Meet - Jennifer Stockdale

Florida, USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? 2020

What type of MS do you have? Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

I felt a sense of relief when I was diagnosed with MS, as it provided an explanation for what had been affecting me for several years. My immediate response was to seek more knowledge, connect with others who were also fighting MS, and gather as much information as possible about this chronic condition.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

I experienced a range of symptoms such as pain, occasional blurred vision and other vision-related problems, numbness, and tingling in my limbs. Additionally, I frequently suffer from the MS hug, which has recently been affecting my head, as well as my core. Despite not having started an MS medication yet, I manage these symptoms through practices such as prayer and meditation, as well as by staying in touch with other MS patients and remaining compliant with other prescribed medications.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

When I was diagnosed with MS, an elder at my church who uses a wheelchair offered invaluable support. His life story is remarkable, and as a storyteller, I value the experience, strength, and hope that can be gained from other people. His deep commitment to God and his family also make him an authentic and inspiring figure. Because, I lacked positive male role models in my life, he has been a crucial influence. Additionally, my family has been an unwavering source of support, and I am fortunate to have four close friends Harry, Jannet, Courtney, and Dave. Who are always there for me. Finally, my children, Marlee Jo and Joseph, who are 8 and 9, are also a vital part of my support system.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

Not at the moment, however, I keep my eyes out for these all the time. Because, I know that there is a possibility that I may need to use one in the future. After reading a book by Meg Lewellyn following my diagnosis, in which she shared her journey of using a Segway for mobility, I have been inspired by her unconventional approach. I admire individuals who think creatively and find innovative solutions, and she has achieved remarkable success with her unique approach.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

I look at MS with a glass-half-full perspective. I was CHOSEN for this particular illness; as well as, for Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HoCM), and I am going to face them with as much courage, strength, and KNOWLEDGE as possible. I don't like taking medications; however, I realize some are necessary for health management. I read the Bible. I pray. I attend church and share my testimony as often as I can.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

Educate yourselves. ADVOCATE for yourself as a patient. If you don't agree with something the doctor says, get a second opinion. Be gracious! Have faith and lean on God. He is there for YOU and is rooting for YOU! Stay active and embrace your mobility. Find others who have a positive perspective on this awful, unfair, confusing illness. Staying positive is essential!

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

I have not yet, but that's a good idea! Despite having degrees in journalism and nursing, I am currently working as a retail assistant manager and looking for other job opportunities. I've received a lot of encouragement from people to write a fictional autobiography about my life, which includes my experiences with MS, parental alienation, and addiction, the latter of which has made me apprehensive about taking medication. Interestingly, my journey has revolved around healthcare, and I now find myself on the receiving end of healthcare services.

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Meet - Brandi Slovinsky

Pennsylvania , USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? September 2020

What type of MS do you have? Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) back in 2020. What does MS look like to you? MS can be misleading as its symptoms are often felt, but not visibly apparent. The symptoms can fluctuate from day to day and differ greatly from person to person. Coping with a chronic disease that remains invisible to others, but is constantly felt, can be extremely draining. For me, as a 34-year-old woman, who is a wife, mother, full-time worker, and artist, it is a daily battle with exhaustion due to my body fighting itself. It manifests as weakness, numbness, tingling, memory loss, and vertigo. However, this experience has also helped shape me into the strong woman I am today. It has taught me to appreciate the blessings in my life and has provided me with a newfound clarity. It has served as a catalyst to reignite my passion for art, which I lost in 2020. Thanks to treatment, I am now able to create again. While MS has certainly brought negative effects into my life, the positive aspects far outweigh them. This is my new reality, and I have learned to accept it without hesitation.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

Those of us with MS often keep our pain, lack of balance, trouble finding words, cognitive difficulties, vertigo, tiredness, emotional strain, and depression hidden from others. The outward appearance of individuals with MS can be deceiving, as they may appear perfectly healthy, smiling, and put together. However, like many autoimmune diseases, MS is often invisible to others, and it is crucial to raise awareness about what it truly entails. Those of us with MS are constantly fighting against our own bodies.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

