— and the Wisdom Her Dog Taught Her About Living Well

A story of grief, resilience, unexpected lessons, and a renewed commitment to living fully

When Dr Janine Volschenk heard the words “You have MS” on 15 February 2022, her world shifted in an instant. As a veterinarian, nature lover, and fiercely independent 38-year-old, she had always lived an active life — running, hiking, cycling daring mountain trails, or spending weekends camping under the West Coast sky.

But MS asked her to pause, rethink, and eventually rebuild her understanding of what it means to live well.

From Subtle Signs to a Life-Changing Diagnosis

For years, Janine brushed off dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog as low blood pressure or ordinary exhaustion. But in late 2021, something changed. Her symptoms intensified, and she began experiencing numbness in her hands and a sharp, electrical sensation down her spine — the classic Lhermitte’s sign.

Still believing it might be a neck injury from training, she made an appointment with neurologist Dr Haug, who conducted a full work-up.

“I will never forget the day — 15 Feb 2022. ‘You have MS.’ The only knowledge I had was from Google, and it wasn’t good at all.”

The MRI revealed an active lesion, and Janine was admitted to hospital for the first time in her life. The shock was immense.

Grieving a Future That Suddenly Looked Different

Janine describes her diagnosis as a moment that triggered profound grief — not only for her health, but for the life she had imagined.

“I went through a whole grieving process… my hopes and dreams of a future that I pictured in a certain way.”

Independence has always been central to who she is. The idea that something unpredictable could take that away felt terrifying. But slowly, acceptance began to arrive — and with it, unexpected strength.

A New Way of Living — Healthier, Gentler, and More Intentional

Janine had always lived relatively healthily, but MS encouraged her to elevate every part of her well-being. She began eating more mindfully, staying hydrated, prioritising movement, and — importantly — giving herself permission to rest.

And surprisingly, some of her most valuable lessons came not from a textbook but from her beloved dog, Saartjie.

“It sounds funny, but I learned a lot from my dog.”

Here are Saartjie’s six lessons — wisdom Janine now carries with her every day:

Eat well, drink water, and stay active.
Prioritise rest and relaxation.
Surround yourself with loved ones.
Stay positive and take things in your stride — never give up.
Stay endlessly curious — always be open to learning.
Be kind, to yourself and others — you never know who is fighting a silent battle.

Saartjie has since passed away, but her gentle guidance lives on.

Living With MS: Honest Reality and Daily Courage

Some days are still difficult, especially the fatigue — which Janine says is the hardest part of MS for her. But the diagnosis also taught her patience, self-compassion, and the value of speaking openly about her condition.

“It’s not always easy. Some days are tough. But I’ve learned to be open and honest about this disease and the battles.”

Her story is grounded in a powerful realisation: life can change in a moment. Nothing is guaranteed.

“We shouldn’t take anything or anyone for granted. We need to live NOW and make the best of every moment.”

Her Message to Anyone Newly Diagnosed

Janine offers heartfelt advice for those standing where she once stood:

“Be kind to yourself. Take the time to grieve and process. Seek professional help if you need to.”
“Reach out to organisations like MSSA — Non and her team go above and beyond to support MS patients.”
“You might have MS, but MS doesn’t have you.”

Dr Janine Volschenk’s story is a reminder that MS does not erase identity, purpose, or joy. It reshapes life — gently, sometimes painfully, but often with unexpected lessons and new wisdom. Her journey reflects strength, resilience, and the beauty of learning to live fully in a body that asks for compassion.