May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month, and Mum’s Mail chatted to Carly Erasmus, a local mom and entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2011.
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
Although she didn’t realise it, Carly was having symptoms as early as 2007 – four years before she was diagnosed. At the time of diagnosis, Carly had a stressful executive job and it became difficult to function – she got tired easily and suffered from short term memory loss. For the first two years after diagnosis, Carly also suffered from depression and gained weight.
In 2017 Carly became a mom and moved to Durban to open a travel business with her sister. She lives with her mother and son on her sister’s property. This ensures she has a good support system around her – this is important for MS sufferers, especially a single mom like Carly. Her son Matthew is now two years old and is a real fireball, according to his mom! Carly works from home – this ensures she can rest when she’s tired, which is essential for MS sufferers.
“I have to wear flat shoes all the time in case I fall, sometimes I can’t talk, sometimes I shake and I forget words… I have to inject myself three times a day and take 13 pills, twice a day. I never want my son to feel as if he has to take care of me. As he gets older, I will explain more about my disease.”
Of course Carly hopes a cure will be found. Until then, Carly says it’s important to raise awareness about MS and how to support those you know that have MS.
“If you know someone who has MS – be mindful of the fact that there are many side effects. Be patient – we have no control over it. Support them where you can.”
To those who have MS, Carly has this advice: “Be kind to yourself, it’s not your fault. Take a deep breath and surround yourself with people who love you and understand. Cut out stress and negativity in your life.”
For more information about MS, visit the Multiple Sclerosis website.
Written by Sarah Mackintosh.