Written by: Elissa, an MS Patient and Health Coach
One
day in 2005, I noticed that the right side of my face was numb – my cheek, half
my nose, and part of my tongue. I was surprised, but given the fact that I had
two young children, ages 5 and 1, who kept me busy, made me tired, and
sprinkled everything with a little worry, I chalked my symptoms up to stress. I
didn’t mention it to anyone for a few days, but when it began to bother me, I
told my husband, who was concerned. I
decided to “wait and see”.
day in 2005, I noticed that the right side of my face was numb – my cheek, half
my nose, and part of my tongue. I was surprised, but given the fact that I had
two young children, ages 5 and 1, who kept me busy, made me tired, and
sprinkled everything with a little worry, I chalked my symptoms up to stress. I
didn’t mention it to anyone for a few days, but when it began to bother me, I
told my husband, who was concerned. I
decided to “wait and see”.
My
symptoms continued, so a few days later I called my physician. It was a holiday
week, so the kids and I packed up and went to see him. He poked and prodded,
asked a few questions, and then he told me to see a neurologist immediately. I
was incredulous – did he not see my two kids?
I didn’t have time for this! But
he was insistent, so I agreed to see his recommended doctor the following day. After
arranging for childcare, I went to see the neurologist, who also poked and
prodded. He then told me I needed an MRI, which I had never had before. A few
days later I was at the hospital, with my husband in the waiting room, having
my first MRI. I was scared and confused, and quickly realized that I’m a bit
claustrophobic. When I left, I told my husband, Jason, “Thank god I never have
to do THAT again!”
symptoms continued, so a few days later I called my physician. It was a holiday
week, so the kids and I packed up and went to see him. He poked and prodded,
asked a few questions, and then he told me to see a neurologist immediately. I
was incredulous – did he not see my two kids?
I didn’t have time for this! But
he was insistent, so I agreed to see his recommended doctor the following day. After
arranging for childcare, I went to see the neurologist, who also poked and
prodded. He then told me I needed an MRI, which I had never had before. A few
days later I was at the hospital, with my husband in the waiting room, having
my first MRI. I was scared and confused, and quickly realized that I’m a bit
claustrophobic. When I left, I told my husband, Jason, “Thank god I never have
to do THAT again!”
The
following day I received a call from the doctor’s office saying that I needed
to repeat the MRI, this time with contrast – my insurance company had refused
to allow it the first time. When I questioned the receptionist and asked what
the doctor was looking for, she said, “The doctor spoke with you about MS,
right?” And that was the first time I heard about Multiple Sclerosis.
following day I received a call from the doctor’s office saying that I needed
to repeat the MRI, this time with contrast – my insurance company had refused
to allow it the first time. When I questioned the receptionist and asked what
the doctor was looking for, she said, “The doctor spoke with you about MS,
right?” And that was the first time I heard about Multiple Sclerosis.
In
the days and weeks following my diagnosis of Relapsing Remitting MS, I experienced
terror, depression, frustration and anger. Once I pulled myself together –
thanks in large part to a loving husband and steadfast friends – I started
asking questions. I wanted to know how I could help myself, since the doctors
could only offer me medication, with no guarantees.
the days and weeks following my diagnosis of Relapsing Remitting MS, I experienced
terror, depression, frustration and anger. Once I pulled myself together –
thanks in large part to a loving husband and steadfast friends – I started
asking questions. I wanted to know how I could help myself, since the doctors
could only offer me medication, with no guarantees.
Eventually
I decided to go back to school to become a Health Coach, focusing on wellness
and nutrition. Today, I see clients who live with MS and help them make
meaningful changes in their lives and strategize about how to adopt new habits.
I also run workshops in the NY area on stress, the doctor-patient relationship,
and the impact of sugar on our bodies.
I decided to go back to school to become a Health Coach, focusing on wellness
and nutrition. Today, I see clients who live with MS and help them make
meaningful changes in their lives and strategize about how to adopt new habits.
I also run workshops in the NY area on stress, the doctor-patient relationship,
and the impact of sugar on our bodies.
Food
won’t cure MS – it’s only one piece of the puzzle – but it’s important to keep
your body as healthy as possible. Because holistic wellness means taking care
of your whole body. And that’s where I can help. I look forward to connecting
with you!
won’t cure MS – it’s only one piece of the puzzle – but it’s important to keep
your body as healthy as possible. Because holistic wellness means taking care
of your whole body. And that’s where I can help. I look forward to connecting
with you!
In
Health,
Health,
Elissa
Are there habits you’ve adopted
over the years that you’d like to shed? Goals that you want to accomplish? As a
Health Coach, I can help you make significant and meaningful change in your
life. Take a look at www.HealthElissa.com
or http://www.Facebook.com/HealthElissa.
I look forward to talking with you.
over the years that you’d like to shed? Goals that you want to accomplish? As a
Health Coach, I can help you make significant and meaningful change in your
life. Take a look at www.HealthElissa.com
or http://www.Facebook.com/HealthElissa.
I look forward to talking with you.
.===================================
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