MS Gallery − Svetlana
“I have confidence in the future. I feel stronger and really love my life.”
Svetlana
Age: 35
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Onset of symptoms: 1992
First symptoms experienced: Numbness down right side of body, weakness in legs and loss of coordination
Diagnosed: 1992
Started treatment: 1996
Svetlana was preparing for her school exams when she suddenly found it difficult to walk. The right side of her body felt numb and her legs were weak. Doctors thought she was simply suffering from fatigue, but when the symptoms continued, she went to see a neurologist who diagnosed MS.
“I understood that MS was part of my life, but I can’t say I felt scared or depressed – just strong. I think feeling like that was really important. I didn’t have any worries about my future, career or my social and family life. Maybe some people might find that strange, but I am what I am.”
In the years following her diagnosis, Svetlana was careful to look after herself – living life at a slower pace to conserve her energy. In 1996, her neurologist recommended she begin treatment to help manage her symptoms. Svetlana encourages others to get see a doctor as soon as they experience symptoms, and to start treatment early to help manage them.
“I have redeemed some of my confidence in the future. I feel stronger and really love my life.”
