MS changed my perception of health and resilience 

Shayan from Pakistan started experiencing strange symptoms in 2019 – numbness, black-outs and vision issues. She thought these were stress related, until the numbness and tremors spread across her body. After an initial misdiagnosis, Shayan was recommended to a neurologist who confirmed an MS diagnosis after various tests. MS presents everyday challenges, but Shayan is finding new strength from motherhood and meaning despite the setbacks. Read her story below.  

‘My name is Shayan, I am an engineer by profession and working as a technical content writer in Karachi, Pakistan. In October 2020, at the age of 27, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a life-altering condition that would forever change my perception of health and resilience. My journey with MS began subtly in 2019, with symptoms that I mistakenly attributed to work stress and pressure. I experienced partial numbness in my left leg, black-outs and a temporary increase in vision issues. Ignorant of the potential severity, I casually dismissed these signs, unaware that they were early indicators of a much more significant issue. 

By February 2020, my situation took a drastic turn. My left leg went completely numb, rendering me barely able to walk and severely affecting my balance. Concerned, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who diagnosed a vitamin B12 deficiency and prescribed medication. However, a week passed with no improvement. In fact, my symptoms worsened. Numbness spread to both legs, accompanied by tremors, severe tingling and burning sensations in my cervical spine, brain, and shoulders, along with debilitating fatigue. 

Seeking a second opinion, I visited another orthopedic doctor who, upon examining my symptoms, advised me to consult a neurologist. The neurologist suspected optic neuritis and prescribed Solu-Medrol infusions to relieve the pain and prevent further disability. The treatment provided temporary relief, allowing me to regain mobility. However, further tests, including an MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, evoked potentials (EVP) tests, and blood tests, confirmed the diagnosis of MS. The MRI revealed 30 lesions (scars) on my cervical spine, confirming the chronic nature of my condition. 

Since then, I have been living with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), a form of MS characterized by periods of relapse and remission. Every three to six months, I experienced recurring symptoms, a harsh reminder of the relentless nature of this disease. Despite the ongoing challenges, life continued, and amidst the turmoil, I experienced a profound joy: the birth of my beautiful baby boy in 2022 and a baby girl in 2024. 

However, the months following delivery of both of my children, I faced   severe relapses, affecting my abdominal area. The relapses were a significant setback, yet I found the strength to stand up again, driven by the love for my children, support from my loved ones and the resolve to continue fighting. 

My journey with MS has been one of immense struggle and profound resilience. Each day presents a new challenge, yet I rise to meet it with unwavering determination.  

As MS warriors, we perform on the stage called ‘life,’ constantly battling our condition while striving to live fully and meaningfully. We face challenges few can truly understand. From diagnosis, we enter a world of uncertainty, confronting new hurdles daily. Through every fall, we find the strength to rise again, embodying the true spirit of a warrior. Our journey with MS is marked by twists, turns, highs, and lows, but we march forward with a shared strength that binds us together.’