Multiple Sclerosis (a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the nerves) affects over 5,000 people in Northern Ireland, one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. The MS Society provide help, support and services for the here and now but also fund vital research which provides hope for the future.
Mairead from Belfast was diagnosed with MS in her early 20s.
Multiple Sclerosis affects over 5,000 people in Northern Ireland. That’s one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. It’s a neurological condition. It means the immune system doesn’t work properly. Instead of fighting off infection, the immune system attacks the nerves. Everyone’s MS is different but it can affect everything from vision to how people walk, talk, think and feel.
“Leading up to my diagnosis my symptoms were pretty intense and I needed to use a zimmer at the age of 22. I get numbness in my legs, I have some issues with memory and really challenging fatigue. But the emotional side of things and anxiety has been the most challenging for me to cope with. My diagnosis was difficult, I was worried because my grandfather had MS and I watched is disability accumulate. But I’ve learnt that research and treatment has and continues to improve drastically since then. My life and outlook has changed since my diagnoses, some for the better some for worse. I don’t know what the future holds. But I have recently started a family and I have a clear and positive outlook. But there remains a lot of uncertainty for me and people like me. I support the MS Society because they provide help, support and services for the here and now but also fund vital research which provides hope for the future.”