Emma's Story
Four years ago I got ill with a virus that no one has been able to identify. It struck me hard with severe pain and other debilitating symptoms. Over the years we've realised that my illness is progressive - meaning its getting worse.
I have very severe and prolonged muscle spasms. For instance, the fingers on my left hand have been completely curled up for the past two years. I also get severe spasm attacks, which pull my head, neck and arms about all over the place.
I was 17 when all this started. I was learning to drive, having a normal life. In the beginning, I struggled, but now I can see new opportunities for my future. At the moment I do volunteer work for the council, but I would like to go to university at some point. There are so many courses I'd like to do, there are opportunities open to me.
But first there are a lot of things I want to sort out.
I need a combination of highly specialised and costly mobility aids, which will allow me to stay upright and manage my pain.
At the moment it's really difficult to go out and keep happy and smiling because after about 25 minutes I am in a lot of pain and I can't move around properly.
Being able to sit up straight, and having the pain relieved, is going to help everything! There will be no stopping me!
(Model used in picture to protect the individual's identity)
