In 2018, Karleen Roy, now in her mid 40s, began experiencing sudden, electric-shock-like ache that will cease her in her tracks—generally actually dropping her to the ground in the course of high-profile movie star occasions she was producing. After a yr of inconclusive assessments, she was finally recognized with a number of sclerosis (MS) in 2019. In October 2025, she accomplished her first half-marathon. Right here, she shares how advocating for herself, altering her life-style, and studying to maneuver otherwise with MS led her to the end line, as informed to author L’Oreal Thompson Payton.
On the skin, my life regarded grand: crimson carpet occasions, lavish events, worldwide journey, and designer garments. However a number of years in the past, my physique began sending me alerts that one thing was mistaken.
Round 2018, I started experiencing intense, random bouts of ache. It felt like my physique was being electrocuted from the within out. Every episode lasted between 11 and 17 minutes, and I do know this as a result of I timed them.
After months of coping with ache, my face began shifting. It nearly regarded like I had Bell’s palsy, a situation that causes one aspect of the face to droop. At that time I knew I wanted to go to the physician. I noticed my major care physician, a number of neurologists, a sports activities drugs specialist, and even a chiropractor—and never a single one might determine what was mistaken.
As I shared my signs, each physician had a unique concept: “Oh, it’s stress.” “Oh, you’re having a muscle spasm.” Then they might prescribe medicine to take when the ache began. However I didn’t wish to simply numb the ache; I wished solutions.
The aid and uncertainty of an MS analysis
For a few yr I didn’t really feel heard. In 2019, I used to be referred to a neurologist, and he or she mentioned to me, “I am simply going to prescribe you medicine for a seizure, and let’s see if that works.” That was my breaking level. I fully misplaced my cool, which is so outdoors of my character. I felt terrible, however that’s what led to me discovering the solutions that I wanted. After our dialog, she agreed to order yet one more MRI.
I used to be boarding a flight from New York to Los Angeles for crimson carpet season when my physician’s workplace stored calling. After I lastly answered, she mentioned, “I hate to ship this information to you this manner, it’s MS. Once you get again on the town, come into the workplace so we are able to begin assembling your care group.”
