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Dhata Harris: My MS Journey—Illness, and Recovery

Hello, I’m Dhata Harris. What you’re about to read is the true story of how my battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) unfolded—and how a combination of infections, surgical interventions, and environmental exposures shaped both my illness and my recovery.

My goal is to help others better understand how MS may emerge from complex, interwoven causes—and to offer hope and direction for those still searching for answers.

MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart
MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart

A Life of Health Challenges Before MS (1975–2004)

  • I was born in 1975 with a heart murmur and later diagnosed with an enlarged heart and inverted T-waves at age 17.
  • At 24, during my time in the military, I received five vaccines via experimental jet injector. Soon after, I began experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath during physical fitness tests.
  • In 2003, a major clue emerged—my aunt on my mother’s side was diagnosed with MS.

The First Symptoms and a Silent Immune Collapse (2005–2007)

  • In 2005, at age 27, I suffered from unexplained numbness, tingling in my limbs, and urinary urgency. Doctors first believed these symptoms might be caused by spider bites. I experienced repeated insect bites in 2005 and again in 2007, which always seemed to coincide with my neurological symptoms.
  • Around this time, my body was also beginning to show signs of deeper immune dysfunction.
MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart
MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart

MS Diagnosis Confirmed (2008–2009)

  • In 2008, numbness returned and an MRI revealed lesions typical of MS. A spinal tap later confirmed the diagnosis.
  • I began treatment with a disease-modifying drug (Copaxone) in early 2009.

Infections, Tooth Loss, and a Declining Body (2010–2011) (2005–2007)

  • My immune system was deteriorating. I developed aggressive periodontal disease, traced back to Candida and H. pylori infections..
  • These infections traveled to my trigeminal nerve, triggering neuralgia and bone loss in my mouth. I had to undergo extensive dental extractions and implant surgeries.
MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart
MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart

Gastric Sleeve Surgery and MS Remission (2017–Present)

  • In 2017, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery to address obesity. Unexpectedly, something remarkable happened:
  • My MS symptoms vanished.

  • No relapses.
  • No fatigue, weakness, or tingling.
  • My cognition sharpened.To this day, I’ve remained symptom-free for over 8 years.

A Turning Point: Dental Implants and Symptom Relief (2012)

  • In 2012, after receiving dental implants, my brain fog and numbness lifted almost immediately. I began to suspect that infections in the mouth and jaw—especially involving Candida and H. pylori—might have been key players in my disease.
MS Vertebral Symptom Correlation Chart

Important Clues and Questions for Researchers

  • Could Candida and H. pylori infections be early triggers for MS?
  • How does infection of the vagus or trigeminal nerve affect neurodegeneration?
  • Why did surgery bring remission—and could it help others?
  • What is the role of gadolinium (a fungal toxin I tested positive for) in mimicking MS symptoms?

Conclusion: A Personal Journey With a Purpose

My story isn't just about me—it's about helping others with MS or similar symptoms recognize the full picture.
MS isn‘t always just genetic. It can be triggered or worsened by:

  • Infections
  • Environmental toxins like mold and gliotoxin
  • Poor gut health
  • Immune suppression or overactivation

If we map the different ways people arrive at MS, we may one day offer truly personalized and effective treatments.
Let‘s uncover those patterns—together.