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What Is the Prodromal State of MS?

Have you ever looked back at your pre-diagnosis symptoms and thought, I knew something was off? Maybe you dealt with brain fog, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or unexplained pain. You went to the doctor, explained it all, and were told it was just stress or lack of sleep. You were dismissed.

What you experienced may have been the prodromal state of MS. This refers to the early or preclinical stage of disease, where symptoms are real but don’t yet meet the criteria for diagnosis. Research suggests this stage can last 2 to 15 years before a full-blown autoimmune diagnosis like MS, lupus, RA, or celiac disease.

During this time, the disease is brewing under the surface. Fatigue, numbness, tingling, and cognitive issues may appear, but test results are often inconclusive.

Why It Matters Even After Diagnosis

You might be thinking, that sounds like my story, but I already have MS. Why does this matter now?

It matters for two big reasons.

1. It Validates What You Felt

You were not imagining things. You were not being dramatic. You were not just stressed. Your body was trying to tell you something, and you were right to listen.

Many people are told they are hypochondriacs before they ever get an MS diagnosis. In fact, 25 percent of people with autoimmune disease were initially labeled as one. That’s a huge number. If that was your experience, let this serve as a powerful reminder to trust your gut. You know your body better than anyone else.

2. You Still Have Influence Over Your Health

Just because you now have a diagnosis does not mean the prodromal state no longer matters. In fact, it may still apply. Once you are diagnosed with one autoimmune disease, you are more likely to develop another. That is why it is important to stay proactive, not just reactive.

This is where diet and lifestyle can make a meaningful difference. Dr. Terry Wahls suggests that in the early stages, lifestyle changes can sometimes normalize cellular function, reverse damage, and prevent disease from fully developing. And even after diagnosis, those same changes can help slow progression or improve symptoms.

The Missed Opportunity in Conventional Medicine

Western medicine typically does not treat a disease until a diagnosis is confirmed. Understandably, this avoids unnecessary treatments. But it also means we miss valuable time where gentle intervention could have helped.

Other approaches, like Ayurvedic medicine, begin treatment at the first sign of imbalance. They use food, herbs, and simple lifestyle changes to help the body restore itself before a major illness sets in. That early action is something we can all learn from, especially when managing chronic conditions.

You Don’t Need a Diagnosis to Start Healing

One of the biggest takeaways from understanding the prodromal state is this: you do not need to wait for a diagnosis to start making healthy changes. Even now, small steps matter. Whether that’s drinking more water, eating more vegetables, or cutting back on processed food, every choice builds toward better health.

And if you already have MS, ask yourself this:

• What if changing your diet improved your fatigue?
• What if stress management helped you sleep better and heal more fully?
• What if adding movement each day helped improve your balance and mood?

These are realistic possibilities. Not guarantees, but real potential outcomes worth working for.

Don’t Wait for a Symptom to Get Worse

Autoimmune activity doesn’t pause just because we feel okay. Our environment, diet, stress, and lifestyle are constantly influencing our immune system. That’s why consistent care is essential.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You can start small.

• Swap soda for water
• Add a serving of vegetables to your plate
• Take a short walk outside
• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier

These changes might seem simple, but they are powerful when done consistently.

The Power Is Not Just in Your Doctor’s Hands

Conventional medicine plays an essential role in MS care, but so do you. Your voice, your actions, and your daily habits have power. Even now, with a diagnosis, your choices matter.

The Law of Diminishing Intent reminds us that the longer you wait to do something, the less likely you are to ever do it. So if you’ve decided to take care of your health, let this be the moment you start doing it.

As the riddle says:
Five frogs are sitting on a log.
Four decide to jump off.
How many are left?
Still five. Because deciding is not the same as doing.

Keep Building Health Every Day

Healing is a gradual process, just like the disease was. Even if you don’t see instant results, your actions are still changing your body day by day. Every healthy meal, every good night’s sleep, every stress reduction technique is part of the healing process.

Be patient. Stay consistent. And know that progress is still happening even when it’s invisible.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the prodromal state reminds us that MS doesn’t appear overnight. It is a gradual process that gives us chances to intervene, to shift, to heal. That truth can empower us to take action today and every day forward.

Want More Encouragement Like This?
Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast: 🎧 S1E19: The Prodromal State of MS.
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