My Journey With Multiple Sclerosis
Hi All! My name is Alex. I'm 24 years old, and, if you haven't guessed by the picture, I'm a bit a of a gym junkie!
I started my fitness journey when i was about 16, and after a few months I was hooked. I loved seeing my progression, and enjoyed pushing myself past my limits. I felt like I was getting stronger every day!
But in late 2015, life threw an entirely new challenge my way. It all started out with some 'odd' symptoms. I woke up one day with almost no balance. I could barely walk in a straight line! I lost all the grip strength and coordination in my right hand, and i kept 'spacing out'. It felt like I was living in a bubble.
In March 2016, after numerous MRI scans, blood tests, and doctors’ appointments, I was diagnosed with Relapsing and Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
For the first few months I was in denial. I refused to change any aspect of my lifestyle. I thought i was powerless, and had no control over my future. A relapse in March 2016 completely changed my attitude. I lost most of the strength in my legs, and could barely walk. My gym sessions became harder and harder, and each time I could lift less weight. I felt so weak.
I decided that I'd had enough. I needed to find a way to feel better. So I started researching, learning, and connecting with others. Pretty soon I was meditating, doing yoga, and taking all sorts of natural supplements (I even started my own blog!). My gym sessions got better, and my symptoms started to reduce.
The last couple of years have been tough, but with support from an amazing community, and a lifestyle devoted to health and fitness, I finally feel in control of my life again
That relapse might have knocked me back, but I feel stronger now than I ever have done.
