A woman has recalled how she unknowingly dismissed symptoms of multiple sclerosis as ‘pins and needles’, after she woke up with a numb arm one morning.
Holly Ridgeon, now 24, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, has gone viral after opening up about the life-changing moment she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22, in the hope to spread awareness of the disease.
Holly revealed she woke up one morning feeling a loss of sensation in one of her arms, before becoming terrified when she started to lose feeling on the whole side of her left body leaving it ‘numb and heavy’.
However Holly was forced to attend five doctor appointments, during which she felt ‘fobbed off’ with diagnoses which included ‘an allergic reaction and a stroke’ before she was properly diagnosed.
Holly Ridgeon, now 24, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, has gone viral after opening up about the life-changing moment she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22, in the hope to spread awareness of the disease
Holly eventually saw a consultant who diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the brain and spinal cords that can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control and other basic human functions.
The 24-year-old said broke down into tears upon hearing the diagnosis, but then brushed it aside and tried to live her life as ‘normal as possible’, and even went on holiday shortly after.
However she believes that bottling up her emotions for two years caused her to fall into depression, and she is now highlighting the importance of speaking about MS.
Holly recalled: ‘When I got the diagnosis I just broke down crying. A couple of people had suggested it when I got the symptoms but I didn’t really know what it was before my diagnosis.
Holly revealed she woke up one morning feeling a loss of sensation in one of her arms, before becoming terrified when she started to lose feeling on the whole side of her left body leaving it ‘numb and heavy’
The 24-year-old said broke down into tears upon hearing the diagnosis, but then brushed it aside and tried to live her life as ‘normal as possible’, and even went on holiday shortly after
‘It was heartbreaking as I was 22 and told that I was ill and there was no cure.’
‘I then just chucked it to all to the back of my head. I didn’t want to research it, think about it or tell anyone because I was embarrassed so I kept it all to myself. The next thing I did was just go on a holiday and tried to be as normal as possible.’
Last year, Holly’s symptoms became more severe and she now suffers from backaches, fatigue and more numbness in her body.
She said: ‘My symptoms started to show a lot more like really bad fatigue and it made me start dealing with the condition as I hadn’t really spoken about it.
‘I saw a counsellor, to talk about things, which was a huge weight off my shoulders as I had always felt like a burden. I then started to let people know and be more open about it.’
Holly is determined to raise more awareness around multiple sclerosis.
Last Thursday, Holly posted a video on Facebook describing her condition and how she deals with it.
Holly was forced to attend five doctor appointments, during which she felt ‘fobbed off’ with diagnoses which included ‘an allergic reaction and a stroke’ before she was properly diagnosed
Holly eventually saw a consultant who diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the brain and spinal cords that can cause problems with vision, balance, muscle control and other basic human functions
Last Thursday, Holly posted a video on Facebook describing her condition and how she deals with it
The video has since gone viral, gaining over 71,000 views as dozens of users commended for being brave enough to share her story.
One said: ‘Absolutely a true trooper and so beautiful sending love from all your family in USA.
Another added: ‘Holly this is so moving. You’re the strongest, most bravest person I know. Keep doing you beautiful. Love you loads.’
Meanwhile, one said: ‘Love you girl, proud every day’
Holly added: ‘Like everyone you will have good days and bad days but it will be easier. The important thing is to speak up and tell someone and remember you’re not a burden.
‘We’re all in this together and we can get through it. Just live each day and take it as the best.’
The video has since gone viral, gaining over 71,000 views as dozens of users commended for being brave enough to share her story
One said: ‘Absolutely a true trooper and so beautiful sending love from all your family in USA