“The optic neuritis was terrifying at the beginning”

When she was newly diagnosed, Kai Sawicki found MS-UK’s Helpline to be a vital source of support, and she decided she really wanted to give something back

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the 6th of December 2023. I had a severe relapse two weeks after my 23rd birthday. This left me in hospital for three days.

 That day started off normal. I had been at university earlier. I suddenly got extremely tired, and my heart was beating very loudly. I FaceTimed my mum as I live alone. I thought it was anxiety initially, but my mum suggested I call 111 just in case.

Before I got in contact with 111, I had a sudden thunderclap headache causing me to be violently sick and which left me practically paralysed and not being able to speak or move. I thought I was dying.

My mum called an ambulance which took me to Bristol Royal Infirmary. The next three days consisted of CT scans, lumbar punctures and many blood tests. The doctors told me they had no clue what it was, but they suspected inner ear issues.

I was discharged and went home with my mum to Swindon. I developed an extreme case of nystagmus, leaving me visually impaired, and my entire body was numb, making it difficult to walk. We decided to go back to hospital this time in Swindon. They wanted me to have an MRI, which I had a couple weeks later. Two weeks after my MRI I received a call that they suspected I had MS. It has been an uphill battle ever since.

Scary symptoms 

Three months after my first relapse I had another. This time I had optic neuritis in my right eye. I’ve had two rounds of steroids and a session of plasma exchange and three months later, my sight hasn’t fully come back and most likely won’t. The biggest joke about this being that I am currently studying MA Photography!

The optic neuritis was terrifying at the beginning, I was at home with my mum when suddenly there was a blind spot in my eye. My mum started googling what it could possibly be when optic neuritis came up. The next morning, I called the MS-UK Helpline. I had calmed down a bit but was still anxious about what to do as I had only been diagnosed two months before. I explained on the phone what had happened and was so relieved to hear that it sounded like optic neuritis and that it was very common.

Ryan from the helpline then told me who to contact and what to do/say. He was so kind and understanding. After I got off the phone, I received an email from Ryan with many helpful links about relapses and MS in general. It was such a nice feeling knowing that If I ever couldn’t immediately get in touch with my MS nurse that the helpline is there.

Since being diagnosed, I have had to face a lot of changes, some easier than others. I really couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends and family. I have struggled to get out the house as much which led me to reconnecting with my art and crafty side, starting with Lino printing. It began as an idea for my MA project which then turned into a side business to help while missing work due to my MS.

Giving back

I work part time in a homeware store/coffee shop called Lamour Living based on Church Road. Luckily, my boss is my mum’s best friend, so she understands my new diagnosis. I started selling a few cards in the shop and people really liked them, so I decided to do prints.

After having such a wonderful experience with MS-UK I wanted to do something to give back. I know a lot of people do sponsored runs but that is not me. I am arty not sporty. So, I thought about doing a giveaway of my prints.

I made a Go Fund Me explaining my story and what MS-UK do. This was nerve-wracking for me, as I had only told a few people in person about my diagnosis, as I don’t post about personal stuff online. The response was overwhelming. I had raised over £700 in 24 hours and was shocked.

By MS Awareness week, which was the deadline, I raised £1,025. This really showed me how much support is out there. I recognised that I am in an extremely privileged position as I have an amazing support system, especially my mum, but many people don’t. I can’t imagine going through all of this without anyone. That is why the MS-UK Helpline is so important for everyone in the MS community or their loved ones.

You can look at some of the things I make here.

If you have ever thought about raising money, just go for it! It doesn’t have to be sporty or arty – find something that suits you. It is so rewarding. 12 people won my giveaway and received a mixture of handmade prints, cards, paintings and jewellery.

Lastly, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to my mum Carly, my nan Lynda and stepdad JP. I could not have gotten through these last six months, and I wouldn’t be the person I am, without you guys. I love you all.