Top Seven MS Myths

MS Myths have the potential to completely derail someone by setting false expectations.  In my experience, the following are the most common MS myths that are being shared throughout our communities today.  If we are going to take charge of our health and our lives, it is important that we do not buy into these MS myths.  We must protect our thoughts and create our beliefs based on truth because the first step in recovering and living a healthy, productive life is believing in what is possible and not believing in ideas that will limit you.  MS Myths are simply someone else’s ideas, and certainly not factual.

I have personally been able to defy these common MS myths and so can you!

 

MS Myths #1 – YOU DON’T LOOK SICK:

If you look healthy on the outside, you walk normal, your skin looks normal, your face appears normal – some may think that you’re not sick and that you just complain all the time. Some may even think that you are faking symptoms for sympathy, or that you are lazy and seeking support! Not true. MS is notorious for wreaking havoc on the body all internally, starting from the top of your head to the tips of your toes – again, all unnoticeable on the outside, but all very apparent to the sufferer with MS…MS can be called the most silent or invisible disability because of this. With this common misconception, people are hurt over and over. The best we can do is share information so we can change this once and for all.

MS Myths #2 – YOU CAN DIE FROM MS:

Historically, people don’t die from MS. Most people with MS will live just as long as anybody else. Sometimes people who are very badly affected get more infections or pick up other illnesses more easily than healthy people because of their compromised immune systems, and they can die from these complications. What I’ve found to be an overriding factor is that some people can die from side effects of the DMD’s, but again, MS itself does not kill. I’ve known people who got MRSA and died while being hospitalized for MS treatment, does that mean they died from MS or did they die of MRSA? So the best advice I can give you is to understand you can live just as long as anyone else and start living your life. Focus on ways to heal and repair your body naturally.

MS Myths #3 – YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE CHILDREN:

A woman with MS is less likely to have a relapse during pregnancy, (I myself had some of my healthiest times while I was pregnant.) Although the risk of relapse does increase in the six months after the birth – usually due to the trauma of birth on your body. (I did have a relapse after my first child – loss of sensation and muscle control of my arms, and specifically my hands), but Pregnancy has no long-term effect on MS and you are no more likely to experience miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects or infant death than anyone else.

It’s important to note that in my second pregnancy I was only using holistic and alternative therapies to heal and I was healthy and strong throughout the pregnancy, even after my sons birth – no relapse, symptoms, or any negative reaction from MS.

MS Myths #4 – YOU CANNOT WORK WITH MS:

MS is different for each person. Every person experiences different symptoms at different times and the impact of the symptoms on your working life will very much depend on the type of work, your condition and your own personal experience of MS. Some people might tell you to stop working right away upon your diagnosis, but I believe as long as you can work, if it’s not too stressful, you should continue. (You know the whole idea of a body in motion stays in motion!) Many people with MS never experience symptoms even severe enough to stop working.

MS Myths #5 – MS ISN’T A PHYSICALLY PAINFUL CONDITION:

MS patients do experience significant pain which may be acute or chronic at some point in the course of their disease. With the symptoms changing and varying so much from person to person, month to month, day today, it’s impossible to diagnosis or determine the levels of pain at any given time.

MS Myths #6 – I CAN’T EXERCISE WITH MS:

Exercise is helpful in managing many MS symptoms in addition to being essential to general health and well-being.  Patients who participate in an aerobic exercise program have better cardiovascular fitness, improved strength, better bladder and bowel function, less fatigue and depression, a more positive attitude, and increased participation in social activities. Many studies have confirmed the benefits of exercise. I myself have done many forms of exercise – lifting weights, Pilates, aerobic activity.

Inactivity in people with or without MS can result in numerous risk factors; it can lead to weakness of muscles, cardiovascular disease, decreased bone density with an increased risk of fractures, and shallow, inefficient breathing. You have to think about it again, as a body in motion stays in motion. When you slow down or are inactive it will greatly affect your health.

