Céline Dion has been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. How does this kind of chronic illness affect women?

Multi award-winning singer Céline Dion has recently been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune neurological condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome, which causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness.

While I don’t have the same condition, a few years ago, I began to develop some unwelcome neurological symptoms. Over a short space of time, they increased and I’ve since been diagnosed with a different autoimmune condition that is damaging my central nervous system.

So far, from a medical point of view, it’s an ongoing battle; a battle I see reflected in my day-to-day life. I am no longer able to drive; I have trouble keeping my balance and have limited use of all four limbs.

I am no longer able to drive; I have trouble keeping my balance and have limited use of all four limbs.

I rely on those around me, especially my thoughtful husband, Martin, to help with many things. (He loves a gadget and if he can find another one to help me, then it’s up and running before I can blink.)

I used to dismiss adverts for mobility aids, wheelchairs etc. Now, these things are in the forefront of my mind and I’m in a place where I never imagined I’d be. Sometimes I don’t even recognise myself.

And yet, daily I am reminded to be thankful that I am not alone in this. More and more, I’m experiencing and appreciating the great blessing of having family and friends who never hold back in showing they care.

How about receiving care in return? My independent spirit falls at the first hurdle when it comes to accepting help. I know the Lord is trying to teach me patience, humility and grace. From the blessing of receiving care, I am just beginning to see the wonderful light, the gloriousness, of God’s goodness in times of trial. His promises are true. I am not alone in this.

From the blessing of receiving care, I am just beginning to see the wonderful light, the gloriousness, of God’s goodness in times of trial.

Moreover, I am increasingly aware of others who struggle with ill health and disability, and so taking time to listen to their stories is becoming a two-way blessing. In small ways, I’m beginning to learn what it means to care for others in similar circumstances. In all sorts of ways, I am not alone in this.

‘The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life.’

Frequently, I am overwhelmed by how narrow my world has become. And yet the Lord is using this time to concentrate my vision, nudging me to focus more on His word, prayer - practising the presence of God. There are many days when I long for new things to happen, a change in my situation, and yet I am learning the blessing of being in the waiting room.

Does this make it all sound tranquil and easy? Absolutely not! I often cry out to God in the frustration of feeling useless. When I can no longer do anything, am I worth anything? And yet, in these moments, the answer comes flying straight back at me: you can pray!

Ah, yes Lord, but that’s SO hard. It’s such a battle!

However, I’m beginning to grasp that it’s one of the most important things I can aim for. In my better moments, I’m trying to take on the challenge of prayer.

When I begin to sense the creeping fear of purposelessness, God draws me back to himself and points out the things I am now able to focus on. In his patience and love, he is showing me new ways, teaching me new things.

I’m left with me, myself, a few cups of tea and God and yet this is where I’m finding blessing. Interspersing my quiet days with reading, prayer, phone calls and writing, I’m discovering that whatever life brings I am not alone in this.

If any of these issues have affected you, you can call Premier Lifeline for support. Premier Lifeline is a national, confidential helpline offering a listening ear, emotional and spiritual support from a Christian perspective. If you would like someone to talk with and pray for you, call Premier Lifeline on 0300 111 0101.