Galway woman reveals reality of living with Multiple Sclerosis

Ann Hanley’s initial symptoms started ten years before her diagnosis of MS in October 2015.

“I was having symptoms such as some balance issue, I had unusual pains throughout my body over a ten-year period and was in and out of hospital,” she says.

And that meant frequent hospital visits over that ten-year period for the Galway City woman.

“Sometimes I was admitted twice in a year, I would be sent home with steroids and be somewhat okay, but that was short lived – and within six months something else would present itself,” she says.

But in September 2015, Ann ended up in hospital with what she describes as “like I had a stroke down the right side of my body”.

“I was put on steroids again and sent home. I was only home three days when I was back in hospital for a month. When I was let home, it was again just three days until I was back in hospital.”

All of that meant that, when Ann was diagnosed in October 2015, she was actually relieved to finally know what was wrong with her.

“I knew that I had something seriously wrong with me and nobody could tell me what it was. It was constant repairing every problem that would arise, for example I had bowel surgery.”

“When I was diagnosed there was great relief in it, because I knew I had a name, and I knew there was a treatment, a stabilisation,” added Ann.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto immune disease that effects an estimated 9,000 Irish people today, according to MS Ireland. The disease can cause all parts of the nervous system to be attacked, resulting in many symptoms such as, visual problems, balancing issues, muscle problems and depression.

But even after diagnosis, Ann did not immediately see herself as someone with a disability.

“I remember a nurse gave me forms for different organizations they needed me to apply to for different things. When the word ‘disability’ had been used, I looked over my shoulder to see who she was talking to because I didn’t see that as me,” she says.

Ann feels that there is huge importance in getting diagnosis as early as possible as it is best to start the modifying treatment as early as possible.

“We need very much to be listened to. We are not attention-seekers – and at the time I felt people thought I was looking for attention” said Ann.

Ann said that given her busy work as a hygiene manager, and as mother of three daughters, she neglected herself and put off getting things checked.

“I remember I was working at the hospital and I would be standing at the Galway hospital swivel door, all dressed up, folder in my arm and yet I didn’t know how to tell myself how to get to the other side,” she says.

One knock-on of MS has seen Ann lose much of her self-confidence.

“I cannot manage crowds, I have such fears of falling. I walk around being eaten up with every step I take thinking am I going to fall.”

But she says that the main thing she feels is needed for people with MS is better awareness of what they are going through.

“There are things people say that upset me, such as ‘you don’t look sick’, ‘you should try this diet’, ‘stop using MS as an excuse’.”

And as to what inspires her to speak about her illness and its issues, she doesn’t hesitate.

“I feel you have to be your own advocate. I do have great friends and family and would be happy for anyone with MS to contact me to give them support.”