My Life With MS

🎙Part 6: Digestive Testing & EBV - The Connection Between Gut Health and MS

**Please make sure to listen to Part 1-5 first as that covers years 2019 - 2024**
Summary
In this episode of 'My Life with MS', I share my personal journey with multiple sclerosis, focusing on the importance of gut health and the impact of tests like stool samples and EBV. She discusses her experiences with chronic fatigue, the discovery of SIBO, and the role of the Epstein-Barr virus in her health. I emphasize the significance of understanding one's body and the steps I have taken to improve my condition, including dietary changes and medical interventions.
 
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🔊 Tune in now to hear my story and join me in navigating the complexities of MS with resilience and hope.
 
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Takeaways
 
Jen shares her unique journey with multiple sclerosis.
Gut health plays a crucial role in autoimmune conditions.
Stool tests can provide valuable insights into gut health.
SIBO can significantly impact symptoms of MS.
Reactivated EBV can worsen autoimmune symptoms.
Dietary changes have been essential in Jen's healing process.
Chronic fatigue was a major symptom for Jen.
Understanding the body is key to managing health.
Jen emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in health.
Future testing and management plans are crucial for ongoing health.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to My Life with MS
01:51 The Importance of Gut Health 05:39 Understanding SIBO and Its Impact
12:22 Exploring EBV and Its Connection to MS
18:07 Managing Health Through Testing and Lifestyle Changes
 
Keywords multiple sclerosis, gut health, SIBO, EBV, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, health journey, treatment options, lifestyle changes, personal experiences

🎙Part 5: Last Year Timeline 2024 - The Power of Fasting & MS - My Journey

**Please make sure to listen to Part 1-4 first as that covers years 2019 - 2023, and this episode covers events that happened in 2024** (this episode's timeline is my journey starting in Jan 2024 (last year)**
 
Summary
In this episode, I share my personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), focusing on my experiences with fasting, detoxing, and the impact of diet on my health. I discuss the challenges and benefits of fasting, including its effects on energy levels and clarity. I also reflect on my participation in an MS study led by Dr. Wahls, my MRI results, and the spiritual growth I experienced during a 21-day fast. I emphasizes the importance of consulting with healthcare providers and doing personal research while navigating your health journey.
 
Takeaways
Fasting can provide a break for the digestive system.
Intermittent fasting can be easier than expected.
Autophagy helps the body cleanse damaged cells.
Day three of fasting often brings clarity and energy.
Fasting can lead to significant improvements in fatigue.
Consulting with healthcare providers is crucial when fasting.
The MS study with Dr. Wahls focuses on diet and MS.
Spiritual growth can accompany physical health journeys.
Personal experiences with fasting can vary greatly.
It's important to listen to your body during fasting.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to My Journey with MS
03:12 Exploring Fasting and Its Benefits
06:03 The Challenges of Extended Fasting
08:54 The Impact of Fasting on Energy and Clarity
11:45 The MS Study and Dr. Wahls Protocol
15:06 Facing Setbacks and MRI Results
17:58 The 21-Day Fast and Spiritual Growth
23:54 Next Steps: Testing and Future Plans
 
Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Fasting, Health, Detox, Inflammation, Diet, Dr. Wahls, Spiritual Growth, Autoimmune Disease

🎙️Part 4: My MS Healing Journey: Post-Pregnancy, Detoxing, and Natural Solutions (Multiple Sclerosis)

