“Never give up on yourself”
It’s been 26 years since my MS diagnosis, and it’s been a whirlwind of a journey.
Before I was diagnosed there were all sorts of weird things happening in the space of a few months. I had loss of feeling in the right side of my body, blurred vision in my right eye and I was unable to pick objects with my hand. I’d be walking in my slippers and only realise a few minutes later that one of them had fallen off.
These symptoms came and went when they pleased and sometimes decided to stay with me for a few days or even weeks.
Getting my MS diagnosis
After constant visits to the GP, I was finally referred to the National Hospital of Neurology. I thought they would make a diagnosis and then fix all the issues. How wrong was I. The diagnosis only came after a painful 10 months of constant neurological examinations, blood tests (my worst nightmare) and MRIs. Then came the dreaded lumbar puncture.
As I lay in the ward bed surrounded by my consultant and a group of students who I allowed to observe my case, I was told “you have relapsing remitting MS”. I saw the faces of the students drop as if someone had died. Glaring out of the window in a daze, I honestly don’t think it sunk in for some time after. I was inundated by leaflets and information and was given various contacts who would become my MS support network.
Relapses and treatment
But I would rather focus on the events that occurred after diagnosis, and my future. After I was diagnosed, there were random relapses, sometimes once a year others 2 or 3 times a year, with the majority affecting my right leg. Then came the journey of trying various DMTs including glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), a beta interferon (Rebif) and finally fingolimod (Gilenya), which I’ve been taking for the past 11 years.
My head and spine MRIs for the last 5 years have shown no new or active lesions. But my right foot and leg continue to be weak.
MS hasn’t stopped me doing things I enjoy
I'm fortunate to say that 90% of the time, MS hasn’t stopped me doing things I enjoy: pursuing a career in law (I am still working full time), travelling and living my life the best I can.
My message to all you warriors and my constant mantra is: 'never to give up on yourself and if you put your mind to it, there are many hurdles that can be overcome. You may not be able to cure an illness but you have it in you to lead your best life'.
