After various fits and starts last year my neurologist confirmed that in her opinion I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The generic description is demyelination and there is no doubt that my brain has lost a lot of its protective sheath.

Now the thing is that I’ve probably had MS for upwards of 40 years, from an age when such a diagnosis is more common. My balance has never been good. I’m often described as a member of the Ministry of Funny Walks.

My sense of rhythm might do credit to a one-legged giraffe. I can be irritable and insecure. I suffer from frequent bouts of fatigue.

What goes through my mind is whether these are genuine symptoms of MS or its consequences?

More tests via a perhaps overdue lumbar puncture. Meanwhile, little or no fatigue but plenty of mental discombobulation.