Redefining an Active Life With Multiple Sclerosis

Lynne Brunetto finds joy in working hard and leading an active life. In her career as an RN and a small health care

business owner, she was always on the go, helping others whenever she could. In her free time, she enjoyed challenging herself with long hikes and occasional distance running. “Not fast, but always finishing,” she says. Lynne was also passionate about riding her beloved horse, Scooter, whom she had raised from a young age. 

Then, in 2015, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease known for its varying and unpredictable nature. Although Lynne carried on with life, she was overwhelmed with uncertainty about the future and disability progression. 

That all changed when Lynne found Barrow Neurological Institute, where she was empowered to realize her full potential to adapt and thrive with MS.

Early Warning Signs

Even when Lynne began experiencing symptoms such as vision problems, numbness, sensory issues, frequent falls, and dropping items, she kept pace with her active life. When they could no longer be ignored, she came to the Multiple Sclerosis Program at Barrow, where she was diagnosed with primary progressive MS. 

Lynne’s neurologist, Michael Robers, MD, was determined to do everything possible to help her maintain her quality of life. He worked diligently to get her approved for an investigational infusion therapy under the FDA’s Fast Track program and, later, a new injection medication.

“I was only aware of these medications because Barrow is at the forefront of the newest, most promising drugs,” she says.

“Dr. Robers also spoke with me in detail about the benefits and risks, so I felt very well-informed.” 

At the beginning of treatment, Barrow also integrated MS-specific physical therapy and cognitive training tools for task management and organization. Lynne says the gamut of support from each of these areas has been comprehensive and invaluable to her, as she continues to use these skills and practices. 

Beginning a New Chapter 

In 2022, Lynne and her husband sold their house, placed their horses in a loving forever home where they could remain together, packed up all their essentials, and returned to the town in Hawaii where they had previously lived.  Like with all major life changes, she says the transition brought on a lot of situational anxiety. “I was well aware of the impact all this stress would have on my MS, so I spent a lot of time learning how to adapt and reduce it.” 

Adaptability soon became a way of life as Lynne navigated the different challenges that came with MS. From early diagnosis, “If something wasn’t safe or viable for me anymore, I would make some changes and move on to another active hobby that remained safe and fulfilling,” she explains. 

Finding Joy in Activity 

A lover of nature and the outdoors, Lynne now spends her time doing gentle yoga, participating in canine therapy work with her German Shepherd, Sophie, and hiking using special braces or trekking poles for safety. But her favorite activity by far is wingfoiling, which is like kite-surfing. With a few adaptations to accommodate her MS—she always keeps “four points” (hands and feet) on the wing/board at all times—Lynne has become an enthusiastic ocean wingfoiler. 

 “It isn’t just my main way to stay active; it’s how I feel strong and free outside and in the ocean, even with progressive MS,” she says. “So, you’ll find me watching the wind report, and if there’s expected wind, you’ll find me happily in the ocean.” 

Lynne says she realizes that not everyone has access to the same kinds of activities or physical opportunities, and

that’s okay. “What matters is finding something that brings you purpose, joy, or connection.” For example, she recently started learning the ukulele and playing with others. This was something she had never imagined for herself, having never played an instrument before. She says it’s been challenging, but it also reminds her that growth and joy can come from very surprising places. “For someone else, maybe it’s a book club, singing in a chorus, card games, art, volunteering, or simply gathering with others,” she says.

“Whatever calls to you, even if it feels unfamiliar, take the chance. Having something to look forward to can be incredibly powerful.”

Grateful for Every Day

While Lynne still experiences MS symptoms like muscle spasticity, sensory problems, and balance issues, she focuses on healthy ways to adapt and manage them. “At first, I was very scared of the unknown. Now, I am accepting. I clearly know that things could change at any moment, so I remain grateful for the present,” she explains. 

Lynne attributes this shift in mindset to the love and encouragement she’s received from her family and friends, as well as the compassion and expertise she’s found at Barrow.

“They’re a big part of why I am doing as well as I am today. Everyone needs someone, and I’m glad to have my family as my “someones” and Barrow, along with Dr. Robers and his whole team, by my side.”

Living Well With MS

Over the years, Lynne has learned what works best for managing her MS, and she shares a few tips in hopes they can help someone else struggling with the disease.

1. Maintaining a whole-foods diet and good hydration (not always perfect, but always revising and continuing to work hard on nutrition). She feels that nutrition is an important key to helping keep inflammation down.
2. Finding movement in a sport or challenge you genuinely enjoy makes staying active easier. It makes a difference physically and mentally.
3. Reducing stress with short meditation practices and breathing techniques. 
4. Not overthinking. She’s learned that time and patience take care of many things.
5. Frequent rest periods, always without guilt. Lynne says she always listens to her body. The goal is to rest before symptoms arise when possible. 
6. Keeping a gratitude journal, just three words a day. She says, “It makes a difference!”
7. Affirmations – one that sticks firmly is “Everybody has something.” She says that a lot, as it is so true. Another one is “Everyone has struggles of some kind, and this reminds me to be appreciative of all I have.”