Finding a community of support: Chris' story

‘I know the hardest thing can be to get started and get on the right treatment track [after a diagnosis] but the people you will meet are only going to be there to help.’

We last spoke to Chris after receiving his MS Go for Gold Scholarship in 2023, since then he has been one of the first clients to attend our new Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre.

‘Generally, I think I’m living well with my MS. I think a lot of that was getting on to the NDIS a few years ago – and now being able to access multiple services at the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre – have all made a world of difference to managing my symptoms,’ Chris says.

For Chris, having his full support system available under one roof has meant easy and convenient access to the therapies that keep him active.

‘I’ll be at the centre every week this year. Having my team in one place is amazing. The new space is also just so lovely to be in.

‘It’s so great to have somewhere like that to go – not only for my exercise needs each week but it’s the kind of space that you can have a chill out session afterwards, to meet and chat with others.

‘The new space is more conducive to meeting and making connections with others who are going through the same journey as you,’ Chris says.

Chris now regularly sees his allied health team at the new centre, where they can liaise easily with each other on Chris’ progress.

‘My Physiotherapist Dr Phu Hoang and I have been working together for more than a year, improving my walking distance and strength. I also currently see an exercise physiologist (EP) and through that service have been able to get a walking aid to reduce the pain around my knees, which has been really helpful to help me to build my strength back up. Dr Phu recommended my current EP Tasha Babet and she and I now do sessions twice a week. Tasha is amazing and really gets me moving – which has a really positive impact on my mobility and gait.

‘EP really helps my mobility, greasing the joints so to speak, general pain management and that sort of stuff.’

It is important for anyone living with a neurological condition that they seek allied health and other support services tailored for their condition, run by neuro expert physiotherapists and other specialist team members.

‘The staff at the wellbeing centre have been wonderful. It’s as much about knowing what you’re doing as it is being a people person.

‘You want to be working with someone who genuinely enjoys what they do and understands the unique challenges of MS and that’s Tasha and Dr Phu. I also do regular reviews with Dr Phu and adjust my program as needed.

‘Initially I did also see an occupational therapist (OT). I’m considering a mobility scooter for a trip overseas in a few months’ time. I think it’s good time for me to consider that to help me to get around. I did get in touch with my OT to recommend a few options,’ Chris says.

MS Plus has also connected Chris with his local MS Peer Support group, and he is now a Peer Support Facilitator.

‘It was nice to see one of the people who I’m in a peer support group with recently, who has a very rare neurological condition, attending the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre as well and doing EP there like me. We had a chance to catch up and it was nice to see someone else doing well as part of the programs on offer.’

Ultimately, Chris says it’s about reaching out for the right help when you need it.

‘As a person with a neurological condition, you’ve got to be willing to engage with, and acknowledge, what you’re experiencing,’ Chris says.

‘I was a perfect example of someone who lived with MS for 10 years and never really utilised the services on offer and now I don’t know where I would be without them – certainly in terms of my mobility and my self-esteem in interacting with others.

Find out more about how our new Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre can help you to live well.