#MyMSDiagnosis is the theme for World MS Day. That's why we're re-sharing the inspirational words of our friend & colleague at Strativ Group, Eve. The more stories like this shared, the better. Take 5 mins and read pls. 👇
🧡 WORLD MS DAY 2024 - My Story 🧡 The theme for this year's World MS Day is "My MS Diagnosis," aimed at raising awareness of MS symptoms and supporting the community by sharing personal experiences. On the 13th of March 2022, I woke up with a fully numb left hand. Initially, I wasn't too concerned, thinking it was due to burning my hand on the curlers the day before. A few days later, while driving home, I felt numbness in the fingers of my right hand. I called my mum and drove to the walk-in centre. They tested my balance, walking, and vision, all of which were fine. They diagnosed pinched nerves in both arms and gave me exercises. Weeks later, numbness spread to my legs and stomach, so I booked a GP appointment. They suggested carpal tunnel and anxiety. I bought a hand strap and practiced different anxiety techniques, hoping to alleviate the symptoms. In mid-April 2022, I woke up with a dark grey cloud over my vision in my left eye. I again, tried to ignore it for a few days hoping eye drops would help. They didn't. A few days later, I booked an appointment at Specsavers, who referred me to the eye clinic at the hospital for an MRI. Throughout April, my hand movements slowed, causing me to drop things and struggle with typing and writing. Eventually, I couldn't tie my hair up anymore (thank you to Danielle Gomersall for doing my hair every morning before work 😂). By May 2022, my walking deteriorated. I couldn't sense where my feet were without looking, leading to dragging and stumbling. On May 15th, I fell and broke my foot due to balance issues. I rapidly declined after this, needing a wheelchair and full assistance from my parents for basic tasks. Despite two visits to A&E, where I voiced concerns about multiple sclerosis (MS), they dismissed it, attributing my symptoms to other causes, and advised waiting for an MRI. In desperation, my family arranged a visit to a private neurologist who prescribed high-dose steroids and referred me to Leeds General Infirmary for a 10-day stay. Post-hospital, I attended neurological rehab for a few months and continued with steroids, gradually regaining normal function. After a lumbar puncture, multiple MRIs, and blood tests, I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in October 2022. I wasn't shocked by the diagnosis; I had anticipated it. Living with multiple sclerosis, I realised it's possible to lead a long, normal, happy, and healthy life. It’s not as scary as I once thought it would be. 🧡 #multiplesclerosis #worldmsday MS Together MS Society National MS Society