I had the unique opportunity to speak with Dr. David Billstrom, a longtime, respected functional medicine doctor who has made it his life's goal to educate and treat those of us living with an autoimmune disease. In this part 1 of a 2 part series Dr. Billstrom shares his belief that all autoimmune disease can be prevented and /or reversed with some simple lifestyle changes.t You will hopefully feel as empowered as I do to start making these changes immediately especially if everything you've tried up to this point hasn't really made much of a difference. Wherever you are on your health journey, I think Dr. Billstrom's advice for slowing or even reversing your MS wll be life changing.

After a recent visit to my primary doctor I learned that I'm at risk for heart disease if I'm not more careful with my diet. I decided to heed this warning since my Dad died of a sudden heart attack at the age I am now. I was pretty lax during the holidays with my food choices so I feel confident I can get back to healthier eating mainly because I don't want to take medicine for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol for the rest of my life.

After reading Michelle Obama's most recent book, "The Light We Carry" where she describes how her Dad's MS made her feel helpless and afraid aa a young person, I realized and immediately felt guilty for what my kids are carrying into adulthood themselves. I decided the vulnerabilities and lack of control they may feel at times will ultimately serve them in their relationships with others reminding me that in yet another way MS has been a gift to our family.

As Thanksgiving approaches I can't help but reflect on my many blessings, some that I may not have even recognized if not for being diagnosed with MS. This disease has taken so much from me while at the same time giving me gifts I never knew possible. Gratitude is just an attitude, one that will make you happier if you practice it.

Pain and I are old friends after years of living with a disease like MS but I'm well aware that it could always be worse. I try and focus on activities that make me forget about the pain while doing my best to manage my ever increasing symptoms. Pain is just part of life so learning coping strategies is your best option for living your best life.

After taking the summer off to recharge and readjust my priorities, I still struggle with not feeling enough. This society places so much emphasis on being active and busy but sometimes MS prevents me from doing all I would like to. I've been working on true acceptance, not conditional, which only allows me to feel good about myself if I've ticked off enough on my to do list. It's ok if I don't get as much accomplished as I think I should, in fact, taking care of myself has become a full time job and that's ok too. I'm learning to release the attachment I have that keeps the illness in place while working on getting and staying as healthy as possible, a tough balancing act.