I am an 18-year-old living in Illinois. My name is Alexus Bergen, and here is my story. I have only been living with Multiple Sclerosis for two months now, but every day seems to make it that much harder to do normal teenage things, like go for a morning run, go to the mall, or even enjoy a nice cozy day watching movies with my boyfriend.
The symptoms started two years ago, after my biological father abused me by throwing me across a kitchen. I hit my head pretty hard on a buffet cabinet, and that’s when it all started. I was different after that happened to me. I wasn’t like all the other kids at school anymore. I started to walk differently. I didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about, and neither did my biological father. He said it was all in my head. My mother told him several times that I needed to go see a doctor, and he refused to take me.
The stability and coordination problems only got worse as time went on. I started tripping over things that weren’t there, having weakness in my legs for no reason, and not having normal functionality of my legs from the hip down anymore. Life as I knew it changed right in front of my eyes.
Today I am living with a very progressed state of MS. I rely greatly on my 23-year-old boyfriend to help me walk and do some of my everyday routines. Every day, my left leg has less mobility, I have less energy, and I rely even more on my boyfriend. I am 18 and have the worst symptoms my doctor has ever seen in a patient my age in his 52 years of practice.
I want to change the state, or even the city I live in, by making it a law that persons who have abused someone and caused life-long physical harm to them will be put in prison. It would be a long shot, but would anyone who would like to help me in this quest is welcome. If I can change one, maybe I can change many.
Alexus
Illinois
Submitted 04/29/2015
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Heyy Lexi, I just wanted to let u kno that I love u sissy. Never give up on this. Robert deserves to be put ni prison for doing this to u. I really want to beat his brains in for this but i don’t want to get in trouble with the law. I miss u sissy. I hope u feel better soon.
I feel you on not being able to do the same things. I have exceeded my entire life–I skipped two years of school, went to college early. Now I have to drop out because I can no longer walk reliably every day. I’m missing too many classes. I still ha ve to work 30+ hours in addition to that, and I collapse all the time.
People think we’re faking or being dramatic and that might be the worst part of it. To just…not be believed.
Alexus , you are beautiful and amazing. I’m so thankful you are with us. You truly make this world a better place. Stay strong do your best. We are here for you.
Hi Alexus, thank you for sharing your story.I am sorry to hear what you have been through.
Stay strong, and it’s good you have the love and support you deserve.
Does the Dr.say that the MS was caused from your head being hit? Or did the trauma cause your first relapse to occur,what did your Dr say?
I do know that trauma,car accidents,infections,death,stress all can trigger a relapse.
Did you go to the hospital after your dad did that to you?
I did not,in my case,so I’m wondering if this was my cause too?
I myself was thrown through a metal chair and even down the stairs by my dad,when I was younger.
I have always wondered if it caused any of my injuries,neck,back, ms?
Please post what your Dr says about your dad and if that caused your MS?
I too have ms, everyday is a struggle.The fatigue is daily for years.It took years for an answer.
At least you know it is ms and I hope you can get the help you need.
Never give up,if the Dr agrees ,has he been arrested yet? Since he did this abuse with in the last two years,the state will charge him wirh abuse, if you filled a charge .
was there a police report,Dr reports etc saying this occurred?
I wish you a life of happiness.
Just take one day at a time,and rest when your tired.
Hopefully if the drs agree this caused your
MS something can be done
Stay positive and surround yourself with people that love you.
Carrie
Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I am now 20 and I have a 7 month old daughter. Nothing ever happened to my biological father in regards to charges but he gets to live in his own misery with his new family. My MS is worse than It was in 2015 but, I manage with my symptoms and being a stay at home mom while my older fiance goes to work.Life has been very complicated but, it has also been a blessing.