Jarrow ME sufferer speaks out about life in lockdown to help others dealing with self-isolation

Jarrow resident Nicola Corr, was only in her 30s when she was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in 2009.

Until then she had led an active social life and was enjoying a career as a teacher for primary school pupils with learning difficulties and autism.

Her life changed dramatically when she began to develop symptoms and she was forced to retire at 36 and move in with her mother for support.

“The biggest change is how small my world became very quickly,” said Nicola, now 45.

“Rather than being the main person in the family giving support, I rely on them for support now.”

In Tyne and Wear there are around 4,500 people living with the neurological condition, which affects people’s ability to recover normally after any physical and mental activity.

Now housebound, many of the services Nicola has come to rely on such as supermarket deliveries and carers disappeared overnight due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But she still believes her condition has given her a rare advantage to others who are struggling with the sudden disruption to their daily lives.

“The sudden decline in availability for having groceries delivered is the major issue we have faced,” she said.

“As I am housebound and bedbound more than half the time, the lockdown has meant very little change to me personally. I think like many others with ME being housebound for many years has given us a strange advantage over those who have suddenly had a huge change to their daily routines.”

For ME Awareness Month throughout May, charity Action for M.E is encouraging people with the condition to share their insight and experience of living with uncertainty and isolation to help shine a spotlight on the hidden condition.

Nicola said: “For those who are struggling with isolation I would encourage them to make an effort to keep in touch with friends and family in whatever way appeals to them.

“Social media has been my window to the outside world for so long, and life would be a lot harder and more lonely without it. Finding a new 'normal' and routine of some kind really can help to keep you from going insane.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mum thanks South Tyneside midwives who delivered daughter during coronavirus crisis

In light of the pandemic, Action for M.E set up an Crisis, Support and Advocacy Service to help people in urgent need with things such as shopping, medication collections, peer-support and advice on welfare changes.

Chief executive, Sonya Chowdhury commented: “We have been contacted by people with ME in truly desperate situations.

“So far, we have seen a three-fold increase in requests for urgent support – all at a time when our income is expected to drop by at least 50%. Like many other organisations and charities, we made the difficult decision to furlough several staff. We are continuing to make critical decisions to ensure we are here for people with ME now and in the future.”

Anyone living with or caring for someone with ME can contact [email protected] or call 0117 927 9551 for support.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.