Once in a while I hear from people who used to be in my life. They ask me how I am, usually by e-mail. Or the odd time I see somebody who knows I have MS and they wonder why they can’t see it. A couple of months ago, I dropped by an old friend’s workplace and she wondered where my cane was.

For people who don’t know I have MS, many say that I look great. In fact, I think I do look better than I looked 5 years ago. I am at a good weight, I eat very well when I’m not in pain. Of course, I never dreamt that eating could be painful.

I continue to take Tecfidera. The most encouraging thing with it is that brushing my teeth feels almost normal. Ever since the rhizotomy Dec 27, 2012, I’ve had a buzz at my lower right teeth when brushing — that used to be a trigger point for the pain, or what the oral specialist called ‘atypical odontalgia’.

I have eliminated dairy, wheat, refined sugar and alcohol from my diet. I minimize salt. I eat as much organic food as possible. I take supplements, including alpha lipoic acid.

I used to spend a lot of time pursuing pleasure in my life, through food, conversation and social activity. Now I am focused on avoiding pain. I will do anything I can to avoid the pain I experienced.

So, how am I? I’m a different person now. Thanks for asking.