I felt a mix of relief and overwhelming fear

When Juliana from Brazil was diagnosed with MS she felt a mix of relief and overwhelming fear. After a long and frustrating search for answers her diagnosis brought new questions – what would life look like with MS? Read her story and find out how Juliana is managing daily challenges and symptoms. MS is frightening but it also brough Juliana new perspectives, habits and community.  

‘Before my MS diagnosis, my life was filled with a busy routine and work commitments. I was always an active person, but suddenly I started to notice some strange symptoms, like intense fatigue. I realized something was truly wrong when, during a relapse with optic neuritis, I started experiencing blurry vision and seeing white spots in my left eye while rollerblading. 

The search for answers was frustrating. I saw seven doctors before someone considered that my symptoms might be related to the central nervous system. I went through many tests, which revealed multiple lesions typical of MS. Fear and uncertainty were constant during this process. 

The diagnosis came on March 17, 2021. I was in shock—I felt a mix of relief at finally having an answer and overwhelming fear about the future. I was flooded with questions: What would my life look like from now on? Would I be able to keep working? Would I go blind? 

In the first weeks after the diagnosis, my focus was on learning about the disease and researching treatments. My family was essential during this process. 

Although frightening, the diagnosis changed my perspective on life. I have been learning to value small achievements and to respect my body. I began to give more importance to mental health, balanced nutrition, and sleep, and also tried to maintain a routine of physical exercise. Over time, I started participating in support groups, where I exchanged experiences and found new strategies for dealing with daily limitations or symptoms. 

MS brought challenges, but it also taught me about the meaning of resilience.  

Allow yourself to feel, seek information from reliable sources, and do not hesitate to ask for support. Each story is unique, but with care and proper treatment, it is possible to overcome limits and find hope in everyday life.’

Our thanks to Juliana and the Associação Brasileira de Esclerose Múltipla. If you have an MS diagnosis story to share you can add your experience to the World MS Day map.