Overcoming MS Chair Linda Bloom discovered the Overcoming MS program in 2003 and started following it immediately.
“When I was first diagnosed with MS, I very quickly became totally incapacitated. For about three months I was flat out on a couch, couldn’t do anything for myself and had to be cared for 24/7. I was really lucky because I moved in with my sister, who’s a medical doctor, and she looked after me.
“My sister discovered Professor Jelinek’s book and read it to me. The book really made sense because it was all based on evidence and it gave me hope. Here was something that I could actually do to help myself to get better.
“As soon as I discovered the Overcoming MS program I started following the approach, so I changed my diet dramatically, started exercising, taking vitamin D supplements and meditating.
“Very slowly I started to improve. Now I feel fitter, healthier and more full of life than I did even before I was diagnosed with MS. It’s an incredible place to be really and something that I couldn’t have foreseen 12 years ago, but I’m very happy to be here.
“To anyone newly diagnosed with MS, I would say the first thing you need to do is get onto the Overcoming MS website, all the information you need is there. Listen to other people’s stories of hope and inspiration, join a community of like-minded people who can support you on your journey. Really get to understand the evidence that’s out there and be kind to yourself. Most of all, empower yourself to heal.”