Podcast Summary

Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis — S6E26

Episode Title: The Power of Lifestyle Change with George McKinty
Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Geoff Allix
Guest: George McKinty, bodybuilder, person living with MS from Cardiff, Wales

Episode Overview

This episode features a compelling conversation with George McKinty, a bodybuilder diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021. George discusses his personal journey, the pivotal role of lifestyle changes in managing his condition, and his experiences following the Overcoming MS (OMS) program—a holistic approach embracing nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and community support. The conversation touches on identity, masculinity, perseverance, and the transformative effects of adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diagnosis Journey and Initial Challenges

• George’s Diagnosis:
  • Began with loss of vision (optic neuritis) and foot drop, both symptoms he still manages.
  • “I lost about 80% of my vision in this eye and the vision I did have left over was basically double vision.” [01:22]
  • Initial healthcare visits were inconclusive until an MRI revealed lesions consistent with MS.
• Research and Family History:
  • George dove into MS research post-diagnosis, especially about the immune system's role and dietary interventions.
  • Noted familial links—lost his uncle to MS and mother to another illness, reinforcing his motivation for lifestyle change.
  • “It comes in clusters, doesn’t it? So it was likely to be slightly hereditary.” [04:21]

2. Discovering Overcoming MS & Lifestyle Shifts

• OMS Approach Discovery:
  • Explored various MS diets (Best Bet, Wahls Protocol, Swank’s research) and found OMS to be the most “fine-tuned.”
  • Impressed that the OMS diet also targeted prevention of broader Western diseases.
  • “OMS has… fine-tuned that approach and… intuitively they are the superior diet.” [02:40]
• Transition to Healthier Habits:
  • George openly shared prior unhealthy habits: heavy drinking, little sleep, and poor self-care [00:00 & 19:17].
  • “It’s extremely different how I live now.” [19:17]
• Biggest positives:
  • More authentic, compassionate, grateful for life’s lessons:
    • “I’ve now recognized my authentic self… the whole experience has humbled me and made me a much more compassionate person.” [19:58]
    • Refers to his mother's final letter: “Like my mum said in her final letter to me, it wasn’t meant to be.” [20:35]

3. Adapting to and Coping with MS—The OMS Pillars

• Meditation and Mindfulness:
  • Meditation was initially a challenge, especially with ADHD, but now practices regularly.
  • “I probably do about 20 minutes a day, to be honest… I realized what a powerful tool it is.” [06:20]
• Diet & Nutrition:
  • Transitioning to the OMS diet was difficult, particularly eliminating certain foods.
  • “The pressure I put on myself early on is trying to adopt everything. Otherwise, it’s going to be disastrous.” [07:45]
  • Recognizes the importance of flexibility and doing one’s best, not perfection:
    • Occasional lapses like a rare Nandos or cheese slip-up, but overall strong adherence.
• Exercise as Therapy:
  • Bodybuilding remains vital despite MS—adjustments for symptoms like poor coordination and foot drop.
  • Uses neuroplasticity principles: increases deliberate use of weaker limb.
  • “My left arm is starting to… coordination when I’m lifting weights… I’m trying to build the neural connections through a process called neuroplasticity.” [15:05]
  • Finds mental and physical empowerment in breaking MS stereotypes.
• Limitations & Adaptation:
  • Free weights still manageable, but adapts exercise as needed for safety and symptom management [16:10].
  • Manages issues like heat sensitivity (Uhthoff’s phenomenon), tremors, and occasional anxiety.

4. Living with MS as a Young Man

• Gender Dynamics & Confidence:
  • Fewer young men in MS support groups; more common among women but often more progressive in men.
  • MS initially hit George's confidence, particularly due to mobility and stereotypes around masculinity.
  • “Having MS as a man in the early years, it really wreaked havoc on my confidence… especially being young in those sorts of environments like festivals or nights out.” [09:41]
  • Host and George discuss shifting family roles, identity, and the need for self-compassion and acceptance [10:33–11:29].
• Psychological Adjustment:
  • Focus on ongoing self-acceptance and “self-compassion.”
  • Willingness to accept evolving roles and physical changes, even as it challenges traditional “alpha male” expectations.

5. Notable Achievements & Advocacy

• The 300 Challenge:
  • To raise funds and awareness for OMS, George completed “The 300 Challenge”—walking three marathon distances in three days (over 80 miles; 8,000 calories burned) [17:01].
  • “This was my opportunity to give back to the charity that has given me so much hope during… the last two or three years… it was my chance to give back.” [17:29]
  • Raised nearly £2,000 for OMS.

6. Lessons Learned & Resilience

• Transformation and Strength:
  • MS forced George to slow down, live more intentionally, and shed unhealthy behaviors.
  • Sees adversity as a path toward self-discovery and authenticity.
  • “Your perception is everything… If you tell yourself it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you… you’re absolutely right. … Change your mindset.” [21:28]
• Support Networks:
  • Family’s “unshakable courage” was instrumental—regular mention of parents and siblings’ support [21:55].
• Relapse Experience:
  • Only one relapse since diagnosis; attributes stability to positivity and lifestyle change.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On adapting after diagnosis:
  • “I wouldn’t trade in the lessons I’ve learned through this adversity… it gives you appreciation for life.” (George, 20:49)
• Resilience mindset:
  • “It is all perception. If you tell yourself it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you or you can’t do something, then you’re absolutely right.” (George, 21:30)
• Advice to the newly diagnosed:
  • “Take one thing at a time, breathe. … Educate yourself on MS and you’ll quickly learn that the OMS approach is fine-tuned to look after your health.” (George, 23:36)
  • “Stay consistent… be careful of what you read… it only takes one negative story to knock you off your kilter for that day or week or month.” (George, 24:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• George’s Diagnosis Story — 01:22–04:01
• OMS and Diet Discussion — 06:20–08:27
• Men and MS / Confidence Issues — 08:27–12:02
• Symptom Management & Bodybuilding — 12:15–16:07
• The 300 Challenge — 16:40–19:10
• Life Changes & Self-Discovery — 19:17–21:20
• Resilience & Mindset — 21:28–23:16
• Tips for the Newly Diagnosed — 23:36–25:10

Practical Takeaways and Advice

• Adopt change one step at a time; perfection is not required.
• Find your support network—whether family, support groups, or the broader OMS community.
• Stay consistent with positive habits (diet, movement, mindfulness) and don’t be derailed by occasional lapses.
• Advocate for yourself and seek information, but be mindful of negative stories that can impact your outlook.
• See adversity as an opportunity for growth, resilience, and a shift in life priorities.

For more information or support, visit:
overcomingms.org/podcast

Contact the show: podcast@overcomingms.org