Meet Blanca. Originally from Venezuela, she’s called the United States home for the last eight years. In May of 2018, her life took an unexpected turn. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This blog is a heartfelt account of her experiences — from the initial shock of her diagnosis to the challenges of living with a disability, chronic pain, and the triumphs along the way. Here is her story.

How it all started: denial

“I first noticed something was wrong while at work. My right eye hurt when I moved it in various directions, but I brushed it off as stress or a headache. Ignoring the symptoms, my husband and I went on vacation to Miami, immersing ourselves in the festive atmosphere. However, my blurry vision persisted, culminating in a clumsy incident at a mall. Concerned, my husband urged me to see a doctor upon our return to Colorado.

The eye doctor mentioned multiple sclerosis, which was unfamiliar to me. A series of tests followed, leaving me anxious and frustrated. Eventually, an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. I was in denial, clinging to the hope that it was just a passing issue. Yet, reality hit hard when the neurologist confirmed the diagnosis and prescribed medication. My husband’s unwavering support was my anchor during this tumultuous time.

Desperation, anger, and depression: navigating the unknown

Receiving the medication — steroids for inflammation — marked the beginning of a challenging phase. Daily intravenous injections, coupled with the emotional toll, tested my resilience. Chronic pain became a constant companion, and confusion set in as my life took unexpected turns.

Steroids brought some relief, but not everything returned to normal. Despite physical therapy, I faced lingering pain, mobility issues, and a relentless quest for answers. The journey involved missteps, multiple doctor visits, and the introduction of mobility aids like canes, wheelchairs, and bionic clothing.

Amid desperation and anger, a pain doctor diagnosed “foot drop,” a common symptom of MS. Custom braces, PRP injections, and the disruptions caused by the pandemic added layers to the struggle. The relentless pursuit of normalcy, fueled by external opinions and expectations, only intensified the pain.

The new me: inspiration, acceptance, and self-love

Amid the chaos, a turning point came when I stumbled upon the inspiring stories of other young women embracing their disabilities. Observing them sparked my journey towards acceptance, self-love, and a passion for adaptive fashion, which has become a powerful tool in boosting my confidence and embracing my body.

Discovering clothing that accommodates my needs without sacrificing style has empowered me, transforming how I perceive my disability. This newfound confidence has led me to explore modeling, showcasing the beauty and strength that come with embracing one’s unique self.

Through my experiences, I aim to inspire other young people with disabilities, encouraging them to see adaptive fashion not just as a necessity but also as a way to express their individuality and feel empowered in their skin.

My new goal isn’t to revert to who I was before MS but to find peace amidst the pain and disability. Embracing self-love, listening to my body, and moving mindfully are now my priorities.

This journey, though challenging, has revealed a stronger, more resilient version of myself.

Finding what works for me: The Cionic Neural Sleeve

Though I have found acceptance and embraced self-love in my MS journey, it is not without walking difficulties and pain. In addition to improving my mental outlook with my diagnosis, I was also researching devices and aids to improve my overall quality of life with MS.

My new doctor recommended the Cionic Neural Sleeve. Intrigued by its concept and purpose, I decided to apply for one to assist my left leg. Enrolling was very straightforward — my doctor provided a prescription, and CIONIC sent me the sleeve. The setup was conducted online, and the entire process was efficient and convenient. When I tried it, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my walking pace and the movement of my left leg, significantly different from other devices I had used.

The sleeve stimulates the weak muscles in my left quad, hamstring, shin, and calf, enabling them to move naturally. I can adjust the intensity based on how my leg feels each day. This has allowed me to walk more steps than before, enhancing my independence both at home and outdoors.

Additionally, my gait appears more natural, which has reduced the strain on my lower back muscles and bones. Overall, my daily lower back pain has significantly decreased thanks to the Neural Sleeve.

Join me on this journey

Through sharing my journey, I aim to connect with individuals facing similar challenges, offering inspiration, acceptance, and self-love to our wonderful disabled and MS communities. Let’s share our stories, support one another, and celebrate the strength that comes from embracing our unique journeys. Together, we can find beauty in resilience and redefine what it means to thrive with grace.

Join me as I continue to navigate life with MS, chronic pain, and a newfound appreciation for the strength within us all.”

Thank you, Blanca, for sharing your story. Use code QQNN for $50 off your Neural Sleeve.

Individual results and experiences may vary. Consult with your doctor on treatment decisions.