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Welcome to My MS Podcast! This space is all about reclaiming your body, mind, and life from multiple sclerosis. Today, I’m sharing my personal journey – the beginning of Season 1, Episode 1 – where I recount the story of my diagnosis and the road that unites us all: the moment you hear the words, “You have MS.”

My journey to a diagnosis

When I think back to that life-changing moment, I remember the overwhelming mix of emotions. I was in survival mode, juggling grief and the shock of hearing a diagnosis I never saw coming. My story isn’t just about symptoms—it’s about the silent alarms, the hard choices, and the overwhelming questions that flooded my mind.

I know each of us has a unique story when it comes to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Some of us were blindsided, while others spent years trying to be heard and believed. But regardless of the journey, we all arrive at those three life-altering words: You have MS.

The moment that changed everything

My MS story starts on New Year’s Eve – a time filled with both heartbreak and unexpected news. As I was preparing for a night out with friends, I received a call from my neurologist. At that moment, I was juggling the pain of my mom being on hospice and my own internal storm. The call confirmed what I had been subconsciously fearing.

Before that day, I’d experienced subtle signs like exertion headaches during my workouts and unexplained facial pains that I dismissed as migraines. I never imagined these were the silent signals of multiple sclerosis. But as I listened to an audiobook about early MS symptoms, the description of facial jolts hit me hard. I finally recognized those electric-like shocks as my own – trigeminal neuralgia, a symptom of MS.

The diagnosis felt validating. For the first time, I had an explanation for the fatigue, brain fog, and other inexplicable symptoms that had plagued me for years. It wasn’t just about being labeled with a disease; it was about finally understanding the messages my body had been trying to send.

Navigating the uncertainty

Once the official diagnosis came through – “You have relapsing remitting MS” – a flood of “what ifs” rushed in. I questioned what would happen to my body, whether I’d have to give up yoga and exercise, or if I’d eventually need help similar to what my mom needed. That uncertainty was terrifying.

I found myself at a crossroads: either obsess over every little detail for control or become paralyzed by fear. I chose a different path. I decided to reclaim control by focusing on what I could manage. And for me, that journey started with food, my care team, and learning to manage stress.

Food: my first step toward control

Food has always been a source of healing for me. My journey into nutrition began in childhood, battling debilitating migraines. I discovered early on that the right food choices could make a significant difference in how I felt. When faced with an MS diagnosis, I naturally turned to food as something within my control, a tool to help ease symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.

I wasn’t looking for a cure, but I was searching for hope and a way to keep being me despite the diagnosis. I started asking my doctor about dietary changes, and although his response was dismissive, it only fueled my determination. I believe that small, sustainable changes like adding an extra serving of vegetables, swapping chips for fruit, or drinking one more glass of water a day can lead to big results over time.

Building my care team

Another crucial element of my journey was assembling a supportive care team. I learned early on that managing MS meant blending conventional medicine with functional approaches. While my neurologist had his shortcomings, I knew I needed to be at the top of my care team. I took charge, seeking out second opinions and finding complementary practitioners who understood the importance of a holistic approach.

My care team wasn’t just about managing symptoms, it was about empowering me to live my life on my terms, even in the face of an unpredictable disease.

Managing stress and finding faith

Stress was, and still is, one of the hardest challenges to face after an MS diagnosis. The shock of having an incurable, unpredictable disease left me feeling out of control. I vividly remember the moment when the overwhelming pressure of managing everything pushed me to re-evaluate my approach to life.

I realized that I couldn’t white-knuckle my way through MS. Instead, I began leaning more into my faith and learning to listen to my body. Embracing moments of stillness, like taking a deep breath when everything feels too much, helped me manage the constant stress. I invite you to do the same. Find one overwhelming aspect of your life, focus on a single, manageable step, and remember to breathe.

A note on personalized support

Before I wrap up today’s episode, I want to share a little plug. If you’re looking for a more personalized approach to your MS diet and lifestyle, check out my private coaching program. It includes a comprehensive assessment, personalized strategies, and lifestyle support. I only accept three new clients each month, so if you’re interested, please apply at alenebrennan.com/coach.

And another resource that helped me during my diagnosis was my Appointment Planner. You can download your copy at alenebrennan.com/planner to help you manage your doctor’s appointments with clarity and confidence.

Moving forward with hope

Now that I have the official diagnosis, I faced a flood of questions about my future. Would MS change everything? How would it affect my body, my career, and my passions? While I couldn’t control the progression of the disease, I could control my response to it.

I decided to take charge by focusing on the elements I could influence like nutrition, building a supportive care team, and managing stress. I’ve learned that even small steps can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. By sharing my story, I hope to give you a sense of validation and encouragement, knowing that you’re not alone in this journey.

Wrapping up

Sharing my journey hasn’t been easy, but I hope it resonates with you. We each have our unique stories, and by sharing them, we raise awareness and build a community where no one feels isolated by their diagnosis. My story is just one part of our collective experience with multiple sclerosis, and I’m honored to share it with you.

Thank you for listening to this first episode of My MS Podcast: Season 1: The Road to a Diagnosis. Let’s continue this journey together, reclaiming our bodies, minds, and lives, one step at a time.

Remember, even in the midst of uncertainty, there is hope. Welcome to our community.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Appointment Planner for Doctor Visits – A free download to help you feel more confident and prepared for appointments.

More from me

• Follow Me on Instagram: alenebrennan.ms
• Work With Me – Want a personalized approach to managing MS? Apply for my private coaching program here.

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🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to My MS Podcast!