Sophia Roth was diagnosed with MS in 2015. This is her story.
My name is Sophia, I'm 26 years old I work as a full time health care assistant and I model part time as a creative thing to keep my mind busy. In my spare time, I'm either grabbing coffee with my friends or down the gym.
I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2015 and before that I didn't know anything about MS. February 2015 would be the month my life changed forever, at the time I was living with my partner (now separated) and I was working in a call centre. I can recall my first onset of symptoms was numbness in my shoulder in January. This happened for about week but I put it down to a bad workout, ignored it and it went away. Then one morning in February, I woke up and I had patchy numbness in my left thigh (similar to the shoulder issue I had in January), it concerned me but I carried on and thought it would go away.
A week later, the numbness had spread. If I could describe it in one way, I would say it felt like some one had chopped me in half as I couldn't feel anything on the whole of my left hand side. I couldn't even feel the shower on my head or hot and cold sensations and I could barely keep standing for longer than a few minutes. I quickly phoned my doctor who rushed me to the hospital.
I will always remember my diagnosis like it was yesterday. After having my lumbar puncture and an MRI, the doctors and nurses came in and they handed me a piece of paper and told me I had multiple sclerosis. It felt like the world crumbled from beneath my feet. The ward sister was kind enough to tell me that things would be okay and that there is plenty of support groups out there, but at the time I was frightened and felt so alone.
In the hospital I was given a lot of steroids and had some to take home too, there was a lot of shooting pains during my recovery and I had to get used to a walking stick for a little bit.
My life has changed a lot since being diagnosed with MS, but it's taught me a lot about myself. One of the things I had to learn was to slow down sometimes and allow myself time to rest (I still struggle with this but have got better). Also since being diagnosed, I have become more in tune with my body, getting to know when something isn't right and when something is.
I manage my MS in different ways and one thing that has helped a lot is the gym. I tend to do a mix of weights, cardio, aqua-fit, yoga and pilates. This really helped me during my recent relapse. It brought strength back in my left arm and hand, but also it helped with my balance (which can be terrible at times!). I also try to keep things as stress free as possible by regularly meditating, doing gentle breathing exercises or opening up to friends.
My advice to anyone going through a similar situation would be to open up to friends and family about how you feel; a good support network is everything
I live a pretty busy lifestyle but when my MS is at its worst or I don't feel so great, I always set aside time to pamper myself, rest and watch a good movie.
Before being diagnosed with MS, I was a pretty negative person and I found myself always having an excuse for everything and would often take things for granted. Since my diagnosis, things have changed. I remember telling myself "you either push through this or you let it win". I was determined to not let the MS win. I always try to look towards the positives and I'm thankful for every good day I have. Sometimes I have bad days but having a good support network of friends helps me get through!
I think the biggest challenge I have had so far is getting around with a walking stick and not feeling like everyone is judging me. Another challenge I have faced is adapting to each relapse and how quick some can happen. Sometimes it can take you by complete surprise and others come on gradually. I have overcome these challenges by recognising symptoms of a relapse early and learning not to worry about what others think. The way I see it, true friends and family wouldn't judge you so why does it matter what a stranger thinks?
I first knew about the MS Trust when I met my MS specialist nurse. The MS Trust website has really given me an insight into the different types of MS, the different treatments and also the chance to read other people's experiences.
The MS Trust website has really given me an insight into the different types of MS, the different treatments and also the chance to read other people's experiences.
My advice to anyone going through a similar situation would be to open up to friends and family about how you feel; a good support network is everything. Focus on keeping your body and mind healthy, cut out any negative people and connect with others who have MS. I have found since starting my personal diary about my MS online, I have connected with people in a similar situation to myself and it's good to chat with someone who understands what you are going through.
Another piece of advice is to remember that you are not alone in your MS journey, it's more common than you think.
Being a Healthcare Assistant on a urology ward, I see my share of MS patients. Some look/are like me and can walk and are fairly independent, there are also some who have MS and are in wheelchairs or bed bound. When caring for patients with MS, I make sure I make them as comfortable as possible, but also I have times where I get to know them while they are in my care and we have shared experiences. Sometimes it can be hard, but having MS myself helps me to understand what they may be feeling and that can make their stay in hospital a little better.
