Fighting MS with Food.....And loving it!

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the central nervous system.  In laymen terms that means..........It's too HOT in the kitchen, so COOL it down!     
Inflammation is a huge culprit in MS but is also experienced by healthy people everyday.  Inflammation is your body's first response to an infection or trauma.  For example, if you scrap your finger on something sharp your immune system will start the process to repair itself. 
Step 1.  Inflammation- Redness, Heat, Swelling (your body's way to kill off any harmful infections)
Step 2.  Release the Army- White blood cells and proteins (this finalizes killing off infections and puts a clot on the site to prevent spreading)
Step 3.  Put a bandage on :-)

Now having an acute form of  inflammation is normal, but what if there was no trauma or infection? and Step 1. gets out of control and starts inflaming for no reason and doesn't turn off.  This is chronic inflammation and comes in different types of illnesses; rheumatoid arthritis(inflammation of joints), asthma(inflammation of bronchial tubes) and MS (inflammation of the brain and spine). 
In Multiple Sclerosis, the central nervous system (brain and spine) is under chronic inflammation and by the help of medication and a proper diet you can properly manage this disease.    
So if MS is an inflammatory disease, it would make sense to have a diet that is rich in 
ANTI- inflammatory foods.  Right??  I found it difficult to find a diet that was backed up by scientific research to show slowing in the progression of MS.  All the doctors I talked to said that eating a balanced diet (Canadian Food Guide) is the best way to eat and that no studies have shown eating a particular diet will help with MS.  
Now if you talk to anybody fighting a chronic illness they will tell you that they act like their own doctor, dietitian, nurse and therapist.  You gradually learn what works for you and what doesn't.  So I did my own research and right now I'm eating foods like; kale, spinach, salmon (lot's of it, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids), papaya, blueberries, avocado, hemp seeds, flax oil, extra virgin oil, turmeric spice, coconut water(more hydrating than water) and broccoli.  I love to cook and these foods act like a coolant to your system, so I try to find different ways to incorporate them into my diet.    
  

Welcome to FeFe’s Diner 

Veggie smoothie I make in the morning (banana takes away the bitterness and makes it  so much more enjoyable to drink!)

Salmon&Linguine Pasta dish

Baked roasted red pepper Salmon 

Smoked Salmon with navy bean sauce on French baguette, topped with olive oil 

If you have any recipes or a type of food that has helped you during an illness please share in the comment box down below.  It would be greatly appreciated by readers.

Please Click here to Donate.

Additional Links:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation and Tissue Healing

Pan Seared Salmon with baby arugula

Your Donation makes a Difference!

So you hear the news....
You have MS..... 
Now what do you do??
Well you have two options:
1. You can be angry and become discouraged with life
or
2. You can get in touch with the MS Society team

After being diagnosed I was told by doctors to get in contact with the MS Society.  This organization provides services and programs for people affected with Multiple Sclerosis.  They offer educational classes, leisure programs and host social events.  Studies have shown that supportive programs help decrease the risk of depression and enhance quality of life. 
The first class I attended at the MS Society was called 'Tax Talk.'  In this class we were educated on our disability rights and given information on how to file a tax return and how to claim medical expenses.  I found this class very informative because an MS diagnosis comes with a very high price tag.  The price of medication, vitamins, mobility equipment, modifying equipment and any other assisting devices.  If you think going back to work will help contribute to these expenses, you could be right........provided your employer will take you back.
Another thing I really appreciate about the MS Society team is that they ADVOCATE for you!  With MS 'some' employers don't consider you an asset but see you as a liability.  In a meeting with my work, 3 weeks after my diagnosis, they said they were considering terminating me but wouldn't because "MS can get better and when it does call us." Then I was put on medical leave.
I've grown a thick skin to the ignorant comments people say about MS.  
After the meeting with my work I contacted the MS Society and asked them if my rights were being violated.  Within 1 hour I was given a list of contacts on who to call and an MS Society worker offered to come with me and speak with my employer.  These guys mean business lol.
Having MS means you will face difficulties finding employment and being accommodated for.  The MS Society not only fights for you but educates you on how to advocate for yourself.  Till this day, I have not received  a formal apology for their inappropriate statement and action.  
Human Rights must be protected!            
As a result of having these programs and services available for people with MS, they are able to transition back into the community with more confidence, hope and support. 
So if your wondering where your donation is going, it's  going towards changing someone's life for the better.

'Let's make MS History' ONLINE DONATION:
http://mssoc.convio.net/site/TR/Walk/AlbertaandNorthwestTerritoriesDivision?px=1680663&pg=personal&fr_id=2038

MS Society website:
http://mssociety.ca/alberta/edmonton/

Alberta Human Rights:
http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/

A Storyline of MS

So it looks like MS will be showcased on America's number one daytime drama, 'The Young and the Restless.'  

