Diagnosed with MS Later in Life

“Being diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) at 68 years old was something I never expected, and it shifted my perspective on how I was going to live my life going forward. 

In the beginning, I was terrified about what my journey was going to look like. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was going to end up needing a wheelchair and not be able to live my life the way I was used to. Once I got past the initial shock, denial, grief, and anger, I decided I was going to make lemonade out of lemons and that this disease wasn’t going to take control of my life. If this is my world, if this is what I’m faced with, I’m going to make the best of it.

As a self-proclaimed ‘fitness freak,’ it’s been hard for me to see my body change throughout my PPMS journey. Before I was diagnosed, I started noticing subtle changes in my walking and balance and then suddenly, I was dragging my left foot and tripping. I had no idea what was happening and chalked it up to getting older. The turning point was when I tripped on the sidewalk and broke my nose. I had already seen my doctor and a neurologist before this happened and over the next few years, I went on to see a psychiatrist, osteopath, several physiotherapists, and a second neurologist who eventually referred me to a third neurologist who specialized in MS. During our first appointment, she asked me a lot of questions and that’s when I realized there had been gradual changes in my health for 15-18 years. I didn’t think much of it at the time. I just thought it was normal aging.  

Learning to accept my diagnosis has been a humbling experience. I found myself getting really frustrated, depressed, and anxious. I did some counselling before deciding to take an antidepressant. Eventually I reached out to someone I knew in the MS community, and she put me in touch with an MS Ambassador. We hit it off right away and I realized there are really cool, dynamic people living with MS and living well. I can be ok in this world. I can be an advocate and help put a face to MS. That’s my purpose. I just needed to know there was something good that was going to come out of this.

It motivated me to get out there and become an MS Ambassador, and also get involved with MS Walk. I wanted to keep myself engaged and maintain my active lifestyle.  

My first year joining MS Walk was unforgettable. The weather was beautiful and the sound of people cheering and music playing is something that will stay with me forever. Being part of MS Walk allows me to share my story with others, make meaningful connections, and educate those in my life about MS and the challenges that people like me face every day. Last year, I was asked to be an impact speaker at the Vancouver MS Walk. Standing up and sharing my story was very healing and helped me process my diagnosis that much more. My two granddaughters, ages 11 and 8, were there and they were so proud of their Nana. One of the greatest gifts has been seeing how kind and generous my grandchildren are when they’re around me. They’re always checking in to see if I’m ok and eager to lend a hand (or arm) if they sense I need it. 

Through MS Walk, my husband and I were inspired to host a fundraising event of our own; a pickleball tournament. The first year was a huge success. We had more than 75 participants and raised over $5,000. We look forward to continuing the tradition every year going forward!

These events have connected me to the MS community in a way I could never have imagined at my age. Many individuals diagnosed with MS are much younger than myself, so having the chance to share my story and hear about other people’s experiences has made my outlook much more positive. It’s inspiring to talk to other community members and hear stories about obstacles they’ve overcome. I’m looking forward to MS Walk in a few weeks. I couldn’t be happier to get back out there, spread awareness, and fundraise for a cure. Being surrounded by family, friends, and the MS community has made the last few years some of the most memorable.  

MS looks different for everyone. At 72 years old, I’m fortunate to only experience minor stability issues and can still enjoy my favourite activities. Living with MS isn’t always easy, but the silver lining for me is that it’s allowed me to learn to let go and not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. The most important lesson I’ve learned is not to sweat the small stuff!” 

Join Jan in her fight against MS by registering for MS Walk here