Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - What is it?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the brain and spinal cord / central nervous system.

With MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (called myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

It is commonly said that MS is 'like a snowflake’ with symptoms presenting differently for each person and can vary widely depending on the amount of nerve damage and the nerves impacted.

There are four disease courses or classifications, and so far, my doctors’ best guess is that I have the most common classification, known as relapsing-remitting MS or RRMS. Symptoms of MS vary widely, with some having difficulty with walking independently or at all, while others can have long periods of remission and very few symptoms.

I was diagnosed in July 2019 and so far, my symptoms present as constant numbness and tingling in my left hand and right fingertips.

MS is an incurable disease and traditionally only managed through disease-modifying therapies (DMT) which are various classes of drug treatments that can have a long list of side effects.

At this time, I have chosen to forgo all drug treatment and manage the disease through strict diet and lifestyle modifications.

I intend to document that journey here. 

Couple things to note…

I am not a doctor or a medical professional. This website isn’t intended to serve as any sort of medical advice. And I’m also not here to sell you anything… except maybe on the idea of buying and eating a few more veggies than you already do. That last part is up to you though.

I’m just a regular girl, adjusting to living life in what is now my ‘new normal’, managing a chronic autoimmune disease while focusing a majority of my energy on the living part.

I am for patient advocacy, informed decision making and supporting the idea of everyone doing what is best for them, as CEO of their own body.

This website is for you if…

So take me with a grain of salt and if nothing else, simply a girl who is invested in keeping my own ass alive and healthy.