Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been a journey filled with challenges, losses, and moments of resilience. In this post, I’ll share my personal story—how my MS progressed over the years, the hurdles I’ve faced, and the recent glimmers of hope I’ve experienced since beginning the carnivore diet. Whether you’re navigating a similar path or simply curious about life with MS, I invite you to join me as I reflect on my journey and the surprising changes I’ve seen. Let’s dive in. 🌟
Understanding My MS Journey
My journey with MS began in February 2005, when I was diagnosed after experiencing optic neuritis. At the time, my MS was classified as relapsing-remitting, but it quickly became apparent that my progression was more aggressive compared to others, including my mother, who also has MS.
In the first eight years, I endured numerous relapses—double vision, numbness, tingling in my extremities, bladder problems, and balance issues. Despite these symptoms, I remained mobile and even managed to travel, like walking the Great Wall of China to raise funds for MS. However, as time passed, my walking slowed, fatigue worsened, and my independence began slipping away. These early years taught me one thing: MS is unpredictable, and the losses can feel overwhelming.
Motherhood Amidst MS
Becoming a mother was a dream come true, but it brought a bittersweet reality. My pregnancy was a bright spot—I didn’t experience any MS relapses during those nine months. However, after my son was born, the progression of my MS became more apparent. My balance deteriorated, and I began relying on my son’s pram for stability, eventually transitioning to a mobility scooter for longer distances.
Simple tasks like tying shoelaces or buttoning shirts became impossible. Fatigue and depression often overshadowed the joy of motherhood. This was one of the toughest periods of my life—grieving the loss of independence while trying to be the best mom I could for my son. As a family, we adapted by adding grab rails at home, seeking help from carers, and learning to navigate life with these new challenges.
Reaching a Breaking Point
By August 2019, my condition was at its worst. Bladder and bowel problems escalated, and I found myself relying on carers for basic tasks like showering and using the toilet. Spasticity and painful spasms in my legs became severe, and I developed scoliosis from sitting all day with weakened core muscles. Even movements like turning in bed became difficult without assistance. My mobility had deteriorated to the point where I could no longer walk, even with a walker.
Physically and emotionally drained, I knew something had to change. This led me to discover the carnivore diet, a drastic lifestyle adjustment that many others had reported success with for managing chronic illnesses like MS. Though I was skeptical, I decided to leap in, fueled by the hope of regaining some control over my health.
Early Wins on the Carnivore Diet
It’s been six months since I started the carnivore diet, and while it’s still early, I’ve already noticed meaningful improvements:
- Brain Fog: One of the first changes I experienced was mental clarity. I feel sharper, more focused, and excited to engage with family and friends again. Conversations flow easily, and I’m no longer battling confusion or forgetfulness.
- Energy Levels: My mornings are now more productive, and while I still need a nap in the afternoon, I’m hopeful this will continue to improve.
- Bladder Function: I’ve seen significant improvement here—I now wake up only once at night and can hold it for a few hours during the day. While urgency remains a challenge, needing less support for this aspect of my life has been liberating.
These changes may seem small to some, but for someone living with a progressive condition like MS, they’re monumental. They’ve given me new hope and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Challenges and Goals Ahead
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. I’ve experienced some weight loss on the carnivore diet, which isn’t ideal given how much time I spend sitting. Bowel issues have also been tricky, and I plan to explore this topic in more detail in a future post. Despite these setbacks, I’m committed to staying the course and monitoring my progress closely.
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to improve my hip alignment and regain the ability to walk safely at home using a walker. I’m also inspired by others in the MS community who’ve seen incredible results after a few years on this diet. Their stories remind me that healing is a journey, and every small step forward counts.
A Journey of Resilience and Hope
Living with MS has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and celebrating even the smallest victories. The carnivore diet has given me a renewed sense of hope, and I’m excited to see what the future holds as I continue this journey. If you’re navigating MS or considering dietary changes for your health, know that you’re not alone. Together, we can explore what’s possible and support one another along the way.