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Living with multiple sclerosis

I was 31 when I first started suffering from a tingling sensation in my legs, and I temporarily lost the sight in one eye. My sight returned after six weeks, but my legs kept getting weaker and doctors couldn't explain why.

Over the next five years, my condition worsened. Eventually, I had to use a stairlift to get to my bedroom, where I spent most of my time, too depressed to go out.

Finally, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). I was devastated, as there was no cure. And the drugs I was prescribed to control the condition didn't help me at all.

I sank into depression until I hit my 40th birthday, and then finally decided that it was time I turned my life round, rather than letting MS rule it.

I moved to a bungalow and signed up for a one-week course in yoga for MS sufferers at the Yoga for Health Foundation. I met people with MS who were out of their wheelchairs thanks to yoga. I now see a yoga therapist, and attend a local class regularly.
Jackie Temple, 46, Newcastle upon Tyne

More help and advice

- Get all the facts about MS
- Tips on coping with multiple sclerosis
- Find out more about yoga
- More real-life health stories
- For more information and advice, visit the MS Society's website

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