Treasure Coast MS Support and Research Sharing Group

My name is Vikki Boyd and I live in Vero Beach. I was diagnosed with MS at age 51 in 2009 —typically old for an MS diagnosis. For 12 years, my MS was pretty benign.

Then, in 2021, I began experiencing a slow progressive of weakness in my right leg, but no attacks or active lesions on MRI. Eventually, I had to stop driving because I was to afraid I would not hit the brake and would have panic attacks.

I was a very physically active person with a busy social life and my world became very small when I quit driving.
During this time, I realized how much I didn’t know about the resources, tools, and adaptations available to help people with MS. My MS doctor never really advised me about options that could improve my life by making my home safer, or even mention the concept of a hand-brake or an AFO (which has been a game changer for me!) I had to do much of the research myself. After discovering a local company that sold hand breaks, I am now back to stress free driving!

I also learned about 'smoldering MS', which helped me understand what I’ve been experiencing over the past four years. SMS is gradual progression despite having no attacks and no active lesions on MRI. I wish I had known because I would have considered upgrading my DMT at the beginning of my symptoms.

Through this journey, I’ve become an advocate for myself at my medical visits. I no longer sit passively, and I ask questions. Thankfully, my new neurologist welcomes my concers and questions.

I’d love to connect with others who live this life in a body that decides what each day will be like.

That’s why I decided to start this local MS for the Treasure Coast! The MS Society support groups aren’t currently active in our area, and I know many of us would benefit from having a place to meet, share experiences, tell our best tripping joke, 😆exchange information, and simply connect with people who “get it.”

We’ll meet at local Starbucks or restaurant in the Vero Beach area depending what people prefer.

I’d love to hear from you! Tell me about your MS journey, and let’s start building our local MS community together. All information and names will remain private. 🧡🤝
Looking forward to meeting other MSers!
Warmly,
Vikki