Woman’s Delayed Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Inspires Advocacy Efforts

Dismissed Symptoms Lead to Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

Angelina Cubero from Jersey City began experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 22. However, doctors dismissed her symptoms as anxiety instead of performing the necessary tests to diagnose MS. Cubero experienced brain fog, frequent migraines, and constant pain and numbness in her legs.

It was not until an MRI scan in 2020 that doctors detected multiple lesions and plaque in her brain, finally signaling that she was suffering from MS. By then, the delay in diagnosis resulted in additional damage to her body.

Cubero hopes her story can help others catch the disease earlier by recognizing three warning signs of MS such as brain fog, leg numbness and tingling, and frequent migraines.

A Long Journey to Diagnosis for Ashleigh Torretta

Ashleigh Torretta struggled to get answers from healthcare providers when she experienced vision loss and tingling sensations in her neck. After receiving a phone call from a local pharmacy telling her that a new prescription medication for MS would not be covered by insurance, Torretta was recommended to see a neurologist.

The neurologist suggested an MRI scan and lumbar puncture to diagnose her condition. When she was told by a nurse that she had MS after the results came back consistent with the condition, Torretta was in denial.

Torretta had trouble finding adequate care and was gaslit by an MS specialist who was not even looking at her latest test results. After seeking additional treatment options, Torretta eventually found a doctor who discovered that she had 25 brain lesions caused by MS.

After undergoing two rounds of treatment, Torretta is now in remission from MS. She has become an empowerment coach and advocates for being your own best advocate in medical journeys.

Fitness Enthusiast’s Journey with MS

Kayla Moreno, a 32-year-old fitness enthusiast from Honolulu, experienced extreme fatigue and tingling sensations in her feet before being diagnosed with MS. She contacted her GP and was later referred to a neurologist who then ran tests to eliminate other conditions like lupus and diabetes. Moreno was eventually sent for CT and MRI scans on her brain and spine.

Moreno now manages her symptoms with medications like stimulants and an MS treatment infusion every six months. She uses her platform on TikTok to bring awareness to MS and wants the MS awareness month to be about positivity, letting others know that it’s okay to feel sad or angry, but a positive attitude can help.

Although Moreno now needs a walking aid or wheelchair to move around due to her condition, she emphasizes how not everyone experiences the same MS conditions.

Advocacy Efforts for Early Detection of Multiple Sclerosis

While MS is incurable, early detection can result in better management of symptoms. An estimated one million Americans suffer from MS, and the disease is responsible for around 20,000 annual deaths in the US.

MS sees the immune system mistakenly attack the brain and spine’s protective coating, slowly shutting down the body’s communication systems. Symptoms of MS typically begin between a person’s 20s and 40s and include seizures, vision issues, mental health issues, and cognitive decline.

As seen through the journeys of Cubero, Torretta, and Moreno, early diagnosis is crucial in managing this chronic condition. Advocacy efforts for more education surrounding early detection must continue to provide a better quality of life for those with MS.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons