Low Carb Diet and MS...I Don't Think They Mix!?

 Okay, so I had to go to a weight management clinic per doctor's orders, it was suggested to do low carb, or REALLY watching my carbs.  So, I go out, look at carbs, pick up Atkins bars, low carb pastas etc.  I have to tell you....I feel like crap!  I should probably rethink this whole diet thing.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I have lost a few pounds in just a few days.  But what I don't think my weight management physician failed to let me know was the side effects of a low carb diet would do to my MS symptoms.  The one thing with low carb diets is the body uses its internal carbohydrate stores (glycogen) for energy. When your body burns glycogen, water is released and you lose weight. After the glycogen is gone your body starts to burn fat. If you don't have  carbohydrates in your system, burning fat results in the build up of a byproduct called ketones.  Ketones cut down your appetite, thus  you lose weight.  

This sounds like a great plan, but lets look at what ketones does to the system of a person with multiple sclerosis.  Ketones in a person with MS still cuts your appetite, but it causes fatigue.  This is causing me a significant problem in my symptoms.  Hence, I feel terrible, even more so. Also, I have been on steroids on a regular basis for many years. I already have osteopenia, which is a precursor for osteoporosis.  This high protein diet that I am currently is not only limiting some of my calcium sources, but the diet is causing my body to lose calcium.  I don't think is a good idea. And last, but not least, constipation.  From many of my medications a reoccurring side effect is constipation.  So, between my medication and my low carb, high protein is, let's say, clogging things up a bit...well, a lot. 

So, I am going to have to go back to the drawing board with this whole eating right, and stop thinking of just being on diets.  I have to find a happy medium.  The diet has affected my mood, has increased my symptoms and has left me feeling terrible.  There has to be a better way.  

Having A Chronic Illness With Children

Nothing brings more terror to you than having a doctor tell you that you have a chronic illness.  A chronic illness that can become disabling and all you can think of is your children.  This is terrifying.

When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis my youngest was 15 months old, and my oldest had just turned 4 years old.  All I could do was sit and cry with my my mother and father sitting there watching me feeling helpless.  After a while, my  mother looked at me and said, "Carla, God wouldn't have blessed you with these children if you were not going to be around to take care of them!"  Something in me just snapped.  Mom was right.  I had went through many trial and tribulations just trying to carry a child.  Would God put me through all that just for me not to be able to take care of them? I think not! 

Though I had a spark, I still had to face the reality that this was a serious disease.  I was almost in denial of the disease.  I had my husband be my mouthpiece and talk to my neurologist.  I had my husband and my neurologist pick out the medication I was to be on.  They chose Rebif.  It was fine with me.  I was in a fog.  

I went on the same.  I noticed different changes.   Most of all I noticed the fatigue. But babies don't understand fatigue.  Babies don't understand that Mommy is just too tired.  On really bad days we spent time in the living room.  I went to the Dollar Store and bought a huge wicker basket.  In this wicker basket, I had age appropriate toys, games, crayons, construction paper, scissors, glue, glitter, coloring books, crayons, playdough.  You name it, and it was in there.  I would lie on the couch on those bad days and let the kids go wild.  They learned to play together and share, and it let them be creative, while giving Mommy much needed rest.  I also bought a desktop fridge to keep near me because walking was an issue for me.  My hubby filled it with juice boxes, bite sized sandwiches and on top of the fridge, dry snacks.  It worked out for me and if you have small children, please try some of these suggestions.

Though you may have a chronic illness, and sometimes it may be hard to think ahead, think ahead when you are having a good day.  Think of somethings that could occupy your child because you and I both know that that bad day or days are coming.  A little planning ahead for what you know is coming down the pike is golden. Trust me. 

My children are older now, and they have weathered storms children shouldn't have to weather.  They have seen Mommy not being able to walk, not being able to speak correctly, nurses coming to the home, Mommy being put on intravenous and bedridden. My husband and I have been honest and kept it child friendly.  And though Mommy battles this disease everyday, I still try to smile everyday for them.  I want them to know that Mom is fighting...for them.