Spot the detail

Hannah Baldwin

Ok, so here it goes.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis September this year, age 23. If i am absolutely honest – i was completely knocked sideways when i found out, but who wouldn’t be? To be told your own immune system is trying to damage the myelin sheets on your nerves, absolutely not ok.

I wanted to create a space where not only i could talk, without the fear of judgement and sympathy, but where people could learn. Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed too, hell maybe you don’t have a clue what Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is. I can tell you right now, a lot of my own family and friends certainly didn’t. And that’s ok. We would have to be in some strange little bubble to automatically expect everyone to know the complete ins and outs of our workings – MS or no MS.

For now though, lets talk diagnoses.

I woke up one morning with excruciating pain in my right eye and minimal vision – me being me, decided not to go to the doctors until it had been this way for a week with no improvement. At first, the doctor thought it was a sinus infection and i was sent off with anti biotics to help sort this pain out and was told that if there was no improvement after 4 days to come back. So i did exactly that. Came back 4 days later. It was then decided i would have an emergency eye appointment the next morning at York Hospital (which by the way, what a wonderful team they have been!). Another 3 appointments and an MRI later, i was told that it was on the cards that i had MS, but because in this 2 month gap of tests my eye had returned to full vision, it was assumed to be Relapsing Remitting. Only a neurologist can actually give you the 100%, so i waited for the letter for my next appointment. And here i am.

I’ve had chats and meetings coming out of my ears and am expecting to start Lemtrada in 2018. I am still in full time work and although i have days where it feels like my world is falling apart around me – things are actually going pretty sweet. And thats what we have to remember in times like these.

1. It is ok to seek medical help – you never know what they could find

2. It is ok to seek help from family and friends when you are going through a difficult time

3. Being able to look for the silver lining in things is what will make even the worst days seem bright

Well that’s all for now, hope you enjoyed this insight into the beginning of my journey

H x

Published by Hannah Baldwin

8 Comments

  1. That is a shocking diagnosis to get at such a young age, Hannah. (In fact, at any age, let’s face it.)
    For what it’s worth, I worked in the London Ambulance Service for more than 20 years, and met many people with the condition. The way they coped, and the support systems available to help were inspirational indeed.
    Thanks for following my blog, which is greatly appreciated.
    best wishes, Pete.

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    1. Its definitely been a whirl wind adventure (if I can call it an adventue! Haha) if im honest its done me some good! Found something interesting enough to finally write a blog about haha
      Its quite alright, im really enjoying going through your previous posts, such interesting reads!

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  2. A good percentage of the way you will handle having MS is your attitude. From what I’ve read so far, you have a great one.
    I’ve had it for more than 30 years now and although I use my wheelchair in airports, shopping malls etc… I’m not wheelchair bound. Many people I know, who have had MS as long as I, are completely stuck in a wheelchair.
    I’m not saying that they are living a disabled life because they chose to do it. They are not. We all handle things differently. However, what I am saying is that perhaps, you will get lucky like I did and not land up in a wheel chair sooner than you would like.
    Keep up the good work. Blogging will help you. You will build a community of friends.
    Thanks for reading my blog (mslife.org).

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    2. Aww thank you very much! Thats absolutely amazing that you very rarely have to use a wheelchair! And as you said, those that do aren’t living less because of it
      Hopefully once I’ve started on my DMT that should help too

      Thabk you so much for your positive comment, ive really enjoyed reading your blog. Im loving finding people going through similar issues as I don’t know anyone in my ‘real world’ going through anything like this 😊 x

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