Living with Multiple Sclerosis - Emma

Summary

In this deeply personal account, the speaker shares their journey of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at 27, recounting the initial shock and the challenges of coping with symptoms like fatigue, double vision, and memory loss. Despite these hurdles, they emphasize the importance of humor and support from others in managing the disease. The speaker reflects on the positive impact of resources like MS Ireland, which provided counseling, yoga, and physiotherapy. Through the ups and downs, they highlight how their MS journey has shaped their life and how crucial it is to have a support network.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2007 at the age of 27 and initially struggled with the diagnosis.
• 😀 The diagnosis was unexpected, and the speaker's first reaction was one of anger and frustration, as they had a lot of life left to live.
• 😀 The speaker experienced various MS symptoms, including tingling in hands and feet, double vision, and extreme fatigue.
• 😀 MS caused strange and confusing experiences, like difficulty remembering things, struggling to find words, and feeling constantly exhausted despite a good night’s sleep.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of MS, the speaker emphasized the importance of finding humor and joy in the journey of living with the condition.
• 😀 In 2010, the speaker started a meetup group for young people with MS in Dublin to provide a supportive and anonymous space for others.
• 😀 Managing MS involved lifestyle adjustments such as diet, nutrition, and exercise, which the speaker found essential for maintaining health despite the challenges.
• 😀 The speaker received support from MS Ireland, including access to a community worker, physiotherapy, counseling, yoga, and mindfulness sessions.
• 😀 The speaker described MS Ireland as an 'MS family,' providing advice, support, and guidance throughout the years, even during difficult times.
• 😀 The speaker recalled a pivotal moment early in the diagnosis when they spoke to a helpline worker from MS Ireland, which helped them regain their composure and hope.
• 😀 Over time, counseling has had a positive impact, helping the speaker to manage the emotional challenges of living with MS and continue to advocate for others.

Q & A

When was the speaker diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?

The speaker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 when they were 27 years old.

How did the speaker react to their diagnosis?

Initially, the speaker was in denial and angry about the diagnosis. They felt that it was an inconvenience because they had a lot of living to do.

What were the primary symptoms the speaker experienced after their diagnosis?

The speaker experienced tingling in their hands and feet, double vision, and fatigue. Some days, they woke up tired even after a good night's sleep.

What impact did multiple sclerosis have on the speaker's memory and cognitive abilities?

The speaker struggled with memory issues, such as having difficulty remembering things and sometimes not being able to recall the words they wanted to say.

How did the speaker describe their fatigue and its impact on their daily life?

The speaker described feeling like they were drunk or wanted to collapse due to extreme tiredness, even though they had slept well the night before.

What coping mechanisms did the speaker mention for managing multiple sclerosis?

The speaker mentioned managing multiple sclerosis through diet, nutrition, exercise, and seeking support from MS Ireland. They emphasized the importance of being able to laugh and enjoy life despite the challenges.

What initiative did the speaker undertake in 2010 to support others with MS?

In 2010, the speaker set up a meetup group for young people with multiple sclerosis in Dublin, providing a space for anonymity and support for those newly diagnosed.

What kind of support did the speaker receive from MS Ireland?

The speaker received counseling, access to physiotherapy, yoga classes, mindfulness meditation, and other supports through MS Ireland. They also received valuable advice from the MS Ireland community.

How did MS Ireland's support impact the speaker's life?

The speaker credited MS Ireland with saving their life on numerous occasions. The support and advice from MS Ireland, particularly the helpline and community, helped the speaker cope with their condition.

How did the speaker view counseling in relation to their journey with MS?

The speaker found counseling to be transformative, particularly during tough times. It helped them become more open and enabled them to speak about their experiences with MS.