A mum who was diagnosed with a chronic illness after returning from a holiday in Morocco has shared her coping strategies for the extreme heat that triggers her illness. Mother-of-two Linda Hoskins, from West Lothian, was on holiday in Morocco in 2012 when she struggled to keep up with conversations and found it hard to function.
The 37-year-old dismissed it because of the 42C heat, but became worried when she returned home and symptoms continued. Weeks after returning to Scotland, the mum-of-two lost her ability to walk and use her legs for weeks before doctors' tests and scans revealed that she had Multiple Sclerosis, reports Edinburgh Live.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability.
The condition that can be triggered by heat and the West Lothian mum has had to take extra measures to prepare for the scorching temperatures that cause her condition to flare up. She said: "I have MS so heat triggers it so any options of getting cooled down is welcome.
"It’s good for people to know that it’s not about just not enjoying the heat but actually triggers relapses for some who have MS. I got diagnosed 10 years ago, it has various effects including weakness of limbs, memory loss, and impacts my concentration.
"I found out I had MS after being in Morocco as the temperatures hit 42 degrees. Ever since then the heat makes me somewhat anxious. I found it hard to function in Morocco, I struggled to have conversations and wasn’t sure why I couldn’t manage when those I was with were fine.
"I found out I had MS after being in Morocco as the temperatures hit 42 degrees. Ever since then the heat makes me somewhat anxious. It was on returning home that I gradually lost the use of legs for a few weeks and then a number of scans and tests were done and MS was diagnosed. I came back to full health afterwards but have to be careful."
She explained: "For me heat triggers it not sure if that’s true for everyone with MS but certainly on a Facebook page I’m on for those with MS many are suffering. I certainly have to be prepared, have fans going, clear myself schedule a bit to be able to cope."
The 37-year-old shared a life hack for dealing with the heat in a local community group, writing: "A wee life hack for anyone struggling with heat…fill your hot water bottle and pop it in the freezer. Snuggle that frozen block of ice until you’re back to coping with life…works a treat."
The simple but effective hack has helped many. Linda said: "I just half filled it and put in the freezer.
Although someone commented saying you then can’t use it for hot water again didn’t know that!" She added: "The only other tips are just as what everyone knows, fans, curtains closed or blinds half down, and stay hydrated."
Another said: "Just to say it can also work for pet beds. Help to keep furry friends cool too." While one warned: "Great tip! But for anyone using it, remember that you won’t be able to use that hot water bottle again with hot or boiling water. Freezing it damages the material and means that if you fill it up with hot water in the future it could burst and seriously scald or burn you!"
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