It was in the fall 2012 when Natascha Brüstle first noticed strange symptoms: her legs often felt numb, and she felt dizzy easily. Her family doctor could not directly interpret the described symptoms – it was only when Natascha suffered a seizure right during a visit at her doctors practice in February 2013 that she had a concrete suspicion, which was later confirmed in the neurological emergency room. After two days, the diagnosis was clear: multiple sclerosis (MS). A world collapsed for the young student, who was about to take her state examination to become a teacher.
The course of treatment for multiple sclerosis
The following years were characterized by the search for a suitable therapy. The classic first-line therapy with glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®) showed little effect, as Natascha's MS was particularly severe. After several setbacks due to drug intolerances, Natascha finally found a suitable therapy in January 2019 with ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®). The drug reduces her MS activity to such an extent that she has not suffered any relapses since then.
Faith gives Natascha a lot of hope.
Since Natascha's immune system is suppressed due to her medication, she was vaccinated against Corona early on (three times) and received her last vaccination in December 2021. The vaccinations were tolerated well, and her MS treatment could continue without interruptions until February 2022.
Then, in March 2022, Natascha got infected with SARS-CoV-2, initially presenting with a persistent irritable cough. When her lungs did not recover for weeks, she was diagnosed with bronchitis. A computed tomography (CT) scan in June 2022 showed that this must have been a wrong diagnosis: the lung was much more affected than what is usually seen for bronchitis. She had contracted severe pneumonia and was on sick leave for 8 weeks. In August, she began her reintegration and although her general condition was good, her lungs were still causing significant problems. Unfortunately, she did not always receive the support she had hoped for from her doctor; neither breathing exercises nor medication to increase lung function were recommended. Because of the lung impairment, her upcoming Ocrevus® infusion in August 2022 was postponed.
In 2017, Natascha got a horse that has accompanied her ever since.
Through Long COVID, Natascha has been significantly more susceptible to infections
In September 2022, Natascha noticed comparable symptoms to those she had experienced during her COVID-19 illness a few months earlier. After a few days, a test confirmed a new SARS-CoV-2 infection. The acute infection was clearly evident on a CT scan, which happened to be taken during the same time period to assess the impairment of the lungs from the initial infection. Again, Natascha struggled severely with the symptoms of the acute infection. Over the next few months, it became apparent that her immune system and especially her lungs were significantly weakened. She is still very susceptible to colds, which are usually accompanied by a strong irritating cough that only responds to strong medication like codeine. One advantage of the coughing: the involuntary abdominal training helped her to lose 20 kg in a very short time, the most effective diet ever, Natascha quips.
Despite the recurring infections, Natascha was able to keep the appointment for her next scheduled Ocrevus® infusion in January 2023. An MRI in April showed no changes in the multiple sclerosis activity, although therapy had to be interrupted for six months in 2022.
"My horse is not only an emotional support for me, but also trains my balance."
Through Natascha's previous illness she was already familiar with some of the symptoms common to Long COVID. For example, her fatigue was no more pronounced than before. Hardly surprising, after all, she had learned in the previous years to listen well to her body and to allow herself plenty of rest. She would like to encourage others affected never to lose the joy of life. This also includes doing only what you really feel like doing, without thinking to much of the expectations of others. People should never lose their optimism, even when fatigue and battles with insurance companies are draining. For Natascha it is natural to look at one's own situation with a healthy amount of self-irony: You have to take everything in life with a good laugh!
Despite the stress and strains of MS and Long COVID, Natascha never lost her courage. Her faith and especially her horse always gave her strength. The latter not only gives her psychological stability. Riding trains her balance and thus counteracts impairments caused by MS. Moreover, Natascha finds fulfillment in her work as a social care worker for people with disabilities. It gives you a lot back when you can help other people, she explains. She is grateful for every day that her legs, body, and brain work as they should, that she can enjoy the beauty of nature, the peace of gardening and that she can experience the joy of spending time with her horse.
Show
