My Story
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
I used to arrogantly say that I was better than superwoman, because I did so much. That all changed one day in 2008 when I woke up to my legs being all numb and tingly. Within 24 hours, the feeling had spread to the entire rest of my body, except the back of my neck. Over the next few weeks, the sensations subsided, except in the fingers of my left hand, which still has decreased feeling! Several tests later, I had a diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis, MS.
I really didn't know much of anything about MS, but it didn't sound good. The very first thing I thought about after receiving the diagnosis was, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Okay God, let's do this thing!”
With a newborn and a 4-year-old, life was suddenly very different with this surprising diagnosis. Instead of researching new recipes to make for someone in need, I was researching how diet could control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Instead of making meals for other people, other people were making meals to help us.
How to treat something like this with a newborn and beyond? Proverbs 3:5-6 became my guiding verse and directed my treatment every single step of the way: “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, lean NOT on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways and He WILL direct your paths.”
My path for treating this very aggressive MS was atypical… but I know that God directed every single step, so I wouldn't do anything differently at all. I changed my diet, took traditional MS medication, alternative medication, became holistic for several years, was committed to neurological-based MS exercise and also participated in a couple of aggressive MS therapies.
In spite of all of this, I continued to lose mobility to the point where I can no longer move my arms or legs. But, I can still move my head… and I can definitely move my mouth. I'm guessing that Phil probably wouldn't be too disappointed if that didn't work quite as well. Haha!
God has remained ever faithful as we look to Him to lead our every step. My mom cared for me until Phil retired. But, when he unretired, we hired a caregiver to come in for a few hours each week… we are so thankful that the Lord led us to the exact right person for us!
So, our story continues to be written. Stay tuned…
P.S. Check out the Why Can't I Move My Arms or Legs videos for more details.
REBECCA'S HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT (HSCT) EXPERIENCE
Hema-WHO?! HSCT
Halting progression. Everyone with MS wants this! I used to feel like I was in an MS free fall!
I have done the gamut of treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. I've always said that what is best for one person isn't necessarily the best for another… and what is best for you at one point in time may be completely different at another. I am a prime example of this!
I've done diet changes, daily injectables, LDN, 100% holistic and then more aggressive treatments, which led to HSCT.
HSCT stands for Hematopoietic (fancy way of saying blood) Stem Cell Transplant.
The very basic explanation of it, is that it takes stem cells out of your body, cleans them and then puts them back. While the stem cells are out and being cleaned, I was given three doses of chemo to kill off most everything still inside me. The purpose is to halt the progression of MS. The earlier you can do this, the better (less to halt, if you're able to do it earlier in your diagnosis).
As of right now, it's probably the most aggressive MS treatment, so not everyone wants to do it right away and not every doctor wants to approve it as an early intervention.
Even though I can't move my arms or legs right now (remember the damage there was already done), I actually experienced several different benefits.
The biggest one for me is probably how it took away my brain fog and fatigue. I used to have to gear myself up for one outing in a week. Now, I can do several a day.
I used to have enormous difficulty with being over-stimulated and carrying on conversations with people, whether it was in person or written. I would say that's about 98 or 99% better, which has been a game changer for my life!
Like I said, what was best for me, may or may not be best for you: If you're interested in learning more, I created a Facebook page during my own journey. You can check it out at Rebecca's MS Adventure.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1RxbvVN6VG/
I am not an expert, but please feel free to send an email if you have any questions I might be able to help you with.
