Paralyzed, Blind & Hospitalized-Aggressive MS at 23/My MS Story 

My amazing daughter. An MS warrior. I am so incredibly proud of how strong she is and how hard she has fought this. Please share her story so it may inspire others who are affected by this disease. Love you Megs!! :)

I woke up blind at 23, lost the ability to walk, diagnosed with MS. I’m 60 now and still fighting

As an ER Dr, I am appalled at the advice given you at the ER visits. Those symptoms are extremely concerning!!! I am so sorry!

I was diagnosed with MS. I went blind. I was on steroids for about a year. Then I went into remission. I am still in remission even after having a second child. That was 41 years ago. I think I'm very lucky.

I’m now 68 and fighting for 19 years! I hope you’re still appreciating every day and celebrating with other MS Warriors!

I commend your sweet boyfriend for staying by your side. His support and encouragement were a tremendous asset. I hope that you are a part of an MS support group. Your story and your knowledge would be helpful to many people in your journey. I wish you well. CONTINUE TO FIGHT, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!

I was diagnosed at 19 i lost my sight and I was also paralysed it was quite scary at such a young age.I am 51 now I am still walking and enjoying life with my husband and twin girls.I still get quite tired.

I’ve had MS for decades. I am now mainly bedridden. Thanks for making this honest video. Too many times, they show MS patients as doing great, smiling, using a cane mostly. They talk about all the medications they have to treat you with (but they don’t talk about the fact that they only give you the medicines if you show up on MRI. Five to ten percent of ppl do not show up on MRI. If you don’t, you don’t get the meds)! I was diagnosed by Neurophysiology studies. There’s a book by a woman who lost sight in both eyes at the start…so I was glad mine didn’t start that way. Thanks for showing how bad it can be. ❤❤

I’m a 40 year old mom of 2 under 2.In early October I was chasing my toddler around the playground. By oct 7 I could no longer walk and lost coordination and feeling on my left side. I’m currently in the hospital getting Plex and trying to stop this very aggressive attack. I’ve been diagnosed with tumafactive ms due to the large size of the lesions. Thanks for sharing your story meg!

I had an adopted brother that had MS. He had the type that it would get progressively worse over time. He got to where he was completely wheelchair bound and had to have help with everything.

My daughter has MS. She's only 21yrs old. And it is sad to see her struggling with such sickness. But, she is strong and she is trying her best. I'm sad because she doesn't have insurance and now she is in another location that she is supposed to have rehabilitation but they just don't care. So she tries to do exercise on her own and with me. Hopefully she gets approved and gets her on the right track. Because she is a mom of an 18 month old little boy. She needs to come home.

When I was 28 my lupus (undiagnosed) got so bad I couldn't stay awake, could feed myself, couldn't bend my legs or lift my arms. It took getting this bad for lupus to be diagnosed. I have had symptoms all my life but no one ever took seriously. I'm so glad they were able to figure things out for you and you are back to functioning

Hey I’m a fellow ms suffer/fighter. Your story is so inspirational, it truly is. I’m from the uk and Im sending you a massive hug. Keep fighting, I wish you all the best. You got this 💪

2-1-02 was my diagnosis day. Had 20 years of migraine headaches. They were severe and we would have to go to the ER for meds to stop barfing. Recently I’ve had other diagnosis’ and attend PT/OT twice a week. You are going to be alright. The less stress you have, the better. I have a hard time asking anyone for anything, but you’re going to have to. Keep a good attitude about MS having you. Not YOU having MS! Taking Gilenya. I have used it since 12-11-11 and have no relapses since that I know of. Keep your chin up!!! There are so many things to be grateful for. It can be controlled with effort.

It might not be MS. My mother has had classic MS for 70 years (she’s 92 and was 31 when she first went blind) and the patient mostly recovers after the awful attacks. She’s had a wonderful life, so don’t despair.

So glad you're well. Kudos to your boyfriend too. Through sickness and health. Hope you continue to thrive .

You are so lucky to have family support

Thank you for sharing your story Meg. I was having system's for years none of my Doctor's would believe what I was telling them. It took me 3 years going through a few doctors. Finally I went to see a nurse practitioner that truly listen to what I was saying she sent me for a MRI of my head and spine. When the results came back possible MS . She sent me to a MS specialists. He look at MRI did some tests in his office & sent me for a spinal tap right away. Everything came back positive He diagnosed me with Primary Progressive MS. Mine is affected my walking and my speaking.

Ive had MS for 36 years and it does get easier to cope with. Just keep swimming you are doing really well....

