Not goodbye, just so long.

Tags

healing, ms, thankful

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” ~ Psalm 30:2

It’s been just about a year since I’ve posted.  Instead of becoming just another MS blog that mysteriously stops, I wanted to say “so long” to the online world for now.  It’s not a final goodbye, as writing has always been therapeutic for me and I’m sure one day I’ll return.  This blog was an online refuge during a most poignant time of my life; a quiet place to gather my thoughts, write out my feelings and make sense of what I believed to be the best treatment for me.

I’m still on that path of diet, exercise and most importantly strengthening my faith.  I’ve worked very hard since my diagnosis four years ago to clean-up my diet, proactively stay active, reduce stress and believe with my whole heart that God will keep me well.  And I’ve been blessed.  Since June 2010, I’ve had no relapse; no issues or progression of disability; no reoccurrence of symptoms.

So if you run across this blog and wonder, “what happened to this person?”  The answer is that I’m living my life happy, healthy and MS-symptom free.

So long and God bless!

Natalie

 

Keeping my faith.

Tags

healing, ms, ms treatment, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis treatment, thankful

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

I haven’t written in quite a while, but I wanted to check in and for anyone who checks-up on this blog: I’m Still Doing Great.  I finished 2012 by completing my second Chicago Marathon.  2013 started with my wedding; a beautiful, small ceremony in Costa Rica on the beach.  Our plans in 2014 are to finally house-hunt (we’ve been apartment dwellers in the city) and then maybe a baby… but that is a WHOLE other blog post…

Anyway, June 2013 marked three years since I received my diagnosis.  I haven’t had any relapses and I continue to pray that it will stay that way.  I continue to stick to a clean diet and exercise (alternating running and yoga) six days a week.  My MRIs have been hit or miss; it seems like every other one there is a change.

Comparing:

• June 2010 to Dec. 2010 – No change
• Dec. 2010 – July 2011 – 2 new lesions
• July 2011 to Dec. 2011 – No change
• Dec. 2011 to May 2012 – No change
• May 2012 to May 2013 – 4 new lesions

It’s frustrating when the MRI shows new lesions.  This last appointment was especially hard for me.  I received “the talk” from my neurologist about the importance of interferons and their proven ability to slow disease progression.  She’s not mean about it, but she does throw in there, “you want to start these before more damage is done and something happens to you that is irreversible.”

Needless to say, I left that appointment crying again; and as hard as I try not to, second guessing my decision to stay interferon-free.  But I can never bring myself to give-in.  The stats and studies just don’t compel me enough; and I always wonder if she would consider my results (clinical and physical) decent if I were taking an interferon.  No physical disease progression, no relapses and six new lesions in three years… would this be considered successful treatment so far?  Would she say, “good thing you’re taking A/B/C.”

Since I showed new lesions this time, she wants to follow-up in six months.  My next appointment and MRI will be toward the end of November.  I’ve been trying to identify anything that I was (or wasn’t) doing from July 2011 to May 2012 so I can replicate that period of “no disease activity,” but I haven’t come up with anything yet.

So until then… I will stay my course.  I’ll stay true to good eating, good exercise and a great God.

My simple prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank you for everything.  Please be with me and keep me healthy and strong as I continue in this life. Amen.

Peace be with you

Tags

christian, healing, ms, ms diagnosis, ms diet, ms treatment, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis diagnosis, multiple sclerosis diet, multiple sclerosis treatment, thankful

According to my fiancé, I always have a medical statistic or dietary fact to share.  And when I do this, I provide my own insight and theory as to how it applies to me and my natural health methodology.  Inevitably, my fiancé patiently listens as I excitedly tell my news and then asks, “So, when did you become a [insert specialty]?”

I don’t mind the teasing and sometimes I’ll even get him to indulge in my holistic health ideals and reminisce on how far I’ve come.

Before this diagnosis, my diet was the epitome of processed.  And now, nearly three years later it has been transformed.  The gluten-free, dairy-free part was cold-turkey, but that was just a matter of swapping out the real stuff for the replacement foods (which aren’t necessarily good for you either).  I substituted those for a while, settling into my new “diet.”  But slowly, I’ve transitioned away from those substitute items, ex: eating a gluten, dairy-free chocolate bar to eating a cup of raspberries or strawberries if I want something sweet.  Now I just eat clean and natural.

It’s a small feat, in my own little world, but it truly amazes me because I know how I was!  I can’t get over the irony that at this point in my life, where I was told that my brain will slowly disconnect; I’ve never felt more connected and more at peace.

And the peace isn’t solely a result of eating my vegetables.  😉

It’s a complete change in my lifestyle.  Reforming my diet is just a tangible result.  Most importantly, I’ve grown so much deeper in my faith, which I’m sure is the core of the peace in my heart.  I used to think those holistic “mind, body, soul” people were a little nutty.  But now I completely understand.

Free Webinar Series: Becoming Well, from Dr. Terry Wahls

Tags

healing, ms, ms diet, ms treatment, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis diet, multiple sclerosis recipes, multiple sclerosis treatment

Thought I would share this three-part series from Dr. Terry Wahls.  Even if you can’t attend the live webinar, sign up to receive a link to the recording: http://savingdinner.com/wahlswebinar/

Dates and Topics:

• September 20, 8PM ET: The Incredible Importance of Vitamin D & Minerals

Your vitamin D levels are critical; which minerals you must have daily for optimal health. Inadequate mineral intake is associated with the top 10 causes of death and disability; 2/3 of Americans are deficient!

• October 30, 8PM ET: Friend or Foe? Who or What is Living in YOUR Gut?

Your gut is your second brain; how to heal a leaky gut, practical steps.

• November 15, 8PM ET: It’s Time for an Intervention!

Your food is the basis of health or of chronic disease; nutritional interventions that may save your health!

