From uncertain to empowered: How Kellie found her support system

As a social worker, Kellie was much more comfortable providing support than receiving it. Then, after experiencing MS symptoms for 11 years, Kellie was finally diagnosed and realised she would need to begin reaching out for help.

‘I was officially diagnosed 3 years ago but had symptoms for a long time before that.

‘I was on the wait list to see a specialist when I had that final relapse, I couldn’t wait any longer and my friend, who is a nurse, suggested I go to hospital.

‘I think in that moment I really had no idea what was going on. It was hard to stay strong, I didn’t know what I was dealing with or whether I would get to go home to my children.

‘The period during my early diagnosis while I was in hospital was also tough on my kids. It was one of the first times they had really been away from me for any period,’ Kellie says.

Knowing when to ask for help

Once Kellie knew she had MS, she realised she had no idea what to do next and where to find the help she needed. She also had to overcome her own reluctance to reach out and to advocate for herself for the first time.

‘My diagnosis was me getting that tap on the shoulder telling me that I need to put myself first. I was terrible at that.

‘I’ve been a social worker for 20 years now and I run parenting programs. I tell parents the analogy of putting your own oxygen mask on first before you can help others, but like most people I was terrible at taking my own advice.

‘I’ve been a strong advocate for others for a long time, but I’ve really had to learn a lot about advocating for myself and how to push to get what I need and what services I need to access.’

Boxing her way to a better quality of life

Among the supports Kellie has accessed in the years since her diagnosis, she has found exercise to be one of the most critical components of her recovery. In particular, boxing has helped her to regain her coordination, strength, balance and — interestingly — her cognitive skills.

‘Having to remember different moves and sequences, all while you’re talking, has been really helpful for me. Getting stronger and healthier has been so good but that cognitive aspect is a big part of it”

‘I’ve found boxing really helps with some of the executive functioning skills that people with MS do struggle with, like having to talk but also remember things and getting your body to do what you want at the same time. Boxing has really helped with that. Plus it’s really fun!’

Kellie was a passionate boxer before her diagnosis and took it up again with enthusiasm once she knew MS Plus offered the service. She now works with EP Caitlin, whom Kellie says has made a real difference to her overall wellbeing.

‘Caitlin is amazing. She has such a wonderful way about her, in the way she encourages you challenges you, she has that empathy and understanding in spades. She’s just lovely and engaging and encouraging.

‘She gets me to step out of my comfort zone but with that encouragement that I can do this.

‘Recently, I had to bring my kids along for a few sessions during school holidays but Caitlin just set up a little obstacle course for them, it was great.

‘It was actually good for my kids to see what I’ve been working towards and that I’m doing this for myself but also for them,’ Kellie says.

Kellie says thanks to therapies like boxing she has regained the physical strength and stamina to do the things she enjoys.

‘I was given surfing lessons for Mother’s Day last year. At first, I was still experiencing fatigue and I thought how am I going to do this? I went and I was wiped out for the day but I had my second lesson just recently and I wasn’t tired at all afterwards, which felt amazing.

‘MS has been my wake-up call. Why aren’t we doing the things we want to do now? Why aren’t we making those memories now? What’s on our bucket list? Want to do something? Let’s go today!’

Finding her MS community

Building that all important network of supporters has also helped Kellie to feel understood and less alone.

‘I think everyone should really know about the support services available to them.

‘I think it’s also feeling like you’re part of the community MS Plus helps to create, it does support you in so many ways and you don’t feel so alone, which is crucial.

‘Everyone’s experience is different and it’s tough but it’s a little bit easier when you’re not alone and you can talk to others who really understand, it makes all the difference.

‘At the MS Plus Family Camp we attended at Phillip Island last year, my daughter was speaking to another child about when their mums were both in hospital and it was such a wonderful moment of connection.’