After many hospital tests and a lot of fear, it turned out, thankfully, not to be MS, but something similar on the software level: FNS (Functional Neurological Syndrome). Simply put, your body short-circuits. It can be triggered by anything, trauma, suppressed grief, and more.
The neurologist was clear: “This is caused by trauma. You’ve carried too much, done too much. Your body is pulling the plug.”
And she was right.
My body eventually shut down. FNS feels like a complete short-circuit. Some people have to relearn how to walk, talk, or move. For me, my hearing failed. My strength disappeared. And I really thought: Is this it? So I decided… Carnivore it is!
Why my body shut down
After nearly 10 years of building a life in the U.S. , filled with football stadiums, school pick-ups, late-night Waffle House runs and Target aisles that felt more like therapy, I booked a “short trip” home to the Netherlands in early 2020. Just a few months. Just to breathe. Just to let the kids soak up their grandparents. You know, the usual “we’ll be back before you know it” speech.
Three weeks after we landed, my father , my absolute rock, my voice of reason, my biggest cheerleader, died. Suddenly. No warning. Just gone.
Plans We Didn’t Plan For
Everything shifted. Again.
Hans, my husband, had to give up his professional football career, not because he wanted to, but because life rerouted us. And even though we made that decision together, even though it was right… I carried guilt. Because he had spent his entire career choosing us over prestige. He played in the margins, yes, but with his head high and his heart full. He gave us the world. And now we were starting from scratch.
One day we are on adventure in New York. The next, we were unpacking boxes in Flevoland, Netherlands.
I’ve gone from expat wife to career woman in a world that demands sharpness, trust and resilience. From mom in survival mode to a woman who knows her worth, her strength.
My healing
So no, I didn’t find healing in green juices or therapy sessions. I found it in ribeyes. Eggs. In butter. In bone broth.
And I’m not saying steak fixes everything…
…but for me, it came pretty damn close.
Next time, I’ll tell you exactly what happened when I ditched all the plants, fruits, carbs, and “healthy” habits, and what my body (and brain) had to say about it.
P.S. Just a friendly note: this blog isn’t anti-plant, anti-vegan, or anti-anything. It’s simply *my* story, one rooted in health, healing, and a whole lot of ribeye. So if you’re reading this with a raised eyebrow and a kale smoothie in hand… relax. I support you, too.
The Woman Behind the Jersey 