Each month I want to highlight someone in the MS community who is doing amazing things for themselves and their MS diagnosis!

If you’d like to be interviewed and share your story, please email me at info@liss-ms.com!

Introducing Amy!

When were you diagnosed with MS? What was it like for you? 

I was diagnosed in May 2017. I was fortunate because my diagnosis came very quickly. I started having weird symptoms in Jan 2017 that escalated into a full on relapse until July 2017. It was a scary time and I couldn’t find a good MS specialist. I was diagnosed by a neurologist who pushed a MS medication that he thought was best (without allowing me to research). I didn’t take that medication.

What did you think was going to be the hardest part of MS? What was actually the hardest?

I thought the hardest part was going to be a life of disability. I thought I would have to change my life and what I was planning to do with it. The hardest part is having a limited amount of energy to do all the things you want to do. You learned to make shorter “to-do” lists.

Have you or are you currently taking any MS medications?

I have previously taken Copaxone but not taking any medications now.

What is the symptom you struggle the most with? 

Brain fog.

Have you made any diet changes that has helped? 

Yes, I identified my food sensitivities through an elimination diet and avoid those foods.

Have you made any lifestyle changes that has helped? 

Meditation, putting boundaries in place, and prioritizing sleep

Was your family/spouse/friends supportive of your decisions; if not did they change their minds afterwards? 

Yes they were.

What is the most impactful thing you’ve done to help your MS symptoms? 

Manage diet and lifestyle.

If you could tell someone newly diagnosed one thing, what would you say? 

This was told to me when I was first diagnosed and it was so helpful – You will be yourself again and don’t let MS tell you what you can and can’t do in your life.

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