Dayna Giannopoulos

Life changes very quickly

In August 2023, at just 25 years old, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was finishing my uni degree, making plans, dreaming big — until suddenly, my body had other ideas.

I woke up on a normal Wednesday morning for work and noticed my legs were numb up to my knees. I didn’t think much of it at first  figured I’d just slept funny  and got on with my day. But by lunchtime, the numbness had crept up to my hips. That started to ring some alarm bells, but I still pushed through and finished the workday.

Later that night, after a talkinng with my family, it became clear these warning signs needed to be taken seriously. Mum and I headed off to the hospital. After a long night of waiting around, I was told to keep an eye out for any more symptoms and to see my GP first thing Monday.

As you can probably guess, things didn’t exactly go to plan. We got home early that morning, only to wake up a few hours later and realise the numbness had spread — from the bottom of my feet up to the middle of my chest, and into both my arms. The red flags were well and truly waving now. Instead of waiting for Monday I went straight to the GP, who immediately sent us back to the hospital.

After a week of uncertainty, blood tests and an MRI, the news came — news none of us were expecting. I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). To be honest, I was completely speechless. I didn’t know what to say, or what this meant for me and my future. I had just started a new relationship, and the end of my degree was finally in sight. Was all of that about to fall apart? I had no idea, and I was terrified. Based on what little we were taught about MS at school, it didn’t sound good at all.

Now, almost two years into living with MS, I’ve learnt more than I ever thought I would. I’ve had to figure out a new way of doing life. Some days I feel good and strong; other days, even the simplest things are a real struggle. I’ve learnt that not every day is going to be the same  sometimes, no two hours are the same.

I’ve learnt to put myself first and make the best decisions for my health. Asking for help used to feel awkward, but now I have too even for things that once felt easy. The hardest part is the uncertainty, not knowing what symptoms will turn up or how long they’ll hang around.

But even with all of that, I’ve still got dreams to chase, a future to build, and a life to live. MS may be a apart of my life now (unfortunately) but it certainly doesn't define who I am.

Th biggest lesson I have learnt in the last two years, no one with MS can do this alone.

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