An exercise program needs to be appropriate to the capabilities and limitations of each person. You know your body and you should always pay attention to how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. Your activities may need to be adjusted as changes occur in your MS symptoms. Any person with MS who is initiating a new exercise program should also consult with his or her physician before starting.

And…last but not least….

MS Myths #7 – “WE” WILL HAVE A CURE IN 5 YEARS:

Although “WE” may be very hopeful that this will happen in our or my lifetime, that the medical community will come up with our cure.  I would say honestly, DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH. (I was told in 1988) by my pediatric neurologist, “Don’t worry, Kellie, there will be a cure for MS in 5 years) Yes, back in 1988 – and I am asking everyone to think about this realistically, are we any closer to a cure now in 2018 as we were back then with traditional MS protocols?  Although this may be disheartening or not well received, my answer is a resounding “NO”!!! You can do your own research and I would love your feedback on this. What we do have is a plethora of disease-modifying drugs that can have worse side effects than MS, nothing given to us for healing or repair.

MS Myths #7 is exactly the reason we need to take 100% responsibility for our own health. I know when I decided to take this disease head-on and focus on holistic and alternative therapies to heal, it changed my life and the course of my disease forever. Now, I am healthy, strong and symptom-free. Please know there is HOPE for you!

If you want to learn about my almost 3o year journey living with and beating MS,- Check out my book “Waking Up From MS, My Journey to Health, Healing and Living Symptom Free.

 

To Our Health!

Kellie Alderton 

 

If you want to learn more about natural, healthy CBD products visit:  www.successwithnewyou.com 

If you want to learn about the BEST CBD products to help you on your own journey with MS visit: www.successwithnewyou.com 

You can also follow me on twitter @kelliealderton or my FB page Waking Up From MS where I share insights and information for everyone dealing with MS.

You can also listen to my radio show on http://msandme.airtime.pro – “Live in Hope, Focus on Healing” – every Sunday at 3:30pm, Est or on YouTube – http://bit.ly/2Fe0NuN

 

If you can’t stand the HEAT – Get out of the….

Although I’d like to say for us MSers that taking care of any heat issues we have during the summer months is as easy as staying out of the kitchen, that, of course, is not the issue. Many people talk about summer fun, hanging outside all day in the heat and sun while they happily get that baked to a crisp tan.  However, for people living with MS, we have a totally different position on the heat! In fact, anyone with Multiple Sclerosis that hears that single word “HEAT” could become anxious due to challenges the HEAT can pose for us.

Yes, preparing for the HEAT is serious business!

Truth be told, many of us begin in the winter months preparing for the summer! Yes, you read that correctly, in the dead of winter, we can start preparing for the upcoming summer. We focus on making sure the air conditioner is in tip-top shape, window treatments give maximum protection from the elements, we get cooling vests, head protection, travel to cooler climates and anything else we can do to make sure we are staying cool.

How do we deal with MS during the summer months?

I was always mindful of the heat. My MS Story may not be different than yours as heat intolerance was always the one thing that seemed to get me, that was before I became symptom-free. My head use to feel like it was baking…literally from the inside out, I would feel tingling, even some numbness. So I understand first hand why this is one topic that we need to not only prepare for, but share the info so others do not have to suffer!

Things you may experience when you are suffering from Heat Exposure:

1 – Dizziness

2 – Immediate onset of fatigue – (Almost as though somebody burst your energy bubble)

3 – Blurred Vision

4 – Shakiness or Tremors

5 – Numbness and tingling in limbs

6 – Decrease in your cognitive function (You knew you were smarter or more clear-headed before you got into that sun, sauna, or hot shower, right?)

An interesting fact about the heat and Multiple Sclerosis is that yes, it can cause us to have symptoms that either appear or start to get worse during heat exposure. It does not cause any long-term inflammation or lesions which is great news, but we still need to think about ways to stay cool and get over the immediate effects of the heat. And for most people, once they are removed from the heat their body will return to how they felt before going out in the elements.

