‘I couldn’t even move my fingers’: How Emirati woman beat incurable disease, thanks to world-class UAE healthcare

Multiple sclerosis (MS) had turned Mazoon's life upside down — she had to use a wheelchair and, at one point, couldn't even move her fingers.

However, with inner strength and unwavering determination supported by advanced medical care, the 30-year-old Emirati woman made a remarkable recovery to a normal life and got behind the wheel.

Mazoon's battle started in June when she felt progressive weakness in the right side of her body, which lasted for a few days. She consulted the neurology department of NMC Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi and was diagnosed with MS, a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.

“I noticed a slight paraesthesia in my hand and perpetually felt fatigue, symptoms that would eventually escalate into nerve weakness, challenging my daily life,” Mazoon said.

Apart from weakness, she had decreased muscular endurance impacting her ability to do normal tasks. She needed to hold onto firm surfaces while walking and was later dependent on a cane. Eventually, she was unable to walk without assistance, which led to the use of a wheelchair.

It was a devastating condition for a woman who was a multi-tasker and enjoyed driving, cooking, organising her home, and taking care of her beloved cat named Mario.

“The situation was bad. My life was difficult. I was not able to move anything in my body. I couldn’t even move my fingers. I felt that it was heavy. I could not move from my place. I was unable to do any part of my daily routine as the disease occupied the nerve centre of my body.”

However, she was confident of overcoming the adverse conditions and riding her car soon.

Way to recovery

For intensive rehabilitation and care, she was referred to NMC ProVita International Medical Centre.

An interdisciplinary team was formed to handle her case, including doctors, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, dietitians, and nurses.

They created a specialised rehabilitation programme and followed a patient-focused approach with an emphasis on Mazoon’s activities and daily tasks.

With intensive rehabilitation over two months, Mazoon regained her strength, balance, endurance and coordination. She successfully managed all tasks assigned to her during her rehab and community mobility re-training programme. She was discharged with the recommendation of continuing the exercises for further improvement of body tolerance and to get training for driving a car.

ALSO READ:

• UAE: Breakthrough treatment gives multiple sclerosis patient newfound hope at Abu Dhabi hospital

Mazoon’s case is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing that one can overcome even the most formidable challenges with the proper support, rehabilitation, and determination.