This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Well actually I had an MRI w/out contrast and they found some lesions so now I am on to an MRI w/contrast and possibly more tests after that. My Mom was dx about 15 years ago after possibly having MS for 15 years prior. I have watched her struggle and been scared to death that the same thing would be my fate. I am 35 and in my late 20s I started working out obsessively to maybe, possibly prevent it. Well 8 years later I find myself facing the biggest fear of my life, depressed and scared to death.

I think the hardest part is that this all feels really out of my control. Which leads me to my question. I already workout, cardio, weight lifting and pilates. I have been going to a nutritionist and watching what I eat for the past 7 years (I was on a high protein diet for like 6.5 of these and recently switched to a 60g carb, 40g protein and 20g fat diet now) and take a multivitamin. The dr talked about copaxil but what I am wondering is what else everyone has found to be helpful and that we can do to also help prevent it all from getting worse.

Thank you so much for any advise you can give me!

hi there sounds like you have been working hard on your health! what does your work with the nutritionist involve - any bloodwork?
i got diagnosed but i don't take medication. there are lots of folks on here that can tell you their experiences, but it does come down to personal choice.
it's a scary time, but from all accounts i've heard, you've just stepped into the most supportive and positive 'MS hug' to be found online. welcome to TIMS rach!

rach --JL is right in that you seem to have been doing all the right things for good health.

In reaching your diagnosis of MS, do you feel the doctor tested for and ruled out the MANY other possibilities? I am afraid that there is a tendency to hear that your mother (or other family member) has MS (or another "autoimmune" disease) and then diagnosed you with the same (without looking further).

I understand that diseases can run in families -- MS, too. In fact, there is a family, in which there are eight members with MS, in PawPaw, Illinois, a town of about 800! But, since I believe that a malfunctioning pancreas begins the MS cascade, I think this may be the inherited element (or it may be the diet learned in the family).

Do you or your mother have type II diabetes? Or a diagnosis of "insulin resistance?" Has your doctor ordered a "fasting serum insulin test?" (BTW, a desirable result would be 9 or below.)

Other than that, my suggestions include: 1.continue a healthy diet (especially low in carbohydrates) 2.continue a strong exercise program and 3.read all you can about MS.

AND frequent this website with your questions and contributions! Welcome, rach.