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Delayed MS Diagnosis: A Decade of Misunderstood Symptoms
14 Nov
Summary
- Hannah Mockler lived with undiagnosed MS for over a decade.
- Vision loss led to her eventual diagnosis in late 2025.
- Early treatment could have potentially prevented her current disability.
Hannah Mockler, 34, faced over a decade of undiagnosed Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. She initially dismissed symptoms like frequent urination and swallowing difficulties as personal quirks. Around four years before her diagnosis, she experienced persistent numbness and weakness in her hands, which doctors did not fully address.
In late 2025, a sudden loss of peripheral vision, noticed by an optician, led to an emergency hospital visit. Scans revealed nerve damage, and she was diagnosed with MS approximately two months later. This diagnosis came after years of seeking answers for her varied symptoms.
Now using a walking stick and experiencing loss of sensation on her right side, Hannah regrets not seeking help sooner for her early symptoms. She believes earlier treatment could have mitigated the progression of her disability. The MS Society highlights that MS symptoms vary widely, making early diagnosis challenging. Optometrists can identify warning signs, such as optic neuritis, prompting further neurological investigation.
While MS is incurable, disease-modifying therapies can reduce relapses and slow nerve damage. Hannah advocates for others experiencing unexplained symptoms to consult a GP promptly, rather than dismissing them as unusual personal traits. Late diagnosis can lead to irreversible nerve damage and increased disability over time.