 

Some “COOL” ways to beat the HEAT:  

1 – Air conditioning.

2 – Cooling Products – You can Google it, there are dozens to choose from. There are also things you can do – soak a sponge in water, freeze and then put in a freezer bag, this stays cool for a long time and is very inexpensive. Get a cooling towel or cooling wrist bands. Contact the MS Society they have cooling programs in place too.

3 – Get into a cool bath/shower, swimming pool, or if you’re lucky enough to be by a lake or ocean – jump on in.

4 – Misting Fans.

5 – Stay hydrated by drinking cool beverages – obviously water is the best choice. This will go to your core and immediately go to work on lowering your overall temperature.

6 – Keep covered when in the sun. By wearing a hat during the summer (before I was symptom-free) it gave me more time to be outside before the heat would affect me.

7 – Eat foods that are cool – fruits, veggies, salads. Healthy icees made from real food, not stuff packed with sugar (that can also cause fatigue).

8 – If exercising in the summer, workout later in the evening or earlier in the morning – making sure to stay hydrated.

I would like to say it’s as easy as thinking cool thoughts, but the best thing you can do to beat the heat is by staying prepared at all times and really listen to your body! 

Now, I do recommend that we get outside in the sun each morning, if possible, for 10-20 minutes to get the Vitamin D benefits from the sun.  It’s important to optimize our Vitamin D levels to stop inflammation, build our immunity, fight flare-ups and it can even keep us from having further issues with MS.

The good news is you can still have an enjoyable summer, even with the HEAT, if you stay prepared!

If you’d like to learn ways to deal with your MS in more natural and holistic ways, check out my book “Waking Up From MS – My Journey to Health, Healing, and Living Symptom-Free.” It is a roadmap to all the things I’ve done to become healthy and symptom-free on my over 30-year journey living with MS. If you want to learn more about my decision to add CBD to my healthy lifestyle and why it’s an important supplement for any person living with MS, please reach out to me or visit: www.successwithnewyou.com.

 

 

To Our Health!

Kellie Alderton

 

You can also follow me on my FB page Waking Up From MS where I share insights and information for everyone dealing with MS.

If you want to learn more about the BEST CBD products to help you on your own journey with MS visit: www.successwithnewyou.com 

Holistic/Biological Dentistry

Have you looked into holistic dentistry as part of your healthy lifestyle? I don’t know if you’re like me, but after living with Multiple Sclerosis for almost 3 decades, I decided that I must, not only figure out this disease, but I must learn, study, and investigate every possible facet to healthy living and MS.

I never knew about holistic/biological dentistry and how it focuses on natural and organic ways to deal with the health of your teeth, mouth, and body. I’ve consistently had challenges with my teeth since I was a teenager. In fact, my dentist at the time was obsessed with ROOT CANALS. (Yes, obsessed.)  And we now understand the science behind root canals and that it could negatively affect our overall oral and physical well-being. Some doctors, dentists, and scientists think it’s almost a guarantee of some type of illness or disease – so it’s worth investigating. Now, when I say my Dentist was “obsessed,” I’ll explain. My sister and I were each given 4 root canals.  As many of you know from my blog and my newly published book “Waking Up From MS – My Journey to Health, Healing and Living Symptom Free”, that both myself and my twin sister Kim were diagnosed as teenagers with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.  And we wondered if those procedures could have been a part of our long history with MS? You can learn more about my sister and me in MS and the Mind.

Holistic Dentistry and Healthy 

Living go hand in hand! 

My best friend told me about a wonderful, local, holistic dentist. Since I was focusing now solely on holistic and alternative therapies to heal, I went with an open mind and literally an open mouth. We now understand the direct correlation with oral health and lifelong health. Many diseases and illnesses can start in the mouth.

