Can't Stop, Won't Stop

My MS journey began in 2012 with a misdiagnosis from a neurologist who said my lesions were nothing to worry about, so I didn't. Fast forward 5 years to losing my vision and speech and 6 months later receiving the official diagnosis.

I was scared this diagnosis would hinder my true passion

My passion is the outdoors and hiking. I was terrified this diagnosis would stop me in my tracks. So I decided to take advantage of my good days/weeks/months as they come. I traveled to South Dakota in June of 2019 and challenged myself to hike up Black Elk Peak Trail, which is a 7.6 mile hike, straight up. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I did it.

I won't let it stop me

Unfortunately, it sent me into the worst flare I've ever had and cut my trip short. I returned home and had to have 3 days of high-dose steroids. This past summer I took a 6 week trip to Scandinavia/London/Ireland and a 30 day cruise. I hiked as much as I could stand. I also climbed a 400 step walkway to the top of a hill. I saw so many beautiful sites. Unfortunately, I have been paying for it with fatigue and weakness and the worst muscle spasms ever since, but I refuse to let MS stop me. I will keep trying and keep moving until my body won't let me.