Thanks for the vid Meg ^_^ I had two attacks in 2005 and 2006. It affected my vision, walking, balance, communication, but mostly my executive brain functions and problem solving abilities. I was working in IT at the time and well on my way to becoming a network engineer. I couldn't do it anymore and had to let go of that dream. I'm now a personal trainer. After all the rehab and training, I developed a strong passion for health and fitness and want to help others with their own transformations. I even moved to another country that had more opportunities for me. And I just had a relapse, but I will get better again. 💪 All the best!

How scary the initial symptoms would have felt for you and your parents! You’re amazing and wishing you all the best 💜

Hi. Your testimony is amazing. I get an progressive MS since 2013 and immediately loved my sight ability. (I'm under 1/20 and need a white cane). Now, I've seriously started to lose my walking ability. Now, I need a walking cane. I started Occrevus since one weeks and a half and will get my 2nd injection soon. Like you, I feel so better! But I recovery anything for now. I hope though! Anyway, your testimony gives me hope. Continues to be positive! :)

Having family and loved ones makes all the difference.

I needed to see this. I will not give up. Learning to walk and use my left hand again. Thank you so much for this. 🧡

Wow, this made me tear up, choke up. I couldn't imagine how scared you must have been and how your parents felt. I definitely got choked up when you were describing the loving care your BF gave to you. Not many men will do this. You both are blessed to have each other. I will keep you in my prayers

You’re amazing!! All the best with your recovery ❤

You are an inspiration. It is full of hope and it is thrilling to hear that progress is being made in effective treatment for MS! Thank you for sharing your story and may you continue to improve!

Gosh what a horrific sudden onset of MS. You are amazing keep going. You are wonderful 💐

I am terribly sorry for the lack of care you got at the ER. My son was also diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS at 22. He is now 26. However he was immediately sent to a specialist at a hospital once the ER diagnosed him. I would like to say he is doing well, but he keeps relapsing. Each time worse than the other. He has great doctors, goes in for his infusions *(i could be wrong about infusions) that is what my son tells me. every 6 months, but I know he leaves me in the dark about a lot. O have to say your daughter is a fighter, you are a fighter when you have nothing left to do. I pray she lives a long life along with my son.

Oh God! I remember when I first got optic neuritis. It was horrible. Thank God your doing better🙏🏽

You are amazing so informed about your disease. Thank you for sharing

Omg I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that... It's not right for just a person to go through all those symptoms at once. You are so strong and inspiring, thank you for telling your story it's very inspiring

I was diagnosed this year but obviously have had it for who knows how long without knowing. My vision has gone worse very quickly which I don’t understand why it’s just happening now. The only thing that’s changed is that I’ve been verbally told I have MS. I went to Disney World two years ago and braved the long days and heat and I’m sure I had it then, but also, something I couldn’t do today. I cannot imagine the rapid symptoms so I’m praying for you, you are a warrior!

My heart goes out to you.....I too have multiple sclerosis......most days I feel fairly well.....and then just when I think.....I am pretty ok. ..I get reminded......of this disease...and just keep moving forward

So much for the Doctors knowing what they were doing , sending you home so sick , on new years eve ! Simply unbelievable.

Your story is very interesting….and I’m so thankful you’re getting better. So strange how similar your experience was to mine….yet a different diagnosis. My DX was Guillain-Barre Syndrome….and a rare form of it as well…so the doctors weren’t able to diagnose me for a few weeks…therefore the window of opportunity for a plasma pheresis treatment went by the wayside. Sad, because that meant that my body would still remain under attack from my own immune system for all that time…which has left me with severe and permanent peripheral neuropathic damage. I can walk and use my hands….but it’s so incredibly painful…even WITH the hydrocodone I have taken every single day of my life since it happened to me in 2009….I am NEVER out of pain….not ever. I have now been diagnosed with 6 different autoimmune diseases. I am 66 years old…and my quality of life is severely affected. Puts a whole new spin on the term…”my own worst enemy”! Wishing you all the best in the future. 💜

Wow! You are amazing! I am inspired by hearing your story, thank you so much for sharing it with us. My story is similar in a way, yet different as well. I haven’t been diagnosed with MS, although my neurologist is currently looking into it, as I continue to have problems associated with MS. Four years ago I was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease called vasculitis. There is no cure for this disease and it’s symptoms are so painful. But, after hearing your story, you have given me more hope. I am grateful. Hugs and prayers coming your way.🤗🙏🏻💜

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m praying for you! Yes, we take a lot for granted! You are very brave and strong! ❤️ 🌹

I can’t believe you went all those days in that condition. Some, not all, but some medical professionals really do not make it easy to trust them or have any faith in the whole system. I’m glad you finally got help and are doing okay.

