From Fitness to Multiple Sclerosis: Kelsie Cohen’s Journey

Kelsie Cohen, a bodybuilder, personal trainer, and mother from Long Island, New York, lived an active and disciplined lifestyle. Despite her constant routine, she began noticing troubling symptoms. Initially, she experienced numbness in her hands and feet during workouts, which she assumed was due to low electrolytes.

Cohen’s routine included training clients, personal workouts, and caring for her young son. She believed the occasional exhaustion and muscle cramping were simply part of her rigorous fitness and dieting regime. However, in May 2026, she felt her strength decreasing during workouts, and numbness and cramping on her left side grew more concerning.

The symptoms came on fast and furiously, affecting my left hand and foot the most, eventually landing me in the hospital.

As the episodes of numbness increased in frequency and severity, Cohen felt unsafe while driving and experienced balance issues. An urgent care visit raised alarms, and she was advised to visit the emergency room.

Cohen felt convinced that an electrolyte imbalance was the culprit, not suspecting any serious issue. Doctors performed bloodwork and a CT scan to rule out neurological problems. While initial tests showed her electrolytes were normal, the CT scan revealed a mass on her brain, initially suspected to be cancerous.

After being rushed to a larger hospital, an MRI scan offered a new perspective. Numerous brain lesions redirected the diagnosis to a demyelinating disease. A follow-up MRI of Cohen’s spine confirmed multiple sclerosis (MS) in late May. Although relieved it wasn’t cancer, Cohen was devastated to learn she now faced an incurable disease.

During her hospital stay, Cohen’s condition worsened, with severe dizziness and leg spasms. With medication, her condition improved. She now manages her MS symptoms and participates in disease-modifying treatments like Kesimpta to slow down the disease progression.

While Cohen physically remains active, she has adjusted her fitness routine to respect her body’s needs. Her approach now includes reduced volumes and more rest between sets. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the need to listen to her body and understand that pushing through pain is not always strength.

Cohen utilizes social media, once used to share fitness tips, to raise MS awareness and show what’s possible despite a diagnosis. She believes that listening to one’s body is a sign of strength, not weakness, encouraging others to seek medical help when necessary.

Cohen said, “I hope sharing my story helps someone feel less isolated, encourages them to trust their instincts, and shows that life continues after an MS diagnosis.”

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