Another great smoothie

Tags

ms, ms diet, ms recipes, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis diet, multiple sclerosis recipes

I’ve been busy with work and wedding planning… so not much time to write.

However, I did want to share another smoothie recipe that I’m alternating for breakfast with the blueberry one.  Don’t be put-off by the kale and spinach, I promise this tastes just like a banana.  And it’s a bright green drink, which is fun 🙂

1. Kale & Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1-1 1/2 cup(s) of regular almond milk

1-1 1/2 cups Power Greens Mix (basically I use half of the 5 oz container)

1 frozen banana

How to make:

The night before, peel and freeze one banana.  The next day, combine the milk, salad mix and frozen banana (the banana breaks apart easily – I usually divide into 4-5 chunks).  Blend and drink!  I use the Cuisinart Smoothie Mixer.

How Exercise Could Lead to a Better Brain – Even Walking!

Tags

ms, ms and exercise, ms exercise, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis exercise, running

A recent article from the NY Times: How Exercise Could Lead to a Better Brain.

This isn’t the first article I’ve posted regarding the positive benefits of exercise on the brain.  And this one even states positive results for those who simply walk more.  In a previous entry, I listed my exercise regime, as well as posted an exercise guide (developed by a physiotherapist, not me!) for individuals with limited mobility.

Keep moving as much as you can!

A favorite breakfast. A favorite lunch.

Tags

ms diet, ms recipes, multiple sclerosis diet, multiple sclerosis recipes

1. Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie

I seriously have this shake for breakfast every morning. It’s so easy to make and easy to have in the car on the way to work.

Ingredients:

1-1 1/2 cup(s) of chocolate almond milk

3/4 cup frozen blueberries

1-2 teaspoon(s) cinnamon

How to make:

Combine ingredients, blend and drink! We recently bought the Cuisinart Smoothie Mixer. It works perfectly.

2. Kale, Bell Peppers & Rice Salad

I have this salad 2-3 times a week for lunch. I buy the kale prepackaged/washed so it’s very quick to put together in the morning. I also buy the pepper mix pre-cut/packaged from Whole Foods. It’s their “stir fry” mix and the veggies tend to vary, but there are usually bell peppers (red, green, orange), cabbage, broccoli, snap peas.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown rice (I cook this the night before and refrigerate)

1-2 cup(s) fresh kale

1/2 cup fresh veggie stir fry mix

2-3 tablespoons Cindy’s Kitchen Fresh Avocado Vinaigrette

How to Make:

Place rice, salad and stir fry mix in container, top with dressing! I typically pack this for work and keep the dressing in a separate container so the kale doesn’t wilt/get mushy by lunch time. I also use a plastic Tupperware container so I can close the lid and “shake” the dressing in. It distributes the dressing much better that way!

Praise the Lord!

Tags

christian, healing, ms and exercise, ms diet, ms exercise, ms treatment, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis diet, multiple sclerosis exercise, multiple sclerosis treatment, thankful

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting. ~ Psalm 106:1

The wait is over.

I prepared myself for a negative report (because of last time) and it made the positive one so much better.  No new lesions!  No new activity since July 2011!  I sound surprised in my writing because I know this can be a silent disease.  Even though I’ve felt fine and have not had an exacerbation since my initial attack in June 2010, my MRI in July 2011 showed two new lesions.  It devastated me because I just assumed I’d have none based on my physical health.

But I stayed true to my diet and to my exercise; I’m convinced it’s working.  And, I also give credit to Jesus.  Praying alone keeps me comforted and eliminates any stress.

That’s all for now… here’s to being happy, healthy and extremely thankful.

My MS poem.

Tags

christian, healing, ms, ms diagnosis, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis diagnosis, support

When I was younger, I said I would be a writer. This has not come true; as I work in marketing at a desk in a cubicle. But in honor of MS Awareness Month, I decided to write something before March ends. It came from my feeling that no one can truly know the value of life until they are faced with losing it (in some way, shape or form). And in that way, those with MS have a greater depth and understanding of the significance of each day lived well.

For the afflicted are the ones who are wise.
Those who understand what it’s like to lose the ability to stand;
To speak to see.
Those who have been humbled by their disability and inability.
Those who have lost control.
Those who have lost themselves.
These are the people who know the burden of fear;
The value of hope and the necessity of faith.
These are the people who have the strongest spirit and the kindest soul;
Who recognize that a broken body does not mean a failed life.

God bless all with MS.

Veggie Lasagna

Tags

ms, ms diet, ms recipes, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis diet, multiple sclerosis recipes

Lasagna was one of my favorite meals and was my “go to” order at any Italian restaurant. But when I changed my diet, this traditionally cheese and meat-filled dish didn’t fit anymore. I never tried making it with substitute cheese; sometimes you just can’t replicate “the real thing.” However, last week I found the following recipe from Bob Greene via Rachel Ray’s website.

This Veggie Lasagna pleasantly surprised me. It’s amazing how much flavor the nut mixture contains. I really recommend a try and that’s why I’m posting.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup store-bought marinara sauce
• 4 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles (approx. 6-8 noodles)
• 2 cups spinach, washed thoroughly (I probably used between 3-4 cups, I like spinach)
• 12 tomato slices (approx. 2 large tomatoes – yields 6 slices each)

How to make:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 10×8 dish with cooking spray.
• Combine the almonds, walnuts, onion, garlic, basil, nutmeg, salt, pepper and water in a food processor and process until smooth, about 1 minute.
• Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan. Cover with half of the uncooked noodles (uncooked gluten-free noodles worked in this recipe!), top noodles with spinach, lay 6 tomato slices on top, cover with half of the nut mixture.
• Repeat the layers again and transfer to oven.
• Bake for 50 minutes, until lightly browned.