HELLO! I am Jessica Let me tell you about
my experience with Multiple Sclerosis. At age 6, I had a stroke, now we know
that it was not a stroke, but it was the first sign of MS. At age 17
years old, I lost vision in my left eye. I thought I scratched my eye.
After going to countless numbers of doctors, I ended up at Shands in
Gainsville. There I was diagnosed with optic neuritis with is usually a
symptom of M.S. I was admitted into the hospital and given a spinal tap,
blood work, MRI and numerous diagnostic testing. It was confirmed
that my diagnosis was Multiple Sclerosis. To this day, I really cannot
explain how I felt, being so young diagnosed with a disease that has no cure.
It was life changing. I was immediately given sol-u-medrol (IV steroids) I also had to begin taking
shots 3 times a week, it was life shattering. Having M.S. was
something I could not control, but I realized I could control my educational
track. I graduated from high school later that year. I attended community
college, where I earned m my A.A degree. I then went to The University of
North Florida where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree majoring in History and
minoring in English. I continued my education and received my Master’s
Degree in Education with a Disability Services track. I also worked
throughout my time in school. I wanted to be independent. As my disease progressed,
many of my abilities have slowly been lost. I have to use a walker, wheel
chair and electric scooter depending on what my unpredictable disease decides
to hand me that day. I am no longer working (but I am on the hunt for
employment) and am on disability. I want to let you take this Journey with me...Jessica's Journey! I am so excited to start this blog and bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis!
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