My name is Kerry Best and I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 58, after enduring a difficult three and a half years of misdiagnosis. My symptoms first appeared during my time at the gym, where I noticed my legs becoming increasingly fatigued despite pushing harder. The real wake-up call came one day when I was climbing a waterfall in Victoria. My leg muscles screamed at me to stop, and that evening, back at the motel, I experienced a level of fatigue like I’d never known before – totally debilitating.
As time went on, my condition got worse. I began feeling aching in my feet, then a sensation like ants crawling inside my legs. I also developed a sensation in my head, like it was stuffed with cotton wool, and walking became harder. Double vision followed, and that’s when I knew something needed to be done.
When I finally received my MS diagnosis, I had no prior knowledge of the condition. It was unnerving, and though I had heard of the MS Society, it wasn’t until Helen, a Nurse from the MS Society, called me on my way home from the diagnosis, that I learned just how much support they offer. The help I received was phenomenal.
My learning curve was steep, starting with Helen teaching me how to administer the Copaxone injections I had been prescribed. I also attended conferences, including a World MS Day event, where I learned from a wide range of speakers and specialists.
One of the highlights of my journey was being invited to participate in the 2025 Mass Movement performance at Elder Park. I’ve danced since I was 11, practicing classical ballet, but after my diagnosis, performing seemed impossible.
In the lead up to the performance I wasn’t certain I could perform; however, the weather was perfect, and I didn’t even need my cooling packs! It was an incredible achievement for me. Unbeknown to me, three of the performers were also major supporters and participants of the MS Mighty Swim. I was unaware of this link. It made me think of all the wonderful people out in the community who support us.
Through the MS Society, I’ve learned that life doesn’t stop after a diagnosis. There is support, and there is always a future.
My advice to anyone who is newly diagnosed with MS is simple: don’t panic. Reach out to the right organisations, like the MS Society, and know that you are not alone. The research and new treatments give me hope, and I believe one day, we’ll find something that can help us all.
