I’m foaling better
BY JAMES MONCUR A HEROIC mum who was left paralysed and blind by multiple sclerosis is battling back against the disease.
This time last year, Shirley Reise couldn’t feel anything from her chest down and could hardly see after being struck down by “explosive” MS.
The only comfort the 33-year-old received was when her young son, Joseph, cuddled her in her hospital bed or when friends carried her into a field to spend time with her horses.
Spending time with the animals was a key part of her recovery, in particular Winnie – Joseph’s chestnut Shetland pony.
And thanks to a miracle drug, the Fife Council worker is battling back against the odds – even managing to complete a charity run through Edinburgh’s streets.
“She instinctively knew that I was unwell and was happy to stay with me.”
Explaining how difficult her battle has been, she added: “In May 2017, I was diagnosed with aggressive and explosive multiple sclerosis, which was so severe that doctors used me as a test case and shared my notes with experts around the world.
“I went from being a full-time working mum who mucked out stables and rode horses to being totally paralysed and almost blind.
“It was a very traumatic time for both me and my son. There were times when I was only able to cuddle him or touch his face to know he was there.”
Shirley’s life has been turned around since she started taking a monthly drip of a drug called tysabri.
She can now live a nearly normal life, working as an employment support worker with the council and regularly visiting schools to talk about MS. It’s a far cry from when her GP spotted the warning signs of the disease – but his early diagnosis gave neurologists a fighting chance to control it.
Her recovery has amazed the doctors and experts treating her. She said her outlook totally changed when she got her vision back and was able to start walking again – which inspired her to take on the 5K charity run.
She said: “I wanted to do something to not only raise money for MS research but also to raise awareness, as many people don’t know what MS is.
“I know I didn’t know what it was when I was diagnosed.”
Shirley was supported at last month’s run by council colleagues – and Jospeph was also at the end of the race alongside Winnie.
Morna Simpkins of MS Society Scotland said: “Fundraisers like Shirley help support the MS Society to drive research into more – and better – treatments for everyone.”