husband diagnosed with MS - advice please

lessonlearned

My husband (aged 49 - I'm 55) has just been diagnosed with MS.

We have a four bed house which we can sell and downsize to a bungalow, which would help reduce the mortgage (finishes 2013 unless we can pay it off quickly) and also pave the way for when he needs easier accommodation. We also have an apartment in Spain (with stairs unfortunately).

My husband can draw his private pension from aged 50 if necessary but would like to try and work for as long as possible - even if it means changing careers - he is a self employed IT contractor.

My husband would like to spend as much time in Spain as possible - maybe even permanently if he is unable to work. However, I am nervous about how we would cope.

Can anyone tell me anything about health care in Spain, any info about benefits etc - both here in the UK and if any are transferable to Spain and just generally share your thoughts, experiences and advice with me.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment and would be very grateful for any tips or advice that any of you could offer.

Look forward to hearing from you.

seven-day-weekend

You can receive Incapacity Benefit in Spain if you are receiving it in the UK before you go.

If you are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, or State Retirement Pension, the DSS will give you a form E121, which will cover all your health care in Spain, for as long as you are on the Benefit. Otherwise, if you have been working in the UK and paid enough NI contributions, they will give you a form E106 which covers you for about two years. After that, you have to make other arrangements until you are of State Pension age.

You can also receive your UK State Retirement Pension in Spain if you are old enough. There are a few other UK benefits you can receive in Spain, but I'm not sure what they are.

I know nothing at all about the Spanish benefit system.

Healthcare is excellent.

jobbingmusician

You must be feeling very much in shock atm. Condolences. My DH was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago - I have only known him since he's known he was ill (now re-diagnosed, by the way).

I suggest you get on to the MS chatboard as there are lots of helpful people there, as well as here.

One thing I thought it might be helpful for you to hear is that many people with MS find it easier to move around in Spain - there is something in the weather (drier heat) which helps the nerves to work better.

With all the very best - JM

lisadonaldson

Can you tell me how to get onto the MS chartboard mentioned above ?

Emmzi

Try here

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/a_chance_to_talk/index.html

I would wait until you know what kind of MS, his prognosis, and soon, before making too many decisions. Let the health information sink in first, before making financial choices. And work on the healthy diet -it really does make a difference!

Hugs.

xx

cabra1

My mum was diagnosed with MS when she was
26 she is now 76 and very much in the land
of the living.I would say the last eight
years have seen it advance the most.

There are different kinds of MS
and like Emmzi says wait until you know more
from the Doctors before making any kind of changes.

the MS Society are very good for advice
regarding welfare & benefits.If you get in touch with
the head office they will put you in touch with
the local MS Society who will come out and see
you and answer any concerns & queries you may have.

Hope it all goes well for you I have also heard that
Spain is a good location for people with MS.

But dont commit yourselves until you have had a
chance for it to sink in and sought advice first.

Ted_Hutchinson

Spain is a good location for people with MS because vitamin d from sunshine is available throughout the year. You will see from Sunarc that the nearer you get to Latitude 35 the lower the rates of MS. It's related to low Vitamin D status.
See Vit D calculator but be aware being nearer the Equator the risk of burning (which is associated with Melanoma) is much greater so you have to take more care when the risk is higher Risk of sunburn chart

But by using the Direct-MS supplements (note what takes priority on the list) you will be increasing your internal sunscreen by taking an effective amount of antioxidants and omega 3's. Changing to drinking Green Tea would also improve your skin's ability to deal with sun.

Direct-MS have a sister site in the UK called MS-DIET ORG and this also has an active chat board that will put you in touch with others in a similar situation.

Although IB is exportable Disability Living Allowance (DLA) : Directgov - Disabled people isn't as yet. There are moves to make it so, well at least in the EEC but it hasn't happened yet, although awards prior to 1992 are. Think about Benefits and Work as they have a lot of good up to date information about DLA/IB that will be more useful than the rather dated information from BHAS guides on claiming DLA and AA, Incapacity Benefit

BIO–TECH Pharmacal Inc.The best source for Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol for UK use between October and March only 5-6 needed a week to achieve the Direct-MS suggestions.

My aunt was diagnosed with MS in her 60's though the symptoms were present for some years prior to that, she died last year aged 96.

margaretclare

Hi there

My DH's stepdaughter's husband got this diagnosis 4 days after their wedding 5 years ago. He's still going strong, they live in Derbyshire, moved to a house (with stairs) that needed a lot doing to it and he's managing with that.

They had a thought of moving to Spain because they found that he was a lot better in that kind of climate (maybe sunshine as Ted says). However, they were ripped-off - paid about 60,000 euros to some builder who didn't own the buildings he was selling...long story, don't ask. So they're still in Derbyshire, she's done a fast-track nursing degree on top of her other nursing qualifications. This is a very unpredictable disease and you tend to hear the worst-case scenarios. Don't make any decisions in a hurry.

Best wishes

Margaret

StockportGerbil

Hi!
My other half has MS. She recommends Jooly's Joint (http://www.mswebpals.org/) for information and support on the condition in addtion to the MS Society.
I hope that helps
Kevin

lessonlearned

Just a quick note to say thank you for all your replies. I am very very grateful.

Although I had already began to guess that my husband's illness was MS, to have it confirmed was still very much a shock. I understand all your comments about not acting hastily and that we need time to let things sink in.

Several of you have you mentioned that there are different types of MS and yes, we are still awaiting a final diagnosis and prognosis. We should be seeing the consultant in the next couple of weeks so I should know more then.

Altough I am still very shocked and worried I am beginning to feel a bit more confident - it is very reassuring to hear how so many people continue to live long and (as healthy as can be under the circumstances) healthy and happy lives.

Your comments and advice have been wonderful and I am very touched by your kindness.

When I know more and feel a bit less fragile (unfortunately I am waiting for treatment for a minor skin cancer myself) I shall start looking at all the information sources you have all so generously passed on to me.

Thanks again for your wonderful kindness and sharing your knowledge and experiences with me.

I shall write again when I have more news.

kenshaz

My wife has Non Hodgekins Lymphoma ,prior to the diagnosis was pure torture ,now we know what is ahead and we can deal with the illness together , she is in remission following chemotherapy,and we are making plans ,light at the end of the tunnel after 6 months of treatment.She has been so very special,giving me strength when I was weak,hugging me when I felt self pity,and I am going to cherish our uncertain future and fill it full of making her happy.I promise.
Sorry if this post is off subject ,I just wanted to show my feelings ,and this thread felt right