What a brave lovely young lady. What you have gone through is just awful but you have shown such a resilience and fighting spirit. I wish you a long and happy life with no more major issues with MS. Stay strong beautiful lady xx

I think you are absolutely amazing!! And your positivity is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing ✌🏼I wish you the best of luck with your future health🫶🏼 xx

OMG I can't believe this ! 😍👍congratulations and keep going. I have SPMS and I'm trying to have neurologist, and have a MRI, I have no medication and totally paralysed, I have been with UTIs which affected my speech. I have been in emergency several times due to infections causing sepsis, I need a proper physio because I am in wheelchair or seating all the time

Great testimony, thanks for sharing. I wish you all the best in your recovery and further treatment.

Hello, thank you for sharing. So sorry for what you’ve been through. You are a really strong individual. Glad you’re in recovery and doing well.😊

Your make up actually looked really good. early on in the video I was admiring how beautiful it was. Knowing you can’t see ideally gives me a greater appreciation for your abilities.

Hi Meg. You are such an amazing person. I got my diagnosis at the peak of Covid. So had to go to docs alone. Still suffering have good days and bad. Days full of energy and days so tired that even to do basic stuff is a mission. But you are amazing and strong. A warrior. My doctor taught me to say this all the time. I have you MS, you don’t have me. God bless you abundantly and thank u for sharing your story.

Get well soon Meg sending you best wishes,be happy, have hope,faith,love will Carry you in your healing journey 🙏🏽🤗

I am legally blind in my Right eye from MS. Optic nerve damaged in that eye. Sucks but I’m doing well otherwise. Was bus driver for 15 years and lost my job over this. My MRI’S have been the same for the last 11 years. Tired all the time. Stay strong. Gif Bless you!

What a warrior! Your strength is inspiring

You are so very BEAUTIFUL--- inside and out. Thank you fir sharing your story and your life with us. It is extremely important and beneficial in my ways. I am looking forward to hearing more. I am keeping you in my Heart, Prayers and Praises. Abundant Blessings to you and yours. ❤️

This is a really well organized and put together video. Thanks for sharing your story ❤ hoping you’re doing much better now

Hi Meg I happen to come across your video and I’m so impressed and amazed by what you have been through as such a young age and how intelligent and beautiful that you are when I was your age I never thought about the illnesses that a person can get it a young age you are so brave I hope you continue to be strong be free of symptoms.God Bless you! Thank you 🙏 🙏🙏

Dr. Terry Wahls was dependent on a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years until she reclaimed her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically to -she now pedals her bike to work each day

You are a lovely woman, I hope you have fully recovered, I’m watching this on 12/16/23. Best wishes. ❤

Im glad you had a support system re your family and boyfriend. To comfort, encourage and cheer you on. Im happy for you and your will to fight for your life....

God bless you!!!! I’m the eyeshadow pallet giveaway winner from few years ago btw lol :)

You're an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️ This will continue to be a blessing to many others. May God continue to heal you.❤

Thank you for sharing your story! One of my closest friends was recently diagnosed. I always knew there was something wrong but her Dr's kept telling her she was fine even though she walked like she was drunk. I was so afraid she would fall and hurt herself. She is slowing getting better after a long hospital stay. It is nice to know others have experienced similar things. Thank you!

Thank you so much for posting this video! Blessings to you.

God bless you! You are so strong and beautiful! Thank you for encouraging us that you can do anything if you put your mind to it!🤗💕🙏🏼

