When he uses it, he’s always trying to keep his finances in check and consistent (Image: Getty Images/Mascot)

My husband and I have stopped cooking baked potatoes because they have been in the oven for a long time because we are concerned about energy costs.

I am also worried about making vegetables and using toasters.

Now I have to ask everything about what I’m spending my money on. This is because I trust the interests of the disabled to survive. But the money I earned covers very little of my basic expenses. In addition, you can lead a full and independent life.

I was diagnosed with MS just 21 years ago, just a month after I got married. I am now 50 years old, so I have been living with him for 29 years. Because of my husband and me, I didn’t know what our future would be, if we could have children or if we could build a career.

My multiple sclerosis causes balance and mobility problems, and I rely on my swivel chair (moving pedestrians) and mobility aids like power chairs. My condition also affects my eyesight, causing constant pain, severe fatigue, and severe sleep paralysis.

My husband has to help me bathe and take care of my hair. He does most of the cleaning, shopping, and snacks. Sometimes I can go to a small shop, but I am very tired and restless.

I can’t work and for a while I’m looking for earnings. When you enjoy, you are always trying to manage your finances and stay viable. I have an Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Independent Living Insurance for Persons with Disabilities (PIP), but it is very difficult to process the amount of money I earn.

It’s scary to think about the future, it’s easy to bury your head in the sand

My ESA has generally increased for the first time in 15 years. And the increase is modest: just £2 a week. What brings me this? Where can I get the hundreds of pounds I need to deal with the monthly increase in energy prices? How is the rise in fuel prices? Or the price of food?

My husband, Pedro, is self-employed in technology (computer repair) which suits my needs.

The cost of living crisis is exacerbating the situation. At this point we can deal with it and not get bored, but things are getting closer. One day we can only buy sandwiches for dinner, but I know it’s not good for us. My husband also stopped paying my pension.

I stopped dyeing my hair and I haven’t cut it for 8 years. My husband cuts a little. If you are willing to straighten your hair, you will feel much better. I had to sacrifice my well-being for what I absolutely needed.

Disability means I have to pay extra. For example, my MS affects my eyesight and means I have to buy more expensive glasses. Even after receiving the coupon, it costs 50650.

Also, my movement is so limited that I can’t walk much and my husband has to spend a lot of money on gas to go.

yolanda selfie

Why do I need to stay in this situation? (Photo: Yolanda Barker)

Gasoline and diesel prices are through the roof. We understand how much we use our cars, so we don’t go out much. I always worry that each hospital can have enough gas as it can be quite a long drive (about 60 miles round trip).

We are well aware that some of the choices we have to make are difficult and not easy. I am always nervous about money and under pressure, which has a big impact on my mental health. There’s not even hope on the horizon, just more destiny.

Thinking about the future is scary, but it’s easy to bury your head in the sand.

Why do I need to stay in this situation? I did not choose to take MS. I did not choose not to work. My husband did not choose to be in a situation where he had to be flexible to take care of me.

We welcome the fact that the government recognizes the need for the support of people like me. But the გირ 400 on energy prices and subsidies for the benefit of the people hardly prevent us from facing the catastrophic month ahead. After all the reductions, the energy alone goes up by £140 a month, which is without heat.

The MS Society says it understands people who can’t afford food, medicine, and transportation, but I’m not surprised.

I worry that one day we will.

What happens if food prices go up? I don’t know what reduced us.

If you have MS and are experiencing a cost of living crisis, the MS Association has information on financial support. here your site.. You can also contact the MS Society toll-free helpline (0808 800 8000) or [email protected] for confidential advice and support.