According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2018), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system. Most researchers believe MS is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the myelin (nerve coating) in the brain and the spinal cord. This disease affects individuals differently ranging from relatively mild symptoms, all the way to devastatingly harsh symptoms. Neurological disorder can occur across the lifespan of an individual. In 2010 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis shortly after my 40th birthday.
MS can remit spontaneously and is known as a degenerative disease. MS usually present itself in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Indicators of this disease include: numbness, pain, double vision (optic neuritis), difficulty walking, dizziness, tremors, difficulty with attention, memory issues, speech issues, heat sensitivity, bladder issues, partial or complete paralysis, and even complete failure in mobility (NINDS, 2018). Personally, I experienced a quick onset presenting as a migraine, then numbness of the entire head, double vision, paralysis of my right eye and eyelid, hypersensitivity to sound, extreme fatigue, and my jaws locked shut – and a big dose of situational anxiety, of course. After four months, most of my symptoms subsided. One year later I was back to work. It was a very scary time. “Receiving the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a stressful life event. People receiving major diagnoses may not recall much of the information given to them at the time” (American Academy of Neurology, 2018).
“Our brains have a natural ability to regenerate myelin.”
My story is too lengthy to fully detail here, but I chose a holistic approach and decided against Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) medication since there is no actual cure using these drugs which have harsh side effects (NINDS, 2018). According to research by Dr. Terry Wahls (2014) – a groundbreaking researcher on MS, clearing out the oxidative stress (cleansing the toxins) within your cells reduces MS relapses and can even drastically improve the quality of life for those living with MS. In fact, Dr. Wahls discovered this “cure” for herself allowing her to not have to use her wheelchair ever again. She is medication free and lives a symptom free lifestyle, yet was once wheelchair bound. For the past eight years, I am medication free and have lived a mostly symptom free life following much of her advice on cleansing and stress management. I had a mild relapse in 2015 resulting in optic neuritis and extreme fatigue lasting about three weeks. According to the NINDS's website, many of the medications for MS have serious side effects. They are not known to cure the disease, just prevent relapses from occurring less often.
It has been customary among neurologists to inform patients that once the myelin in the brain has been damaged it will not regenerate – like a frayed electrical cord. However, according to Richard Robinson in an article from Neurology Today (2019), “Myelin protein reverses in MS symptom mouse model.” Honestly, I believed this eight years ago, and so I dug in and chose the path of hope.
When it comes to sickness and disease, we know that God beckons us to call upon him. I think there are many cures out there just waiting for us to find them if we lean into His wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (ESV). I am always praying for wisdom to solve problems. I believe that is part of our birthright as children of God and our moral obligation. I found this to be true as I went to him for answers regarding the MS diagnosis I had received. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (ESV). Brain research shows we can rewire our brain and even change our DNA (Leaf, 2008). This is why I believe God wants as to think good thoughts and stay in peace. He created us. He knows that if we stay in peace it will promote health in our bodies. Proverbs 16: 24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (ESV).
There is fascinating research on spirituality and the aging brain. Due to advancement in neuroimaging technology, researchers can prove evidence of brain health as it responds to meditation and prayer with the help of technology such as the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), PET (positron emission tomography) (Newberg, 2011). There are many types of spiritual practices that incorportate meditation and sillness. According to Newberg (2011), there is significant reduction in stress, improve concentration, cognitive ability, mood, and overall mental health. Newberg (2011) wrote, “Five days of integrative body-mind training lead to reduced anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and stress regulation.”
I believe that we can meditate on God's word, sit and be still, or just be outdoors practicing meditation and focus on being present and doing the simple things. Our world is so busy and increasingly chaotic. The takeaway here is that there is value in prayer and meditation. The words of scripture point to this in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God” (NIV).
References
American Academy of Neurology. Practice Guideline: Disease-modifying Therapies for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.aan.com/Guidelines/home/GetGuidelineContent/900
Leaf, C. 2008. Who Switched Off My Brain? Switch On Your Brain USA, Inc.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple Sclerosis information page. (2018, June 18). Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Multiple-Sclerosis-Information-Page
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Wilson Disease information page. (2018, June 18). https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Wilson-Disease-Information-Page
Newberg, A. B. (2011). Spirituality and the Aging Brain. Journal of the American Society on Aging,35(2), 83-91.
The Holy Bible (2000). New York: American Bible Society.
Wahls, T. (2014). The Wahl’s Protocol: How I beat progressive MS using Paleo principles and functional medicine. New York, New York: Penguin (USA) LLC.