Authored by Sofia Rivera, in conversation with Alex Cruz
My journey with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) began on the eve of New Year’s in 2002, when I was 32 years old. This was a time when I had just entered the workforce in Brooklyn, NY, fresh out of graduate school, feeling empowered and independent. I was always on the move, characterized by the sound of my 5-inch stilettos reverberating before my presence. Life was vibrant and full of promise.
One fateful day at work, I noticed an unusual difficulty in gripping the pen I used to jot down notes. Initially brushing it off, the struggle persisted, accompanied by peculiar sensations within my body. Sensing that something was amiss, I alerted my supervisor and was advised to head home and complete my tasks later.
Turning to my customary cup of tea for comfort, I soon realized the odd sensations had now spread from my hands to my lower body, causing numbness and weakness akin to pins and needles. Walking became a challenge, ultimately leading to a fall that left me immobilized.
Rushed to the emergency room by my roommate, I underwent a battery of tests and examinations, culminating in a diagnosis of MS just days after my birthday. Unfamiliar with the condition beyond the experiences of public figures like Montel Williams and Richard Pryor, a wave of uncertainty and fear engulfed me. Questions about my future prospects, relationships, and ability to live a fulfilling life swirled in my mind.
Finding Solutions for Mobility Challenges
Embracing life with MS required me to adapt and find solutions that worked for me. Utilizing assistive devices became integral to maintaining my mobility. I relied on canes, including a folding one and a beautifully crafted wooden cane, to assist in walking.
Understanding the emotional toll of navigating this illness, I sought to incorporate style and personality into my mobility aids. Opting for a leopard-print cane to complement my shoes, I aimed to find empowerment and confidence amidst the challenges posed by MS.