Sarah O’Connor – Clare | MS Journeys
For Sarah O’Connor from Co. Clare, living with multiple sclerosis means navigating an unpredictable condition that brings physical symptoms, emotions and worries, while also strengthening her appreciation for the good moments in life.
“Living with MS is an unpredictable rollercoaster of physical symptoms, emotions and worries but it’s something that makes you stronger and appreciate every good moment so much more.”
MS has changed Sarah in both positive and difficult ways. She says the condition brings a range of mostly invisible symptoms that affect her daily life, along with worry, fear and unpredictability.
At the same time, Sarah believes it is important to acknowledge the positives. Through MS, she has met “some amazing fellow MS warriors”, become more empathetic and learned to respect her body more by thinking carefully about movement, food, rest and how she spends her energy.
For someone newly diagnosed, Sarah’s advice is to speak to someone else living with MS who is further along in their journey.
She says real-life advice from someone who understands is invaluable.
“Acceptance takes time and is not linear. It’s natural to feel scared, angry, upset. Acknowledge your feelings and be kind to yourself.”
Family and friends have been hugely important in Sarah’s journey. While she recognises that MS can be difficult for people who do not live with the condition to understand, she says it is important to educate loved ones, help them to help you and accept support when it is needed.
Her family and friends have listened to her worries, helped when needed and sometimes given her the welcome distraction of stepping away from her diagnosis for a while.
MS Ireland has also played an important role in Sarah’s life. She describes the organisation as a fantastic support for people living with MS and their families and says it provides accurate, unbiased information.
She also takes part in a weekly physiotherapist-led MS exercise class through MS Ireland.
For Sarah, being part of the wider MS community means being connected to “a whole community of incredibly strong warriors” who are each on their own MS journey, but who are also joined by a shared experience.
It means not feeling alone and feeling supported to live with her diagnosis as best she can.
One of the things that has surprised Sarah most is the impact of external factors on her symptoms.
She has noticed that when her body overheats, her symptoms intensify. Being overtired, hungry or due her period can also increase the intensity of her symptoms.
She has also been surprised by the lack of wider awareness of MS among the general public.
Sarah’s biggest challenges include fatigue, numbness and tingling in her limbs, weakness, balance issues, eye issues and dizziness.
She can also struggle with word finding and becoming overstimulated.
Emotionally, she says it can be difficult to accept that she will have MS for the rest of her life and to feel that she cannot always keep up with friends and family or feel like a “normal” 29-year-old.
Rest is one of the biggest things that helps Sarah physically, although she admits it can be emotionally difficult.
She knows rest is productive and vital for her body, but it can sometimes feel like she is wasting time. She is learning that rest is what allows her to do the things she wants on another day.
Sarah is proud of what she has achieved since her diagnosis.
She took part in a skydive to raise money for MS Ireland and Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland, as she also lives with Crohn’s disease.
She has also prioritised exercise, including weekly reformer Pilates classes, to increase and maintain her strength and flexibility.
In addition, she has set herself the challenge of visiting 30 countries before turning 30 and has already visited 28, many of them on solo trips.
Sarah is keen to challenge the misconception that people with MS should stay at home resting every day and avoid pushing themselves.
She says she wants to complete a Hyrox event and continue travelling, showing that MS will not stop her doing the things she wants to do, even if she may need to adapt how she does them.
Her message to others living with MS is clear:
“You are not alone. Living with MS can feel like a lonely journey but there are thousands of others across the globe who understand what you’re going through. Reach out, start the conversation and create a community.”
For Sarah, World MS Day is important because it gives people living with MS the opportunity to share their stories, raise awareness of the condition and come together as one strong community.
Sarah’s story is one of resilience, determination and connection, showing how support, acceptance and community can help people continue to live life to the fullest while navigating MS.
Sarah’s MS Diagnosis Journey
