Banned, but why? Facebook gives no reason

July 2, 2018 / Ian Franks / 2 Comments

I am prompted to write that, despite an absence of new posts, I am as well as I can be. I have no health problems beyond multiple sclerosis.

Messages have reached me, asking if everything is ok, such as this one:

Hi, it’s (name removed for privacy). Facebook has not had any of your current writings, so I want you to know you are in my prayers.

The absence of my posts was not caused by any personal reasons but was enforced by Facebook itself. I use it to send my posts to groups of which I am a member but, three times in as many weeks, I have been interrupted by a message saying: “You are restricted from joining and posting to groups that you do not manage until (date and time).”

No reason is ever given and the powers that be won’t discuss it with you. You can click on ‘Appeal’ but experience tells me not to bother. Why? Because, if you do, no reply is ever received and the restriction, effectively a ban, is just made longer. The fact is simple, Facebook has the ability to do what it likes and we, its users, have no rights to protest or even ask questions. [I feel another ‘restriction’ will be coming for expressing this truth].

Back until banned again

I explained the situation to everyone who contacted me and this was one response I received via Messenger:

That’s awful. I’m technology challenged, but I knew something was wrong. Thanks for letting me know.

I wish you could sue Facebook for discrimination.

God bless you and your family. Stay strong. Thank you for all your hard work.

Right now, I am back and will continue to bring you news and views – until Facebook decides to ban me again.

Whether you have MS or another health problem, if you have a disability, 50shadesofsun.com is here for you. And, there is no greater support you can give than to share my posts far and wide via every social media.

You can also join a Facebook page that I do manage (and so are exempt from any ban), such as 50shadesofsun or Living with multiple sclerosis.

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Affiliate disclaimer: This affiliate disclosure details the affiliate relationships of MS, Health & Disability at 50shadesofsun.com with other companies and products. Read m ore.

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50shadesofsun.com is the personal website of Ian Franks, a freelance medical writer and editor for various health information sites. He enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, from reporter to editor in the print media. He gained a Journalist of the Year award in his native UK. Ian received a diagnosis of MS in 2002 and now lives in the south of Spain. He uses a wheelchair and advocates on mobility and accessibility issues.

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Note: Health-related information available on 50shadesofsun website is for your general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. I am not a doctor, so cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues. Also, consult a doctor before starting a new diet or exercise programme. Any opinions expressed are purely my own unless otherwise stated.

Fury at BPS ‘influence’ and being assessed as ‘fit to work’

January 26, 2018 / Ian Franks / Leave a comment

News that the government’s disability employment strategy seems heavily influenced by the discredited BPS disability model has prompted a furious reaction. A quite justifiable one, in my view.

In this column, on Wednesday, I wrote about and commented upon what senior civil servant Tabitha Jay revealed. She had been speaking to MPs in the all-party parliamentary group for disability (APPGD).

My blog of two days ago, that prompted strong reactions.

While doing so, she mentioned the discredited “biopsychosocial” (BPS) model, the Disability News Service (DNS) reported. Further, DNS said Jay appeared to suggest BPS was “running in parallel” to the social model within the strategy.

On Facebook, group administrator Jan Thompson wrote: “Heavily influenced?….that’s a bit of an understatement isn’t it? This why ‘sick note’ was changed to ‘fit note’ …make us believe we are ‘fit’ & not ‘sick’. I’m sick of being used as a guinea pig….when I go to my docs it’s cos I’m unwell…not because I’m fit as a fiddle. Bps psycho babble.”

In the same article, I also wrote about Welfare Weekly‘s report about disability benefit assessments. It said, in just 18 months, upwards of 220,000 people have been awarded zero points when assessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Here, too, strongly-held and equally justifiable views came in. Here are a few of them:

On my blog itself, steveu wrote: “Several occupations require you to hold a minimum medical category. As MS is a progressive disease you steadily fall down the medical categories until you no longer meet the minimum and then you are no longer employable, sometimes just the diagnosis is sufficient to move you out.”

Nearly unbearable

On Facebook, Kevin Smith wrote: “My consultant told me I’ll never be able to work again but DWP tries to go against it. Won 2 appeals but the stress was nearly unbearable and made me even worse.”

Marie Grant wrote: “Where are all our healthcare professionals in all this? Why are they allowing their diagnosis to be overturned by nurses, physiotherapists and scores of others who have a vested interest in finding the sick and disabled fit for work. I feel totally let down by them all that they have let this happen.”

Jan Thompson, again, wrote: “The savage cuts have nothing to do with saving money so to speak. It’s social experiments to convince people they’re not really ‘sick’…sadly they don’t care that it’s not working. It costs more to implement than what it actually saves.”

Marie Grant, again, wrote: “It’s nothing short of persecution of the most vulnerable people in our society. I consider myself fortunate in the fact I was able to work for so long so I am reasonably financially secure. Having said that, I have never in my life felt so oppressed by my own government. Feel so sorry for all those who have no option but to depend on benefits, the stress and worry they’re put through is inhuman.”

