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.
Lee Torrence says
One of the symptoms I had before being diagnosed with Celiac’s was imbalance from time to time and I had a period where I felt like I would black out (for a super brief second). Another Celiac told me it was called Ataxia. I am basically on a super strict SCD diet/Paleo diet and have never felt better. My question is…do you think Celiac Disease can CAUSE MS? Elena I so enjoy your food and YOU!
Elana says
Lee, I don’t think that celiac necessarily would cause MS, but I do know that celiac is a gateway autoimmune disorder that can lead to others such as MS.
Leta says
I was diagnosed at age 24 with MS. I was told by the chief of the neurological staff at Houston Methodist that it appeared that it was moving fast and I might want to be ready for a wheel chair by my mid-thirties. That was 33 years ago and all I can say is that I must not have reached my mid-thirties yet!
Your attitude and wisdom to pursue nutritional solutions are what will keep you going. I have never once said, “MY MS.” I won’t own it. I may have symptoms, but I WILL be healed in this life. If not, then the next. :)
You are SO on track with gluten-free. You might even so further with Paleo. I’m doing great. Yah, I have symptoms, but far more importantly, I have faith, a wonderful life, hope, an incredible family, and lots and lots of love. Still walking without assistance. Sometimes I may appear to be staggering a bit, but I suppose that makes me interesting… Life is so good.
Keep up the great message.
Elana says
Leta, I loved your comment. It brought such a smile to my face! I have been grain-free since 2001 :-)
Rebeca says
I am grateful for Elana sharing here diagnosis and hope with me- a fellow MS survivor.
Elana says
Thanks Rebeca!
Angie says
Hi
I have really loved using the information on this website. It has been a lifesaver! Thank you. I was diagnosed with RA five years ago and have been struggling to find something that helps ever since. When I saw that you mentioned the LDN, I wanted to ask about it because my doctor has mentioned it to me in the past, but we haven’t pursued it. My problem is that I seem to get side effects from drugs frequently and I was just wondering if you have noticed any side effects from the LDN and how long you have been taking it. Right now I have not taken any drugs, but the pain is getting so bad, I’m having difficulty with my resolve.
Thanks.
Angie Kehler
Elana says
Hi Angie, thanks for your comment! I haven’t experienced any side effects with LDN. For more info you might like this post:
https://elanaspantry.com/low-dose-naltrexone/
Enjoy!
Elana
Deborah Penner says
Thank you for linking the Paleo Shepherd’s Pie post with this. I am encouraged. 19 months ago I was diagnosed with “MS like lesions” (or plaques …pick the word with the smallest charge to it :) … I stopped being wishy washy about gluten and night shades .. and while I still have no new lesions I have the sense that I would feel consistently better and were I to choose fewer to no grains … Thank you so much for all that you do to pave the way …
Elana says
Deborah, you’re welcome!
Nicole says
I love your blog so much! I am 23 and I was recently diagnosed with Celiac’s and Type 1 Diabetes. Your blog has been the best resource for gluten free recipes for someone with both Celiac’s and Diabetes. I find that so many gluten free alternatives are high sugar/high carb and wreak havoc on my blood sugar control. Your recipes are some of the only ones I can find that aren’t full of starches and tons of sugar to compensate for the lack of gluten. I just wanted to sincerely thank you for that!
I also wanted to thank you for sharing your diagnoses on your blog. I am sure that is a difficult decision, to be that open on the internet. I really connect with what you have written and agree, a disease is not a gift, but it can change how you approach your life and your body in beautiful, positive ways. Part of me still mourns the loss of my previous, carefree self, but mostly I know that my awareness of the complex interaction between food and the body means that I am living in such a healthier way now, and blogs like yours strengthen and inspire me to keep doing that. Thank you! (And thank you for the muesli scones. My absolute favorites thus far.)
Elana says
Thanks Nicole!
Dee says
I love your cookbooks & blog, etc. I have gluten problems & just recently was diagnosed with myofascial pain (I have severe active myofascial trigger points, pain, fatigue.) I just read about Hemex.com & hypercoagulation being a common factor in many chronic illnesses—chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, m.s, etc. This is unknown by many, many medical professionals. Please consider checking this out. I am just in the early stages of gathering info, but if this is the common factor in disease, and can help others to heal, it is something I want to learn more about.
Elana says
Thanks Dee!
Trudy says
Elana-
I have read many recipes on your blog. Today while going through some older ones I ran across this post. I have also been diagonosed with MS. I started exploring being gluten free after the diagonosis. I have also found that dairy doesn’t agree with me either. It is nice to know that I am not totally alone on this path of diet modification to deal with MS.
– Trudy
Elana says
Trudy, I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I am comforted that we are on this healing path together :-)
Trish O'Shields says
I was reviewing your info on agave and came across something about MS and then read this blog on it. I have not read through all the comments but wanted to mention that it might be informative for you to go to http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org and review the info on MS. My daughter and I have used it for 5-6 years for fibromyalgia and it has helped both of us so much. I have read a number of case histories on patients with MS doing well on it. Just wanted to share this with you. I enjoy your blog and am also enjoying the recipes in your almond flour cookbook.
Elana says
Thanks Trish! I wrote about LDN here:
https://elanaspantry.com/low-dose-naltrexone/
It’s been helpful for me!
Elana
Leslie Blanchard says
Just saw this now.. love your site!!
Have you ever been tested for lyme disease? so many folks diagnosed with MS actually were misdiagnosed and have lyme.
It’s something you should really take seriously because you may be treating a disease you don’t have while another disease proliferates in your body.
I have lyme and have done a ton of research on the subject.
With warmest regard,
Leslie
Elana says
Thanks Leslie, I’ve written about Lyme disease here and you might find it interesting!
https://elanaspantry.com/new-approaches-to-neurological-conditions/
Enjoy!
Elana