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.
Angela says
Thank-you for sharing with all of us. Sometimes that is the hardest part… sharing. I love your site, and all the effort you put into it. Have you heard of Royal Rife’s frequency treatments? M.S along with most if not all diseases or predisease states can and have been eradicated through frequency treatment. Just another option. God bless you and yours. Angela
Mikel says
Hi Elana,
Your outlook on life and style have always been inspirational to me. I follow you blog due to those attributes, even though I rarely cook. This post just adds to that.
Thanks for sharing your story and may we all continue to draw strength from all you write (and hopefully in some small way vice versa).
Mikel
Stephanie says
Thank you for being so honest about your life, you are a great blessing.
Kalyn says
I know it takes courage to share this type of personal information, and I admire you for it and wish you well dealing with the challenge of a diagnosis like this. I think your approach of learning what works for your own body is a good one. Best wishes!
Irina says
Dear Elana,
Although I’ve enjoyed your web site and your recipes immensely for almost a year, I haven’t written much. Reading this post made me feel compelled to send love, compassion and appreciation your way. I have been living with fibromyolgia and several other “chronic” diagnosis for over 10 years. Finding internal balance has been a daily exercise in discipline for me. It isn’t always easy to put my health ahead of the immediate needs of my family, especially at the times when I feel good. Because of the changes in my diet and lifestyle, I feel good more often then not. I am still learning to nurture this feeling, rather then to allow myself get depleted and run down. Acupuncture, yoga, sleep, and finding the strength to be at peace within, have been my godsends. Remember to love yourself always.
With lots of gratitude for all you do,
Irina
gfe-gluten free easily says
Elana–Thank you so much for graciously sharing your story with us, your devoted readers. “Happiness and hope”–love that! As you’ve shown by your incredible blog, “we are not our disease,” but so much more.
Thank you for all you are. Love and light to you on your wellness journey,
Shirley
~M says
Thank you for reminding us to listen to our bodies (and not cheating ourselves) and the importance of a positive attitude.
Tracee says
Group Hug!! and bless you. We are on a very similiar journey. The beauty of it though, I have found, is that you really can take lemons and make lemonade… and you seem to be very good at that.
Elana says
Hi Elana,
Not sure if you remember me, I share the same name, have celiac and live in Denver. You were very helpful to me when I was first diagnosed with celiac Feb ’08. I didn’t mention to you that 2 months before that I was diagnosed Type 1 diabetes – insulin dependent juvenile diabetes (that is the only reason they tested me for celiac). At 33, my life had changed.
I am happy to tell you I wear an insulin pump 24/7, adhere to a strict GF diet, and i feel great. Even better, my husband and I are expecting our first child in September!
Every day I deal with managing blood sugars and my diet, but it’s worth all the effort. I have a fantastic life and want to live it healthfully.
Thank you for being an inspiration.
-Elana
Beth says
Elana,
Thank you for sharing something so personal with us.
As always, your outlook, and optimism are an inspiration to me.