Monique Sultana

My story

My names Monique. I’m writing this on my 24th birthday, honestly as a bit of a reflection. I was 16 when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It took me a long time to feel like my story was something to share, not because I don’t think it’s worth it, but because it’s personal. 

Last year was the first time I properly did so, when I ran 10km in the MS walk, run, roll. One of my biggest achievements to date! I really am incredibly proud of myself, proud of all the things I’ve gone through and all the lessons I’ve learnt. It’s made me grow up quick, it’s made me extremely grateful. Grateful for my abilities, grateful for my brain, which feels a bit contraindicated considering MS is a disease in the brain and spinal cord but one of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was that the mind controls the brain and if mine didn’t I think my reality would be very different. 

Currently, I work as an exercise scientist in rehabilitation and strength and conditioning, helping others to feel strong and able. I am also completing my masters in clinical exercise physiology, specifically to work with those in the chronic health field. Everything I learn makes me more and more proud of myself and more and more grateful for what I can do and have been able to overcome. This is something I want to share, I want to help others be more aware and grateful for their health and empower those whose bodies have taken over their minds. 

My first attack I lost vision in my left eye. My second attack, same thing. Third attack my right eye. Fourth; my legs, they were numb and weak - I went from squatting more than my body weight to struggling with a wooden dowel. When the feeling started coming back it was in patches over my legs and feet, for a little while it felt like I had rocks in my shoes but that was my sensation returning so yay! Once I could feel my legs again, I thought I’d start running, I couldn’t run more than 100m without my legs seizing up but I thought I was just unfit. Six months later my left hand went numb, I would drop many things because I couldn’t tell if I was gripping it or not. Then both my legs went numb again, now they would seize up if I would walk too fast, I’d fall the second I’d walk into the water at the beach because I couldn’t keep my balance and I’d have to look down to check my shoes and pants were on because I couldn’t feel it. Around my torso became tight and painful, it felt like I had sunburn and was being squeezed and as if ants were crawling under my skin. At times I’d feel this around my throat but what’s crazy is that I know no one would have known if I didn’t tell them. They’d of just thought I was clumsy or had a sore stomach. And that’s okay. But it really shows that you never ever know what someone is going through. 

That last attack was bad. It was long, it was painful. I started medication and I am so glad and forever grateful for how efficient and effective it was and has been! Medication helped me when I could no longer help myself and was at my wits end. I could run without my legs seizing and I didn’t stop! 

I remember and acknowledge what I’ve been through. It’s a reminder of what I have overcome and helps me celebrate the million wins in each day of everything I can do. At times, my symptoms will flare, but it’s how my body tells my mind it needs to rest and relax and then things are okay again! 

I am so lucky. Lucky to be grateful for my health and my body. That is why I am running. Running because I can, and because I can, I will! Raising money for and with MS plus to improve the lives of those living with and affected by multiple sclerosis.