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Nikki is standing next to a Christmas tree. She's smiling.

My brain scan was lit up like Christmas lights

Nikki

My doctor had agreed to do the MRI scan to put my mind at rest.

A month earlier I’d suddenly lost all sight in my right eye. Just when I was debating if I should wear a patch, buy a pirate outfit and a parrot, my sight had started to come back.

I had various tests to try and find out what the problem was. The specialist knew I was worried because of my family history of MS – my mum had it.

Getting the results of my scan

My brain appeared on a screen. We were looking at multiple active lesions, showing up as bright areas. They were lit up like Christmas lights.

mri scan of the brain
It can take some people years to get a diagnosis. But after seeing the results of my scan I was referred straight away to an MS specialist neurologist.
Nikki

It can take some people years to get a diagnosis. But after seeing the results of my scan I was referred straight away to an MS specialist neurologist.

I had more tests, and more MRIs, and was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. It was less than two months after I had first lost my sight.

After my diagnosis I got on a treatment

I was referred to an MS nurse. They helped me through the minefield of medication options, answered my questions and dried my tears.

Nikki aged 15 and her mum
My mum first ‘got ill’ when I was 8 years old. All I knew was that she and my dad were really sad about something called multiple sclerosis.
Nikki

My mum first ‘got ill’ when I was 8 years old. All I knew was that she and my dad were really sad about something called multiple sclerosis - and there was no cure, and no treatment.

Since then researchers have found MS treatments which reduce the number of relapses and slow progression. My experience of being diagnosed with MS in 2015 was nothing like my mum's. But there’s still no cure.

My life since my diagnosis

Nikki cuddling her dog

I work full time in a bank, and in 2019 I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the Stop MS Appeal. So along with making adjustments for me such as flexible working locations and hours, they’ve also allowed voluntary leave to take part.

I’ve bought a dog (my cat hates me for it), joined a book club, taken part in a half day cycle challenge, I volunteer with our village First Responders team. I laugh, I cry...

My story has some sad, funny and ugly parts, but it’s mine. I am still Nikki.

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We’re the closest we’ve ever been to treatments for everyone. We can see a future where no-one needs to worry about their MS getting worse. To get us there we’ve launched our biggest fundraising appeal yet and we need your help.

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