Emma Byrne – Carlow | MS Journeys
For Emma Byrne from Carlow, living with multiple sclerosis is challenging, but it has also given her a deep sense of gratitude for everyday life.
“It’s a privilege to be able to do all that.”
Describing life with MS in one word, Emma says it is “challenging”.
Since her diagnosis, Emma says MS has given her a greater appreciation for everyday life and the things many people take for granted.
She is grateful to be able to get up every day, cycle, bring her dogs for a walk, drive and enjoy her independence.
For someone newly diagnosed, Emma’s advice is to take things one day at a time and to speak to trusted people, whether friends, relatives, counsellors or others, to work through difficult feelings.
She also encourages people not to dwell too much on the negatives.
“Life’s too short as it is.”
Emma says people in her community have generally been helpful and kind, and that her local MS Ireland branch has also been supportive.
Being part of the wider MS community is reassuring because other people can relate to the feelings, symptoms, worries, joys, hopes and fears that come with MS.
One of the things that has surprised Emma most is her own determination to get back walking and to travel as much as possible, both in Ireland and around the world.
She was diagnosed six years ago and shortly afterwards her legs became very weak. For two months, she was unable to walk, cycle or drive.
“That was extremely tough, but I kept going.”
Emma is proud of what she has achieved while living with MS. When she was diagnosed, she was in the middle of a BA Honours degree in English and History.
Despite extreme worry, financial pressure, parenting on her own and dealing with weak legs at the time, she completed her degree and went on to work in South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow as an Education Support Worker.
In September 2024, Emma fell at work and broke her right hip. Although she has been out of work since then, she has continued to keep going by cycling, bringing her dogs out with her mobility scooter, going to tennis, meeting friends and writing books.
Emma is keen to challenge the misconception that MS automatically means using a wheelchair.
She points out that this is not always the case, and that there are now more treatments and supports available to help people live well with MS.
Her message to others living with MS is simple:
“There is always hope and always something to be grateful for.”
For Emma, World MS Day is important because it keeps attention on the need for research and progress.
She hopes researchers, neurologists and MS nurses will continue working to find better treatments and improve outcomes for people living with MS.
“Wishful thinking? Maybe, but no harm in hoping.”
Emma’s story is one of determination, gratitude and hope, showing how resilience and a positive outlook can help people continue to live full and meaningful lives with MS.
Emma’s MS Diagnosis Journey