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Affiliate disclaimer: This affiliate disclosure details the affiliate relationships of MS, Health & Disability at 50shadesofsun.com with other companies and products. Read more.

*** * * * ***

50shadesofsun.com is the personal website of Ian Franks, a freelance medical writer and editor for various health information sites. He enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, from reporter to editor in the print media. He gained a Journalist of the Year award in his native UK. Ian received a diagnosis of MS in 2002 and now lives in the south of Spain. He uses a wheelchair and advocates on mobility and accessibility issues.

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Note: Health-related information available on 50shadesofsun website is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. I am not a doctor and cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult a doctor before starting a new diet or exercise programme. Any opinions expressed are purely my own unless otherwise stated.

Is this another scam artist? They do exist

July 27, 2016 / Ian Franks / Leave a comment

Seen on a Facebook multiple sclerosis site yesterday. I have removed the names to protect everyone. However, all the typing errors remain.

Chat Conversation Start

“Scammer” good morning

“Target” gm

“Scammer” am so happy to hear from you did you listen to the news this morning ?

“Target” what news?

“Scammer” Have you had about the new federal government grant our present as place on ground now?

“Target” no, I am in a really bad mood today. I want you to read something I did yesterday.

“Scammer” hello how are you doing today

“Target” I am pretty good, how about yourself?

“Scammer” am good really so happy now and eixtred

“Target” ok. I gotta ask, why the excitement?

“Scammer” i just got money from the federal government free help grant delivered to my door step by FedEx recently

“Target” oh really?

“Scammer” yes really serious about that. hope you got the good news about the federal government free help grant over their?

“Target” nope sure didn’t.

Let’s be careful out there. (Picture: youtube.com).

“Scammer” oh how come this. this is specifically made for people who need to pay up bills ,buy houses for going to school and ongoing for business for disable and retired people

“Target” oh really? do tell. hey question for you. do you know what tracking a ISP number does?

“Scammer” no i dont

“Target” I’ll tell ya in a minute, tell me about this money you got?

“Scammer” my friend that got the money first gave me the Facebook lawyer link to apply and i got the grant also

“Target” how much?

“Scammer” i got 150,000 delievred to my door step in cash by fedax

“Target” how can I do this?

“Scammer” i will need to give you the fecaebook lawyer link i applied with so you get yours also

“Target” ok, type it out.

“Scammer” here is the facebook lawyer link

Attachment Unavailable

This attachment may have been removed or the person who shared it may not have permission to share it with you.

“Scammer” you have to write him a short message like good day sir i will like to apply for the federal government free help grant sir

“Target” okay, do you want to know what tracking an ISP number does?

“Scammer” yes

“Target” OK, it’s a thing I like to go when I thinnk / know people are running a scam. You see I track your ISP number. That gives me the address you have contacted me from and the name this ISP is registered too. And then I forward that information to my best friend, who works for the FBI, stationed out of New York. From that point he starts an investigation of that line. By the way thanks for being the third scam artist I will have busted this month…LMAO….the FBI will be contacting you soon.

“Scammer” what you saying

“Target” I’m saying I already have passed your information on to my best friend. I’m saying you picked the wrong person to try to scam.

“Scammer” It is a specifically place for those who need assistance paying for bills,buying a home, starting their own business, going to school, or even helping raise their children with old and retired people,This is a new program,

“Target” okay, my brother is with the FBI, you are a scam artrist, I am tracking you internet survice provider as we speak. I will pass your name and address on to him to……God I hate you scam artist. Glad to be able to help get you busted by the FBI. the FBI will be in contact with you with in the next few days. You picked the wrong person tp try to scam.

Comments

“Scammer” Never ever have I had a conversation or chat with you

“Target” someone just contacted me as you,

“Scammer” You need to stop posting my name on Facebook

“Target” I tracked their location and passed it on to the FBI already.

“Target” scam artists need to know that they are easy to track and locate

“Commenter 1” I had one of those…:)

“Commenter 2” Me too

“Commenter 3” Oh Snap! 😦 Are they getting our names from the 1 or more, of the FB MS sites;…then going down the list/’s? THAT would be “just” like a true scam artist, trying to take advantage; of someone w/ disabilities or the elderly. :-O

End of chat

Whether the quoted text is genuine or not, I cannot verify. Nor am I sure that “Target” is being truthful about tracing the address of the “Scammer” – and his best friend who supposedly works for the FBI suddenly morphed into being his brother.

However, I am aware of scams of this type. So keep alert, don’t be taken in. and remember the words of the sergeant in Hill Street Blues who at the end of his briefing always used to say: “One more thing, Be careful out there.”

Would you stay if your partner used a wheelchair?

