As a children’s nurse, Louise sees people every day who have chronic illnesses. However, she never envisioned that she could also have one like multiple sclerosis (MS). When she was first diagnosed with MS, she didn’t know what to expect, or how her friends and family would react. The first thing she said after the doctor told her about the diagnosis was, "What will my boyfriend say?"

Initially, Louise was in denial about her MS. Fortunately, she was diagnosed quickly and her Consultant and MS nurses helped her get on medication early, right after the second attack. Once she started on treatment every other day, "the Louise that I was before the diagnosis was back. I felt like I could keep living, enjoying nights out with my friends, and getting away with them."

With the support of her family, especially her mum Glynis, Louise has accepted that the condition is part of her life. She also relies on her three MS nurses, who still are a great comfort to her more than four years after her diagnosis. Most recently, her fiancé Neil has been a large support system for her. But when they first started dating, Louise struggled with how to tell him about her MS. When she did eventually tell Neil, she gave him brochures and leaflets about MS to help explain the condition.

At the hospital, Louise continues to work hard and has made minor adjustments to accommodate her MS. "I used to work only night shifts for about a year after my diagnosis, but now I work day shifts too. I am sure my medication has helped me to do this." Now, she just makes sure she doesn’t work too many shifts in a row to avoid becoming overly fatigued.

Louise is glad she’s able to manage her condition without sacrificing her work or family life. "I still enjoy work and life and am now in a very happy and stable relationship. I have a baby boy, Charlie, and am getting married soon – life’s brilliant!"