Dancer Visited Multiple Specialists Before Finally Being Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

Tests eventually led to the source of her leg tremors and pain.

Diane Palaganas’s journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the challenges that come with navigating a complex healthcare system. Her story is one of perseverance, misdiagnoses, and ultimately, a diagnosis that changed the course of her life. Diane’s experience sheds light on the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis when facing a condition as unpredictable and life-altering as MS.

A Life Dedicated to Dance

Diane’s life has been intertwined with the art of dance from a young age. Specializing in hip hop and modern dance, she not only found passion and purpose in her dance career but also shared her love for dance by teaching it in her hometown of Long Beach, California. Her journey took an unexpected turn in 2013 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms in her leg that would eventually threaten her dancing career.

The Beginnings of a Mystery

The initial signs manifested as leg tremors and weakness in her right leg. Diane’s natural athleticism led her to dismiss these symptoms as a mere dance-related injury. She believed that her physical prowess and the demands of her dance moves might have caused the issues. Initially, she thought the symptoms would resolve on their own with time, as is often the case with minor injuries.

However, as time passed, the symptoms persisted and even worsened. Alongside the tremors and weakness, Diane also began to experience a slight foot drop, a condition characterized by difficulty lifting part of the foot. Despite her initial optimism, she couldn’t ignore the reality that something more serious might be at play.

A Puzzling Journey Through Doctors

Diane’s quest for answers began with a visit to a chiropractor in the hope that adjustments might alleviate her symptoms. However, the relief she sought eluded her, prompting her to consult an orthopedic doctor. An MRI of her knee revealed tendonitis, which led to a corticosteroid injection aimed at addressing the leg’s tremors and weakness. Sadly, the foot drop endured.

The path to a diagnosis led her to a podiatrist, who suspected nerve damage and initiated a chain of referrals to various specialists, including a neurologist. This neurologist conducted an electromyography (EMG) test, which, to Diane’s dismay, showed normal results despite her ongoing leg pain. The search for answers continued.

The Prolonged Search for Answers

As she grappled with unresolved symptoms, Diane underwent physical therapy for what was initially diagnosed as plantar fasciitis—a condition characterized by inflammation of the ligament connecting the heel to the toes. Despite diligent therapy sessions and the use of a night boot, her condition showed no improvement. Frustration mounted, and Diane was willing to explore more aggressive medical interventions.

An ankle specialist diagnosed her with scar tissue around her ankle and recommended an ankle arthroscopy, a surgical procedure that involved using a tiny camera and surgical tools to repair the tissues within her ankle. Despite her hopes, this procedure failed to provide the relief Diane so desperately sought. The uncertainty surrounding her condition persisted.

A Glimpse of Hope Amidst the Frustration

Amidst the disappointment and a series of inconclusive diagnoses, Diane Palaganas finally encountered a physical therapist who offered a different perspective. This therapist considered the possibility that Diane’s symptoms might be indicative of multiple sclerosis (MS)—a disease of the central nervous system characterized by the immune system’s attack on myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve cells. Such attacks disrupt the transmission of messages from the brain to the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms.

Recognizing the significance of this theory, Diane was referred to a neurologist for further evaluation. The pivotal moment came when she underwent a brain MRI—a diagnostic tool commonly used to identify signs of MS. At this juncture, Diane began to realize that her condition might be far more serious than she had ever anticipated.

The Life-Altering Diagnosis

The results of the brain MRI confirmed what Diane had feared but needed to know: she had multiple sclerosis. It marked the culmination of a grueling three-year journey from the onset of symptoms to a definitive diagnosis. Diane describes her emotional response as a sense of shock and a feeling of losing control over her life. The diagnosis triggered a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to denial and eventual acceptance.

By the time she received her MS diagnosis, Diane had interacted with an array of healthcare professionals, including two primary-care doctors, three chiropractors, three podiatrists, four physical therapists, and two neurologists. The protracted journey towards a diagnosis led her to a critical realization—many of her doctors had been addressing secondary symptoms rather than identifying the root cause of her condition.

Frustrations and Hurdles in the Healthcare System

Diane Palaganas’s experience navigating the healthcare system can be described as “very frustrating.” She grappled with uncertainty and a lack of clarity regarding her condition. She voiced her frustrations, emphasizing the need for more extensive and timely testing to expedite the diagnostic process. Diane believes that had she received her MS diagnosis earlier, some of the disease’s progression might have been prevented or mitigated.

She particularly laments the initial neurologist’s failure to consider MS as a potential diagnosis, underscoring the importance of comprehensive testing when patients present with unexplained symptoms. Diane’s MS journey has proven that early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential in managing a condition as complex as MS. The course of the disease varies from person to person, and timely intervention can significantly impact its progression.

Life with Multiple Sclerosis

Despite undergoing treatment with medications, Diane’s MS has continued to progress, leading her to make significant life adjustments. Regrettably, her dancing career, a source of immense joy and self-expression, had to be put on hold. She also had to step away from her role as a dance instructor, which had been both her career and her connection to others.

Living with MS has introduced numerous challenges into Diane’s daily life. Tasks that were once routine have become arduous, and she struggles with mobility, particularly when walking long distances. Standing for extended periods triggers spasticity and necessitates a great deal of effort. Simple activities, such as grocery shopping or socializing with friends, have become challenging endeavors.

Furthermore, Diane’s condition has limited her ability to work, and she faced the additional hurdle of being denied disability benefits. Nevertheless, she has found solace and fulfillment in her new career as a DJ. This career allows her to continue her connection with music and self-expression while minimizing the physical demands of dancing.

A Hope for the Future

In the midst of her challenges, Diane Palaganas remains hopeful for the future. She aspires to see a cure for multiple sclerosis in her lifetime—a breakthrough that could potentially reverse the damage caused by the disease and restore her ability to lead an active life. Until that day comes, Diane approaches each day with resilience, living in the moment and embracing both the easy and difficult days.

In her own words, she’s “living each day at the moment,” acknowledging that some days are more manageable than others. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of early diagnosis, and the need for greater awareness and understanding of conditions like multiple sclerosis. Diane Palaganas’s journey serves as an inspiration for others facing the uncertainties and challenges of chronic illnesses, reminding them to keep fighting and living life to the best of their abilities, one day at a time.