The A Team Back Story
In May 2023 I was diagnosed with MS. In the 6 months leading up to diagnosis there were many non specific warning signs that something wasn’t right. Although the catalyst for presenting to ED was when I had a month long headache that never eased, my right eye was so sore it felt like I’d been punched, I experienced overwhelming vertigo where I thought I was going to topple over and I started to lose vision in my right eye. The day I went to ED I had a panic attack which was one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced. A few hours later, in the noisy ED department, a softly spoken and extremely kind neurologist came in to see me and told me I had MS. Within 30 seconds she was talking about immediate treatment, lumbar punctures, more scans, hospital admission for 5 days, family planning, ongoing treatment etc. It was truly the most overwhelming time, one that sometimes feels like a blur and sometimes feels so vivid I can be taken back to the utter fear and turmoil I was experiencing.
During those first few months after diagnosis it was an extremely challenging time. Walking to the end of my street was difficult for me, and there were times I’d be on the verge of a panic attack with tasks that use to be second nature.
Fast forward to today I can say that things have got better, a lot better !!!
Today I get up early and go for a run with a beautiful women’s running group or see my exercise physiologist where I’m kicking goals, I fuel my body with healthy delicious food, I actually look forward to work (not working shift work has been a game changer for me), I feel connected to my partner, family and friends in such a wonderful way (illness & grief really does affect this!) and I can confidently say that I’m living well with MS.
MS isn’t my boss, but I can’t fire it- and it’s taken A LOT of work- physically and mentally - to get to this point where I can accept it for what it is.
And this work hasn’t been done alone! And a special mention needs to go to MSPlus who all proceeds go to in this MS event. I’ve had so much support from them in all different areas- they are truly a wonderful organisation!
Sooooo - in May 2024 - a year on from diagnosis, I will be running 10kms in the Melbourne & Sydney MS run walk roll. And I’ve created the A Team to get as many people involved in getting out there and having a run/walk/roll! Speaking from experience, getting out for a run or walk is literally what’s kept me going over the past year!! It’s been such a big driving force in nurturing my mental health and also a bonus for my physical health!
I can’t wait to run with The A Team !!!
Much Love - Alison Xxx