My family, friends, and the MS community are my greatest source of support.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

I was caught off guard when my sons witnessed me using a cane for the first time. The expression on their faces said it all. It was a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and sadness. As a mother, it pains me to see them feeling this way. However, it's alright to experience such emotions and to be a little scared of the unknown. In fact, these situations provide an opportunity to enlighten others and to be humbled. We can use them to demonstrate that judging someone is not appropriate and that it's acceptable to display one's emotions. The truth is, I am just as scared as my sons are too.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

I simply take one day at a time. Find the good in every day.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

I struggle, but I am also doing my best to thrive. I think it’s 100% okay for both to happen. I am riding this rollercoaster…the highs and lows and I am so thankful I have a community right here to ride it with me.

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

I've always had a passion for art. I have been painting for over 10 years. With my MS, I get tremors in my hand. Being an artist, not having control of your hands, and having your skills slowly taken from you is beyond frustrating. But I have found ways to work with different brushes or doing digital art to keep my passion alive. I've started an MS series to help bring awareness to MS.

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Meet - Kelly Hammons

Indiana, USA

When were you diagnosed with MS? November 2012

What type of MS do you have? Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

#1: Can you tell us a little about your journey with MS. How did you feel about your initial diagnosis and how it has affected your life?

My battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) began in November 2012. Well actually, from what the neurologist told me based on the number of old lesions they found in my initial MRI, it had been attacking my brain and spine for years before my diagnosis. On a Friday morning in 2012, my arm started to tingle and began to go numb. It started with my fingers, moved up through my left arm and by the end of the day, my entire left side was numb. Of course, I ignored it at first, telling myself it was a pinched nerve. When I woke up the next morning, in addition to the numbness, I experienced what I now know as the MS hug. This prompted an ER visit where they performed a CT and I was immediately referred to an on-staff neurologist for an MRI. After undergoing a spinal tap, which was the next and worst step in the diagnosis process, my condition was confirmed on the following Wednesday.

#2: What MS symptoms do you have and how do you manage them on a daily basis?

Until recently, my way of coping would be to ignore my body's signals and push myself to continue with my daily activities. Despite experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, and tingling on different parts of my left side. However, I have now started taking my health and well-being more seriously and I am motivated by the supportive community I have built around me.

#3: Who/What has been your most important support system?

My husband Matt's support and encouragement are unmatched. We got married a few years ago and my health has taken center stage, since day one. He is truly committed to the vow "in sickness and in health". I can't wait until we can both enjoy the "in health" part of our vows. With chronic illness, caregivers are often overlooked. Although they may not experience our physical symptoms, they carry much of the load and pick us up off the floor when we can't do so ourselves. My heart has grown ten times over watching him care for me with intention and love these past few years.

#4: Do you use any accessories like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to manage daily activities?

No.

#5: How do you stay positive and motivated in your daily life? What do you do for self-care?

As I mentioned, this is new to me. I am a Christian so my faith has always been a place of solace for me. I am beginning to learn how to better feed my body, I am taking the time I need to heal and I am reevaluating the priorities in my life to consider the things that mean the most to me.

#6: Your story and experiences with MS are incredibly valuable and can provide encouragement and motivation to others in the community. What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or going through a challenging time right now?

FIND A COMMUNITY! Be it a local group or online. I use Instagram for my community. You have to connect with others that know what you are going through. Every day, I discover something new from the vast array of resources available in those groups.

#7: Have you started a business or mission related to MS? Can you tell us about it and what inspired you to take this step?

I have not, but I am considering it. I think there are limited formal resources that don't include pushing medications as the only way to slow the progression of this disease. I know that food can be my biggest weapon and as a foodie, I love to cook. I can see a future where I make easy and accessible recipes that are autoimmune-focused with the goal of helping others find realistic changes they can make to combat this disease.

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Leave a comment, and share your experience. We would love to hear from you!