Rachel Keavney – Mayo | MS Journeys
For Rachel Keavney from Ballina, Co. Mayo, living with multiple sclerosis means navigating a condition she describes as “invisibly unpredictable.”
“Some days can be very, very challenging, but I’m just glad to be out of hospital most of the time.”
MS has changed how Rachel looks at everyday life. She says it has made her more grateful for the simple things, including spending time with family, slowing down and listening to her body.
For someone newly diagnosed, Rachel’s advice is to take things day by day and not be afraid to ask for support.
“Take time for yourself and take your new life day by day. Some days are okay and some days are awful.”
She encourages people to speak openly with those around them, reach out to MS Ireland or MS nurses and keep a diary of symptoms to share with healthcare professionals.
Family, friends and healthcare professionals have all played an important role in Rachel’s journey. She says she is very grateful for the support of her medical team in Deel Medical and Sligo University Hospital, describing them as always being there for her and “like family”.
MS Ireland has also played an important role in Rachel’s life. When she was diagnosed, receiving information from MS Ireland reassured her that support was available outside the hospital environment. Although she waited some time before reaching out fully, she now wishes she had connected sooner.
Rachel has taken part in a number of MS Ireland supports, including yoga and reflexology classes, online fatigue management groups and an entrepreneurship course delivered with TU Dublin and AIB.
For Rachel, being part of the wider MS community means knowing there is always someone to turn to for support, advice and reassurance.
One of the things that has surprised her most is how connected the body and mind are, and how MS can affect far more than people may realise.
She says MS is not only about mobility, but can also affect thinking, bladder function, speech and many other aspects of daily life.
As a young person living with an invisible disability, one of Rachel’s biggest challenges is feeling recognised and understood. She says people sometimes stare or question her use of a blue badge or walking aid without understanding the reality of her condition.
To manage her MS physically and emotionally, Rachel focuses on self-care, rest, fresh air and gentle exercise.
She is proud of becoming a mother, describing it as a long journey involving medication changes, emotional challenges and careful timing. She is also proud of marrying her supportive husband last year after their wedding had previously been postponed for medical reasons.
Rachel says it is important to celebrate the smaller wins too, whether that is walking a little further, managing fatigue better or simply getting through the day.
She is keen to challenge the misconception that if a person with MS can do something one day, they will automatically be able to do it again the next.
“Each day is different.”
Her message to others living with MS is simple and supportive:
“Keep your chin up, always reach out to someone to chat and remember treatments are always improving. It’s always okay to have off days.”
For Rachel, World MS Day is important because it raises awareness, supports fundraising and helps people better understand the realities of living with MS.
Rachel’s story is one of honesty, resilience and support, showing the importance of community, understanding and taking life one day at a time.
Rachel’s MS Diagnosis Journey
