Meet Lindsey

Lindsey was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. This is her story.

On living with MS . . .

“Vertigo was my first symptom, I was waved off by my doctor at that point. Soon after, I experienced optic neuritis. The colours I could see in my left eye were very faded, like an old photo. My doctor still didn’t take this seriously and passed me off with a quick explanation. Due to not being treated at all, I now have slight permanent damage in that eye. I tried to carry on with symptoms, as the doctors weren’t taking notice. But when I first experienced Trigeminal Neuralgia I had to get help. I managed to get a referral to a private neurologist who was amazing and didn’t leave any stone unturned.

In the space of a couple of months I had my diagnosis. The emotions that came with that were such a confusing mix of relief and concern. It is such a relief to finally have a diagnosis after being passed off and not taken seriously. But I did understand little about RRMS at this point, so I had to learn a lot and I believe we are all constantly learning about our illness. The huge variety of possible symptoms make no two person’s experiences the same.”

What Lindsey wants you to know about MS . . .

“A lot of people think MS is someone in a wheelchair and that is it. But there’s so much more that you can’t see and the majority of us aren’t in chairs and have no visible signs. What goes on inside, though, is so much confusion, fatigue, pain, discomfort, strength, resilience.

Please understand everyone with MS is different and has their own story and every person with this mostly invisible illness deserves to be seen.”

Despite having MS . . .

“I continue to pursue my career. I continue to perform and act on stage, to dance, to live my life, attend gigs with friends and take care of all my animals. It hits me and knocks me down. I give myself a moment and start again.”

Fun fact about Lindsey . . .

“I used to be a Scottish champion in Highland dancing when I was a teenager.”

Where you can find Lindsey online . . .

Instagram: @red_hair_rapunzel
Twitter: @scottishjetta
“Chronic Illness” Instagram page: @chronically_inspiring

While MS is different for each person as Lindsey noted, the dismissal she experienced from her doctor isn’t unusual, especially with women. It’s so important to be our own best advocates when it comes to our health. Not speaking up and advocating could result in misdiagnosis, prolonged pain, etc. It’s unfortunate that the lack of care or concern by Lindsey’s doctor resulted in permanent damage to her eye. It’s a cautionary tale. When something isn’t right with your body, press your doctor for answers. Don’t take “no” as the final diagnosis.

All the best to you, Lindsay. You’re handling MS!