Catherine’s story

My diagnosis   

I was diagnosed with MS in 2014. As a nurse at the time, I was in denial. I knew something was seriously wrong.   

I remember the pins and needles in my feet being so severe it was like walking on fire. For about two or three months I knew it was likely MS, but I just stored it away and carried on.  

Eventually the pain and stiffness went up both legs. It was like wading through mud then finally when I couldn’t walk, I attended A&E and within a week that was it, Life changed forever following an MRI and the dreaded lumbar puncture.   

Now I realise and am grateful how lucky I was for the quick diagnosis.  

What helped me   

After having a relapse, I was desperately trying to work out how I could change things and take back control. I felt weaker, lonelier and lacked direction. I read the Overcoming MS book by Professor Jelinek, word for word, ready to pick it apart. I questioned and judged how you could overcome MS. My nursing analytical brain appreciated the evidence-based approach to recovery.  

What changed  

 I started to move more, adopted a plant-based diet, found yoga and meditation. I felt like I was in control and moving forward with this completely unpredictable condition.   

I started following Overcoming MS on Instagram and quickly signed up to the Retreat in 2025, which changed everything.   

For the first time since being diagnosed I felt connected and honest with myself and others. Hearing experiences of others with MS, meeting and listening to all the Facilitators sessions changed my life. I understand this condition so much better. I can make informed choices now. Now, I always have someone to talk to from my Retreat Circle, and I eat – move and rest so much more mindfully and without guilt.  

What still isn’t easy   

The unknown is still hard, the days when the legs don’t do what I want them to do -which is normally half the time. Sometimes the mind still takes over, and the days get dark again. The yearly MRIs ramp up the stress – but I am so much better equipped to deal with it all now.  

Life today  

I have been working as a nurse in a GP surgery. You can feel MS steals a lot from you, and being a nurse is a really important part of who I am. But initially, I couldn’t do the shift work or cover the physical distance on the wards.  

Now I am open and honest with my manager and team who have shown nothing but empathy and support. I hope they know how much I love what I do – working with such I wide range of people who walk through my door. I give it 100% and it gives me so much purpose.  

I’ll still have a lot of guilt of the emotions my kids witnessed at young age, and this is why I would so encourage young people who are diagnosed to reach out – become informed and take action for themselves, their families and their future and potential futures.  

Nobody told me… I would feel in control even if the future would feel so uncertain  

No one told me to be open, honest and most importantly, speak to other people with MS. It’s the most important thing you’ll ever do because then, you’ll feel like you’re not alone.