Personal message from Oliver Sinclair
In 2004 (when I was 29 years old) I went for an MRI scan because the right-hand side of my face was numb. On my doctor’s report he listed the following: 1. Stroke, 2. Brain Tumour, or 3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Two weeks later I lost my speech, developed double-vision and lost the function of my body from my waist down. After numerous tests, MRI scans and a lumbar puncture I was diagnosed with MS.
Over time my speech returned and the feeling came back to my legs, but to this day I still have double vision (my optometrist says my eyes do things he has never seen before).
For the next six years things were pretty stable. I would have small attacks and recover from them.
The worst was the side effects from the medication. Three injections a week and each one would leave me shivering with fever, and the following day would be a write-off due to a general weakness and headaches – the bottom line, almost 50% of my life going forward would be gone.
After six years my MS progressed into the next phase and now I don’t recover completely from my attacks.
The right-hand side of my body doesn’t work: my foot hangs, my hand is clenched, my toes are clenched, the right side of my face droops.
All of a sudden things you do without thinking have become difficult or impossible: writing, tying shoe laces, running, carrying my son, dressing him or myself, holding a knife and fork, walking on the beach, walking in general.
I am 38 years old, I walk with a walking stick, I have a brace on my right ankle and I ride on a mobility scooter (yes, that thing that grannies use).
I haven’t given up yet. Twice a week I see a Biokineticist who helps me maintain mobility and gain strength in areas that help with my day-to-day living. The other days I train by myself and do stretches. I eat a strict diet and take numerous vitamins and supplements.
Last month Discovery agreed to pay for new medicine for me. This is a drip once a month. So far there have been no side effects – so I’m able to live “normally” for a full seven days in a week again.
I may not be able to run with my son or kick a ball with him, but I no longer have to tell him that we can’t go out today because Daddy is feeling sick.
This medicine is not a cure for MS but it just improves the quality of life while living with MS.
I am going to attempt to stay upright on a bicycle for 35km to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, KZN Branch riding the Amashova Durban Classic on October 13 this year, and look forward to your support.
Make a donation to this worthy cause https://www.backabuddy.co.za/donate/champion/pedaling-for-ms
1 Comment
This is a great story about a young man with tremendous courage, supported by a very caring and understanding wife, Michelle. The challenge of balancing on a bike albeit electric for the shortened Amashova is fantastic. We will be out there in force to encourage and support him aswell all the other MS sufferers, and the cause, to help make everyone out there more aware of the dreadful illness that MS is. Roll on the ‘Orange ” brigade.