MS Gallery − Julie
“I can still live a reasonably full life. I really enjoy having that hope.”
Julie
Age: 46
Hometown: Devon, United Kingdom
Onset of symptoms: 1996
First symptoms experienced: Blurred vision and weakness in arms and legs
Diagnosed: 1996
Started treatment: 2001
When Julie was diagnosed with MS in 1996, she feared the unknown future. “I felt full of uncertainties, but I soon realized it was something you can’t dwell on and you have to keep going.”
Julie experienced blurred vision and weakness in her arms and legs while working. Although she saw a specialist immediately, she didn’t receive any treatment to help manage these symptoms. After suffering several attacks – for one of which she had to be hospitalized – Julie underwent a series of tests that revealed she had a secondary, progressive form of MS, which is a slowly worsening form of the disease. At this point, her neurologist recommended she begin treatment.
Julie is comfortable discussing her MS with others, and has found that people around her are very supportive. Her employers put her in touch with the local MS society, which gave Julie access to medical information, advice and the support of others with the condition.
Now that she has a better understanding of the disease, “my beliefs about MS have changed. I realize that I can still live a reasonably full life. I really enjoy having that hope.”
