Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
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What is Multiple Sclerosis?
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, which can affect movement, balance, coordination, vision and many other functions.
My Story
My Story
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2009, at the age of 26. More than 16 years later, I continue to live an active life, travel, cycle and pursue new goals.
Like many people, I was shocked when I first heard the diagnosis. At that time, I knew very little about MS and mostly associated it with disability and loss of independence.
Over the years, I learned that every person with MS has a different journey. The disease became part of my life, but it did not define who I am.
One person who inspired me is Oksana Chyvi from Ukraine. She has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for more than 25 years and is actively involved in supporting people with MS in Ukraine through the Samandal charitable initiative.
Her example showed me that a diagnosis does not automatically mean giving up an active, meaningful and ambitious life.
My Decision
My Decision
A few years after my diagnosis, I made a promise to myself:
"I will fight to the last."
If I need treatment, I will take it.
If I need infusions, I will do them.
If I need exercise, I will train.
If I need to change my lifestyle, I will adapt.
I cannot control everything that MS may bring in the future, but I can control how I respond to it.
Instead of waiting for limitations, I focus on possibilities.
For me, this is not just a sentence. It is a decision I made years ago and still follow today.
My Symptoms
My Symptoms
Over the years, I have experienced various symptoms related to MS, including:
• Balance and coordination difficulties
• Fatigue
• Occasional walking instability
• Bladder-related symptoms
There was a period when I was afraid to walk down stairs without holding the handrail.
Through regular exercise and years of training, I gradually regained much of my confidence and stability.
Fitness and Cycling
Fitness and Cycling
MS can affect muscles, coordination and mobility.
Because of that, I have a simple philosophy:
As long as I can move, I will move.
I train regularly, ride long distances and explore Europe by bicycle.
Before my ride to Paris, I once wrote that I would rather be on these wheels than in a wheelchair. It may sound blunt, but it reflects how I see life with MS.
My goal is not only to stay fit today, but also to build strength, coordination and what I like to call "muscle memory" for the future.
Every workout, every ride and every kilometer is an investment in my future self.
Treatment
Treatment
I currently receive Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), a modern disease-modifying therapy for Multiple Sclerosis.
In Germany, my treatment is fully covered by health insurance.
I am grateful to have access to this treatment, as many people living with MS around the world still face financial or medical barriers to modern therapies.
Why I Travel
Why I Travel
Many people believe that a diagnosis such as MS means the end of an active life.
I want to show the opposite.
Through bikepacking and long-distance cycling across Europe, I hope to inspire people living with chronic illnesses to continue pursuing their goals, adventures and dreams.
I do not know what my physical condition will be in ten or twenty years.
But I know that today I can ride, travel and explore the world.
And that is exactly what I intend to do.
Multiple Sclerosis is part of my life.
It is not the end of my story.
This website is proof of that.
Borders are lines on maps — not limits in life.
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