My Own Health
Some Background
September 14, 2022
I have suffered most of my life with health issues. At a young age, I had constant infections, random throwing up, scrawny, small appetite, joint pain, chronic headaches/migraines and so much more.
Doctor's would always say the same thing. Sounds like thyroid problems or lupus. When all my tests would come back normal, it was all in my head and I was depressed. I was depressed. I was depressed because I KNEW something was wrong but no one would help me or listen. Somewhere in my 20's I finally had an amazing doctor work and work until she discovered that I had SEVERE gastroparesis. Basically, I cannot digest food. I ended up getting down to 89 lbs and had a J-tube (feeding tube) placed. I got sicker. I figured out a way to build up my weight without my tube by making amazing smoothies full of healthy products.
My joint pain got so severe, I was crying everyday and pain killers no longer worked. I was then diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) which is an autoimmune disease. Then fibromyalgia.
Just recently I was diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy, hypothyroidism and Hashimotos. At this point, I feel like a walking disaster. and how can I possibly have much life left. I'm 39.
But I will not let it control me. I am going to take control. I am going to get better by changing my lifestyle. I plan to keep updating this as my journey progresses. I will share my experiences but that's all it is, MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES on my personal blog. **I am not a doctor and though I may share, it doesn't mean it's right for everyone. Always talk to your doctor first before trying anything.**
Knowledgeable Doctors
September 16, 2022
Yesterday, my daughter and I met with our family doctor. She, unfortunately is having very similar symptoms to my own. Thankfully, we have a doctor that truly cares, is understanding and isn't willing to prescribe unnecessary medications. He instead, likes to find the root cause of any struggles. He discussed the importance of mental health, sleep, nutrition and exercise. I know. I know. It's the same thing you hear all the time. However, he went into depth on each of these and the importance of working on them to see if you can find the source of the problem. He actually got my daughter into looking into a counselor. We discussed Hashimotos and it turns out, our doctor has it too. I asked him how he always knows so much about everything, because he packed full of knowledge. He said he listens to https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimize-by-heroic/id1135159918 (available on Google Play as well) this app called Optimize by Heroic. I started listening to and episode on sleep today. It is amazing. He also watches things like "Rotten" on Netflix, other documentaries and medical journals. We discussed how our country is all about buy, buy, buy, and consume, consume, consume and what we consume, is terrible!! I've already been discovering this for myself. I started a Paleo journey a while back but only lasted 29 days and gave in to a rich chocolate cake. I'm preparing myself to go at it again, cutting out sugar, gluten, nightshades, alcohol and trying to eliminate toxins. It is going to be a long journey but I am certainly going to do it. My families health matters to me as well as my own.
For the moment, I am going to keep trying plant based products and trying out recipes to find what I like and don't like ahead of time so that I can be more successful. I am currently weaning off of medications too. Hopefully by the time I come to the end of that road, I will be ready to go full force. Please share any products or recipes that you have tried and liked. I've already started purchasing environmentally friendly shampoo and conditioner. I tried JVN https://jvnhair.com/collections/shop-all?utm_medium=search&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=trademark&msclkid=80ea97a3a2341e6d0ef5f48757d37610 and I can say that I love the products. Their finishing oil just won Allure Best in Beauty for Best Finishing Oil of 2022. So if you are looking for something to try, I do recommend them.
I will keep updating my journey as I go. Today, I am in pain, tired and have a headache. I've eaten terribly the past few days and drinking lots of soda so I know, it's mostly on me. Not to mention that coming off of Cymbalta is rough. That sure is a nasty drug.
Here's some info on Hashimotos-Thyroiditis and the Paleo diet
