My MS medication comes with two primary side effects: flushing and stomach pains. The paperwork says that after two years both side effects are equivalent to those of people who have a placebo. Knowing I couldn't wait two years to get rid of the pain, I changed my diet.
I began eating gluten free and dairy free foods. I took almond milk in my coffee instead of cream. I stopped drinking milk of which I used to drink gallons. I stopped eating breads and crackers. The immediate result was that my stomach pain and flushing went away.
At first I didn't enjoy the food as much, but I realized that "I was eating to live rather than living to eat." I knew that what I put in my body helped me whether I liked it or not.
At the beginning of the diet the memory of the intense pain was still fresh in my mind so at that time the choice to eat gluten and dairy free was easy. I knew I might have moments in the future when I would crave something I shouldn't eat, but I didn't have any cravings at the beginning.
People gave me a difficult time for eating this way. They acted like I was inconveniencing them by eating differently. I heard comments like, "What do you eat then?" I was eating carrots and the people that were eating chips commented on my healthy choice. Eating is a choice.
I chose to eat in such a way that I would feel no pain from my medication. If the result was a healthier body and the ability to say no to donuts because all I saw in them was pain, then I would gladly accept it.
After taking my medication for over 2 years I have minimal side effects. Every once in a while if I am tired or stressed I get flushing side effects in the morning, but I don't have any stomach pain. I'm not perfect on the diet like I was in the beginning, but I pay attention to my body and feed it what will make it feel good, not what will make me feel good.
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