Former cop Iain Clark opens up on his life with multiple sclerosis
married father-of-two it could flare up again, he remained almost symptom-free – aside from struggling to stand up from a crouching position when looking after his horse – for a further 14 years.
Then in 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown, Iain noticed he was tripping more often while out walking.
By the end of 2021, Iain, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, had been diagnosed with secondary progressive MS (SPMD).
Although he’ll never know for sure, he believes his earlier issues were MS relapses. This time, when it came to telling people about his condition, he took an entirely different approach.
Iain, whose symptoms now include fatigue, brain fog and slight bladder issues in addition to the mobility problems, continued: “I didn’t want to tell people at first but, having chatted to my wife, we thought it might be better if people just knew.
“I was only ever a social drinker but when I was suspected of having SPMS I gave up alcohol. I thought if I just told people I had MS I wouldn’t have to answer questions every time someone realised I was in the pub without a pint, or not drinking at a family do.
“And if I’m having a tired day, or I’ve had a busy week and I need to sit and recuperate for 20 minutes, or just not do anything for a day, people will know why and won’t wonder what’s wrong.
“I’m pleased I told my family and friends. It did take a wee bit of weight off my shoulders.
“I told my current employer as well and I can’t fault them, they’ve been very, very good. Top notch. They helped me move into a role that involved less travelling.