 

Benefits of Holistic Dentistry:

– They take a Whole Body approach to our care, it’s not solely focused on our teeth. They focus on the mind, body, and spirit. (Wow, I’ve preached for years how we must focus on a whole body approach to healing our MS.)

– They understand that each tooth is related to an acupuncture meridian that directly relates to various organs, glands, and systems in our body. An experienced dentist can assess your overall health by studying your tooth health.

– They use materials that are biocompatible to your body. (I had biocompatibility testing done to ensure I wasn’t allergic or had sensitivities to any of the products the dentist would be using on me.) After that testing, we learned that most of the things in my mouth through previous dental procedures I was allergic or sensitive to. That was an eye-opener!

– Holistic dentists believe in doing everything possible to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. (Again, this was another point I have always believed. That every “body” can be healthy if you give it the right tools to do so.)

– They believe in natural or holistic solutions for things like Root Canals.

– They don’t use Fluoride, ever. Which is a known carcinogen and neurotoxin.

I highly recommend going to a holistic dentist as soon as possible, check it out and see if you think it will be a benefit to you and your family. Simply Google “holistic/biological dentistry” in your area. Checkout my MS Resources & Links page for further information about different providers. Remember, in this journey with MS we must look at many different areas for our healing. One thing didn’t give us MS, and it won’t be one single thing to heal. It’s important to focus on a whole body approach – mind, body, and spirit.

If you’re interested in understanding more about MS and how to heal naturally, check out my book – “Waking Up From MS – My Journey To Health, Healing, and Living Symptom Free.”

To our Health!

Kellie

If you want to learn more about healthy living and green technologies, check out my products page at www.myvollara.com/kga

You can also follow me on twitter @kelliealderton or my FB page Waking Up From MS where I share insights and information for everyone dealing with MS.

 

Dry Body Brushing has many health benefits.

While living with Multiple Sclerosis, it’s important to have a daily focus on lessening inflammation in our bodies. I highly recommend becoming your best health advocate and learn everything possible about your MS. Understand the need to thoroughly investigate many different avenues for your own healing. In my own journey of living with MS I’ve found many different alternative and holistic therapies that aided in my health and healing. My mantra is: “A Healthy Immune System equals A Healthy Body” and dry brushing is a way to help your immune system.

Dry Brushing is AMAZING! I started dry brushing a few years ago while investigating ways to lessen inflammation in my body. It is one of the things I thoroughly enjoy doing, it’s simple and easy to do and you will notice results right away. The big joke in our family is that I say once we’re done dry brushing all of the cells in our body are singing! Ha! Ha! I know that’s a little corny, but it’s true! You will feel invigorated and definitely energized. It’s a great way to start the day.

Dry Brushing Benefits:

• Stimulates lymphatic system
• Eliminates toxins and bacteria
• Exfoliates skin
• Unclogs pores
• Relieves Stress
• Increases circulation
• Younger looking skin
• Improves digestion and kidney function
• Reduces cellulite
• Reduces muscle tension
• Invigorates and energizes
• Strengthens Immune System

Choosing a Brush:

I am tall so I prefer to use a long handle brush so I can easily reach my back. You may prefer the smaller, hand-held brushes, for some it’s easier to control.  It’s best to use a brush with bristles made of natural materials that should be stiff but pliable.

How to Dry Brush:

• I recommend dry brushing daily, in the morning, since this will definitely energize you! (Jump in the tub or shower – to keep the sloughed off skin cells contained). I also noticed, even more, benefit doing it before my workout.
• Never shower before dry brushing, make sure your skin is completely dry.
• Always begin with upward movements towards the heart which is best for your lymphatic system and for circulation. Begin brushing at the soles of the feet, next to the ankles, calves, legs, stomach, arms, (be careful around breast tissue) continue up to the neck and then focus on the back. Always avoid the face and any areas that may be sensitive or have skin irritations.
• Work in small, gentle, circular motions (always going up towards the heart) – brush firmly, but don’t scrape or scrub your skin.
• Follow it up with a shower and you can even use a natural moisturizing oil or coconut oil (avoid baby oil).

I hope you can add Dry Brushing to your healthy lifestyle. You can also learn more tips and techniques about how I beat MS and now live symptom free in my new book – “Waking Up From MS – My Journey to Health, Healing, and Living Symptom Free.” I hope it can be a stepping stone of new ideas for you on your own MS journey.

 

To our Health!

Kellie Alderton

If you want to learn more about natural, healthy CBD products visit:  www.successwithnewyou.com 

If you want to learn more about healthy living and green technologies, check out my products page at www.myvollara.com/kga

You can also follow me on twitter @kelliealderton or my FB page Waking Up From MS where I share insights and information for everyone dealing with MS.

 

Can we beat Multiple Sclerosis?

If you look to traditional medicine for that answer that would be a resounding and absolute “NO!” We’re told once you have MS you always have MS and we sit and wait for the next exacerbation, we live flare up to the next flare up. That’s how our lives are defined, by the medical community anyway. The medical community also tells us that MS has a mind of its own, almost taking away any chance of us being able to do anything to stop or slow its progression. I totally disagree with that whole scenario. There is far too much information out there to help us start feeling better. We must open our eyes and take control of our health.

I’ve been dealing with MS for over 29 years – Yes,  this is my 29th year of living with this disease and I’m shocked at how some in the medical field will still say that there is nothing we can do to be healthy. They will tell us there is no “proof” that anything other than disease modifying drugs can help us. I’m sorry that’s just not true, I am living proof of that and there is far too much evidence to contradict that statement!

We know that some people with cancer, for example, would be considered “cured” if they didn’t have a relapse after 5 years. So why then is Multiple Sclerosis considered differently? Let’s say someone commits to changing their diet, they exercise, they change environmental factors, they look at their relationships, they look at healing the “whole” body?  What if we go for 2 years without a flare-up, what about 4 years without a flare-up, what about 6 years?

Can we ever say we are recovered or cured of Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is very much an individual thing, but what if we take the 5, 6 or  10-year mark, relapse free, would that signify recovery? Think about it, what if we all strived to hit that milestone? If we stayed on the path to heal our immune systems, heal our bodies from whatever has thrown it off track to the point that we have an MS diagnosis. What if we stay focused on recovery and being positive  – wouldn’t there be so much to gain by considering we are recovered or healed or cured? How much HOPE would that give people to think this is not a “Life Sentence?”

I caution you, in this process, we cannot worry about every little symptom that may arise from our MS. This means do not think every challenge or twitch or flutter means a full blown exacerbation, possible hospitalization or even full disability. Our minds are so very powerful, as anyone with Multiple Sclerosis knows, in fact, many doctors will not want us to focus too much on what COULD happen or MIGHT happen because we will often times start to manifest those exact symptoms! YES, OUR MINDS ARE THAT POWERFUL. Instead, I say each of us should look at our lifestyles, what’s working, what’s not and do everything possible to target becoming healthy, heal our body, heal our immune systems, and just being happy!

I turned around my whole disease and am now living symptom-free, healthy and strong. I supplement, eat a healthy diet, exercise, do alternative therapies – chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, meditation, dry brushing, earthing, juicing, healing relationships and making sure I laugh a lot!

 

We must take things in stride and put all our attention on our quality of life. This is a lifestyle, not a quick fix!

We can do it!

If you’re looking for more holistic and natural ways to beat your MS, you’ll want to check out my book “Waking Up From MS – My Journey to Health, Healing, and Living Symptom-Free.” It details my almost 30-year journey with MS and how I am now healthy, strong and symptom-free!

 

To our Health!

Kellie Alderton

If you want to learn more about healthy living and green technologies, check out my products page at www.myvollara.com/kga

You can also follow me on twitter @kelliealderton or my FB page Waking Up From MS where I share insights and information for everyone dealing with MS.