A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Before her diagnosis, Anja Sašek knew little about multiple sclerosis (MS). She wasn’t aware that it was an autoimmune disease or that it could lead to disability. Her journey with MS began two years ago, just before Christmas, at a time when she was anticipating a promotion at work. It was the moment when her life changed in unexpected ways.
Anja, a determined and vibrant woman with an infectious smile, has always been known for her reliability and perseverance. Starting as a fashion consultant while still a student, her dedication led to a promotion to store manager, overseeing a team of 13 employees. While her professional life was demanding, she found solace in writing and drawing. Yet, when she began experiencing double vision, she knew something was wrong. This was the first sign of what would become a life-altering diagnosis.
Initial Reactions and Overcoming Shock: “I didn’t think much when I experienced my first major attack,” Anja recalls. “I told myself – as long as you breathe, you exist.” The shock of the diagnosis was difficult not only for her but also for her family, especially her parents. They struggled with questions of blame and genetics, while Anja herself felt moments of guilt, wondering if she could have done something to prevent it. But she refused to let herself be consumed by self-pity. “The disease is mine, and I accepted it as such,” she says firmly.
One of her biggest fears was being seen as disabled, losing the recognition she had worked so hard for at her job. She worried about discrimination and the possibility of never advancing in her career. “At the time of the diagnosis, I made a promise to myself that this disease would not define me. And so I fought, even harder!” With the support and trust of her superiors, Anja continued to excel at work and was promoted, proving that MS would not hold her back.
Finding Positivity in Adversity: When people ask Anja how she remains so positive, she tells them that life didn’t leave her much choice. “It sounds strange, but the diagnosis gave me so much,” she says. “It gave me a new momentum to live. Before, I lacked that. It made me lay a new foundation for life – deciding how to fight the disease, how to manage it.” She changed her diet, reevaluated her priorities, and found gratitude in the fact that while MS is incurable, it is not immediately life-threatening. Though she takes medication every 12 hours and experiences mild side effects every few weeks, she is grateful for her current state of health.
A New Challenge: Facing a Brain Tumor: Just as she was finding her footing with MS, Anja faced a new and unexpected challenge: a brain tumor. The news came two years after her initial diagnosis and only a few months before her 30th birthday. “My life was falling apart,” Anja admits. “Everything I had managed to rebuild over the last two years seemed meaningless. I couldn’t fight anymore; I felt like one lifetime had enough battles already.”
The scan revealed a type of lesion uncharacteristic of MS, prompting an urgent referral to a neurosurgeon. For two agonizing weeks, Anja waited for results, fearing a diagnosis of low-grade malignant glioma. “Those were the most difficult two weeks of my life,” she shares. “I buried myself in work and cried. That waiting felt like a guillotine hanging over me.” Thankfully, her worst fears were not realized; the tumor was benign. However, its location means that it could eventually impact the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, requiring surgery in the future. For now, she monitors it regularly and remains vigilant.
Adapting and Moving Forward: This second diagnosis tested Anja’s resilience more than ever before. “I’m not afraid of what I can prepare for or control. It’s the unknown that scares me,” she explains. Staying rational and managing her fears has become a daily practice. Work has become a crucial coping mechanism, allowing her to feel capable and unaffected by her conditions. “I don’t allow myself to feel sorry for myself, so I don’t want others to pity me,” Anja says.
“I live with multiple sclerosis and a benign tumor, but I like to say they live with me,” Anja adds with a determined smile. “I may need surgery one day, and I may face disability. But none of that is certain.” Anja credits her friends, family, and colleagues for seeing her as she is – beyond her diagnoses. Although the unpredictable nature of MS can be daunting, she refuses to let it dominate her life. “There are few days when I think about my illness. Sometimes it reminds me just enough to know it’s still there. But I’m committed to living a quality life,” she says.
To improve her quality of life, Anja recently moved from Ljubljana back to her hometown of Novo Mesto. She enjoys long walks with her playful dog, which provide her with peace and joy.
A Story of Resilience and Hope: Anja’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within all of us. Despite facing two life-altering diagnoses, she continues to approach each day with determination, finding joy in the small moments and refusing to let her illnesses define her. Her journey is an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, showing that even in the face of uncertainty, there is always room for resilience and hope.
This article was originally published in the 12th issue of Navdihni.me (April 2020).
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