Stumbling In Flats

by Barbara Stensland, Janis Winehouse (Foreword)

‘If Bridget Jones had MS, this would be her diary’ – The MS Society
‘The value of the Stumbling in Flats blog … it opens so many avenues of support and understanding, not only to the sufferer, but to the family, the friends … so that they will understand what it’s like to walk through treacle’ – Janis H. Winehouse

From running in heels to stumbling in flats - one day in 2011, Barbara woke up unable to speak properly, walk in a straight line or stay awake for longer than a few hours. She didn’t know it then, but that day was to change her life forever.
In 2012, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). She began blogging at www.stumblinginflats.com to show the day-to-day reality of living with MS, a teenager and a cat, in amongst coping with a rapidly-disappearing career, late-night pity-parties-for-one, discrimination in the workplace and adjusting to a whole new life with MS.

She’s unflinchingly honest in her portrayal and exploration of this strange new world, where the McDonald criteria are no longer a way of judging French Fries but a tick-list for an MS diagnosis. Alongside scans, blood tests, a lumbar puncture and medication, she battles with The Teenager (school uniform angst, an undying devotion to pizza) and life in general (facing 40, a non-existent fitness regime, chocolate).

After two years of blogging she has now collated a large selection into a book. She’s also corrected her appalling spelling and grammar mistakes along the way.

In coming to terms with her diagnosis, she discovers she’s actually pretty strong and can definitely see the funny side to a serious illness.

You’ve read the misery-memoirs, now read the book that will leave you with a smile on your face.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2015

Reviews

[Abagail · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I used to hate MS, until I realised that by hating it, I was hating a fundamental part of myself and this was essentially self-loathing. MS is me and I am MS. It is not a separate entity. I went through a dark, lonely, terrifying grieving process and hit rock bottom not just once but repeatedly.”

I have read a couple books now by funny, insightful people with MS and loved them all, but I think this is my favorite. I related so much to everything the author has been through. I felt for her when she had to give up her career but ultimately ended up in an unexpected place which worked for her. I laughed along with her frustration at well-meaning able bodied people trying to pretend they understand MS fatigue. I felt a little bit validated when she talked about curling up on the couch with a blanket and some chocolate when there’s absolutely nothing else you can do. I think people consider me a really positive person in spite of my illness but I think that, like this author, I’ve just come to terms with the ways in which MS has forced me to be a stronger person, and the fact that it is now a fundamental part of me. And I appreciated hearing someone else say those things!

I highlighted an embarrassing amount of passages in this one. I guess I’ll have to go follow the blog!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed and was the best MS book I have read since my diagnosis. It is hands down the most relateable, and I found myself nodding along when she would say about a new symptom or what not to say to someone with MS. Excellent read!

[sa fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I'm currently undergoing tests for MS, due to balance problems etc, and this book has made me laugh n cry at the same time.
The humour in it, is absolutely fab.
Thanks so much Barbara ❤

[Mandy Beecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got ms and this was a good book,
Yes I laughed
Yes I cried
And yes it gave you a thought or two, yes that's happening to me.
This book is recommended if you have or haven't got ms it may help you understand a little bit

[Lori G · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read

A collection of blogposts regarding living with MS. Repetitive, but that helped to make it a fast read. She did a good job of helping me to understand what MS fatigue really feels like.

[Shelley Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with a very humorous look into a date with MS!

[Rhiann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and fresh take on living with the neurological condition. It's a perfect book to dip in and out of, and if reading in public beware that you may laugh out loud a lot during the course of the book. But reading it, I actually felt that I personally knew Barbara and it was like I was talking to an old friend which is very difficult for a writer to convey through writing. A brilliant book which I would recommend newly diagnosed with MS or those who know someone who has been diagnosed.

[Rubery Book Award · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Stensland started a blog in 2012 when she was first diagnosed with MS and this book is a record of her experiences. It’s chatty, funny, sad and practical. She is openly honest about the difficulties she encounters, but remains refreshingly cheerful. It’s a book that you can dip into, read something fascinating, and gain fresh insight on an aspect of life that may or may not be connected with MS.

Rubery Book Award

[Jo Wessell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and so accurate! Xx love the humour