Laurie is a long-standing employee at Cooper Medical Supplies. If you've been into our shop, you will have seen her behind the desk or had her help finding what you were looking for. She's known around here for her blunt sense of humor and hilarious stories. She agreed to sit down and answer a few questions about her journey with MS.
• What is the most exciting thing in your life right now?
"My 2-month-old granddaughter, Ivy! She’s delightful and cute as a button. I’ll be going to Vietnam in January to meet her other grandparents and the rest of the family."
• When did you join Cooper Medical Supplies?
"I joined Cooper Medical 25 years ago this July. A friend mentioned they were looking for staff and four days later history was made!"
• What is your favorite story about working here?
"When Lexi (our first shop dog) had puppies Carol would load them up and bring them to work every day. Customers would come in to visit and play with them. I had the fun job of taking Mom and all three puppies out for a walk multiple times a day. They were a handful but great fun!"
• In the most basic terms, how would you explain MS to someone who has never heard of it?
"It’s scarring on the myelin sheath that protects your nerves. It interrupts the conversation from the brain to various parts of your body."
• When did you first notice that something was “wrong” with your body?
"In 2004 numbness started in my hands. In 2005 my first MRI showed one lesion on my brain. In 2015 my muscle spasms started."
• How long did it take to get a proper diagnosis?
"Five years after my initial symptoms appeared I had a second MRI which showed additional lesions on my brain, and I was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS.”
• What was your experience with the healthcare system?
"In the beginning, it was the challenge of waiting and not knowing what I was dealing with. When more symptoms started to appear, I appreciated my doctor’s honest and open answers to my questions. So, no beating around the bush."
• Were there any supports that you found helpful during and after your diagnosis?
"The staff at the MS Clinic at KGH were a tremendous help and support. They gave me exercises and answered questions and were there for moral support."
• How do your symptoms present themselves?
"My symptoms vary. I have reduced feeling in my fingers which make fine motor skills a challenge. When standing I sometimes lose my balance and “list” to one side. Occasionally when my foot spasms and it feels like an electrical current running through your body."
• How do you manage your symptoms?
"My symptoms vary. I have reduced feeling in my fingers which make fine motor skills a challenge. When standing I sometimes lose my balance and “list” to one side. Occasionally when my foot spasms and it feels like an electrical current running through your body."
• How do you manage your symptoms?
"Exercise has been the key to managing my symptoms. I hike, run, kayak, or do yoga 3-5 times a week.”
• Anything else you’d like to note?
"There are four different types of MS and everybody’s symptoms are different. You will never find anybody with the same symptoms."
• How do you plan to spend your summer this year?
"If there are no wildfires I’ll be camping at Rock Creek. Hiking with the 'Buns on the Run' club, kayaking, and spending time with the grandbaby should take up the rest of the summer."
If you'd like to learn more about MS, the MS Society of Canada's Website is a great place to start.
