MS Warrior Since 2005

Almost everyone will say to me, “But you don’t even look sick!”, responding in shock when I tell them I have MS, otherwise known as Multiple Sclerosis.

The truth is that I’ve had MS for over 10 years.

I was diagnosed in December 2005 when I was 29 years old, and I’ll never forget that day. I had been having some trouble with simple tasks for about a month, and it was only getting worse. Simple tasks like writing clearly with a pen, typing on my keyboard, picking up a fork to eat, and even brushing my teeth became so difficult . My coordination was off with almost everything and I felt weakness in my right arm, which is my dominant.

I was working at MTV then and everyone kept telling me that maybe it was carpel tunnel or tendonitis. I decided enough was enough and I had to get to the bottom of it since it was only getting worse and not better. I’ll spare you all the details leading up to the moment the doctors confirmed that I have MS.

I spent 12 days in the hospital through Christmas, all the while hooked up to a steroid IV. I’m usually a pretty positive person, but I won’t lie to you – it sucked…big time. Que sera, sera, though, right? Just like everything in life, we fall and we pick ourselves back up. I’m grateful that I had my support system all around and with me every day. My family even brought Christmas to me that year in the hospital. Things can get tough sometimes but I’m a warrior. MS will never stop me from living the best life I can live and enjoying every moment.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS is different for everyone. Unfortunately some people have become disabled, while some of us “don’t even look sick”.

This year, I’ve formed a team for Walk MS—a charity walk that is changing the lives of people with MS and helping fuel progress toward a world free of MS. The walk is on Sunday, April 30th in New York City, and I’m so grateful to all the folks who have already donated to this important cause.

Please consider making a donation to my Walk MS Team: Karen Ever After #MS Warriors by visiting the Fundraising Page HERE. And learn more about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

xo Karen

Here are some more pictures from that time I spent in the hospital when I was first diagnosed. Notice the date on the pictures are 12/24/05. My family and I always celebrate Christmas Eve, and like I said, they brought Christmas to me that year. Even my husband was there (my then, boyfriend)…I’m so lucky for my family.

*My amazing Mom and Dad* 

*My sister and brother in law*

*My then boyfriend, now hubby, and my adorable niece (now 18) and nephew (17 in 2 days!!)*