31 Days of MS: Better and Brighter Days Are Coming

Photo courtesy of Inês Velosa

Day 12 of 31

This is Inês Velosa’s (@inesdnobre) story:

On June 6, 2021, after some confusing days, my husband was diagnosed with MS. I remember hearing this diagnosis for the first time and thinking that life, as we knew it, was over.

At that time, I knew almost nothing about MS, how things could evolve or not, or even how to support someone who was going through this — should I ask how was he feeling every day, every hour? Was that too painful? Should I try to keep life as normal as possible?

As I learned about all the science behind MS, I also found it helpful to read stories from other people who were going through a similar thing. I read submissions to the “31 days of MS” series and found so much comfort in those stories!

Turns out that, although life as I knew it was over, what came after it was not as dark as I envisioned — and it brought many positive things.

My husband found the strength and power to overcome the difficulties, and I felt such a positive difference in a lot of things, like the fact that he now enjoys working out and exercising more than ever before. He also quit smoking for good, and enjoys everyday moments in a new and refreshing way.

Today, we are expecting our first child, living a healthier life, and thinking less about the long-term future and more about the day-to-day. And I can’t help but feel lucky. If you (or someone you know) are learning of an MS diagnosis right now, don’t give up. Better and brighter days are coming. You’ve got this!

Multiple Sclerosis News Today’s 31 Days of MS campaign will publish one story per day for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #31DaysofMS, or read the full series.