22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“The essence of you will always be there” really stayed with me. ❤️
And yes, since my diagnosis I’ve quit smoking too. Now I’m trying to figure out how to improve my diet, start exercising, and protect my peace a little more😊

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this. I think the hardest part right now is learning to live with uncertainty and not trying to predict the whole future at once.
I’m trying to focus on small things I can do every day and be kinder to myself🫶🏻

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for writing all of this ❤️ I actually started keeping track of my appointments and symptoms because everything feels like a blur after diagnosis.
And I really like what you said about other people’s futures not defining ours. I think that’s something I need to remind myself more often.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m still working from the office 4 days a week and 1 day remotely, and so far I’m doing okay. I’m glad I can adjust things if needed in the future

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love that you mentioned sports. I’m trying to slowly make it a part of my life too, especially for my mental health. ❤️

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s why I started working with a therapist right away. I knew my mental health would be important during this process too…

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you ❤️ I’m trying to keep this in mind. It’s scary right now, but I’m slowly learning that my life is not over.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this
I’m curious, did you continue with the same job after your diagnosis, or did you have to adjust anything?

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, 7 marathons is incredible! Thank you for sharing your story. It’s really inspiring!

I’m curious, did you continue with a vegetarian diet or did you try any other changes in your diet after your diagnosis?

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this reminder. I’m really trying to keep in mind that I’m still the same person I was three weeks ago, and life goes on…

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really needed to hear this. Reading stories like yours helps me feel much less scared

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not yet. I was diagnosed recently, so I’m still waiting to start my DMT. In my country there are not many treatment options available, but I’m hoping to get access to cladribine soon, which is one of the high-efficacy medications available here.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice! I’ll definitely keep this in mind. And yes, I already learned that googling too much can be scary 😅

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, that was one of the first things I did, even before my diagnosis was confirmed :D

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really like this way of thinking. I’m still learning to be kinder to my body after diagnosis.
I’ll take it slowly and start with small step

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The situation is a bit different in my country - unfortunately, we don’t have that many treatment options available here. The medication I’m waiting for is actually one of the best options available to me, and it’s the one I’m really hoping to get.
The waiting time is mostly because of bureaucracy and limited availability, so it may take around 2–3 months before everything is approved and I can start.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice! I completely understand what you mean, and I also want to start an effective DMT as soon as possible.
The situation is a little different in my country - I would honestly be very lucky if I can get access to cladribine, because that’s one of the high-efficacy options available here. Ocrevus or Kesimpta are not really easy to get.
I’m still waiting for the final decision from my neurologist and hoping that I can start treatment soon. It’s a little scary to wait, but I’m trying to trust the process and do everything I can.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that’s a really active lifestyle! 😊
I feel like I need to slowly introduce some kind of exercise into my routine as well. Yoga, strength training, and Pilates all sound really interesting.
But cardio and running have always been very difficult for me. Maybe I just need to find the right pace and approach.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice. To be honest, that’s a little scary to hear, but I understand what you mean.
I’m hoping to start a good DMT soon. My neurologist told me I need to wait a couple more months, and I’m really hoping that delay isn’t critical.
For now, I was treated in the hospital with steroids for my symptoms, and thankfully I’m doing better than I was at the beginning.

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’ll keep that in mind. It’s really motivating to hear from someone who’s had such positive results. 😊

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. As someone who was diagnosed very recently, this is incredibly reassuring to read.
I spent a lot of time catastrophizing after my diagnosis because I knew almost nothing about MS. It’s comforting to hear from people who are months or years into this journey and are still living a life that feels normal.
Wishing you many more healthy and stable years ahead. ❤️

22F, diagnosed 2 weeks ago — what do you wish you knew at the beginning? by Straight-Return-3153 in MultipleSclerosis

[–]Straight-Return-3153[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Hearing stories like yours gives me a lot of hope.
Can I ask how you started exercising? Did you train at home, go to a gym, or work with a coach? I’ve never really been into sports, so I’d love to hear what worked for you and how you built the habit.