Angie's MS Story

One early morning when I was 19 years old, I woke up in the middle of the night sick to my stomach and a migraine so bad. Next thing I new my mouth wasn’t working properly my words were slurred and I was getting weaker by the minute.

Thought I had a stroke

My mom thought I had a stroke and rushed me to the hospital. I was immediately admitted and had several tests done, from MRI to spinal tap, blood work, heart tests, ultrasounds, angiogram, the works. I was so frightened and had no idea what the heck was going on. I was so young, only 19. By the end of that day, I could not even stand on my own two feet or hold a pen and write. It’s like everything just didn’t want to work :( I was so weak.

Lesions on my brain

The doctor came in and told me I had lesions on my brain, and he was pretty sure I had multiple sclerosis. I was so full of fear and uncertainty. I didn’t even know what MS was. I was given high dose steroids to make me stronger and get through this awful time. Along with physiotherapy everyday. I was in the hospital for weeks.

I changed my life

During that time I did a lot of research on MS. From that day on I changed my life. Quit smoking and drinking. I have a glass of wine on occasion but not very often. I try not to overdo it and keep myself as cool as possible. Limit stress when I can (I mean life can be stressful). MS is very unpredictable. over the years I have had several attacks, all different, from left-side numbness to right-side weakness. I’ve had an attack of my optic nerve and attacks that just cause a lot of pain for weeks at a time. One thing is certain I will not give up! One day at a time. We have to all stay positive and hope for a cure! ????????????