Products Used found on my Amazon Storefront here: https://amzn.to/4hJ7iTW
 
In this episode of My Life with MS, I open up about my deeply personal journey of managing multiple sclerosis after pregnancy. From experiencing post-pregnancy flares to finding a path to healing through detoxing and natural solutions, I share how I’ve been navigating life with MS without traditional treatments.
After giving birth, the joys and challenges of life with a newborn took center stage. Thankfully, by the time my baby was three months old, he started sleeping through the night, which gave me the chance to refocus on my health. But during that time, I received MRI results that showed concerning progression—three active lesions and signs of inflammation. That news hit hard and became a turning point for me to take charge of my health in a new way.
I talk about my decision to pause Ocrevus treatment, despite my neurologist’s recommendations, and focus on identifying the root causes of inflammation in my body. Through prayer and resources like Dr. Josh Axe’s Eat Dirt, I started exploring how diet, lifestyle, and detoxing could play a role in managing MS.
Key milestones in my healing journey included:Discovering and addressing food intolerances, such as gluten, dairy, and wheat.Developing a supplement regimen, including high-dose vitamin D + K2, omega-3, and other vitamins.Removing metal dental work, including mercury fillings and retainers, to reduce inflammation.Undergoing a heavy metal detox using zeolite and a parasite cleanse as additional steps in my journey.I also share my experience with a 21-day bone broth protocol to heal my gut, which gave me more energy, reduced my inflammation, and left me feeling empowered and in control of my health.
This episode is a reminder that we have to advocate for ourselves and explore solutions that align with our personal convictions and medical guidance. While I’m not providing medical advice, my hope is that my story inspires you to seek out what works best for you.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where I’ll dive into how fasting completely transformed my health and contributed to even more positive changes in managing MS.
Please remember to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment or diet.
Key Takeaways:Post-Pregnancy Challenges: I share my experience with post-pregnancy MS flares, including severe brain fog, optic neuritis, and numbness.Taking Charge of My Health: After deciding to stop Ocrevus, I turned to natural solutions to reduce inflammation.Food Intolerances: A food intolerance test revealed sensitivities to gluten, dairy, and wheat, which led me to make significant dietary changes.Detoxing: Removing metal dental work, conducting heavy metal detoxes, and doing a parasite cleanse were pivotal steps in my journey.Gut Health: Following a 21-day bone broth protocol played a critical role in healing my gut and improving my overall well-being.Faith and Advocacy: I emphasize how prayer, self-advocacy, and making informed decisions have been essential in my health journey.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome and DisclaimerI introduce the episode and remind listeners to consult their healthcare provider for medical advice.
01:00 – Navigating the Newborn StageI talk about the joys and challenges of early motherhood and regaining sleep.
02:30 – MRI Results and MS ProgressionI share the news of my post-pregnancy MRI findings and the signs of inflammation.
04:00 – Opting Out of TreatmentI discuss my decision to stop Ocrevus and explore natural solutions.
05:30 – Exploring Diet and Gut HealthHow I discovered food intolerances and the importance of gut health in managing MS.
07:00 – Removing Metal Dental WorkThe connection I found between dental metals and inflammation.
09:00 – Heavy Metal and Parasite DetoxSteps I took to detox using zeolite and a parasite cleanse.
11:30 – 21-Day Bone Broth ProtocolHow incorporating bone broth into my diet helped me heal and feel energized.
13:30 – Lessons Learned and Hope for the FutureI reflect on my progress and share a teaser for the next episode about fasting.
Resources:Parasites & MS Patients – Alan McDonald
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🎙️ Part 3: My Life With MS: Pregnancy, MRI While Pregnant, & My New Found Hope (Multiple Sclerosis)

