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 Winslow says
Elana,
Thank you for sharing your story and for your heartfelt message of hope and determination. As one of many dealing with gluten issues, I have drawn strength from your wonderful spirit and great meal ideas. Best of luck as you continue to stay healthy and vibrant. I’ll be cheering for you!
Katherine W.
Stacie K says
My eyes are filled with tears, but my heart is filled with wonder at your strength and gratitude for your generosity in sharing your widsom and kindness. You are loved for exactly who you are. Hugs and prayers to you Elana.
alison says
Hi Elana – Liz Sullivan has introduced me to your fabulous wesbite. What a beautiful site – when I have more time I am going to enjoy working my way round it and trying recipes. I love the way you spread your love of cooking and eating good food – there’s so much heart and soul to be found in food when approached the right way! As you know, I too have MS – diagnosed 15 years ago. As with you, it has taken me on an inner journey, star studded with light and discovery and transformation…which continues. I follow the traditional MS-diet guidelines, getting my essential fatty acids anyway I can….I have never known whether I have intolerances or to what – but I am a big fan of healthy eating and good food.
I look forward to cxoming regularly to your pantry which I thank you for sharing.
A xx
unscrambled says
Elana-
Sounds like you’ve taken your diagnosis in the most positive way you can. I got diagnosed at the beginning of this year, and am a long time lurker on your blog, and have enjoyed making your recipes for myself and my family. I appreciate your decision to disclose, and to continue to maintain your privacy around day to day life with this disease.
Claire says
I too have MS and am a massive believer in the effect diet has on it after following the Best Bet Diet for it for a couple of years, prob not a huge leap from what you’re doing now as it is no gluten as well as no dairy and no legumes, I certainly make some of your recipes on it! It also places a lot of importance on D3, which a lot of other people have mentioned. I know there are a lot of followers in the states as well as in the UK and it has proper changed my life and that of many people on it. You would be welcomed with open arms on the chat room with all your lovely recipes! http://www.msrc.co.uk/ has all about it – and is a great site for lots off other MS stuff as well! If I sound evangelical thats coz I am – diagnosis in my 20’s as a single working girl was a shock but now I am healthier than a lot of my ‘healthy’ friends. It’s tough, I know, but my thoughts are with you x
Lisa Jones says
Elana,
Hooray for you! I just started following your blog a few months ago, enjoy reading your recipes and have a few I kept to try. I did not feel compelled to respond until today. My mom and two good friends have MS – my mom also has celiac as do I. They all have a spirit that lifts my own as they live their lives to the fullest in spite of their respective limitations. I love that you are living YOUR life – that is the only way to do it. I wish you all the best.
Lisa
Michele says
I do not have MS but just read this today. Maybe it might help you.
http://www.naturalnews.com/026384_Vitamin_D_multiple_sclerosis_disease.html
Jennifer says
Hi Elana,
Thank you for sharing your story. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have seen a nutritionist to try and combat my systems through diet rather than biological modifying drugs (hence no gluten or dairy). I hope it works. And I cannot thank you enough for sharing your recipes. I made the brownies last nite, and they were AMAZING. I just ordered the blanched almond flour and cannot wait to try your other recipes. I find desserts are the hardest for gluten free-ers. I love that they are straightforward with few ingredients. I cannot wait for your cookbook. Thank you again and I can feel your positive energy-love it!
Jill says
Elana,
As Annette already posted, MS is often a misdiagnosis of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases (or even from a mosquito, flea, mite or fly). I know, I was misdiagnosed with MS initially but was able to track the true cause back to a rash when I had been feeding a cat.
I am now a volunteer with the California Lyme Disease Association and have gotten countless people into treatment who were misdiagnosed with MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. The mainstream doctors and tests do not accurately diagnose and treat. Lyme is a politically charged area.
If you want more info, please go to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases (www.ilads.org) or http://www.lymedisease.org or email me (I’m one of your Facebook friends).
I am not discounting your diagnosis at all, please don’t miscontrue. I have autoimmune disease running in my family and already have two autoimmune diseases before the tick bite, so of course everyone assumed I had another autoimmune disease. Plus my Lyme symptoms are identical to MS, although now they’ve become more ALS and Parkinson’s like, too. I have the lesions on the brain just like MS.
Most Lyme patients cannot eat gluten, interestingly enough, regardless of whether they are true celiacs or not.
I have been battling these diseases for five years, am declining, and have had many antibiotic side-effects that were life-threatening or disabling. So I understand the rollercoaster ride that is our lives when dealing with an unpredictable health challenge.
I commend you all the more that you use your energy to cook delicious recipes and share so much with us.
Many blessings.
Jill
Paula says
I love your request “please if you feel anything for me, let it be happiness and hope.” You’ve got it. I wouldn’t think of feeling any other way for you. You shine through as such a happy and hopeful person:)
Thank you.