I Connect, We Connect
The 30th of May is World MS Day. It is a day dedicated to bringing the global MS community closer together so that they can share their stories and raise awareness.
The theme for World MS Day has been the same since 2020, ‘making connections‘. With COVID-19, many have lost their connection to society, their community, and the theme tries to tackle this head-on. In a nutshell, the MS Connections campaign is all about making and building connections again. This includes self-connection and connection to good care.
This campaign is helping to challenge social barriers to those who live and are affected by MS. It is also a great way to:
- Advocate for better services
- Celebrate Carers
- Support networks
and indeed, champion self-care.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
MS is a condition that affects your central nervous system or CNS, which is made up of your spinal cord and brain. Your central nervous system is what controls your body, it’s actions and activities.
Actions would include movement, your senses and cognition (understanding through thought). Your CNS does this by sending little messages through a network of nerves. These nerves are covered in a fatty substance, which is known as Myelin. Myelin allows the message transmit quickly and efficiently.
MS develops when your body’s immune system believes that Myelin is a foreign substance that is trying to harm you and begins to attack it.
Over 25,600 people in Australia have MS.
Developing Multiple Sclerosis can happen at any age, but the majority of the time, symptoms appear between 20-40 years of age. Sadly, it is a lifelong condition but it is not terminal. For some, the progression is slow and won’t affect your day-to-day life. For others, MS can progress rapidly and it can affect your overall quality of life. This is where you will need additional support from:
- Family & friends
- Carers
- Healthcare services
Make Connections Over A Cuppa
We have connected with a number of amazing people to hear their story and get their views on the Uccello Kettle (how it can help make life easier for them). We called this our pop the kettle on campaign. Among them was Ann, Seamus and Louise. 3 lovely people who shared their stories with us over a cuppa and how the Uccello Kettle gave them back their independence.
Connecting with Ann:
Anne (62), shares her story on living with MS, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. In her own words, Ann is young at heart and couldn’t say enough on the amazing support network she has.
When it comes to getting about in the kitchen, Ann finds that its not so much her hands and wrists but more so fingers that lock up due to the MS. ”I get fatigued and am going blonde and not able to remember things. Memory fog didn’t happen and then all of a sudden it happened as I went along. I suppose you love a bit of yourself every day.”
”Right now, it’s the osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that is killing me more than the MS.”
When it comes to making a cup of tea, Ann finds it difficult to lift and pour the boiled kettle. ”I use a towel under the kettle to pour into my cup and then the cup would slip and water would go everywhere.” Now after receiving her Uccello Kettle, there is a big difference, ”I think it is fantastic, there is no danger of spilling.”
Connecting with Seamus:
Seamus (65) who lives with his wife shares his story on living with MS a little over 20 years now. ”I am going through a relapse, it happened 4 weeks ago. One morning I lost the power in my legs, I have it back now but there are still a few other things happening.”
His wife takes care of him at home, ”unfortunately, she’s not in the best form with rheumatoid arthritis. We’re a right pain, Loral and Hardy.” This can make navigating the kitchen that bit harder for both Seamus and his wife.
When it comes to handling boiling water Seamus would normally ‘‘have it resting on top of the mug to give myself the support, sometimes the mug would give way and spill.” Hearing feedback like this isn’t new to us here at Uccello Designs. The average kettle hold between 1.5 – 1.7 litres of water and when you have limited strength and mobility, it can be very difficult to manage.
After sending Seamus out his very own Uccello Kettle, we were delighted to hear that life is safer and easier at home for both himself and his wife.
”There is hardly any noise from it. The kettle is great to just tap the lid and you don’t need to fiddle with it and it’s great that the this kettle is on the stand and tilts.”
Connecting with Louise:
Louise is a proud Mum of 2. Her biggest challenges at home would be cleaning the home before the kids are back from school. There are times each day where living with MS has made even the little things frustrating for her. ‘‘I have a weakness in my arms and the heaviness in my legs. The fact that you want to do something but you can’t’‘.
Energy levels feigning is a big issue for Louise, the smallest thing can deplete her and leave her feeling exhausted. That is why she is a big fan of the Uccello Kettle. ‘‘I am not using up energy that could be used somewhere else or I’m not tiring my arms out. That could mean the difference between folding a load of washing or not or only getting a bit done because I would been lifting the old kettle.”
Throughout the day, you may not realize it, but the kettle is used more than you think. ”In a day, I could be cooking pasta or potatoes and you need water for them” so not having to lift a heavy kettle of hot water to cook them can save valuable energy.
”I don’t have to lift it, it’s a huge pro, it’s 1 finger to tilt”
If you or someone you know struggles in the kitchen at home, feel free to learn more about Uccello Designs, daily living aids. Making life easier is what we do!
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