Finding tailored NDIS support

Kristina's world turned upside down in February 2020, when her first episode of multiple sclerosis (MS) resulted in permanent damage to her nerves and spinal cord. The damage led to problems using the affected areas of her body as well as issues with balance, strength, numbness, pain, fatigue, difficulties with concentration and memory, among other symptoms. Kristina could barely manage her fatigue and even small tasks such as cooking, packing lunches and cleaning left her feeling overwhelmed.

'The shower, which used to be my sanctuary, became a place of pain and exhaustion. I am only able to walk short distances before my endurance fails. My balance becomes compromised, and I am at risk of falling without the aid of someone supporting me. The nerve pain is the hardest physical obstacle to live with as it is constant, and I do not get any rest from it,' Kristina said.

In a time of such stress, Kristina was daunted by the idea of having to communicate the nuances and complexity of her new diagnosis through an NDIS assessment.

Then Kristina met Vanessa from the MS Plus Client Engagement & Wellbeing Team. Vanessa worked directly with Kristina to help her identify the types of support she would require and to help her navigate the NDIS system.

'Without support from MS Plus, people would be so lonely and isolated. People with MS can do so much better when they’re fully educated on what supports are available. NDIS support is there and we can facilitate people to get that support and have a better life,' Vanessa said.

'Having access to neurological physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, remedial massage therapy, carer assistance and general living assistance, has helped me achieve my goal of living a well-balanced, pain eased, less burdened life,' Kristina said.

'I can now manage my work life better and focus on the things that are important to me – my son, family and friends. The assistance has helped me to regain my social independence and renewed my mental state, improving my quality of life immensely.

'The journey through NDIS isn’t easy. There’s a lot of paperwork, and for me, it was very personal. We had to go through my personal story, and it was bringing up some uncomfortable stuff. But definitely, looking back on it, I’m so glad I had someone like Vanessa to help me through the whole process.'

Pictured left, Kristina and her son Niko