe will now apply to the whole body, not just the top half

x the communication activity has been split into two to allow the assessment to take into account how people communicate verbally, read and understand signs, symbols and words

x the activity to assess how people get dressed must now take into account people’s ability to put on appropriate clothing, not just whatever they are able to

x the need for supervision to perform tasks safely has now been added for consideration under most activities

We’re not giving upWe’re delighted that some changes have been made – but we’re not happy with the approach that’s being taken overall. We still have major concerns about how the new benefit will work for people with fluctuating conditions and we’re worried about how strict the test is for the mobility component of the benefit.

But we’re not giving up. These changes show we’re making headway, and with your help can hope to make more.


A charity set up in memory of Norfolk World War I heroine Edith Cavell is aiming to raise £3m by the 100th anniversary of her death.

The Swardestone-born nurse helped more than 200 allied soldiers to escape from German-occupied Belgium before being shot by firing squad in 1915.

The Cavell Nurses' Trust was set up two years later.

Today the charity supports retired and working nurses and midwives who have fallen on hard times.

During 2012 the number of requests for help doubled, and by the 100th anniversary of Edith Cavell's death in 2015 the trust wants to double the number of beneficiaries from 1,000 to 2,000.

Norfolk's Nightingale Helen Wade, from Norwich, is one of 22 nurses from Norfolk that been helped by the trust in the last year.

She had to give up nursing after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the charity was able to provide her with a specialised wheelchair.

She said: "The team demonstrated a great deal of compassion for my situation; it meant a lot to me that my commitment to nursing has been rewarded and acknowledged by the support and care that Cavell Nurses' Trust have given.

"It is nice that I am able to receive good care myself when I need it after giving years of care to others during my nursing career -Edith Cavell'sremains were brought back to Britain after the war, and she had a memorial service in Westminster Abbey on 15 May 1919.

A photograph of her coffin outside the Abbey was taken by Australian soldier Arthur Menzies, whose family has donated the picture to the Cavell Memorabilia Collection.

Her coffin was then taken back to Norwich and her remains interred in Norwich Cathedral.

Nick Miller, keeper of the Cavell memorabilia, said: "Her coffin was taken through packed silent streets to Liverpool Street and thence by train to Norwich with people lining the track all the way up.

"People who were schoolchildren at the time remember being taken to see the train go by.

"Her remains were interred at the east end of Norwich Cathedral in keeping with her family's wishes."

When Edith Cavell was killed in Brussels in 1915 she left behind her beloved dog Jack, writes BBC Radio Norfolk's Clare Worden.

He was cared for by the De Croy family who wereBelgian aristocrats and part of the Cavell network who helped smuggle injured allied soldiers out of the country.

After his death in 1923 he was stuffed and given to the Norfolk Branch of the Red Cross.

In the 1970s they were contacted by a retired nurse who'd worked with Ms Cavell and remembered her faithful dog. She asked to look after Jack at her Norfolk home.

In 1975 the Imperial War Museum London became aware of Jack and it was agreed that he would be given to them to display.

He's been on show for the past 37 years and will be a key exhibit in the museum's new First World War Gallery in London due to open in spring 2014.


Wigan Branch MS Society:Contact Number: 07963345329

National MS Society

Central Duty Team: 01942 828 777Disability Resource Centre:01942 700889Crossroads: 01942 700 612

Address: 372 Edgeware Road, London,NW2 6DNTel: 020 8438 0700

Website: www.mssociety.org.ukEmail: [email protected]

National MS Helpline0808 800 8000 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm)

Local Support Development ManagerLeo Brightley: Tel, 020 8438 0918Mob: 07788717589

Service Development OfficerTracey Cole: Tel: 020 8438 0984Mob: 07919698308

MS NursesDenise Winterbottom at Salford Royal(Formerly Hope HospitalTel: 0161 206 1611

Carolyn Cairns at the Walton CentreTel: 0151 529 5645

Karen Lea, Community Matron for Neuro Sciences. Taylor Neuro Community Team, STOT Unit, Leigh Infirmary, the Avenue, Leigh WN7 HIS.Tel: 01942 264 255

Therapy Centre Ince, WiganMarsh Green Community Centre,Kitt Green Road, Wigan, WN5 0EFPhone No: 01942 217 696Mobile No: 07759286285

Adult Services Area Offices Aspull: 01942 832 592Golborne: 01942 728 603Ince: 01942 828 479Leigh: 01942 404 523Standish: 01942 832 592Tyldesley: 01942 404 765Wigan: 01942 487 901Carers Centre: 01942 683 711

Social Security Offices:

Wigan: 01942 758 000Leigh: 01942 236 700

Continence Advice Services:Tel: 01257 501 340

Wigan Independent Advice Services:Tel: 01942 324 851.

