The interesting thing about blogging is that individual posts sorted by their categories can create a timeline of events that chronicle a life. In my case I am referring to my previous posts about Multiple Sclerosis. I don’t write about my life with MS often, but as I review my previous posts on that subject I realise that an update of my condition is in order.
Only four months ago I lived in a world of ever diminishing possibilities. MS was getting the upper hand and I was rapidly descending into the netherworld of physical paralysis. But in spite of it I was unwilling to give up the search for a way to stop progression. I remember feeling somewhat belittled after reading my neurologists evaluation in June where he expressed surprise about my continued optimism to find healing.
Uncle Albert, putting it all into perspective!
He wrote: “In spite of her marked decline from secondary progressive MS patient continues to explore alternative methods; she is still hopeful that her condition can improve.”
That was in June when my husband had to accompany me to my appointment because alone I would not have been able to navigate the ample corridors of the renowned medical center where I get my annual neurological checkup.
After that appointment, many things fell into place and my decade long search solidified into a true path toward healing. And this is what happened:
I had been reading about the impact food has on people with multiple sclerosis. Over the years I had encountered many personal accounts of how individuals found healing by changing their diets. But it was not until I found Dr. Ashton Embry’s research, on his website www.direct-ms.org, that I saw a clear way to develop my own path that will lead me to regain my health. Especially helpful was this article http://www.direct-ms.org/sites/default/files/Embry-Darwinian.pdf.
Success finally came when I decided to have a comprehensive allergy test which included 250 foods, 10 food additives, 10 antibiotics, 10 anti-inflammatory agents, 10 environmental chemicals, 20 molds, 50 functional foods and medicinal herbs. The laboratory which conducted the tests provided a complete report of my food and chemical sensitivities/intolerances in addition to recommendations on how to eliminate all problematic agents from my diet.
I implemented the recommendations immediately and was astonished by the instant turnaround in my condition:
Within three weeks of eliminating all allergens from my diet my bladder function returned to normal. At week four the fine motor functions in my left hand returned and I was able to voluntarily straighten my fingers. At week five I had a complete resolution of all bowel problems and my overall condition improved to the point where I was now able to be active a good portion of the day. Today, only four months into the my personalized version of the MS recovery diet, all MS progression has stopped and I am able to take short walks outdoors. I now know that I have found the way of healing; and for the first time in my twenty year journey with MS I look forward to what is to come.
Nothing can express the change in my relationship with Multiple Sclerosis better than the following metaphors. I equate the first two decades of living with this illness as having a prowling tiger in my house. I had to step lightly in order to avoid waking the beast; yet in spite of all my efforts, the beast could and would strike any time.
Now that MS is quiet and lies dormant, the tiger has vanished and in it’s stead the illness sits idle like the unused car in my garage. I know now which foods turn the key and activate this dreaded disease.
Allow me to leave you with a blueprint for healing by giving you access to these life altering resources:
1. For a full explanation of how and why the diet works please read Ann D. Sawyer and Judith E. Bachrach’s book: The MS Recovery Diet, published by the Penguin Group, 2007.
2. For complete nutritional information for people with Multiple Sclerosis see Dr. Embry’s website http://www.direct-ms.org/recommendations.html and for recipes visit http://www.direct-ms.org/sites/default/files/Direct-MS_Cookbook_0.pdf.
3. Even though there are many ways to get tested for food allergies, I chose to get the complete test from www.Alcat.com. It was expensive, but worth every dollar spent.
May this information become the bedrock on which you build your own path to healing. Blessings to you all.
Another excellent source of information about diet as it relates to disease is “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan. Happy for you that you are doing better.
Kim, thank you for visiting. I agree with you that Michael Pollan is an excellent author. Over the years I have read all of his books.
Absolutely, positively the best news I’ve read all week. How many “likes” can one person add?
There should be a “love” button, too.
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for your exuberant responce and you friendship! Maybe we can suggest to the wordpress team that a “love” botton is needed.
I’ll do that…
It’s been a while since I read Sontheim and even longer since I commented. (I started a new job 18 months ago and my blogging has suffered.) How lovely to return to Sontheim and read such positive news! The news that your health has improved is great but also that you have achieved this by taking action yourself. I wish you all the best!!
Keith, how wonderful to hear from you. I hope the new job is going well and that you are having fun along the way. It would also be lovely to see a new post on your blog occasionally, but I understand that sometimes there just is not enough time in the day.
Tank you for your good wishes. My recovery continues, slowly, but very steadily.