Wendy Temple

Country: Australia
Age: 49
Profession: Teacher
Type of MS: Relapse remitting
Year of diagnosis: 2003

My life did not begin on the day of my birth, but on the day in 2003 when I was told that I had MS. After years of tests, being told I had everything from anxiety and depression to low iron levels and hormonal problems - I was basically a neurotic woman – I finally had vindication for my persistence. There was something wrong with me and it was not all in my mind. It was a day of great relief. Of course, I knew nothing about MS but at least what was wrong with me had a name, it was a medical condition and could be treated…..

My symptoms were numbness in my left thigh, blinding light around my eyes, the inability to write properly, walking like I’d had a few too many drinks and vertigo. I had to think really hard before I spoke to be certain that what came out was correct. My memory loss was frightening, I would check my bag several times to make sure my keys were there and I had to continually check my timetable to see where I was supposed to be. These symptoms had been occurring singularly over many years. Of course, now knowing that I have had MS for a lot longer than I first thought explains a few things in my life.

I told my family first. Their reaction was one of tremendous support and lots of questions. Next I told the principal at the high school where I am a teacher and then, during staff prayers, I told the rest of my colleagues. There were gasps from some and stunned silence from others but I knew them well and could count on their prayers and support at this time.

At school, I work with the indigenous students (Aboriginal) on a daily basis. They range in age from 5 to 11 years. I decided not to tell them about my MS – too much to explain. On days when I have difficulty thinking straight I use “why don’t you explain how we do this?” or “would you like to read for a while?” - it always works! If I am having trouble writing I simply ask the student/s to write for me as they always need to practice their handwriting skills!

I am lucky to be living here in Australia, as we have excellent anti-discrimination legislation. No one can be denied employment because of a disability and, more importantly in my case; no one can be sacked because of a disability. There are very severe penalties for employers who flaunt this rule.

After my diagnosis I realised I needed to find out as much as I could about MS and learn how to deal with it. Here I was fortunate as I had that great tool known as the ‘internet’ to help me. However, the more I read the more I began to feel intense fear. I discovered there was no cure, no magic pill or potion to save me. I became a little withdrawn and hated it when people asked me how I felt. I found myself asking “do they really want to know or are they just being polite?” How wrong I was – they were genuine in their asking through friendship and concern for one they loved and cared for.

After trying Rebif for six months I decided that it was not for me. My self preservation kicked in. I needed to deal with this my way so I decided that I would use my greatest weapon – my humour – to overcome everything before me.

I discovered the MSIF website and read about how others were suffering and then felt guilty as I didn’t think of my symptoms as being as bad as theirs. I wanted to reach out and give each and every one the strength to overcome but was unsure how to do this. I started writing my blog on the site and reading and commenting on as many messages as I could, reaching out across the planet offering words of encouragement and hope.

I have always loved bushwalking and decided that while I was still able to, I would do as much as I could. Last year two colleagues and I decided on trying an adventure – we went abseiling in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. We abseiled seven times, building up to a descent of 60 metres! It was the scariest thing I had ever done in my life, but I did it, survived and felt alive for doing it. This was – for me – a true adventure; overcoming obstacles, facing the demon head on and winning.











In April I achieved another milestone; I went caving. I abseiled in, crawled, pulled and pushed my body further than I have ever done before and felt so alive. It is this adrenalin rush that now sustains me, knowing that I can do activities that others not only fear but that I can do them with, or despite, having MS.


In Australia we have national, state and local MS associations available. I have a great general practitioner who is always there for me to discuss things with. I have a loving family, fantastic friends and work colleagues to support me when I need it. My life has been ingrained with that great Aussie expression “she’ll be right mate”. I guess my greatest tool is my ability to believe in myself and my capabilities. To know that although it takes longer to do things than it used to, I can still function as a living, breathing contributor to this life. My house may not always be ‘picture perfect’ but hey, there is always tomorrow.

Yes, there is always tomorrow. That would be my advice to anyone who has MS – there is always tomorrow. If you can’t do it today, try again tomorrow. Live your life to the fullest, laugh, cry, scream, shout, whatever you want to do – just get out there and do it. If you don’t see yourself abseiling or caving – find that one thing you have never thought you could do and give it a try.

Good luck to you all with your adventures!