Young Carers Free Helpline:Tel: 0800 169 3669

Shop MobilityTel: 01942 776 070

Ring & RideEnquiries: 01942 492 252, 7.30am-5.00pm

Booking Wigan Area:01942 829 444, 9am-11am

Booking Leigh / Atherton:Tel: 01942 829 400, 9am-11am

Wigan & Leigh Wheelchair Service:Tel: 01204 390 742 (24hr-365 Days a Year)

Carers Helpline: 01942 606 086Monday-Friday: 9.00am-10.30pmSaturday-Sunday: 1.00pm-10.30pm

Contact List

Support for young peoplewww.mssociety.org.uk/pieces

Aimed at people aged 18 – 40.

Kids and Teenswww.youngms.org.uk

Young Peoples Newsletter!!www.staying-positive.co.uk


Is MS a terminal illness?By: Jane, Information Officer

Is MS a terminal illness? This is a question the Information Team at the MS Trust get asked quite often especially when someone is newly diagnosed. It makes sense to ask if you’ve just been told that you (or a loved one) have got MS. Perhaps you’ve never heard of MS or know very little about it. You’d want to know what it might mean for your life, wouldn’t you?

So what is a terminal illness? A medical definition would be “an illness that results in death within a fairly short time. There is no possibility of recovery”. Often death is expected within weeks or months, though sometimes longer.

So is MS a terminal illness? No, it isn’t classed as a terminal illness. It is a lifelongcondition because there is no cure so far. It is a condition where treatments exist but where much better treatments are needed.I should mention that there is an extremely rare kind of MS called fulminating MS or Marburg’s variant which is very aggressive and this type of MS is usually fatal within a few years but this is very much the exception.

Many people with MS live for just as long as the general population. Research has shown that those with more advanced MS are more at risk of potentially life threatening complications – such as respiratory or cardiovascular problems –that can result from reduced mobility, and this can affect life expectancy. This underlines the importance of watching out

for any signs of infection, breathing difficulties or heart problems and seeing a health professional sooner rather than later.

So what can we all do to raise awareness of what MS is and also explain what it isn’t? I guess that everyone’s approach is different. Some people will dress up in blue and run cake and information stands for MS Awareness week in April. Some people feel able to explain MS to friends and family and give them our publications, like MSExplained, or send them to our website where they can get more information. It’s not an easy job to explain MS – it is a complex condition and it is a variable condition but it is not a terminal condition.

I like to remember that Ernest Hemingway famously said “life is a terminal illness” reminding us all that we are going to die of something at some point so perhaps it’s a good idea to make the best of things now.

A Good Tip for Animal Owners

I have discovered that feeding raw chicken joints is the best way to remove tartar from dog’s teeth.

My dog is 19 years old collie / german Sheppard & had terrible breath having always been fed a commercial diet of complete biscuits & completes senior tinned food 50/50.

I researched a BARF diet for her & my cats. She gets a raw chicken joint 2 -3 times a week & eats whatever bits the cats leave, plus her normal amount of senior biscuits/tinned. Her teeth are clean & the bad breath gone.

“If unsure, ask your vet”?


Multiple Sclerosis Sufferer takes Scott Mills Sidekick off Air

Natalie JamiesonNewsbeat entertainment reporter

After five years working on air with Scott Mills, Beccy Huxtable is leaving her role on the Radio 1 afternoon show.She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 but hasn't spoken about it on the radio until now.

"I think it was important that people knew why I was going," she said. "If I can raise a bit of awareness, then that's all for the better.

"You don't want it to rule your life, so I'm going to make positive changes to stop it affecting me."

Role change

Beccy will continue to work as an assistant producer for the BBC network but will take on more responsibilities off air rather than on.

She admits it wasn't an easy decision to take, stressing that "working on Scott's show is brilliant" and that she "absolutely loves it".However, she says the practicalities of the disease made her review her daily working.

"On a day-to-day radio show there are so many deadlines it's really hard and

Multiple Sclerosis Society Wigan Branch 8

Sclerosis Sufferer takes Scott Mills Sidekick off Air

Newsbeat entertainment reporter

After five years working on air

Huxtable is leaving her role on the Radio 1 afternoon show.She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in

spoken about it on the radio

"I think it was important that people knew why I was going," she said. "If I can raise a bit of awareness, then that's all for the better.

"You don't want it to rule your life, so I'm to stop it

Beccy will continue to work as an assistant producer for the BBC network but will take on more responsibilities off air rather than on.

She admits it wasn't an easy decision to take, stressing that "working on Scott's show is brilliant" and that she "absolutely loves

However, she says the practicalities of the disease made her review her daily working.

day radio show there are so many deadlines it's really hard and

Sometimes if I wake up and I can't walk properly or can't get into work on timemakes it awkward for everybody.

"I know they've been really supportive but it would make me feel much better if I could go, 'actually I'm going to work from home today,' or 'I'm going to come in later'."

Leaving doScott Mills says he's sad to see his 'mate' Beccy leave the show.

"At the end of the day you need to look afterher health first of all and that's what hopefully her new role will do.

"And I still get to work with her at Radio 1, it's

not like she's going very far so that consolesme a little."

Becky's final day on air as part ofteam will be Friday 18 January but the Radio 1 presenter says he has plans in place.

"Imagine the Olympics opening ceremony and then think a lot smaller.

"But it's going to be good, I've been working quite hard on it myself actually, for

Middle AgeThat time when you finally get your head together - then

Body starts falling apart


Sclerosis Sufferer takes Scott Mills

Sometimes if I wake up and I can't walk properly or can't get into work on time that makes it awkward for everybody.

"I know they've been really supportive but it much better if I could go,

'actually I'm going to work from home today,' or 'I'm going to come in later'."

Scott Mills says he's sad to see his 'mate' Beccy leave the show.

"At the end of the day you need to look afternd that's what hopefully

"And I still get to work with her at Radio 1, it's

not like she's going very far so that consoles

Becky's final day on air as part of Scott Mill's will be Friday 18 January but the Radio

1 presenter says he has plans in place.

"Imagine the Olympics opening ceremony and then think a lot smaller.

"But it's going to be good, I've been working quite hard on it myself actually, for once."

Middle AgeThat time when you finally get your

then your

Body starts falling apart:


MS Charity Leading up to ChristmasThe people in the picture below are a few of the staff that helps run the MS Charity shop. They are pictured here at the shop dressed as Santa’s little helpers. Santa is here as well, pleased as punch at what his little helpers have achieved.

The Two fairies are Libbi and Charlotte; the two elves are Meagan and Janet, who is our shop manager.

They spent the day in the galleries spreading awareness of MS.

Santa (who is our chairman Vic) was giving out lollipops to all the children; he said”he didn’t realise how much he would enjoy the day chatting to all the people, it was amazing”.

This amazing young man is Patrick! He has been working in the shop as a volunteer since the shop first opened.

He is accepting a gift from Santa (our Chairman) with all our best wishes and thanks for all the hard work he has put in over the last two yrs.

He has been rewarded for his loyaltyto the Wigan MS Society By being made to deputy manager, a job he does really well.

MS Society Wigan Branch

The Wigan Branch would like to say a “Big Thank You” To all the volunteers in which ever field your help is given. You really don’t know how much your help, freely given, helps to

make us a better branch and shop.


Leigh GroupWe are a small informal group of

people living in the Leigh area, who either have MS or care for people

who have MS.

We are a sub group of theWigan MS Branch

We meet most months of the yearAt the Leigh Sports Village

There is a varied programme of events for the group, and we are

always keen for new people to join us

If you would like to come along –give Sue a call for further details on:

01942 260854

“We give everyone a very warm welcome”

To keep up to date with all that is happening in your branch

Log on our Website; www.mssociety.org/wigan

“Coping with the costs of MSAfter a diagnosis of MS, life may not change very much at all and many people will continue to live and work as usual. However, for some at some stage, it may not be possible to continue working – or they may have to reduce their hours. Sometimes a partner may decide to give up work to provide increased support at home. Either way, the household income may be reduced just when costly adaptations or changes need to be made.

