A Salisbury woman has spoken out about the range of symptoms she lives with after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Lauren Robbin, 31, was diagnosed with relapsing MS two months ago in February.

MS is an autoimmune condition affecting nerves in the body, but symptoms differ between people and they can come and go.

Lauren, who was born in Salisbury, says her symptoms include complete numbness in her right arm and leg, constant pins and needles down her right hand side, and stabbing pains down her leg.

She also lives with brain fog, insomnia, fatigue, and her skin often feels like it is on fire.

Lauren said: "I am very lucky that my symptoms do not stop me from doing my daily routine, they just make it a little more challenging. I really struggle to sleep and suffer with fatigue so finding the energy to do things can be tricky.

"Day-to-day I can plod on but it’s uncomfortable and annoying. I also suffer with temperature sensitivity so anything cold on my skin really hurts but I cannot feel heat – I have to be really careful when, for example, holding a cup of coffee or jumping in the shower as it has become quite dangerous.

"I often lose the feeling in my foot and my hand and I get horrible stabbing pains down my leg. With all of my symptoms only my right side is affected.

"The real thing for me though is that my symptoms are continuous which is just a constant reminder that I have MS. I guess it takes it’s toll mentally, it’s draining."

Lauren's form of MS means that she will have episodes of new or worsening symptoms without warning, known as relapses.

She added that, along with many other people with the condition, she worries about her condition deteriorating in the future.

"Another big worry for me is having children in the future. I like to stay positive but the reality is no one can tell me it will be OK.”

Lauren works as the early careers and disadvantaged group partner for Wagamama, which she says she "absolutely loves".

"I get to help break down barriers and give individuals opportunities that they may otherwise not be given," she said.

"In my free time I love to spend quality time with family and friends – which has become even more important to me since my diagnosis.

"Surrounding myself with positive people helps me stay positive. I am extremely lucky to have a fantastic support network in my family friends and colleagues.

"I have always been a very positive person in general and refuse to let my MS change that or let it take my positivity away."

MS 'can feel like a life sentence of uncertainty'

In an MS Society survey of 1,200 people living with the condition, 76 per cent said the one of the biggest challenges they face is the uncertainty.

Two thirds (63 per cent) said their condition has stopped them from socialising in the past.

Sarah Rawlings, executive director of research and external affairs at the MS Society, said: “We may all think the future seems uncertain but people with MS have told us an MS diagnosis can feel like a life sentence of uncertainty.

"MS is unpredictable and different for everyone, and our latest research highlights how this can have an enormous impact on people.

“More than 130,000 people live with MS in the UK, and the MS Society is here for everyone affected by the condition. Our free MS Helpline, online forum and local groups can be an invaluable lifeline if you need support dealing with uncertainty.

"We also run regular virtual sessions on Living Well with MS which offer emotional and practical support for everyone living with or affected by MS.”

We are sharing Lauren's story this week as part of MS Awareness Week (April 25 - May 1). For more information visit mssociety.org/msweek

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