Life Changed When I Was 12 Years Old
I was a 12-year-old getting ready for bed when I laid down, and suddenly, I felt different, just not right. I screamed and cried as I did not know what was going on. My younger brother, who I shared a room, was with distressed. As I lay there, I could not feel my left side. It was completely numb. There was no feeling, just nothing at all. That was my first experience with MS.
I just knew something wasn't right
It took me two years after that to be diagnosed. I was in year seven, during my first year of high school, when I went to the office with my friend because, again, something was not right. I couldn't feel my left side, and I had lost my balance. I went to hospital for a few weeks. No one knew what was wrong with me. Back then, I felt like something was really wrong with me, and I kept thinking that I was not normal and I would never be normal again.
I was worried about my family's reaction
I thought my family would treat me differently, but they did not. Sometimes I think they even forgot that I had this invisible disease. It affected me mentally and physically, and it still does to this day. I had to learn how to cope with this horrible disease, and I believe it is what makes me stronger every day. Some days are harder than others, but I think at least I’m alive and here for a purpose. You are not alone; we are MS warriors, and we understand each other better than anyone else. I share my story with you in hopes that you can relate and realize that there is nothing wrong with you. You do have a purpose and I am still figuring out what that purpose is. You are brave and strong and are not alone. If we can get through this, we can get through anything.
Join the conversation