I received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2006. At that time I knew nothing about MS and thought I was going to die very soon as I imagined the disease was terminal. My children were in 1st and 2nd grade. I would lie in bed with them at night thinking that I wouldn’t live to see their high school graduation. Forget about seeing them get married and have children of their own.
Thankfully, my husband quickly let me know that the majority of people with MS do not die a premature death. Still, the diagnosis was absolutely shocking. All I could picture was the worst, that in a short amount of time I would be an invalid. I was not happy about that picture.
Now, I’m doing better. Here are the steps I took when I received an MS diagnosis. Most of these are free, and will cost you nothing financially.
Getting Started When Diagnosed with MS
1. Sleep
Sleep is a priority for healing any health issue and especially for severe neurological conditions. I get 8 hours of sleep per night minimum, and more on weekends. Sleep is free. If you have trouble sleeping see my Natural Sleep Remedies or post for information on supplements that support getting a better night of sleep. My Five Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep may also be of interest.
2. Diet
I follow a diet that is 100% gluten and grain free, without exception, and find this very helpful. Studies show that gluten can be detrimental to those suffering from leaky gut, and that leaky gut may lead to and exacerbate autoimmune illnesses, so removing gluten from your diet may be an effective strategy for dealing with multiple sclerosis.1
Don’t worry if you need recipes, I’ve got you covered! See my gluten-free recipes, and grain-free recipes. By the way, every recipe here on my website is both gluten and grain-free. You may also want to check out my keto diet recipes, as low-carb high-fat diets, or LCHF diets, have been shown to reduce inflammation.2
3. Exercise
Staying fit is an important part of maintaining, or regaining health. Exercise is another treatment for MS that is free. I walk 60 minutes every day, rain or shine. See my post about walking to find out how I built up my stamina to get to that 60 minute mark. Walking lifts my spirits and gives me a nice boost of endorphins.
4. Healing Movement
I do yoga, pilates, or weight lifting 3 times per week, and have found that stretching and resistance training has helped me to maintain strength, coordination, and balance. If you need inspiration, there are numerous videos available online for free, or, like me, you can make up your own routine.
5. Boundaries
Another part of my healing (also free) is to keep interactions as brief as possible with people, places and things that do not impact me in a positive manner. This can be challenging, yet it has the biggest payoff. MS is a disease of the nervous system, so reducing stress is critical in healing.
I designed this MS healing plan myself and chose action items that I felt would give me a very high ROI (return on investment). However, many of the above commitments were radical shifts to my life paradigm, I did not always embrace this change, nor was it easy for me.
As I learned through this process, rebuilding one’s health is one of the greatest challenges life presents. If you make such a choice, be forewarned that it could be very unpleasant and that you may find yourself resisting the very change you seek. This is because rebuilding health means interrupting old habits and patterns. You may not want to make the necessary commitments to, and sacrifices for, your health. For example, you might have to give up watching TV everyday in order to walk for an hour. Or, people might be angry with you for protecting your time and setting limits that serve you, not them. These types of challenges await you, along with healing.
Finally, to create the above treatment plan for my MS, I had to slow down enough to listen to myself, to my body, and my emotions. I had to figure out what I really wanted, what really served me. Even though the process was unpleasant at times, I reconnected with myself and got to know myself better which became a blessing. Am I done? Not even close. The point of my healing plan is not the plan itself, it is undertaking the process of healing, which for me is the process of listening. This is something I practice every day.
For additional resources on how to deal with an MS diagnosis see:
Jodi says
I just to congratulate you Elana on taking control of your life, health and future, not letting your diagnosis drag you down. Thank you for sharing your life with us all along side your culinary adventures :)
Best wishes for the future xx
Deborah says
Thank you so much for this … it is so affirming to read about your healing process … mirrors mine. Healing requires an intense and ultimately rewarding level of honesty first and foremost with yourself … Thank you again!
Amy Merideth says
Hi Elana,
Just sending you love.
Amy
Postdoc says
Thanks so much for this post. I’m actually going through something similar (was completely shocked to be diagnosed with lupus in December), and you sum up the process/feelings/attempts at healing really nicely here. I’ve come to similar conclusions, rebuilding health is extremely challenging but extremely beneficial, of course. My diagnosis came as one hell of a shock, but I’ve learned so much since then – for instance, that we are all responsible for our own health. It’s definitely hard to have your life completely turned upside down and inside out by such a lifelong diagnosis – and to readjust your priorities, set boundaries, put yourself and your health first, no matter who it pisses off. But it’s extremely rewarding, you find out for sure who your friends are and who they are not, and I was completely surprised to find out that while I would never ever wish an autoimmune disease on anyone, shockingly there are actually some blessings that have come along with the aftermath, like clarity and realization of priorities and what’s truly important in life – everything else falls away. Wishing you all the very best in your healing and your health, thank you again for all that you do! Btw, is your sister Dina Amsterdam? I took a few yoga classes from her years and years ago in San Francisco – you guys are both awesome! :)
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
wow, what an inspiring post. such a great healing plan. it sounds like you know exactly what your body needs. Thank you for being so open and honest. You’re an inspiration!
Shirley @ gluten free easily says
Elana, you help all of us so much when you share your personal story, including your struggles and your success. I am so, so glad that you are living so well now by coming up with your own strategies. You make such excellent points on what one might have to give up to implement the strategies, too. Often it’s letting go of such things that don’t contribute to our well being that has the biggest, most surprising impact in the end.
Thanks so much for sharing, dear. Continued healing and love to you!
Shirley
Alexandra says
Beautifully put! It was describing exactly how I felt in my time of illness and bad news. Thank you for putting into words what many of us who suffer from illness cannot. Somehow in striving to live we become better to ourselves and those around us and it’s beautiful
DawnO says
I was so encouraged by reading this!! Well over 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and told that there was nothing I could do about it and given a couple of prescriptions to help me through flare-ups. I was mortified, in pain, and not at all satisfied with that answer. I saw several doctors who agreed with the prognosis.
So, then I started doing my own research and found that MANY people have had relief from a gluten-free diet. I was already a very healthy eater….eating all-natural, organics without any preservatives, additives, etc. so going gluten-free wasn’t terribly difficult….just very different. It required a lot of planning and educating myself at first.
I am now 18 months without any meds and feeling great! Besides being gluten-free, I avoid highly acidic foods, I exercise 4-5 times a week….walking, swimming, or yoga, get PLENTY of rest, and try to control my stress. If any of these are missing, I am prone to a flare-up.
Your story encourages me that I am not the only one taking my health into my own hands and taking back my life. Thank you for inspiring us and for offering us these amazing recipes and tips!!
Toni says
DawnO – Have you looked into Low Oxalate Diet for IC? We have several members on yahoo groups “trying low oxalates” that are healing from this.
Rise & Shine Life says
DawnO ~ thank you for posting this comment. I don’t have IC, but apparently it’s very similar to my diagnosis. I just began the IC diet today per my specialist’s recommendation & I have been sugar & gluten free for a little over a week. I have also had to take this matter into my own hands & was SO happy to finally visit a dr today who *got it*. I just felt so encouraged when I read your comment & wanted to say thank you :)
Lexie says
Dear Elana, balanced courage and determination are what I see in you my friend. Thank you for sharing. xoLexie
Meredith says
Beautifully put and inspiring for anyone dealing with a diagnosis of an auto-immune disease (like me). Best wishes to you.