A very well known character, Nikki, was just diagnosed with MS in today's

episode.  I must say, I was very surprised to see this but curious to see how they portray someone dealing with this disease.  The more awareness on MS the better, and the timing couldn't come at a better time!

                                                             May 26th MS Walk

                                                          CHURCHILL SQUARE

                                              

Please support me in the MS Walk fundraiser.  I provided a link to my page below

to donate.  Every little bit counts :-)))

http://mssoc.convio.net/site/TR/Walk/AlbertaandNorthwestTerritoriesDivision?px=1680663&pg=personal&fr_id=2038

It's in our grasp

  A week ago I attended the 'endMS' campaign meeting at the Scotia Bank theatre.  The 'endMS' campaign is focused on raising money for researchers to find a cause and cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  The advancements they have made is quite remarkable.  Finding ways to stimulate the myelin-sheath for regrowth and repair and exploring options in transplanting bone marrow stem cells in people with MS.  Not only is the money being raised for science but for enhancing the quality of life for people with MS. Before this meeting I was very doubtful, doubtful to the notion that there will ever be a cure but I was later amazed to see first hand what big strides were taken to end MS.  An even bigger shock came to me when they introduced one of the lead Neuroscientists for MS,  Dr. Yohannes Haile.  Just from his name alone, I knew we were from the same country, Eritrea.  Eritrea resides on the Horn of Africa with a population of 6 million.  What are the chances!  After the meeting I introduced myself to Dr. Haile and invited him for coffee with me and my dad.  He said yes and the day was set.  So many questions were rummaging through my mind.  How do people get MS? Will it get worse? Will there be a cure?  I did as much reading on the web as I could on his extensive work in Medicine and Neurology.  Even finding out he was in the Metro newspaper for discovering a new drug that could prevent disability in MS.   

We met at Second Cup for coffee and for the first hour didn't talk about anything pertaining to MS.  My dad and Dr. Haile exchanged stories on how they grew up in Eritrea and I was able to talk to his wife about what we studied in school and what goals we had in the future.  Later on we talked about the Patient Specific Treatment they are working on, because MS is different for every individual they need to find treatment specifically for that individual.  Many times we hear of the advancements researchers make in science but what we don't see is the amount of work it took to achieve them.  I got to see a very personal side to this researcher.  A man who is very dedicated and focused to his work and who makes sacrifices in his personal life to do so.  All the questions I was going to ask the doctor I laid to rest.  It wasn't about delving into why I got it, how I got it, at the end of the day I want to see how important this is to you and when I did I felt like I was in good hands.  As we were ending our conversation I had only one last question to ask.  "In my lifetime, will I see a cure for MS?"  Without any hesitation he reached out his hand and said "Yes."  I reached out mine and we shook on it.  And you know what.............I believe him.  

Sunday MAY 26, 2013

I will be participating in the 'MS WALK' fundraiser on May 26th!  In order for me to complete this walk I will be working with my trainers at the UofA and I'll update my blog to let you know how I'm doing.  I'm also in the process of setting up a website so you can donate directly from your mobile phone or computer.  My goal is to raise a minimum of $500.00.  So please ask people you work with, family and friends to donate.

Big day.

 Hope you guys are enjoying the warm weather outside :-)
Today I'm very lucky to be meeting with one of the leading Neuroscientists in the research of MS.  I will be asking about the researchers work on pain management therapies and how close we are to finding a cure.  If you post a question in the comment box I will be sure to pass it on.

Finding Hope in Stages

The Kübler-Ross model, commonly referred to as the "five stages of grief", is a hypothesis introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross^[1] asserting that when a person (or a survivor) is faced with the reality of impending death or other extreme, awful fate, he/she will experience a series of emotional "stages": denial; anger; bargaining; depression; and, acceptance.

