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Asking my GP surgery for a referral to a chiropodist might be a bit of a joke... it's weeks for an appointment, even a phone one. I might try, nevertheless.   If that fails, I might try the one or two ads for chiropodists in my local magazines; those who show as registered, at any rate.

Hi M   An intriguing and very necessary question... I did mine today! They've got gorgeous polish on them. It is my one luxury in life - a beauty therapist! Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and, in my case, that means: Pedicures - your part answer to the problem Eyebrow shaping & tinting (the frames of the eye) Eyelash tinting (no need for mascara) However, your answer will come in the form of a chiropodist. Ask your GP surgery if they have a referral system. Not only is it important for your self-esteem to look after your feet but, as I am certain you know, there are health benefits too. I could tell you what implements to get but if you have an accident with one of them, the healing will not be great for you. As we (both) get older, the lower legs and feet need to be kept in tip-top condition to avoid ulcers etc.   Pete had horrid yellowing and thickened toenails. Our GP referred him to a chiropodist who took samples of his nails for lab analysis. From the results, the GP put him on a drug for six months only. He had to have regular blood tests to monitor his liver. He is fine and his feet no longer upset him. He, of course, does not have MS so he can wield the shears, secateurs and planes designed for toenails but I want you to go down the chiropodist + beauty  therapist route.   That's my advice, for what it's worth M.

How do you manage to cut your toenails? It’s not that I can’t reach mine, it’s a combination of two things:   1. My big toenails are very thick and I need to use huge clippers, the type that look like huge cuticle clippers. Even with those, I have to snip bit by bit to cut the nail, which is how the pharmacist that sold them to me advised to do it, as I couldn’t possibly cut the nail in one go with anything. Then, I can’t properly get to the edge of the nail, so it ends up ragged.   2. My other toenails are just about thin enough for scissors - I’ve never been able to use those clipper things that you press down. Sometimes, it works fine; other times, the nail snaps off when I’ve only cut half-way.   In both cases, I can have shaky hands (intention tremor) or which get shakier/weaker the longer I spend on it, which makes me fear stabbing my toes with either the clippers or scissors...   And the older I get, the more curved some of my nails are becoming, making it harder still to cut them.   How do you cope? Or do you have a chiropodist that you go to or who does home visits?

Never feel guilty. Everyone has a past, but not everyone suffers with these "hiccups" in their bodies.   Everyone struggles mentally when their body starts failing. Go and see your GP about how you're feeling mentally. There may be a requirement for a low dose anti-depressant, to allow you to start thinking positively. Having MS and being on anti-depressants isn't a sigh of weakness and is not unusual for a fair few of us.  

Thank you both very much.  :)    I'm trying to be kind to myself but I always go back to feeling guilty, like I've done this to myself somehow without realising. Then I think back on every time I did something silly in the past like drinking too much in my youth or something. I know it sounds irrational.   I'm struggling mentally too as I don't really have anyone I can talk to where I am -- strained relationship with mum, dad currently recovering from major surgery and both live across the country anyway. I'm sorry to be such a downer but I like the look of these forums, lots of friendly understanding people which is nice. :)

Great advice from @Shirl above.   The NHS works in its own sweet way. They don't feel our urgency for answers. But, now is the time to look after yourself. Sit down and take a deep breath. Then try and do something to divert your attention, e.g. a book or your favourite rom-com. Even pamper yourself. Chocolate and wine are good.   Try not to worry (I know, a ridiculous suggestion in the circumstances). You can't do anything about what's going on, but you may be able to stabilise it. It is medically proven that stressing releases chemicals in the brain, which are detrimental to our Central Nervous System (CNS), an area which may well be causing your problems.............  

Scary is quite a mild response to the uncertainty of a MS investigation. I went from petrified to curious to accepting and back to scared several times a day in the first few years. Even now, I fond the variability of symptoms irksome (being polite!)   Not only will you be confused by the whole drama but you are also poorly - something Neuros are prone to overlook! Just keep plugging away without allowing total fear to overtake you. One day at a time... it is all you can do. 

Thank you ever so much for your response!  I'll go and check out the links you provided.   I'm really sorry if I come off as a bit of a worrier, this has been a scary 7 months. I'm so sorry your diagnosis took 11 years, that's quite a long while. And thank you again for your response. :)