What I’ve learnt from fighting MS

When Ellie Messina suddenly went deaf she knew something terrible was wrong. She had MS: “I had so many questions, so many fears.” Now, she says she’s no longer afraid and it’s because of her new mindset.

Ellie Messina.

Ellie Messina

.

BEING diagnosed with MS at the age of 22 has not been easy, however as I learned more about how to deal with my new reality, I now approach each step of the way with a positive mindset. My advice to anyone at out there who is newly diagnosed or has a loved one affected by MS — you’re not alone, make sure you educate yourself, take one step at a time and stay positive.

THIS IS MY STORY:

As I walked out of the Neurologists’ office, I had never known such a loaded silence.

At only 22 years of age, I had never contemplated experiencing a lifelong condition.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system and may affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve.

As I was afflicted by debilitating vertigo, numbness, temporary hearing loss and chronic fatigue throughout that frightening first episode, I had so many questions and worse — so many fears.

One of the first things you read about MS is its worst-case scenario: Severe disability, debilitating pain and permanent neural damage just to name a few.

Ellie Messina will walk in the MS Moonlight Walk this weekend.

The second thing you read about MS is its surprising statistics: Over 26,500 people in Australia alone are affected, most of whom are in the prime of their life. With statistics like these, I was amazed I hadn’t heard more about the condition.

The shock of my diagnosis took me some time to come to terms with, however as I learned more about how to deal with this new reality, I began to approach each step of the way with a positive mindset.

It hasn’t always been easy.

A trial-and-error approach to medication, modifications to my lifestyle to manage symptoms and a constant stream of medical appointments have been some of the impacts the diagnosis has had on my life.

One of the most positive steps I’ve taken is to participate and fundraise for the MS Moonlight Walk on a yearly basis.

MORE:

Jemma Barsby on being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Sopranos star reaches out for help on breastfeeding with Multiple Sclerosis

‘You don’t die from MS, you die with it’

.

MS QLD offers support and resources to those with the disease and their families, and theirs is a cause I am proud to support.

With the overwhelming support of my family and friends, my motivation each year is to raise more money than the last. Extensive research is underway to find the cure — many hope, within the next ten years.

To anyone out there who is newly diagnosed or has a loved one affected by MS — you’re not alone. My advice is to educate yourself, take one step at a time and stay positive.

MS MOONLIGHT WALK

Donate to a participant, or join the 5km or 10km walk from 4.30pm, October 6, Cultural Forecourt, South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane. Entry fee is $35 adult, $22 6-17years, and child under 5 free. Family, 2 adults, 2 children, $80. Walk leaves at 6pm, event closes at 9pm.

moonlightwalk.com.au

.

Want news items from your Brisbane suburb emailed to your inbox? Click the link for our new reader service, and the chance to win one of 25 $100 supermarket vouchers: http://bit.ly/QuestENews