this is very similar to me. got it when I was 23, in 2017, was denied at the hospital for 3 weeks and I had extreme pain and could not feel anything else than my arms. lost my vision down to 4% on both eyes. I also had trouble with hearing, high sounds hurt and lower I could not hear at all, so podcasts or whatever was not an alternative. I could not do anything. cause of my autism I had to spend another week at a psych ward, because they thought I was faking it. once in hostipal, I had in total 3 visitors during those five months, which did not exactly help me mentally... I got a wheelchair for half a year. I did not know what it was for that long, I thought I would die. got 37 medicines and 4 iv's a day for a month, steroids etc. I got a little bit better, could se about 40%. learned to (kind of) walk at rehab, but then I got muscles spasms , so I could hardly walk again. back to the hospital for more and stronger medicines. during this time I also lose the few friends I had - because they thought I was boring to hang out with, since I could not do anything. I also had bladder problems, so I have to use catheter for a year, while at the same time I shat myself a coulpe of times a week. today I still have trouble w balance, shaking hands, I have about 70% vision and extreme fatigue, which makes my life consisting of lying in bed and spending all my energy on walking my dog.. cant even clean or cook food anymore. my interests where walking and drawing, which I obviously cant to now cause of shaking hands and problems with my vision. I also liked learning new things, but my cognition is to bad, I cant keep any new information and have trouble finding words. have not yet found any thing to replace this. today I can walk, even though I fall down multiple times a day and have wrecked two expensive computers, an antique table and cant shower for more than two minutes without falling down, covered in bruises. I honestly wished I had a deadly disease, so I would have a way out of this shitty hell of a life... even though I don't need a wheelchair anymore, and I look pretty healthy, which also makes people around me thinking I somehow got magically healthy. so the pressure of a "normal life" with studies at uni is back even though I still have more problems than functions. I'm losing more and more hope.

I hope you continue to make videos. You are a very good speaker. I’ve learned so much from your videos.

I would just like to say how proud of you I am this is my second video of yours that I watched and I am absolutely blown away by your termination your fight and your progress ITP, which did for cerebral palsy so I understand is long and boring but it does

I hope you've made a complete recovery by the time I've come across your post. God bless.❤🙏

Dear Meg I'm sorry you had to go through this nightmare you amd your family tour boyfriend sounds an incredible person you are truelyspecial Meg truely an inspiration fighter and advocate for yourself I hope you recover to the best 👌 possible 💯 you are such a good communicator I'm sorry tgat you have had to give up things like makeup Meg let me tell you are beautiful inside outside don't give up hamg in there you are hopeful I am too for you I feel you are going to be OK Mel you are incredible you know I'm rooting for you since you asked I'm a 5th time ovarian cancer recurrences patient love and big hugs

Oh, thank you for sharing and you will be in my prayers this day! God love you Meg!

Megan you look amazing. You are very pretty. You are absolutely an inspiration to all that struggle with this terrible disease. You are so correct about taking things like sight for granted. Keep pushing in you pt and you have come so far. I am praying for you to get sight back to follow you make up artist career. God bless you and keeping positive. Your doing great. Xoxo.

I have a rare form of encephalitis and also had plasma pheresis that treatment is very intense and effective. You’re a strong young lady

I love you Soulsis!!!! You’re so inspirational and I’m so proud of you 💖 you are so beautiful inside and out!!

I’m so glad you’re on the road to recovery! Wishing you the best!

Thanks for sharing. Your courage is contagious. I wish you the best in your recovery. I know this is 4 years later, but you gave me motivation for today. I wish you and yours the best for this holiday season. Peace

Sending love and light and prayers to your eyes - HOPE is everything in this situation and for the state of our world right now. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Happy you are recovering . Please when getting scans done like MRI don’t use the gadolinium contrast , it can make your symptoms worse

Incredible video. You are intelligent and articulate. You could be a public speaker.

I hope and pray for full recovery! It takes a strong person to discuss in detail the agony and the difficulty you've been facing!!! May God bless you with your vision and strong body!🙏✝️❤️

My 26 year old niece has been diagnosed after numerous lumbar taps, misdiagnoses, and 15 lesions on her brain. Prayers for all.

You’re very strong! Stay positive! Good thoughts, prayers and hugs from Brazil 🇧🇷! 🖖🏻

I love to hear about your story. It’s amazing very inspiring to me see how far you’ve come, and I pray your progress keeps going in the most amazing direction for you .mine isn’t super bad, but I was diagnosed with MS year ago and it is severe. They put me on the chemo drug can’t remember the name. I believe it’s the one that starts with an R same one you got kind of put on but My memory is one of the things that are most affected by my MS I have balance issues I have issues with my right eye, I can’t look down because when I do the lesions in my spine get pulled and I get vertigo and sometimes I faint, I have severe heat intolerance to wear the MS flares up in the heat, and I lose my ability to speak properly, or speak at all for a short amount of time it was very difficult because I have a son that was born the year prior and it’s hard because yes he’s running around and playing and enjoying and learning how to walk I realize I’m slowly losing all of that and when he gets big enough and he wants to do things I won’t be able to do those things because my MS won’t stop But once I got the chemo drug, we noticed things started to get a little better but I still have a lot of problems with it. I also have cerebral palsy on top of it. I was born with that so I get severe migraines. I get bodyaches where it just hurts through my entire body. I have sleep paralysis that is very scary. That affects me almost every night I have severe muscle spasms. And I still have a lot of speech issues, but I have a very supportive family behind me and I love hearing other stories. It’s very inspiring.

