Who
I’m Stella S. from Florida. I’m the proud mother of 2 and am extremely active in my local MS community. I’m the MSWalk Coordinator and volunteer for the local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I’m also fluent in Spanish and like to share my story with others in both English and Spanish.
When
I was diagnosed with RRMS in 1998 at the age of 25. I began taking COPAXONE
® that same year.
What happened
At the time of my diagnosis, I was living the typical single life of a 25-year-old when I began to experience strange symptoms. I became extremely fatigued and initially blamed the long hours at the office. The fatigue became so bad that I could not walk from my car to my office. I went to see a neurologist and he ordered some tests for me. This was on a Friday, and by Monday I was paralyzed from my chest down. I had lost all feeling in my feet and had lost bladder function. I began steroid treatment that Monday and my doctor said he was going to put me on COPAXONE
®. Ultimately, I did not lose any kind of mobility and can do the things I did before my diagnosis. I have since married and have 2 beautiful children. I take COPAXONE
® every day, have not had an exacerbation since August of 1999, and feel very blessed with my family.
What's up
Seven years after my neurologist recommended COPAXONE
®, I continue to incorporate the injection into my daily routine.
Words of wisdom
If I can convey a message to everyone who is diagnosed with MS it would be to do 3 things: 1) learn as much as you can about MS; 2) maintain a positive attitude; and 3) go on—and stay on—a disease modifying therapy.
Individual results may vary.