Numb leg led to MS diagnosis: Ontario woman shares her story
May is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness month in Canada. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
Sandy Stretch, of Sudbury, Ont., was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2016.
Stretch woke up one morning and noticed her right leg was numb. The next day, the numbness got worse.
"The next day it was both legs, and then it some in both arms … and so I was having a full neurological episode," she said.
"When they sent me through the MRI machine, they found lesions in my spine."
Stretch said the MS Society has helped her in many ways and she doesn’t know where she would be without its support.
Sandy Stretch, of Sudbury, Ont., was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2016. May 12/22 (Molly Frommer/CTV News)
"They’ve provided the eye level for my chair, which allows me to raise up and be face-to-face with people," she said.
"It allowed me to reach the upper cupboards and stuff like that because it raises up. They contributed to the purchase of my van, which was a big thing, and with the support services and stuff. They make my life more comfortable."
The MS Society of Canada said there are about 90,000 Canadians living with MS.
"About 12 people on average are diagnosed with MS every day," said Daniel Corvino with the MS Society of Canada.
"So it’s certainly a very impactful disease here in Canada and it’s a disease that affects the central nervous system. There’s so much that we don’t know about it ... what causes MS, what causes it to progress in some and not others."
Corvino said raising the profile of the disease and raising research funds is important.
Stretch said despite it being common, not many people talk about MS.
"We want to make sure with MS awareness month that everyone knows that we’re here and ready to help," she said.
Stretch said she wants people living with MS to know that they are not alone and that support is out there.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.