That is why the MS Society, through its branches, considers grant requests to help people affected by MS obtain funding for items they need because of their disability, but for which they cannot get statutory help. The MS Society provides individual grants to assist people with necessary items such as aids and equipment, adaptations to the home or car and top up funds for respite care breaks.

Please get in touch with the branch committee for information on how we may be able to help and how to apply.”

Free PilatesClasses

Every Tuesday@

The Therapy CentreMarsh Green Community Centre,

Kitt Green Road,Wigan, WN5 0EF

Pilates class 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Our Leigh Class

Which takes place at theCommunity Life CentreUpper George Street

Tyldesley

Every Tuesday @ 2pm-3pm

With our Neuro-Physio TherapistVicki

Please phone Tracy to book a Session!

Phone: 07963345329 or the Charity shop,

On: 01942 323 836

The classes are free to people with MS. Paid for through donations and fundraising.


Donations£300 was donated to the Wigan Branch in remembrance of Bernard Hough.

The donations were from family and friends of Bernard.

The amount of the donation given shows how loved and well thought of Bernard was.

Thank you.

Wigan Branch

Who’s who in the Wigan Branch?www.mssocietywiganbranch.co.uk

Chair person: Vic Burrows

Treasurer: Filled

Vice Chairman: Jan Hough

Welfare Support Officer:Leigh & District Martin HoughWelfare Phone No: 07963345329

Volunteer Co-ordinator & Information OfficerTracey WadsworthPhone No: 01942 323 836

Treasurer: Dr Ann ParrTel No: 01257 424 168

Donations: 22 Parkway, Standish Wigan. WN6 0SJ

Editor: Carol CritchleyTel: 01942 207 483Mobile No: 07580894246

[email protected]

Lucky Numbers: Ken SuttonTel: 01942 715 349

Secretary & Social Media Officer:Ben CusickTEl: 07708228714

Shop Facilitator: Janet AndersonTel: 07878709102

Fund Raiser: Susi TidmarshTel:07756583709

Social & Events co-ordinator:Vacancy

MS Charity Shop Phone No:01942 323 836Email: [email protected]

Solution to Quick Crossword 20

'OLD' IS WHEN...

Your friends compliment you

on your new alligator shoes

and you're barefoot.


The only difference between try and triumph is a little umph.

Have a Great Day

Wigan MSS “Lucky NumbersResults

Draw Dec 2013

1st £40 174 Mrs A Sutton

2nd £20 137 Mr A Kenyon

3rd £10 148 Mr R Knott

4th £10 25 Mrs S Sutton

Draw Jan 2013

1st £40 41 Mr MJ Blake

2nd £20 112 Mrs O Billington

3rd £10 92 Mr MJ Blake 4th £10 29 Mr T Turton

If you wish to join our lucky numbersPlease call Ken Sutton on: 01942 715 349

Back Page Newsletter

The only difference between try and triumph is a little umph.

Have a Great Day!

The MS Newsletter is published by the Wigan Branch of the MS Society

We give regular up-dates about MS and what is happening locally in theMS Community

Editor: Carol CritchleyContact No: 01942 207483E-mail: [email protected]

DisclaimerAll the views expressed in the publication are individual and not necessarily the view or the policy of the charity and its supporters.

We will be pleased to receive your comments, poems, jokes, or any articles you wish to share with us.

Please send to the above Eaddress

umbers”

2013

Mrs A Sutton

Mr A Kenyon

S Sutton

Mrs O Billington

Mr MJ Blake

wish to join our lucky numbers

on: 01942 715 349


try and triumph is a little umph.

The MS Newsletter is published by Wigan Branch of the MS Society

dates about MS and what is happening locally in the

CritchleyContact No: 01942 207483

[email protected]

All the views expressed in the publication are individual and not necessarily the view or the policy of the

its supporters.

We will be pleased to receive your comments, poems, jokes, or any articles you wish to share with us.

Please send to the above E-mail

Documents

Jan/Feb 2013 - MS Society Wigan Branch Newsletter