So now, for something personal. I don’t usually go into a ton of detail on the overarching factors of my life. However, today, I do want to share a bit of information. And I hope you will take it as no more than that.
Just about 3 years ago, in 2006, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While I had been experiencing symptoms of this illness for several years, there was no conclusive information as to what this array of symptoms was due.
Oddly enough, receiving such a pathological diagnosis as multiple sclerosis helped me to turn inward and listen more closely to my body. While I would not ever call this diagnosis (or any) a gift, I would call it very eye opening. Having a serious diagnosis taught me to better manage my energy.
With this diagnosis, I have become an expert on myself. And for that I am grateful. Now, I know what works best for me. What is it? Among other things, sleep (lots of it), easy cardio exercise, strength training and eating well (for me that means no grains and of course, NO gluten).
When it comes to dealing with MS, I believe that each person is a unique individual that heals quite differently. I am sharing my story in order to let people know that when you find balance from within, this illness (and perhaps others) can be dealt with on a day-to-day level resulting in significant quality of life and productivity.
So, there you have it. At this point, it takes more energy to not disclose it and so I feel that it is time to share what I am experiencing both with my online community (you) and others with that I am in contact within my life. Yes, I do things a bit differently and perhaps oddly, due to this diagnosis. Yet, in many ways, I am quite “normal.” To say the least, I am very happy.
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Thank you for listening and one request, please if you feel anything for me, let it be happiness and hope. These are the two guiding principles of my life and I want to share them with all of you each and every day.
Thank you for being my readers and my friends.
Katherine Bhana says
Ayurvedic Treatment has been a game-changer for managing my MS symptoms. Since incorporating it into my routine, I’ve experienced reduced pain, increased energy levels, no more blurry vision and a noticeable improvement in my overall well-being. I know I’ll get negative comments but I can vouch for this Ayurvedic treatments but you still need to decide what works best for you. Sending prayers
Elana says
Katherine, thanks for your comment! I began studying Ayurveda intensively around 30 years ago and I agree it can be helpful in managing MS.
Jane Adamson says
I am grateful to find you and your site. I would also like to know where you get Turkey and chicken that is not fed corn and soy. I don’t like beef. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Jane
Elana says
Jane, thanks so much for your comment! I would suggest that you speak with local farmers in your area to find one that can provide you with grass-fed poultry products. I hope you’ll keep me posted on how it goes :-)
Lisa says
I’ve been looking at your site for years, then due to a computer fail, all my bookmarks were gone. Found you again today and read this. I was diagnosed with RR MS in 1996, and am still here, albeit with more numb bits and tired bits than before.
Just wanted to send you strength, and peace.
Here’s hoping that stem cell research does what it says it can do, one day, for all of us!
Lisa
Elana says
Lisa, sending strength and peace right back to ya! I’m so glad you’re here and that you left me this lovely comment! I hope you’ll keep me posted on how you’re doing :-)
Karina Itano says
Elana,
Thank you for sharing your life, experience and knowledge. I really appreciate it and I am grateful for that, as I found out I have Crohn’s disease.
I am Brazilian and I would like to share something. There is an actress that has MS and she tried a new treatment and it is working. You probably have heard of stem cells implant. She’s been on that treatment and in June this year the doctors found out the disease is decreasing. Her name is Claudia Rodrigues.
Elana says
Karina, thanks so much!
N says
Elana, my gf was Dx with ms this week.
Did you do testing for Lyme to rule it out?
Have you ever followed dr. Swank diet?
She is in a quandary regarding not being able to consume coconut oil with this diet.
I’m interested on your experience and thoughts.
Kindly,
Nancy Cherven
Elana says
Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about your gf. Yes, I was tested for Lyme and write about that here:
https://elanaspantry.com/new-approaches-to-neurological-conditions/
I follow the opposite of the Swank diet since I do well with high-fat low-carb.
Please keep me posted!
Elana
joan says
Do you have relapsing/remitting or progressive MS? Curious as my husband has relapsing/remitting and he has some strange issues with food that I wondered if you’d experienced?
Eating most foods makes him sleepy. In order to do his job he often will not eat until the evening so that he does not have this sudden onset of physical/mental fatigue. I worry (a lot) about his fasting during the day and just wondered if it is the MS or some other issue that causes this.
Sarah says
Joan,
I’d be happy to send you some research, ketosis has been shown to have neuro protective benefits, and is used in Parkinson’s and Epilepsy as common treatments because of the neuro protectiveness.
My husband also has MS, and over the past few years I’ve read lots of research to try to find answers and help.
Ariela says
MS fatigue and lassitude, coupled with MS mental/brain fog…. ah, the memories of who and how I was.
i’ve had RRMS for over 30 years and about two years ago ‘graduated’ to Secondary Progressive.
I’ve done my best to follow a paleo diet for the last two years. Overall, I feel better but can’t say that it has done anything to improve the cognitive elements. At the end of the day, has MS stopped progressing? Or has progression slowed down?
I’m still ambulatory with no assistive devices, find that cognitive losses are such that I can no longer hold any of the jobs I had.
I smile and express gratitude out to the ethers every day. I’m still a ham and define/redefine normal as often as I need to.
Be well,
Ariela
Elana says
Ariela, thanks for your comment and for sharing your journey here :-)
Thrive with MS Mary says
Hi Elana! When I was diagnosed with MS last year, my brother pointed me to your site. Thanks for being a wonderful resource for information, which was so helpful as I significantly changed my eating habits, from vegan to Paleo. And I love that you preach the gospel of 8-hrs of sleep. Super vital for healing!
xo Mary
Elana says
Mary, you’re welcome! I’m heartened that we are on this healing path together :-)
George Njenga says
I’ve been reading this blog and its quite an inspiration, I’ve got MS as well and am thankful that you have shared your story…Thanks!!!!!
Elana says
You’re welcome George! Thanks so much for your comment :-)
Chris Lenz says
Hi Elana,
My daughter came up with a couple of your recipes recently… I didn’t realise that someone gave you the disease label MS as well. See how little importance it has. i love you positive attitude and agree that what you can is much more important than what you can’t ;)
Keep them yummy posts coming!
Chris
Elana says
Chris, I couldn’t agree with you more :-)
mary says
Thank you so much for all you share on this site, both personal and food related; they do combine in so many ways, don’t they? I have just found you tonight and I will be checking in very often. I think I have run my printer nearly out of ink tonight! With my daughter and I both learning of foods we now must avoid, it has been hard to fine consistent, tested recipes using all these new, and at times expensive ingredients. Can’t wait to try some of these. Hope you and your family are healthy and happy!
Elana says
Thanks mary!