After diagnosis I am the same person but different 

Jai’s life took an unexpected turn at 22 when she was diagnosed with MS in Venezuela. Today, Jai refuses to let MS define her and takes time to value life’s simple moments. In the story below, Jai reflects on her diagnosis and her journey since: 

‘Imagine this: one day you’re studying brains and then months later you’re told that YOUR brain is deteriorating. Can you imagine that? Well, let me tell you my story: I’m Jai, and I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 22. 

In my case, I had motor symptoms that started with a slight ‘dizziness’ and quickly turned into my entire right side failing. Jelly legs, zero coordination, unable to walk or speak. I also had sensory symptoms – having my morning coffee was HORRIBLE for me because the thermal sensation felt multiplied by 1000 per cent. My scalp burned, and then numbness appeared in my hand and face. 

Before the diagnosis, I spent about five years sleeping poorly, eating badly, filled with a lot of stress, not being present, and not enjoying day-to-day life. Until I was 22, my lucky number. 

Now I can say it clearly: I have MS, and since then life has definitely not been the same. I am still the same person, but different in many ways: how I see life and how I face it. 

Now MS does not define me: I am Jaimar. I am hardworking, enthusiastic, kind, and valuable. I am more than MS, even though it is now part of my life. 

Now I can look at the sky and enjoy the little things because everything can change quickly. Feeling the breeze, walking my pets, hearing my family’s laughter… all of that is valuable and important. 

I invite you today to live fully and consciously, because everything can change. Now I am Jaimar, an MS patient, eager to move forward and not give up.’ 

Our thanks to Jaimar and Esclerosis Multiple Venezuela for sharing this MS diagnosis story on the World MS Day map. If you have an MS diagnosis story to share you can add your experience to the World MS Day map.