Multiple Sclerosis

mrsloganlife

Hi--on Friday I was diagnosed with MS and about to be discharged from the hospital. The last couple of days have been emotional adjusting to my new life--but MS will not be the shot caller in my life I know that!

I am on my phone but found only a few groups that haven't been active in 2 years. I know I need to tighten up my diet to help me out as much as possible. Does anyone know of active MS groups on MFP or anyone with MS--what dietary changes did you make?

Again MS will not dictate my life, it will not ruin my life, but I know the life expectancy is 7 years shorter with MS and I want to maximize my life as much as possible!

GretchenCummings

Oh what a rotten day. I feel for you. I've had MS for about 25 years and I remember that moment of diagnosis like it was this morning. But you are totally right - MS does NOT have to dictate or ruin your life. Since I got MS, I have climbed a 14,000 foot mountain, earned a black belt in martial arts, rode my bike 200 miles in 2 days (in an MS fundraising ride), and now I'm learning to ski. Slower than before, but still moving and still calling the shots in my own life - and if I can do it, you can do it too. The determination in your post makes that clear!

If you haven't already done so, check out the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org). They have a whole section for Newly Diagnosed patients and connections to local support groups. They also have very good research-based information about diet and MS, and also about the amazing new treatments that have been developed in just the past few years; it is getting better and better for us MS-folk. All the best of luck to you.

ActionAnnieJXN

Hi, I don't have MS, but I have chronic leukemia with an average life expectancy from diagnosis of 10-15 years, although with the new amazing blood cancer drugs available now, those numbers are improving rapidly. I just wanted to commend you on your mental outlook and determination and let you know that you are not alone in this fight for a fulfilling and well-lived life. MFP is one tool that helps me do this on a daily basis. Wishing you all the best, and please feel free to send me a FR if you'd like. :-) Annie

ahoy_m8

Hi, there. Sincere sympathy about your diagnosis. Like ActionAnnie, I don't have MS but my aunt did. Taking good care of yourself makes BIG DIFFERENCE so I commend you on your determination and wish you the very best.

nvmomketo

Sorry to hear of your news. You've got an amazing attitude about it already!

I know of a few people who have had some success with The Wahl's Protocol, along with other therapies. It might be something to look into to see if that sort of dietary change appeals to you.

Best wishes.

Ready2Rock206

Definitely check out the website above and get involved. Sometimes they have meetings and things you can go to to learn about various topics related to MS. I have been with my mom before and they can be very informative and it can be helpful to meet others with your same condition.

pdxwine

I do not have MS....but wanted to just send off good vibes to you.

You have a great attitude, which is key to any health concern.

Shanel0916

Sorry about your diagnosis, great attitude though, keep it!

crooked_left_hook

I do not have MS but my partner does. The things that help him stay healthy are (in order of importance) 1. Good attitude, 2. The right medication, 3. Managing stress. Everything else is just icing on the cake. He definitely gets frustrated some days, and we occasionally need to slow down a little when he's feeling fatigued or it's too hot out, but overall his attitude is amazing and he refuses to let MS define him or his life. I think you have a fantastic attitude and that is SOOOOO important! Good luck to you!!!

mrsloganlife

Thank you everyone so much for the kind words! I will definitely check out the National MS Society for more info...so overwhelming with processing everything (and I want my vision to stop being double haha) but I feel the better prepared I am the better I will be at living my life the way I want! Again I appreciate all the good wishes, MS has no cure (yet) but it doesn't mean that it will rule my life

Madiandclancy

I know that this is a huge shock and am sending all good wishes your way. My primary symptom is vision issues as well and I thoroughly understand how frustrating it is. One of the foremost nutritional experts in this field is Dr. Terry Wahls, who authored The Wahl's Protocol. You can easily find out about her and her philosophy (nutrient dense foods to repair mitochondria) on the internet and her book is available at Amazon and in bookstores. With debilitating MS herself, she went from a wheelchair to her formerly active life and now, in addition to managing her medical practice, has a foundation that is doing research on the connection between MS and diet. Very best of luck to you.

MikeGettingSmaller

My mother got MS when I was 8 years old so I grew up with a mother on MS and that was back in the 70's. Attitude is the biggest thing. The people that were overwhelmed and gave up had short uneventful lives. My mother never gave up and lived a long life and helped many people on her way. Two of the things that helped her a lot is #1 she did exercise in the pool, that took the strain off her body but let her exercise. #2 She made sure she took vitamins. You can do that by tracking the vitamins in the food you eat with the myfitnessPal app. Keep your head up and move forward with your life.

JSaus13

UGH! MS sucks!! I'm so sorry for your diagnosis. I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago. I went through many emotions from anger to hopelessness to thinking I had a death sentence. I tried to get on different forums and discuss with others, but I felt in many of those forums, the people lacked a positive outlook. It was all "poor me" all the time. Right now? You're allowed to say poor me. This is all new to you. Though, it seems as if you don't even care about that poor me stuff. You are already on the road to greatness and dealing with this disease because of your attitude. I hope that you have a great doc who will take awesome care of you on this journey.

ioanahance

I sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed in 1999, I was 25 years old. As you probably know, MS is very different in symptoms and progression from one person to another.
There is no question that one of the best things we can do for ourselves is have a healthy eating plan and lifestyle. I read Dr Wahls book and it is amazing. Very thorough research and all backed up with peer review publications. I am trying to follow it

mrsfit2011

I have been diagnosed for quit some time. My husband and I took the bull by the horns and try to be as healthy as possible and are always revamping our lifestyle. (I have not had progression in the disease for 11 years!). Some of the things for me that have been helpful are: always taking my vit D, Magnesium daily and my medication (I do the rebif shots). Avoid the heat and avoid it some more. Walk, walk, walk. Do muscle building activity . Drink water. Eliminate milk and decrease glutton (I love bread). We try to do as much non processed foods as possible. (100 day challenge is a great start). Also I try to connect with as much research or education on it. Finally we ditched the stress. Don't beat yourself up and reset yourself as often as needed. We have one exercise goal a year. Last year we did the dirty dash (so much fun!). I love reading all the great comments and suggestions here. Like Ioanahance says very different from on to the other. When you know what you have you can fight it so much easier Hugs to everyone staying strong and encouraging.

rwaarita

Have u heard about Dr Terry Wahls I recommend that you do some research about her she is amazing

gnu4liberty

I was diagnosed in 2003, but had symptoms since 1990. I have lost weight sticking to the calorie goals. I take an MS pill and vitamin D everyday. Good luck!

whatsupwendy

I don't have MS but I have some serious health issues. There are a couple of support groups on Facebook for MS, chronic health issues etc. I believe meetup (depending on what area you live) and some other resources should have MS support groups

I commend your positive outlook ... sending you a hug