MS "shouldn't be embarrassing" says East Yorkshire campaigner
A survey showed most people with MS find their symptoms embarrassing.
Last updated 22nd Apr 2024
An East Yorkshire disability campaigner who has multiple sclerosis (MS) has said people with the condition should not feel embarrassed when talking about their symptoms.
A survey by MS charities found over a third of people living with MS have avoided seeking help for symptoms like bladder and bowel issues or sexual problems due to embarrassment.
Rachael Tomlinson from Beverley said: "The things that stop me going out and cause me massive anxiety are the bowel and bladder issues. I wear period pants all the time as a safety net.
"When the stomach starts playing up I think 'well this is going to be good I'm just about to go out the door.' Bowel issues have put me off doing things because I don't trust myself sat in traffic for all that time."
The survey found 85% of people with MS find at least one of their symptoms embarrassing, with 22% hiding symptoms from their partners.
MS charities are marking the beginning of MS Awareness Week by encouraging people to speak up about their symptoms and break the stigma around the condition.
Rachael said: "I know it affects a lot of people, and people who are close to me don't really talk about it, but we need to, and it shouldn't be embarrassing because there is support out there."