15/11/2025
This is MS.
Now I'm back, I feel like I can tell this story. The week before I was due to head to Cambodia, MS tried to wipe me out. My first relapse in a very long time as the medication had been suppressing it so well.
It terrified me.
I lost the use of my right arm. I first noticed something was off when I went to a cafe and dropped my cutlery. Tried to pick it up and couldn't get my fingers to hold onto it. At work, I struggled to hold a pen. Grip gone. I couldn't believe the timing. I was due to bike in 7 days. How will I hold the handle bars?
Next, my left leg went numb, and then it went to my face. Around my mouth and tongue felt so strange. At night, everything throbbed, and I was sick with worry. I had an emergency MRI and put on a very high 5 day course of steroids to try and help with recovery.
Now I was only a few days away from leaving, and I had no idea if I would make it to Cambodia. I so badly wanted to go, but I had to make sure my body could cope.
I stayed in bed for a few days, training and work were off the cards. Mentally, I struggled more than ever before. Thankfully, I regained some use of my right arm, and the other numbness was lessening to a point I thought I could manage the trip. I knew there was a support van following the group that I could use if I needed it.
The other riders were an amazing support, and I was determined to finish what I had set out to do earlier in the year. While I was there, I continued to improve, and I was so grateful I gave it a shot.
MS really is a rollercoaster ride, and this shows just how unpredictable it can be.
Be like a Chambok tree and never give up! 🧡
