Living with lockdown restrictions (again)

MS services across the country may be under intense pressure, as MS specialist staff are redeployed to critical care, are poorly themselves or required to self-isolate because of infection in their household. This may make it harder to get in touch with your MS team or prevent them being able to return your calls promptly. You may already have found that routine appointments have been postponed. 

You may find that appointments for infusions or blood monitoring may not be offered as often as normal. However, the Association of British Neurologists has set out guidelines to ensure that your treatment plans are safe.

If you have appointments scheduled, then you should attend, unless you or a household member have Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

If you cannot attend an appointment, you should let your medical team know. Missing an infusion or monitoring appointment could mean that your MS could worsen or a harmful side-effect of your medication could be missed.

We saw that after last lockdown, once the pressure on the NHS was released, MS specialist staff were soon able to return to their normal roles and resume MS services.

Problems with breathing or swallowing, chest pain, bladder infections or bowel obstructions can be very dangerous. You should always seek medical help in an emergency or if you are unable to cope with your symptoms. 

For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.

If you are not sure if you need to be seen in an emergency, use NHS 111, either online or using the telephone. NHS111 will direct you to the right service and ensure that you can be seen quickly and safely if a hospital visit is required.