Melissa’s Diagnosis Story

Melissa L. is a paid Advocate for Teva Neuroscience, Inc. 

Imagine you’re lost in the desert…you do not have a map or resources, there’s not a gas station for miles, you’re running low on fuel, and you have no one to talk to. You’re lost, scared and a little desperate. That’s how I felt in August of 2002 when I was diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).   

Two weeks prior to my diagnosis, I woke up like any other day. At the time, my son was 1 ½ years old, and I had been married for three years. I began my normal morning routine which consisted of breakfast and the morning news. However, this day was not normal. As I began to watch TV, I noticed I was having trouble with my vision. All 3 hosts sat on the couch engaging in conversation, but today I couldn't see two of them. I knew something was wrong, very wrong.

Living in Baltimore, I am very fortunate to have an MS Center in my backyard. I went to the Center, had an MRI and was diagnosed with RMS all within one week. Life as I knew it had changed, everything I thought I knew was now an UNKNOWN. I had many questions that I did not have the answers to. Was my vision going to return? Was my husband going to leave me? Was I going to be able to have any more children? Was I going to be able to dance with my son at his wedding?

What I wanted more than anything was comfort and normalcy. So I put together a plan. I did research, went to support meetings and was persistent in finding and securing the best neurologist for me, which is not an easy feat. I formed a plan and the plan gave me hope and the hope gives me comfort. Going to support groups and meeting people with whom I can relate gives me a feeling of normalcy. I know there are no promises in life, but I also know that if I follow my management plan I come one step closer.  

Over the past 13 years my journey with RMS has had its ups and downs. There have been times when I feel OK and other times when I don’t. I found that by having a plan and sticking to that plan I am better able to handle whatever MS has in store for me. I believe that getting on a therapy, and staying on a therapy is very important. I know that whatever MS has in store for me, I will be resilient.

Melissa L.

RRMS Patient