Diagnosed at 25

By ashleym88

1 min read

Hi, my name is Ashley.

I have had some weird symptoms since I was in high school. I would get a lot of tingling sensations in my arms and my legs and sometimes it would become painful or the tingling sensation would be so bad in my hand to where I could grasp anything to lift it, not even a drink.

I went to many appointments and had so many tests done but the doctors couldn't find anything wrong, so I gave up. Now its 7 years later, still have been having the tingling sensation but developed a new symptom. I became numb on the right side of my body, so I decided to give the doctors another chance and try to figure out what was wrong.

So I went to the neurologist that my mother goes to, she also has M.S., and he ordered blood work, and a MRI of my spine. I went back to his office on Monday 7/15/2013 because my MRI came back abnormal, after going threw my tests and symptoms I was diagnosed with M.S.

Another doctor came into the room and she started talking to me about a year long clinical trial they want me to try and suggesting I start doing yoga everyday along with a healthy diet (i have a little bit of a sweet tooth :)).

It was all very overwhelming. I was then booked for another MRI but this one of my brain and another appointment to take spinal fluid.

All I keep thinking is "I am way too young for this". I went from never having anything wrong with me, no surgery's, broken bones, stitches, hospital visits, nothing...to having Multiple Sclerosis.....

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Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
Ashley, I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It's never easy to deal with regardless of age. Although you probably know a bit about MS because your mother has it also, there will be much for you to figure out for YOUR own MS. The first year seems to be the hardest for many people. Be patient with yourself as you experience the ups and downs. Also, your doctor is smart to recommend yoga and diet. Both have helped me other the years. Good luck, Lisa
1. mvlindsey Member
 Sorry about your diagnosis but in a way you are lucky because you can start treatment there are a lot of choices out there. My experience was some what like yours except it took them and me almost 20 years to be diagnosed. It was always "stress" even after 2 spinal taps, mri's, and anything else they could poke at me. Not until my symptoms interfered with my walking and a new neuro finally diagnosed me. I am on treatment and do yoga and walk it all helps. The diet it another thing with me as I also like my sweets. Take advantage of all that is offered there is so much out there. Some may not be your cup of tea but keeping active is important and try, I know it is hard, but try your best to take everyday as it comes and enjoy all you can. I am now almost 70 and can still work and enjoy doing new things its not always easy but a smile does wonders.... Good Luck, Margaret
britsmom66 Member
Ashley, I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. My daughter was diagnosed at age 21, while pregnant with her son. She had to endure the iv infusions while pregnant. She will be 24 this year and even though she has a rough road ahead of her, she is managing raising her son and attending college to become a RN. I suspect I also have it as I have mixed connective tissue diseases, but I have never been diagnosed as having it. I wish you good luck and continue to read from this site as it has been very helpful to me in learning more about the disease for my daughter.
toshalee Member
Hi Ashley, I have a similar story to yours, and actually had very similar symptoms early when I was first diagnosed. Numbness and tingling, couldn't grip a pen to write, slurred speech and my right side slowed down a bit too, which was scary! I too, was always so healthy. Didn't get the flu for the first time until I was 17. Then at the age of 22, I was diagnosed with MS. For a long time I didn't believe it. I thought there was no way... but 7 years later after diagnosis, it does get better. It took me a couple years to accept it. It was and is more of a mental battle than a physical. I feel like you go through the five stages of grief. Denial, anger etc. I was mad for a long time. Mad at the world. Then one day it just clicked. I started talking about it with people and it helped. Sharing your burdens with others makes the weight on your shoulder a lot lighter. I don't take any medicine and in fact treat through diet, exercise and stress relieving techniques (not yoga, but I try to meditate). I haven't had kids yet, so I'm scared to take any of the medication mainly because there just isn't any data on effects on pregnancy. I'd highly recommend a book to you, that helped me learn what to eat, what not to eat etc. It's called "Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis" and it's written by Dr. Javenek (I think that's how it's spelled I don't have the book in front of me). It helped me tremendously. It's written by a doctor who has MS, and has treated himself holistically with success. Hang in there. I know exactly how you feel and what you are going through. It takes time, and a strong support system. I'm happy to talk to you whenever you'd like. I hope you are doing well. Best wishes to you!