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.
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.
Kelly says
Elana, Thank you for sharing this very personal issue with so many of who are not even known to you or by you. I think if the truth be told, many of us deal with other physical issues and even though I don’t “put it out there” on my own blog per se, I also am willing to talk with people, and/or share my personal experiences with others for whom I know it will be of benefit. Keep the great recipes coming. My 17 year old daughter also has Celiac and it has been a struggle for her. These recipes help. She also has Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which has caused some other health issues. Knowing that what we eat can help our bodies is just now starting to sink in to her. She actually commented the other day about how we not only make our own food now, but we also GROW it! She was so proud of us :) Thanks again, Kelly
VeggieGirl says
You are so inspiring and strong, dear Elana xoxo
Hanni says
Thank you for sharing not only your recipes with us, but a little bit about the woman behind the almond flour. What a difficult diagnosis. Your attention to self care is truly admirable. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait until your cookbook comes out!
Allison says
Elana,
Sorry to hear you have MS. Sounds like you have a really good handle on it, though. Eating this way and daily exercise certainly does help. In my case, like Athena, I too was diagnosed with MS but then come to find out that it was actually Lyme Disease. In my case I started developing food allergies, especially to wheat, and when I ate it it exacerbated the chronic fatigue symptoms I already had, at that point. It took ten years to get the diagnosis of Neurological Lyme Disease. Seems its progression is similar to that of MS. Of course not everyone diagnosed with MS or autoimmune disorders have a tick-borne disease but I’m thankful I found a doctor who was willing to investigate that possibility.
There’s a new documentary out about Lyme Disease called Under Our Skin and it seems many Lyme patients are first diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, ALS, Parkinson’s or MS. So, it can be something worth investigating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxWgS0XLVqw
Emilia says
Thanks for sharing Elana and it is nice to hear that you are having a positive attitude with something like this, it does act as an inspiration for others with autoimmune disorders.
I do wish you all the best with this and hope that you are feeling well.
I know about MS through my friends mother and she has also found that grains and dairy are a big no for her in order to feel better.
Courtney says
It would be impossible to read this blog and get anything but happiness and hope. That’s all you project. :)
Lolita Hanks, FNP-C says
Thanks for sharing this with everyone and emphasizing how important it is to find individually what works best for you.
Unfortunately, this is where conventional medicine falls woefully inadequate.The area of nutrition and food choices and how they affect our health and managing illness is often neglected in a discussion on plan of care.
One person’s food is another’s poison.
Christianne says
O Elana,
I am so sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with MS. I can imagine all the emotions you went and sometimes go through, this is not just a ‘piece of cake’ on a food blog!
We do not live in a perfect world, this shows it again. However, it is so good to hear that you became expert on your own body, know what is good for you and that you are very happy! Your sharing reflects wisdom, courage and is so inspirational. How wonderful that you managed to create all this for yourself and your family, despite these circumstances. What a great attitude you have! This is admirable as I believe we all struggle sometimes. I feel so privileged to call you my food blog soul sister. Wishing you and your family all the best in life! xoxox Christianne
EmmaJane Adams says
Fortunately, Elana, MS today is not as devasating as years ago. I work in the medical field and know several people with MS. No one would ever guess that they have it. I wish you to be like one of them. Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes and dedication to your lifestyle and our’s as well.
yaelian says
Thanks so much for sharing your story Elana! Your attitude is great and I hope you will be feeling great for a long time to come.