From diagnosis to determination: My MS journey of hope

Sanam Saeedi resolved not to allow a diagnosis of MS to determine the course her life could take. (Photos courtesy of Sanam Saeedi)

Day 1 of 31

This is Sanam Saeedi’s story:

For years, I lived with numbness and tingling in my toes, but dismissed it as a result of old skiing injuries. I never imagined that those subtle sensations would be the early signs of something far more serious.

Saeedi at first dismissed symptoms of numbness and tingling as the result of old skiing injuries. 

By 2017, walking became increasingly difficult, and I struggled to maintain my balance. I sought answers from multiple doctors, but was misdiagnosed repeatedly, leaving me frustrated and uncertain about my future.

It wasn’t until my husband said, “Something doesn’t sound right,” that I realized I needed to dig deeper.

I scheduled an appointment with a neurologist, underwent MRIs, and finally heard the life-changing words: “You have MS.” That night, driving home, I couldn’t stop the tears. I looked at my husband and asked, “Will I ever walk normally again?” His pause was long and heavy. “Possibly,” he said.

The months following my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) were some of the darkest in my life. I lost my balance, mobility, and independence. I soon needed a cane and braces just to get around. To make things worse, I had to leave my job in engineering, a career I had poured so much of myself into. Depression set in, and for nine months, I felt utterly defeated, unsure of how to move forward.

But then one day, something inside me shifted. I realized I couldn’t let MS take everything from me. I decided to fight back and turned this challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Saeedi navigated the early days of her MS journey with a walking aid. 

I became an MS health and life coach, determined to not only rebuild my life, but also to help others do the same.

With persistence and small daily wins, I gradually regained my strength. I put my canes away and started walking unaided. Six years after my diagnosis, I was overjoyed to show my husband something I never thought I’d do again: dumbbell walking lunges. The moment symbolized not just recovery, but triumph over a diagnosis that once felt insurmountable.

Today, I dedicate my life to helping others living with MS hold onto hope and take control of their symptoms. I guide them, step by step, to reclaim their independence, manage their symptoms, and achieve their goals.

MS may change our lives, but it doesn’t have to define us. It can inspire us to write a new story of strength, resilience, and hope.

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.