In this episode, I share my personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the challenges I faced during my treatment and pregnancy. I talk about the emotional turmoil of making treatment decisions, the risks associated with medications like Ocrevus, and how discovering I was pregnant became a pivotal moment in my health journey. I explore the alternative treatments I tried, my experiences during pregnancy, and the impact of faith on my decisions. I wrap up with reflections on motherhood and the importance of not letting MS dictate my life.
Please Visit My Blog: mylifewith-ms.com
Takeaways:
Feeling alone and depressed before treatment is common.
Ocrevus treatment has significant risks, including PML.
The fear of treatment can be overwhelming.
Pregnancy provided a reason to stop treatment.
IVIG infusion was an alternative treatment during pregnancy.
Hydration is crucial during IVIG infusions.
Pregnancy can bring back old MS symptoms.
High-risk OBs can provide better care for pregnant women with MS.
MRIs during pregnancy can be distressing.
Faith played a significant role in coping with MS.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to MS Journey
02:20 The Dilemma of Treatment Risks
03:41 Pregnancy as a Turning Point
06:03 Exploring Alternative Treatments
08:46 Navigating Pregnancy with MS
11:01 The MRI Experience During Pregnancy
14:43 The Birth Experience and Reflections
16:40 Faith and MS: A Personal Journey
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In this episode of "My Life with MS," I open up about my struggles with MS treatment and the transformative experience of pregnancy. Leading up to my last infusion of Ocrevus, I was overwhelmed with fear, doubt, and isolation, unsure if continuing treatment was right for me. While Ocrevus is a common MS therapy, it carries significant risks, including PML, a rare but serious brain condition. The potential side effects and uncertainties about my future left me questioning my treatment path.
A turning point came when I found out I was pregnant, giving me a clear reason to pause treatments I no longer felt comfortable with. Although my neurologist recommended continuing Ocrevus during pregnancy, I chose to trust my instincts and declined. I sought advice from a new specialist who suggested an alternative: IVIG infusions. This older treatment approach helped boost my immune system without the intense effects of traditional MS therapies, allowing me to focus on my health and the health of my baby.
Throughout my pregnancy, I faced challenging symptoms like numbness, tingling, and optic neuritis, but I was determined to stay as healthy as possible. I adjusted my diet, took essential vitamins, and followed my new treatment plan, all while relying on my faith for guidance. I believe God led me through this time, giving me the strength to make the best decisions for myself and my baby.
In my eighth month of pregnancy, my neurologist scheduled an MRI, which turned out to be a stressful experience I wouldn’t recommend. The fear of how the procedure might affect my baby was overwhelming, and I chose to end it early. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts to decline the MRI entirely.
Despite the challenges, my pregnancy went well because I actively prioritized my health. On May 20, 2022, I gave birth to my son after being induced due to concerns about preeclampsia. With the support of a high-risk OBGYN team, I delivered a healthy baby and began a new chapter in my life.
Reflecting on this journey, I’ve realized how essential it is to make decisions based on what feels right, even if it means going against medical advice. I encourage other MS warriors not to let fear dictate their choices. There was a time when I felt like MS had stolen my future, but having my son changed everything. 
My experience strengthened my faith, and I believe God guided me toward a better path. For me, faith helped me navigate uncertainties and made decisions feel less overwhelming.
 Legal Disclaimer:The content shared on this podcast, including all discussions, opinions, and experiences, is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a medical professional, and nothing expressed on this podcast should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is based on my personal experiences and opinions and is not intended to substitute or replace professional medical guidance.
Before making any decisions regarding your health, treatment, or lifestyle, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider. I am not liable for any actions, decisions, or outcomes based on the information shared on this podcast. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis, MS treatment, pregnancy, Ocrevus, IVIG infusion, health journey, faith, motherhood, MRI experience, health risks, MS, Ocrevus,  Chronic Illness, Disease, Neurology, Podcast

🎙Part 2: My Treatment Journey: Allergic Reactions - Tysabri - Tecfidera - Ocrevus | My Life With MS Podcast

