Living with MS: How One Turning Point Changed Everything | by Stephen Walker | Aug, 2025

A personal story of resilience, reflection, and a deeper understanding of chronic illness

When you first hear the words multiple sclerosis, your mind can spin in every direction — fear, confusion, and a hundred unanswered questions. I’ve lived with MS for over three decades, but it was one particular moment — a personal turning point — that reshaped my entire approach to life, work, and wellbeing.

The Turning Point I Didn’t Expect

I’d always considered myself someone who thrived on pressure. Fast-paced deadlines and travel kept me sharp. But as MS symptoms crept in — fatigue, vision issues, and brain fog — I realised my old strategies were no longer serving me. In fact, they were making things worse.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. I resisted at first. But eventually, I had to let go of the version of myself that once was, and embrace something more sustainable, more mindful — more human.

How I Began Rebuilding My Life

That moment of acceptance became the foundation of change. I restructured my days, built new routines, and sought ways to contribute meaningfully despite the MonSter’s unpredictability. It wasn’t easy — but it was empowering.

I’ve documented my journey in detail here:
👉 Living with MS: A Personal Journey of Adaptation and Resilience

Support Is Out There — Use It

If you’re navigating this illness yourself, you’re not alone. There are communities, tools, and stories that can support you along the way.

One helpful resource I return to again and again is the MS Society:
🔗 https://www.mssociety.org.uk

Living with MS isn’t about giving up. It’s about adapting, reflecting, and discovering what still matters — perhaps even more than before.

For more on managing daily life with MS, routines that help, and creative reflections, visit MyMSisMe.