Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
See answer

Member Spotlight: Uncharted Waters — My Journey With MS

Posted on March 24, 2021

Seven years have now passed since I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and it has altered my life in ways I could never have imagined.

My life was a dream come true, working on sailboats as a captain and living an island life in Key West, Florida, with my husband. The day before MS came into my life was a normal day, and I went to bed that night without a care in the world. The next morning, however, marked the beginning of a very stressful time. Sometime during the night, I must have experienced a severe episode. I woke up unable to walk, speak, or see properly.

At the emergency room, the medical team swiftly performed a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). No words can properly express the fear and anxiety I felt while awaiting those results. Within three months of my initial episode, two neurologists told me that I had MS.

The first few years following my diagnosis were filled with anger, pain, frustration, pity, sadness, and resentment. Until my MS diagnosis, I’d spent most of my time in the sun, but MS made it very hard to be in the heat. Before long, I had to give up working on boats. MS felt like this giant monkey on my back, constantly throwing a wrench into every activity I enjoyed. Then came a work trip to the Pacific Northwest that changed everything for me.

By that point, I was working an office job to stay out of the heat, and during a business conference in Portland, Oregon, I felt better than I had in years. It's unfortunate how quickly we acclimate to feeling sick, but for the first time, I realized I didn't have to feel that way, and it became clear that I would have to let go of my life in Key West.

The decision to leave Florida was a painful but necessary one. My husband was on board, and we set off for Seattle, Washington. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, cool temperatures, and waterways that I had never experienced before, I started hiking and camping, and tried new activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Ultimately, I was able to get back to working as a captain. Seattle allowed me the freedom to consider new possibilities — and for the first time in years, I was happy.

In addition to enjoying the new setting of Washington, I also got to tap into my adventurous side. My Seattle MS center asked if I’d be interested in participating in an MS pilot program with First Descents, an organization that provides outdoor experiences for people living with chronic conditions. The trip would allow me to see Montana for the first time and try whitewater kayaking, and I decided to go for it.

One of the most important lessons I learned from my participation in First Descents was that I’d been in denial about my MS fears. Although I outwardly had a positive attitude, I hadn’t previously shared a lot about my concerns — not even with my husband. But during my time at First Descents, I realized that my positive attitude was a crutch in many ways. I had a great community of friends and family, but they couldn't be there for me the way I needed because I hadn't opened up to them.

My time on the river also opened my eyes to new experiences. Kayaking made me realize that I was a water person, not just an ocean lover. Nature has such a healing power, and being able to share this experience with people who knew exactly how I felt made me realize that I needed more than just a positive attitude — I needed a real community.

I now live in Asheville, North Carolina, and I have explored the rivers, camped, and hiked — connecting with the outdoors as much as possible. I’d planned on returning to Seattle to work on boats for the summer, but COVID-19 shut that down. Next summer, I plan to apply to boat jobs in Alaska and explore that beautiful part of the country.

This has been a challenging year for so many, but it has also made me realize truly how important a community and nature are to my positivity. Camping and kayaking allowed me to keep my sanity, and the important people in my life helped me to never give up hope.


This article was written by MyMSTeam member Yajaira Carrasquel as part of the Member Spotlight Series.

Do you want to be a part of the MyMSTeam Member Spotlight Series?
Send us an email and let us know.

Posted on March 24, 2021

A MyMSTeam Member

I was diagnosed 15 years ago but saw only a few signs for the first 5 or so years. As the MS has increased I've had to continue to limit more and more activities. In the last couple years or so my… read more

March 31, 2021
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Related Articles

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....

Can MS Cause Hypersexuality?

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....
Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...

My Advocacy Tips: Taking Care of Future Me With MS

Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...
In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...

Stress, Affording Treatment, and Quality of Life With MS: See Survey Results

In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...
YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."

Easy Movement Videos for People With MS

YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."
After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...

How I Got Over My Fear of Needles To Have My Best Shot With MS

After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...
In partnership with GoodRx

Recent Articles

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!

Is MS Inherited From Your Mother or Father? 5 Factors That Matter (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!
Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...

Genetic Factors in MS: HLA-DRB1 and More (VIDEO)

Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...
Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...

Multiple Sclerosis in Men vs. Women: 5 Symptom Differences and More

Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...

Who Gets MS? Prevalence, Epidemiology, and More

Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...

How Many People Live With MS? (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...
Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

Schedules for MS Infusions: Monthly, Twice a Year, and Other Frequencies

Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: