To mark the one year anniversary of her MS diagnosis, our supporter Lauren Walsh has enlisted 30 friends and family members to fundraise for the MS Trust in all sorts of different ways, from gin and yoga nights to mountain climbing! Here, Lauren shares her MS story and her reasons for fundraising for the MS Trust.
My journey to diagnosis started in early 2018 when I was sent for an MRI scan. I was told it was a precaution as the neurologist consultant didn't think my symptoms were those of someone who had a neurological condition. Six weeks later I got an unexpected phone call from the hospital asking me to attend an appointment with the consultant in two days time and to bring someone with me. This was a complete shock.
My husband and I spent those two days thinking that I either had MS or a brain tumour. We hoped for MS. On May 18th 2018 I was told by the Consultant that it was very likely that I had MS, however he wanted to send me for a further test (lumbar puncture) and refer me to his colleague who specialises in MS. He forewarned me that the waiting list to see the MS consultant was long.
A month later I had the lumbar puncture, but still no word on my appointment with the MS consultant. Over the coming months my symptoms became more pronounced and I received treatment for pain, but still no appointment. By October I was told that I could expect to wait a further 12 weeks before seeing the MS consultant. This was my breaking point, I couldn't wait any longer to be diagnosed and start treatment. I made a private appointment and by October 19th 2018 I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Although we expected the diagnosis, my husband and I were devastated. I was 31 years old and only married one year. I lived a full and happy life and all of a sudden a dark cloud had come into our lives.
The MS Trust website is where I would spend hours reading articles, helpful information and where I'd direct my friends and family to help them understand what I was going through when I couldn't articulate it myself.
Anyone with MS will tell you, "the first year is the most difficult." The emotional impact of the diagnosis is tough. Although my MS is stable, I have struggled with side effects of drugs, depression and numerous infections that have taken a long time to recover from - all on top of my symptoms. I too can vouch for those that told me the first year is difficult!
Before the diagnosis I was a well person, with a positive mindset and a very active life. As I approached the anniversary of my diagnosis I'm getting back to a degree of normality and I'm adjusting to treatment, so to round off the year I wanted to do something positive to mark the occasion. I wanted to bring together all those friends and family who offered to help me in any way they could and I wanted to give back to the resources I used to help me get through the early days of the diagnosis. The MS Trust website is where I would spend hours reading articles, helpful information and where I'd direct my friends and family to help them understand what I was going through when I couldn't articulate it myself.
For my anniversary I asked 20 people to do whatever they could to help me fundraise for the MS Trust. Not only did everyone agree, over time I had more people contact me wishing to be involved! We now have 30 people doing all kinds of events; triathlons, mountain climbing, auctions, raffles, bingo, cycling, running, swimming, swap shops, bake offs, gin and yoga nights (who knew that was a thing?) and walking. I'm blown away by the support and I couldn't be prouder! Proud of those around me and proud of myself for getting through this year.
Thank you to everyone who is fundraising with me, to those who have donated and to the MS Trust for all that they do to help people like me.