April 20, 2016 / Ian Franks / 5 Comments

Every so often we see, on Facebook, and perhaps other social media sites, a drawing of someone in a wheelchair – accompanied by a question along the lines of “If this happened to your partner, would you stay?”

Most people who reply say “Yes” but what of the vast majority who don’t comment?

Then there are sad tales such as people who use wheelchairs saying they don’t want to be a burden and telling their partners to leave them. Others who say that they are getting used, or have got used, to being alone since their partner left and still others who say that being in a wheelchair means they will never find a partner.

But there is hope as many people with disabilities do have loving relationship that survives one of them becoming a wheelchair user.

In my case, I have multiple sclerosis and have mobility issues and so need to use a wheelchair if there is a need to travel more than 10 metres or so; otherwise I have to sit and take a break.

Lisa is my second wife. We were married in 2011 after both of our previous marriages ended in divorce. But, here I must say that my first marriage did not end because of MS. I kept nothing from Lisa before we got married; She knew I had MS and what it could mean. Yet, knowing the problems, Lisa said “yes” to my proposal and we were married on a Florida beach at sunset on October 31 2011.

Now, I’ll let Lisa take up the story:

Long ago, when my grandfather was still alive, all I ever heard from him is that he wished God would take him. See, he had MS and I, as a child, didn’t know much about it. In fact, at that time, no-one knew much about MS. My grandfather chose to ‘suffer’ from his disability while Ian ‘lives’ with it.

You might argue that everyone suffers from MS but that is just not true. Ian decided long ago that he would focus on those things that he can still do and not fret about what is no longer possible. We have a very full life.

We both enjoy travel. While Ian felt more free riding about on his scooter while on holiday, I prefer that he use a wheelchair, mainly for selfishness on my part. He, on the other hand, is anything but selfish and the scooter has now gone¹. He cares about others who live with MS because he knows that he is in a better position than most.

Sometimes I worry about how MS will progress inside of him in the years to come. He doesn’t worry about it at all and he is right, there is nothing he can do about that, so why worry.

¹ Yes, the scooter has gone, for the simple reason that, if it ran out of power, it was difficult and painful for Lisa to push me. We know, it happened just the once. Now, I have two wheelchairs, one powered, one manual. The power chair gives me independence to do things by myself while the manual one is more useful for short trips and if we go out in a friend’s car. Anyway, Lisa says that she loves ‘pushing me around’. LOL. Oh, and the power chair can be pushed if it ever runs out of ‘juice’; best of both worlds.

Kate’s MS seizure video gets thousands of views

January 29, 2016 / Ian Franks / 2 Comments

Kate, as pictured in the video.

Although we have never met, I know Kate Langwine-Cooke to be a woman on a mission. She lives in Wrexham in North Wales, UK, and has MS but is determined not to let that stop her. She raised money for MS-UK and the MS Society through a physically exhausting 100km bicycle ride on a static bike, she works with young people and even coaches boxers as well as a football (soccer) team.

Added to that she campaigns on behalf of people who have ‘invisible illnesses’; after all, not all illnesses and disabilities are obvious. For example, many people have a great deal of pain manage to keep it hidden.

Kate’s symptoms are mainly hidden from public view, so it was somewhat of a surprise to see her post a graphic video on Facebook a few days ago. This was not one of her more traditional videos which many have described as inspirational; this was Kate having a seizure in all its terrifying detail.

When she turned on her trusty video recorder, her thoughts were purely on recording the seizure to show to her neurologist as she found it so difficult to describe. But then decided to use it on her Facebook page as well.

That video as since had thousands of views; in fact, 4,00 in just its first two days online.

Speaking to the Press, Kate said: “I put the camera to record because I felt my head beginning to shake in a sort of rocking motion which was an alarm bell after having been ‘ambulanced’ into ‘resus’ at the Maelor (Hospital) last Wednesday night.

“On Wednesday, I ended up semi-comatose following an attack of paralysing tremors which had lasted about 25 minutes. I was unconscious for a total of three hours, and when I momentarily did regain consciousness, I was completely paralysed from the neck down. It was terrifying.”

CT scans at the hospital showed the seizures were caused by brain damage due to multiple sclerosis. After returning home she suffered a further attack and tremors.

Kate said: “I cannot express how frightening it is not knowing if I will stay in that paralysed state for the rest of my life. MS is so unpredictable.

“The video I put to film as evidence for my neurologist at Walton Hospital, Liverpool, to see as it is very difficult to describe the attacks.

“I made the decision to post the video on my Invisible Illnesses Facebook page as part of my campaign to raise awareness of not only MS but the fact that a lot of horrendous conditions go unnoticed if a person is not in a wheelchair or using a walking aid.”

She said: “The video isn’t nice to look at, but I don’t mind sharing my life if it helps raise awareness of MS and its extremes.

“There has got to be a positive to come from all this. Four thousand views in two days is crazy,” she added.

To view Kate’s video, click this link: https://youtu.be/uMzE_ioUHno