Hi, my name is Karen.

I have been living with disability for many years, and despite this worked hard and stayed in employment, supporting my family to reach their goals.

In the last few years I've fought many battles, but this year I've been fighting harder than I've ever fought before.

I have been bipolar for 34 years, yet despite this worked throughout. Then more and more conditions happened. In 2009 I caught swine flu and the consequence was I developed ME. Going to work meant I could only do this and end up in bed as soon as I got home. I gave up my social life to maintain work.

4 years ago I developed severe pain in my arms and shoulders and have been fighting for investigations and answers without success. I developed Myasthenia Gravis at the same time, and this year was hospitalised with this and started new treatment.

The treatment has thinned my skin, my veins are prominent and fragile. I have severe double vision meaning I rely on others for transport, reading, and I am not able currently to return to my job as it is deemed unsafe. Medication is putting me at risk including a significant risk of dementia.

I struggle to swallow safely yet the appointment for Neurology Speech and Language therapy is not til next year.

My life is on hold, I am facing unemployment for the first time in my life. I am putting my family under strain caring for me when for years it was me who was the strong one.

I have been fighting for support from the NHS however waiting lists are long, and the delays are building.

Please help me find the answers, help me get back on me feet and contribute again. Help me find a I scan as I have musculoskeletal issues that cause severe pain, access blood tests and a second opinion, and hopefully answers as to why my blood vessels are so vulnerable, what can be done about my pain, and help me give back to my family by returning to work to perhaps have some quality of life, because as I am now I am just existing