Rachel's hobby was horse-riding. She describes her experience of becoming increasingly fatigued and having visual disturbances but not knowing why. She says " three years I spent speaking to doctors and feeling crazy and like it was all in my head, I felt like I was just making it all up"
Finally she found relief as a doctor finally diagnosed her with MS and this confirmation meant she could access the necessary treatments and receive the emotional support she required. She now is back to riding her horse daily and says it helps to keep her more active (Penn Medicine, 2017).
Jennifer was diagnosed shortly after her 23rd birthday and now is living with progressive MS. She sought help through the MS society where she was lucky enough to meet her husband Dan who has the relapsing remitting form of MS. They describe how they help each other and ' still like to do fun things". " we go and have pizza with our friends and bake cakes". They are keen to live their lives in spite of the MS and says " there is so much more to Jennifer" (Genentech, 2018).
Kevin lives with progressive MS, and here describes his emotional journey. He believes talking about emotions is incredibly important and helps him to cope with living with the disease. He states " i find it helps to separate the disability from my emotional wellbeing, as emotionally I can be ok, its not all broken".
Kevin likes to spend his time in nature and meditate and says this helps to keep his mind in a positive place (Genentech, 2018).
Selina describes how her first notable symptoms were numbness and a lack of control over her left leg. She went to see a specialist and was diagnosed after an MRI scan. As her symptoms worsened she was unable to walk. She states " I felt embarrassed, I wasn't ready for anyone except my mum to see that I couldn't walk"
Regaining her ability to walk after symptoms went into remission, she describes the most important thing to her was "a doctor who listened and took their time" She now feels in control and says " I am in control of everything that I want to do and choose to do, MS doesn't stop me" (Boston medical Center, 2022).
These inspiring stories may help you to identify symptoms that may indicate you need to seek help from your GP. They may also help you to come to terms with your diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis and modern treatments mean that MS doesn't have to mean the end for you and your family.
Many of these patient stories show how integral their support networks are, such as work, family and friends. If you are affected by any of the stories here, or are suffering from isolation as a result of your condition, it is important to reach out like 'Rachel' to the National Multiple Sclerosis society, and form friendships with other people in your position who may be able to help you survive living with MS.
Click on any of the additional resources to connect with other MS patients and professionals who can keep you on the right track.