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🔊 Tune in now to hear my story and join me in navigating the complexities of MS with resilience and hope.
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In the second episode of "My Life With MS," I dive into my harrowing experience with Tysabri, a popular treatment for multiple sclerosis. If you're considering this treatment, my story might offer some insights, although it's not intended as medical advice.
After my MS diagnosis, Tysabri was selected as my first treatment. The process began with a half-dose infusion to test my body’s reaction. Initially, things seemed fine, but the second half-dose turned my world upside down. Shortly after the infusion, I experienced tightness in my chest, hives, and hot flashes. The nurses responded with Benadryl and steroids, but my symptoms persisted, escalating into a severe allergic reaction.
Over the next six weeks, my life became a nightmare. Every four hours, my body would erupt in hives, my chest would tighten, and I’d experience intense hot flashes. I was constantly taking Benadryl and prednisone, with frequent visits to my neurologist for steroid infusions. My body was in a state of chaos, and I learned I had developed antibodies to Tysabri, making my immune system reject the medication entirely.
The physical symptoms were compounded by emotional turmoil. I began suffering from panic attacks, triggered by loud noises, which sent me into convulsions. The steroids I was on also led to weight gain, irritability, and a condition called "moon face," where my face became puffy and swollen.
This experience left me questioning the protocols around Tysabri. I strongly believe that testing for antibodies before administering the second half of the infusion could have spared me this ordeal. I’m sharing my story to advocate for such testing to become a standard practice, ensuring that no one else has to endure what I went through.
Following my reaction to Tysabri, I was switched to Tecfidera, an oral treatment. Unfortunately, this drug also didn’t agree with me, causing severe stomach cramps and digestive issues. My MS continued to progress, and after six months, another MRI showed more active lesions. Tecfidera was deemed ineffective, and I was introduced to Ocrevus, a new treatment that had just hit the market.
Ocrevus, an infusion administered twice a year, was a challenging experience. I suffered from severe infusion reactions, characterized by fever-like symptoms, chills, and body aches. Despite these reactions, my neurologist and a second opinion from another doctor both recommended continuing with Ocrevus. The drug was supposed to be the best available option for slowing the progression of my MS.
However, Ocrevus also brought its own set of complications. The treatment severely weakened my immune system, making me extremely vulnerable to infections. I contracted COVID-19 during this time, and although my symptoms were mild, my recovery was prolonged. The experience highlighted the importance of protecting my compromised immune system, leading me to create and promote masks that signaled my vulnerability to others.
Living with MS and undergoing these treatments took a significant toll on my mental health. I became deeply depressed, struggling to cope with the demands of work and life while managing the debilitating effects of my illness and its treatments. The never-ending cycle of treatments felt overwhelming, and I found myself questioning how I had arrived at such a low point in my life.
This episode is a raw and honest account of my journey with Tysabri, Tecfidera, and Ocrevus. I hope my story can bring awareness to the potential risks and challenges associated with these treatments and encourage others to advocate for themselves in their healthcare journey.
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Tysabri, Tecfidera, Ocrevus, MS Treatment, MS Symptoms, Chronic Illness, Autoimmune Disease, Neurology, Infusion Reaction, Allergic Reaction, MS Podcast

🎙 Part 1:The One Where I Get Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis | My Life With MS Podcast

🎙️ My Life With MS: My Journey to Diagnosis
Hi, I'm Jen Albertson, and in this episode of "My Life With MS," I'm opening up about my personal journey with multiple sclerosis, starting way back in high school. I'll take you through the early, confusing symptoms that I experienced and how they eventually led to my diagnosis.
I'll share the details of my encounters with my neurologist, the ups and downs, and the overwhelming mental health challenges that came with it. There were so many fears and uncertainties, and I want to give you a real sense of what that felt like.
I'll walk you through my first infusion treatment, describing the emotions and thoughts running through my mind. I'll also talk about my first MRI scans and what those experiences have been like for me.
This episode is all about giving you an honest look into the realities of living with MS. Whether you're dealing with multiple sclerosis yourself, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand more about this journey, I hope my story resonates with you and provides some strength and insight.
🔊 Tune in now to hear my story and join me in navigating the complexities of MS with resilience and hope.
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS Diagnosis, Neurologist Experience, Mental Health, First Infusion, MRI, Chronic Illness, Personal Journey, Resilience, Health Podcast
 

My Life With MS (Trailer)

Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was a pivotal moment in my life. The neurologist told me I would be in a wheelchair within five years. But I refused to let that be my story. Welcome to "My Life With MS," a podcast where I share my journey of resilience, hope, and determination.