Kansas City, KS – For months, Jessica Kibby knew something was wrong. Extreme fatigue, numbness, vision changes and difficulty walking were taking over her life, but she couldn't get answers. In January 2026, her symptoms became so severe that she couldn't properly operate the brakes while driving, causing a car crash. A visit to The University of Kansas Health System finally led to a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Now receiving treatment and continuing rehabilitation, Jessica shares her journey, the challenges of living with an often-invisible disease and why she encourages others to keep pushing for answers.
Jessica Kibby, Patient Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Jessica spent months experiencing unexplained weakness, exhaustion, numbness and tingling before receiving her MS diagnosis.
Following her diagnosis, she spent a week in the hospital, a month in rehabilitation and four months receiving additional therapy at Ability KC.
She continues to experience extreme fatigue, heaviness in her legs, numbness and temperature sensitivity, even as she works to regain her mobility.
She shares the emotional challenges of adjusting to a new normal and encourages others to advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right.
Dr. Daniel Mafla, Neurologist and Neuroimmunologist, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Mafla explains how multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and body.
He describes relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease, and how periods of worsening symptoms can be followed by recovery.
He discusses why MS can be difficult to diagnose and how MRI imaging, neurological examinations and spinal fluid testing help doctors distinguish it from other conditions.
He explains how treatments aim to prevent relapses, slow disease activity and help patients maintain their quality of life.
He shares how advances in MS treatment over the past two decades are giving patients more opportunities to pursue careers, families and personal goals.
Dr. Natalie Bartnick, Neurohospitalist, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Bartnick explains how early MS symptoms can mimic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and other neurological disorders.
She describes the neurological examination that revealed Jessica's symptoms were likely coming from her central nervous system rather than her peripheral nerves.
She discusses how brain and spinal MRI findings helped lead to Jessica's diagnosis.
She explains how collaboration with Dr. Mafla helped accelerate Jessica's testing, treatment and transition to long-term neurological care.
She emphasizes the importance of listening to patients, investigating persistent symptoms and coordinating rehabilitation and specialty care to address the many ways MS can affect daily life.