Living with MS means adapting to a new normal

Sarah Zichterman poses for a photo one year after her MS diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Sarah Zichterman)

Day 10 of 31

This is Sarah Zichterman’s story:

Getting diagnosed with MS was not something I thought would happen to me at age 24. One day in January 2024, I woke up and realized my vision felt a bit off, so I went to the emergency room to get checked out. While I was there, I remembered texting my mom a couple of months prior about how I was feeling slower in my thinking.

When the scans came back showing a lesion in my brain, I was terrified. Up to that point, I had been a very healthy person. I actually was more worried about brain tumors, which run in my family. My migraines became debilitating weeks later: My head would feel like it was on fire and the left side of my body had gone numb.

Zichterman had to get used to wearing a mask when hanging out with others.

When I finally met with the neurologist two months later and MS was brought up, I remember getting a pamphlet about symptoms and a definition for multiple sclerosis. At the time, I was waiting to get a spinal tap and doing all the research I could on treatment options. After so many tests with no answers, getting diagnosed was stress relieving for me. Finally being able to start treatment last September was better than not being able to do anything.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve made a complete change in my lifestyle. From eating to prioritizing vitamins and exercise, my life is very different now. Although the four doctor appointments per week can get exhausting, I’m thankful I’m able to function completely independently. I think some of the biggest challenges don’t come from the disease itself but more so from how I have to constantly adjust to this new normal. I think it’s normal to have thoughts like “Why me?” and “This isn’t fair.” But staying positive is a must, even if I have to do some adjusting.

Zichterman is seen in a hospital gown getting ready to have a spinal tap.

I feel very blessed to have an amazing partner and family, who are so incredibly supportive. My boyfriend is always there, whether it’s helping me take my shoes off when I have zero energy or sitting in an ER for 10-plus hours. Some days I have to stay in bed, while others I’m able to be active and socialize. Luckily, as music is my passion, I can go at my own pace. I can take long breaks when I have flare-ups, which is great, as I think a lot of us with MS struggle with needing time off from work. The only thing I truly worry about is one day not being able to sing, but for now, I plan on moving full speed ahead until I can’t.

Life with MS may be challenging and frustrating at times but you can find ways to adapt. It’s OK to give yourself a break and take it one day at a time.

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.