I'm glad you're feeling better Meg. You are so inspirational. I ended up in a wheelchair and lost all my sight in my right eye and ¾ of my vision in my left eye due to two brain tumours

God bless you Meg. In my prayers. Visualize yourself walking and doing everything you used to do.🙏

You a strong young woman Megan and your parents are amazing for advocating for you with the drs. Thank God the the one dr walking by figured out what you had. I dont understand whats going on these days with our Healthcare system. Seems like drs give up too easy vs wanting to find a diagnosis. More and more woman are dying from 4th stage cancer because the drs fail to do an mri. Its really sad. Ive heard woman talk about having to beg for one. Well sorry for turning this into a rant. Im so happy for you, that you continue to improve. God bless you and your loved ones❤❤

Thank you thank you, I really enjoyed listening.

I’m so very glad you are doing well may mighty Allah bless and protect you and family such strong beautiful young lady take care my dear angel 😇

Super hero well done !! Such an honest share & so inspirational. I don't have it but it was so informative ... thank-you xx

Thanks for sharing your story! I read the wahls diet could help with the symptoms, it does take a few months but it's been shown the help with all autoimmune diseases. It's worth trying... especially if everyone eats the same way in your household. I know 2 women who have MS and it's such a rough journey. Wish you all the best!

❤such a beautiful and courageous young lady! May research find a cure in your lifetime 👍

So inspirational!

Hope you are continuing to progress in your recovery.

truly a great video, I pretty much have gone through everything that you have gone through but I did not spend as much time in the hospital as you have. But my vision is one of my downfalls. I’ve tried numerous of the MS medication‘s and I’m looking at switching once again. numerous people have said to try the plasma paresis, but we didn’t do that. I live in Pennsylvania, so in the snow comes and it’s cold outside a lot of times I’ll just go sit on my porch and that tends to help me a lot. I have a power chair and manual chair. Tonight my big highlight was I was able to take a shower without a lot of assistance. Still had my wife there to babysit me but I was able to take a shower. I’ve gone to three different Nuro ophthalmologist will, your pen, medicine, and our local ophthalmologist. when I first met my narrow ophthalmologist, the renowned one he said eventually I would be blind and I said blind is in white black? No, he said I’ll be able to see I just won’t be able to tell what everything is perfectly so that’s how it is every morning I wake up pretty good but after I’ve been awake for a while, the doctor said as once my body gets hot and my brain stem gets hot that is time to take a rest so you’re the only other person I’ve heard of that had the same problem in both eyes and that’s when the doctor from Penn Madison said that’s the only place in your whole body that can affect both your eyes is in your brain stem. I have recently applied for a service dog, hopefully I will get that and that will provide me a little bit of support and assistance with things like opening the doors, etc. derek raines PA I am on Facebook. If you can find me send me a message. It did do a great job on your video and your father, joining along as well is really wonderful.

My college roommate had a case that sounded very similar, but she didn't have the blindness. She made a full recovery.

You are very strong! I have Ms too but unlucky my vision is going worse not better, I made Lemtrada and it stop my Ms for getting new lesion. Never give up!

Wow Megsy! You have been through so much! What an improvement since I visited you in the hospital!! Keep going Girl! You are a true inspiration! xoxoxo

Glad you are doing much better

Meg, you are amazing!! Your determination, strength and wonderful explanations are wonderful!! Obviously, you are really healing well and I pray you continue to be blessed and successful! God bless you ♥️🙏🏼🌹🌟

I am so glad God has prevented you from dying but maki g you improve to your normal life. May God bless you 💪💪😇

you are so beautiful young lady ...... why we young boys and girls get MS .... we have more to get in life ... Stay positive... you will be fine ....

I have MS and went paralyzed on the right side of my body when I was 23 also! found out I had it when I was 16 by going blind in my left eye. I also did the plasma exchange! I can relate so much

Inspirational!

Great video, thanks for your story! Keep up the exercise therapy. I know Monteil Williams a talk show host was hit with the same issue and he combated it through intense cardio and weight training. He also recovered 100%. Lola Falana another actress recovered by ceasing her career and stressfull lifestyle. Also did intense exercise. Keep letting us know your progress. God bless!!

Wow. Thank you for sharing. I hope your vision is better. MS is tough. I don’t have it. But my mom did. Wishing you the best ❤