Yolanda's story

The symptoms that affect Yolanda currently include fatigue, heat intolerance and numbness in her hands. “I have difficulty typing on a keyboard,” she explains.

When she was diagnosed last year, Yolanda was working in early learning. “It’s something I’m passionate about but it’s a difficult job for someone with neurological issues because everything is in miniature. The chairs are tiny! And being outdoors in the heat is challenging.” Yolanda used the end of her contract as an opportunity to reevaluate what was important and to think about a more sustainable career.

“I’m applying for a TAFE course in Allied Health Assistance to get into speech pathology. I want to help children who have different needs.”

“My mum’s been on the whole journey with me – taking me to all those specialist appointments over the years. Having an answer has been validating in a way. It’s a whole experience we’ve gone through together.”

Yolanda laughs on recalling that she told her brother about her diagnosis by saying, “You know the MSWA Mega Home Lottery? Well, I need to thank you for always buying a ticket.”

When speaking of the future, she is looking forward to life with newfound clarity.

“When you tell someone you have MS, there’s often an expectation that you’ll end up in a wheelchair. That’s not what my peers and I expect. We’re the new generation of MS patients. The medications and treatments available are increasingly effective. There is so much support available.”

“To anyone who has just been diagnosed I would say this: You don’t have to have all the answers. Take your time. It’s a lot to deal with. You’ll feel like you’ll be lost forever but you won’t. Find a group like the MSWA Coffee Club. Get support from people that are going through the same thing. That’s the biggest thing that helped me.”