  One year before I was told I had MS I noticed some things about me that seemed a bit strange.  I mean on the outside I looked fine, but when I walked it felt a bit off balance and when I turned my head I would get dizzy.  No big problem.  Ill just graze my fingers on the wall when I walk and when I get dizzy I just won't turn my head so fast.  Its amazing how the human body can unconsciously find ways to adapt in order to keep moving forward.  As my symptoms became worse the more my body would try to adapt, to the point where I would risk my own safety.  One morning I woke up and couldn't see out of my right eye.  So I got in my car and drove to the clinic.  This 1st stage is 'Denial.'  (its ok, you can laugh) As far as I was concerned I was still healthy and everything felt fine.  Maybe he'll give me some eye-drops and then I can hurry home to catch the last episode of The Bachelorette.  It took 2 hours in the doctors office doing test after test for me to finally realize this was serious.  3 weeks later I was diagnosed.    
  There was nothing I wanted more than silence.  I didn't want to talk, think or do anything, let alone say the words Multiple Sclerosis.  At this time you would have found me in my bedroom zoned out.  My thoughts had no colour,  no sound just a silent shade of grey.  As shocked as I was I had to keep this quiet.  I had to make sure nobody outside the immediate family knew.  I did this because I didn't want anyone's sympathy or pity.  Imagine you walked into a crowded room with no clothes on, how would you feel?  Embarrassed, ashamed, lost, confused, fuddled, sad, hopeless, worthless, exposed?  These are common psychological symptoms of being diagnosed with MS.  If there was anyway I could keep my clothes on in that crowded room I was gonna do it.  This stage is the 'Bargaining' stage.  Trying to keep tabs on who knew so it wouldn't get out, trying to postpone what was eventually to be inevitable. It's a line of defense to protect people from the painful reality.
   I racked my brain over and over in my text books and spent hours on WebMd trying to find answers as to how I got MS.  People who are at higher risk to get MS are Caucasian women over 40 and who may have it in their family.  OK, so I'm not 40 and I'm not white and I don't have it in my FAMILY!!!!!!! So your telling me I'm that 1-2% chance of getting it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This stage is 'Anger.'  "Why me"  was a question I asked myself a million times.  I did everything right in life.  I listened to my parents, I treated people with respect and kindness. I take out the trash but only if its not raining or snowing outside and  I would even say hello to my neighbours, even when they have a bad attitude.  I'm a good person and I don't deserve this! All my anger needed to go somewhere.  Someone had to be held accountable for this..........so who could I blame?  I'll blame God. 

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

  As I would sit in church staring expressionless at the Pastor I couldn't find it in my heart to be angry at God.  There has to be something to this, it just doesn't make any sense.  As I pondered and sulked on my sorrows I felt a suffocating surge of despair and loneliness.  This stage is called 'Depression.'  The funny thing about this stage is that you can't do anything but surrender, your left with having to feel your feelings.  This stage is hard.  Its painful and it will come and go but that's where faith comes in.  I would get these calls day and night from family and friends asking to see me and offering food, flowers and gifts.  I was blessed to know I wasn't going to be alone in this.

  Now comes the last stage.  'Acceptance.'  In the past year Iv'e repeated this cycle about a hundred times but through the good and the bad I'll strive to find hope, faith and acceptance and this blog is a representation of that.

God Bless             

Couldn't see this coming

"I have Multiple Sclerosis."  


Those are four words I thought I would never never say.  Before I was diagnosed with MS I was in school to become a nurse.  A profession where I would assist and take care of people who are sick, like people who have MS.  I can remember in my Mental Health class watching a video of a woman who had MS.  She appeared to be in her early 40's and had symptoms of uncontrollable shaking, unable to walk, talk or take care of herself in any manner.  Because of this her 8 year old daughter became her new caregiver.   She would help dress, feed and prepare her mothers medication.  As a soon to be nurse we are supposed to understand the patients disabilities and find ways to assist them in their day-to-day activities but all I could help think was "I'm glad I don't have to deal with that!" So why was I introduced to MS in that way?? Were they trying to scare us??  or did they want to show the worst case possible so that we could be prepared?? Whatever the reason it made a lasting impression on me.  When people hear someone is affected with MS they immediately think your going to die or be in a wheelchair.  Who knew MS could look like me.  Wish they would have shown that in the video.  A woman in an office job taking care of three kids at home and goes hiking on the weekends.  I think if I was introduced to MS like that it would have been an easier pill to swallow.  Not saying that getting any diagnosis is easy.  I still remember the date, the time, the weather and what i was wearing when he told me I had MS.  I had some idea after I got my MRI and was called in the doctors office the next morning that the news wasn't going to be good.  Psychologically you try to prepare yourself for whatever news your about to hear.  In my case its hair and make-up!  I dolled myself up like I was about to go to war.  I curled my hair, painted my nails and did my make up looking sleek and fabulous.  My dad who was going to drive me was a bit unsure if I had any idea where I was going.  I walked fiercely into the building, full of control, ease and holding my head high.  "Hi, my name is Feven Fessahye and Im here to see Dr. Pokroy."  I took a seat with my dad beside me and waited.  What was going through my mind you ask?? NOTHING.  I felt weirdly at peace.  Maybe all that extra mascara paid off, but as I was called into the doctors office my feeling of peace turned numb when I looked at my dad.  When you take a heavy stone and drop it in shallow water a ripple effect will start to form.  What was about to happen to me was now going to cause ripple effects to my entire family.  LESIONS, SCARS, PLAQUE!!  It was an intense battle in that office, and when I came out my life was changed forever.  Was I going to end up like that woman in the video?