Charlie’s story

My diagnosis  

I was 38 when I was diagnosed. My family was incredibly supportive and we had some sense that the diagnosis might be coming, but it was still frightening. I knew very little about MS and, at first, thought of it as a kind of doomsday diagnosis.  

I decided early on that I was going to stay positive and take it like a champ. The neurologist’s message was “This will get worse; take this medication”. I needed more than that, so I began researching what else could help me live well alongside my medical care.  

What helped me  

I found Dr Sam Gartland, who specialises in MS and is connected with Overcoming MS. He sent me home with a book rather than only a prescription, and it gave me a new lease of life.  

My first thought was, “What an incredible challenge, journey and adventure I am about to begin”. The information did not make MS disappear, but it changed the way I saw myself. I no longer felt as though my only role was to wait for something bad to happen.  

Overcoming MS gave me practical ideas and a more hopeful way to understand the future. It showed me that I could take an active part in looking after myself while continuing to work with healthcare professionals about treatment.  

What changed  

I changed to a wholefood, plant-based diet. I practise yoga each week, meditate often and exercise regularly.  

The less visible change is that I am learning to go easier on myself. I am still practising that one and certainly have not mastered it, but it may be as important as any of the more obvious habits.  

I now approach MS with curiosity. I enjoy learning what supports me, trying new things and noticing what my mind and body can still achieve.  

What still is not easy  

One of my biggest frustrations is other people’s fixed idea of what MS means. The condition frightens people, and it can be difficult when someone dismisses the role that lifestyle can play in supporting wellbeing. I encourage people – including doctors who are sceptical – to learn more about the Overcoming MS approach before making up their minds.  

I experience tiredness and other challenges, but I try not to spend my energy being angry with them. Meditation helps me notice what is happening, accept the moment and respond more calmly.  

Acceptance does not mean that everything is easy or that I never struggle. For me, it means that a difficult symptom does not have to take over the whole day or define the whole story.  

Life today  

Life today is wonderful – truly wonderful. I have more energy and zest for life than ever, and I feel that I have opened a new chapter.  

I sometimes describe MS as the best thing that has happened to me. I do not mean that the condition itself is easy or that everyone should feel the same. I mean that the diagnosis prompted me to transform many parts of my life and discover a more positive, engaged version of myself.  

I keep surprising myself with new achievements. MS is part of my life, but it has not closed the future. In some ways, it has made me step into it more fully.  

Nobody Told Me… there will be work to do, but it can be empowering and full of discovery