31 Days of MS: My Diagnosis Helped Me Find My Purpose

Photo courtesy of Melody Sapien

Day 15 of 31

This is Melody Sapien’s (@autoimmune.wellnesswarriors) story:

Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was 15 years old. In a lot of ways, I am grateful for my diagnosis because, without it, I would have never found my purpose.

Being positive about my diagnosis didn’t come easy. There were times when I didn’t know if there was hope. In the beginning, my norm consisted of vision loss, trouble walking, vertigo, pins and needles, MS hugs, migraines, brain fog, fatigue, and the symptoms go on.

I felt like I was going crazy before my diagnosis! Initially, doctors concluded that my symptoms were normal, that I was just another teenage athlete who needed extra sleep to grow, that my chest hurt because I had anxiety, and that I just needed physical therapy. I am so grateful that my mom kept pushing the doctors to find more answers for me.

When my neurologist told me I have MS, it felt amazing to finally have an answer. But that relief quickly ended when he told us that if I didn’t go on medications, I would end up in a wheelchair. I was devastated!

That is when we found The Wahls Protocol. It changed my life. With complete focus, determination, and patience, I was able to feel 100% like me again!

Since gaining my life back through healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits, I knew it was my life’s mission to guide and teach other warriors to do the same. For this reason, I became a nutritional therapist and Wahls practitioner. I started working with clients because I’ve been there too. I wanted to let them know, “I’m here with you. I stand with you because I was you.”

What we feed our body, what we tell our mind, and what we do daily all play a role in our vitality. Aim to give your body the tools (nutrients) it needs each day. Find a support team to help you. Stay determined, patient, and consistent. Focus on progress, not perfection. I know it’s tough, but I promise you it is worth it!

Multiple Sclerosis News Today’s 31 Days of MS campaign will publish one story per day for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #31DaysofMS, or read the full series.