Guest Voice: Redefining strength with relapsing-remitting MS
Multiple sclerosis showed me how strong of a woman I am
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Life always comes with difficulties, and throwing a debilitating chronic illness on top of everything else is never easy. I believe my multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms began in early July 2008. I was dragging my left leg and foot, so I had to borrow my grandmother’s walker and take a month off work. Then, things went back to normal for almost four years — or so I thought — which was confusing to me.
My symptoms returned in early to mid-2012, while I was a full-time student and a single mother to my then 2-year-old son. I’d trip and fall regularly, and thought to myself, “Sheesh, I must be clumsy.”
I didn’t think about it again until my vision became extremely blurry, even with my glasses on. At the time, I was a noncompliant type 2 diabetic. As a result, I chose to give up my driving privileges for the sake of others and myself. I tried to continue my education, but just seeing the computer screen was difficult.
I grew weaker, and walking became more difficult. In class, I couldn’t concentrate on the instructor and would doze off. However, my doctors didn’t do any testing.
My speech was slurred. I couldn’t eat or drink regular foods and liquids because I’d choke, so my mom had to feed me pureed foods. I was weak and couldn’t even lie down flat. By this point, I was beyond panicked, and I told my sister to take my son because I thought I was dying.
My mom and I felt it was time to visit a local hospital for an examination. The only test I received was a chest X-ray after I woke up one night in a full-blown panic attack. The doctors discharged me after two days. My mom drove me home, and I told her I couldn’t make it to the door. I fell to the ground, and getting me up was another fiasco.
Finally getting some answers
Shereese Hickson climbs the stairs in her home. (Courtesy of Shereese Hickson)
My family was aware of my issues, and my aunt suggested getting me into one of the leading teaching hospitals in Ohio. But first, I had to be admitted to another local hospital. I remained there for several days until my admission at the teaching hospital was set up. Once I was transferred there, the neurological team worked tirelessly to diagnose me. I am forever grateful to them.
On Oct. 5, 2012, I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. I felt relieved, knowing I could navigate life with this disease as long as I had a great team of healthcare providers accompanying me.
I remained there until they set me up with inpatient rehab back home. I had to relearn how to walk and care for my child, as well as myself. I was determined to get back to my son and my new life as an MS patient. Upon discharge, I surprised everyone and myself by wanting to walk out to my mom’s car instead of having someone transport me via a wheelchair. It meant the world to me to accomplish that!
I can’t recall the length of my stay in rehab, but I was discharged about a week before my son’s third birthday. I also had school to return to. Finishing my education in two semesters, I was proud to earn my diploma in medical billing and coding.
Not long after that, I had to start the process of applying for disability benefits. After two years of fighting to prove I had a chronic condition, I was approved. My son is now 16 and a sophomore in high school. He still needs his mom, and I’m eternally grateful I can be there for him and my furbaby.
MS affects me daily. My two worst symptoms are fatigue and bladder urgency. Some days are worse than others, and I give myself grace. I’m on a treatment that has kept my disease at bay, and I’ve been stable since July 2018. That is a miracle!
MS showed me how strong of a woman I am. I won’t let it defeat me. I must continue this fight and share my story with as many people as possible. MS awareness is of the utmost importance, and I’m glad to contribute to it. Lived experience is the best teacher.
I am Shereese Hickson. I have MS, and I’m a thriver living with a purpose!
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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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