Hi everyone,
My name is Fatema, and I was recently diagnosed with MS in Oct 2025. I am 21 years old, and was a bit nervous about posting on any forums as this is all quite new to me, but I thought it would be nice to speak to people (especially people who were a similar age!) to support and help each other.
To be honest, these past few months have been a bit difficult. I was diagnosed with MS following an episode of optic neuritis. Between going on steroid treatment for the optic neuritis, dealing with aches and pains, trying to manage stress and diet, it has been a lot to adjust to! I am doing better now and will hopefully be starting treatment soon (kesimpta), and I actively try to work on being as positive as possible.
In my spare time, I love going to the gym, playing with my cat and going to the cinema (I try to go at least once every 2 months haha). Look forward to speaking to you all!
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Hi Fatema and welcome to the forum 
We are a friendly bunch.
I was diagnosed a similar time to you and started Kesimpta in December.
It’s going OK so far.
I hear you about trying to be positive, but would also encourage you to make space for any other feelings you might be having (that’s the psychotherapist in me talking!). An MS diagnosis is a lot to process and it’s ok for that to take time and to not feel positive all the time.
I wish you well
Alison
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Hi Alison,
Thank you for your reply! Can I ask what your experience with Kesimpta has been like? Do you experience any side effects?
While I try to remain positive, sometimes I do feel down as I worry about things like my vision never fully returning in my left eye following optic neuritis and how I will respond to treatment. I get that I should not worry about things I can’t control, but sometimes it does get to me!
I wonder if anyone has any advice/anything that helped them deal with these sorts of feelings?
Hello, Fatima. I am very sorry to hear that MS has arrived as an unwelcome guest at your door. I wish you well as you go through the process of adjusting to life that has just got a little more complicated.
Hi Fatema,
My experience with Kesimpta has been pretty good so far. I’ve had my three loading doses and first 2 monthly doses so I’m still pretty new to it.
It’s very easy to use and the Kesimpta nurse who came to show me what to do and explain it all was wonderful. She has checked in with me by phone a few times since that first visit and there is a number I can ring if I have any questions etc. There’s also a free app where you can track your injections and get more info.
The deliveries have also been smooth. You keep it in the fridge and also if you want to travel there are ways you can make that work.
In terms of dealing with feelings, you might find it helpful to talk to a friend or family member who is a good listener and also to perhaps think about getting some counselling or therapy so you have someone independent to process your thoughts and feelings with. You can access this through the NHS or pay privately. If you would like some information on how to find a reputable therapist, just tag me and I will help. I am a psychotherapist myself so can give you some good information on this.
Go gently
Alison
Hi Fatema, so sorry you’re going through this. I also started Kesimpta late last year and I’ve really got into the swing of the injections - it was scary at first, but for me has become something I barely event think about now! As Alison mentioned, you’ll have so much support with the first doses. I’ve had no side effects at all and it’s really worked for me.
Know that fear of symptoms not disappearing - it’s really scary! I just want a crystal ball to know what will stick around and what won’t. I always find it helpful when I start feeling nervous about the future to realise that all I can actually do is go gently, take one day at a time and listen to my medical team.
I’m sorry you’ve had this diagnosis so young - rotten to get at any age, but do feel for you being slapped with something so early on in life. I’m turning 30 this year so am comparatively ancient(!), but know quite a few people who had a diagnosis in their early 20s and they were able to tick merrily along without it taking out their day-to-day or future plans. Think there’s a few other MS groups out there focused on people who discover their diagnosis in their 20s like MS Together/shift MS, so have a Google. My partner follows two people on Insta who realised their Kesimpta doses fall on the same day, so both take their injections together! So there’s a lot out of positive stuff out there to really normalise dealing with MS.
I hope you’re still able to enjoy your gym sessions - someone gave me the tip once that exercise elevates temperature and can sometimes temporarily make MS symptoms worse. That really helped me understand why my hand got a bit worse during swimming but gets better after a couple hours. Take care - you’ve got this, deep breaths, and give your cats an extra cuddle today 
Hi Fatema,
Welcome to the forum.
I got diagnosed a couple of years ago and it did take me some time to come to terms. What has helped is that for me, at least, I’ve got it under control and my life can continue as normal. Research has already done a lot for those of us with relapsing MS and as I understand it, there is every chance that progressive MS will be more treatable long before you get there. So for the future MS should become something we “manage”.
I’ve found exercise helps so if you love going to the gym, that’s great too.
I’ve been on Kesimpta for two years. For me, it’s been a great experience. I’ve not had any relapses or new MRI lesions. The only side effects were after the first dose or two - flu-like feelings after the first dose. They advised me to take paracetamol about two hours after it and I think that did help.
As a born wimp, I wondered whether I’d cope with self-injecting. But it is literally like a big whiteboard pen that you just push down and wait for the clicks - all over very quickly. And it means you can get on with your life: I’ve done lots of travel, taking the stuff with me if necessary.