I was diagnosed with MS in February 2014. I was in nursing school at the time and had to quit due to my symptoms. My life was up in the air. Unable to work regularly, finances were a big stressor. Thank goodness for a wonderful community

that collected donations for me. Also, my 4 brothers, not sure what they could do to help me, organized a social. When they had it planned and had to start advertising they told me. I didn't want to do it (I felt socials should help those in more serious situations)...All it was, was family doing whatever they could for me. So I invited a few friends and it ended up being a great night!

I had numerous relapses that year and had symptoms including numbness & tingling, nerve pain, "MS hug," extreme fatigue, bladder issues, loss of coordination, I was also off balance and had weak legs and had to walk with a cane.

I began doing a lot of reading and research about MS and lifestyle changes.....My life before was drinking 6 days a week, smoking, eating the wrong foods, generally not taking care of myself. I didn't believe the things they said about health.

I've had asthma and allergies since I was a kid. I developed psoriasis after my mom passed away. I have always dealt with anxiety and some depression. Also hives and general swelling.

I started really having an interest in autoimmune paleo after i read "The Paleo Approach" by Sarah Ballantyne. I decided I would start in February 2015. The first week was rough. Going through withdrawals and generally detoxing. Then all of the sudden I felt better then I have in my entire life. Energy is one of the first things I noticed. I also didn't feel bloated anymore. Then I began losing weight ( just an added bonus!) Most things went into remission. I have a few "permanent" MS symptoms that are slowly improving.

Then I read "The Wahls Protocol" by Dr. Terry Wahls. I felt I needed to try something new. Though I haven't had any new symptoms, my old symptoms are still there. After four days on "The Wahls protocol" one of my symptoms went away!! The Wahls Protocol follows Paleo principles and is very nutrient dense. I have quit smoking, quit drinking, changed my diet, lost 40 pounds, started exercising regularly and practicing meditation.

I am off my MS medications. As it never made me feel any better, I chose to go off because I was feeling so good. The first MS med gave me 4x4 hives and the second I had to have regular blood work to make sure I didn't acquire a brain infection. For those reasons I didn't think it fit in with my new lifestyle.

I don't need any special creams or allergy pills anymore. I don't get rashes or hives anymore. I just have to take asthma meds depending on the time of year. The change is noticable with my allergies. I used to not be able to be around cats for any extended periods. Just the other weekend I spent time at a friends (with a cat) and then spent the night at my brothers (he has a cat) and I only had to take my inhaler twice!! (usually I would be up all night, taking my inhaler every hour). Maybe I end up on medication in the future. I'm not against all medication but I don't ever want it to be the first and only thing I turn to especially for chronic conditions.

Following a strict diet can be difficult. I have felt judged at times. People may say: "you are not getting everything you need," "you are too skinny,"  "you can have a bite," "you can have one drink." The truth is I prefer eating this way and I'm getting more than what I need. It's a healing diet. I get upset if I'm not following it properly. It's like anything, you get used to it. Your taste buds change, your idea of food changes. I know I don't really have a choice either. I feel that sometimes I can't relate to people. I have to be the weirdo that always brings their own food.

I love sharing information with people if they ask, and sorry if you have to be in the room to listen to it ;)

This is an ongoing journey. My legs have 3 things that really effect them. 1. Between the hours of 12-4 pm. 2. Sugar. 3.Heat. One day they will be normal again!

I still have problems with sleep. which in turn can lead to food addiction and anxiety so I'm always working on that. 

That is where I'm at now, working on healing and feeling great. The more I stay on track (which isn't always!) the better I feel.

All I want to do is try and let people who are in similar situations know that it is possible (I never believed it) and  it is true.  I want people to feel as well as I do in my situation. I want to spread the knowledge I've learned with others. It feels great to be taking care of myself. I can take pride in that!