Monique Sultana

My story with MS

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 16. I considered myself pretty lucky that I was never limited and that no one would ever know unless I told them. I took it as a challenge to stay as strong and healthy as I could! 

I lost vision in one eye in 2018 for the first time and had steroid treatment to return my vision. I lost vision twice in 2022 and just waited for it to come back and I’m forever grateful it did. 2023 was the first time my legs went numb. It was scary, I remember walking up the stairs at uni and being scared if I fell because I wouldn’t be able to control myself from not completely toppling down the stairs. After about a month the sensation and strength in my legs came back! Last June I had my most recent attack. My left hand went numb, my midsection was numb to touch and both legs were numb and weak. I was in Europe and I couldn’t keep slides on my feet because my toes couldn’t grip the shoes, they’d fall off and I wouldn’t know because I couldn’t feel them until I’d trip. In September I started experiencing an MS hug, it was a tight, itchy, burning pain around my midsection which eventually went to my neck and felt as though someone was choking me. 

In this time I never stopped. I never gave up on myself. I still worked. I still walked. I still trained. And even though I’ve never ever been a runner I told myself that when my body feels normal again I’m going to run, and I’m going to run in the MS walk, run, roll because I can. My MRI results showed that I had multiple new lesions on my brain and spine as well as spinal cord swelling and oedema. So in January, after 6 years unmedicated I started treatment. I’m very proud of my body for being able to support itself without meds for that long, but I recognised I needed that help and I’m very very lucky that I’ve been able to slowly but surely improve each day. I can wear slide on shoes, I can walk in a straight line, I can type with both hands, I can feel someone’s hands on me when giving me a hug, I’m not in pain and I can run! 

I feel very awkward sharing all of this in all honesty. But I think it’s important. It’s important for more reasons than one. I want people to remember that you never know what someone else is going through and to always be grateful for your health, your body, and not to take it for granted. 

Normalising discussion around disease takes away the sad stigma around it and brings communities together. I have learnt that fundraising not only goes towards finding a cure but also provides support for those who need it which is why events like the MS walk, run, roll are so great!

I’m choosing to do this run because I can and I’m so proud of myself for not letting MS beat me but letting it show me just how strong I am.