My journey to healing has been years in the making.
I’ve struggled with health issues my entire life; from body aches to migraines, stomach pains to constipation, and mostly overeating, I’ve probably experienced it all. After many years of health conflicts, I’m finally on the right path to healing. This is just the beginning of my journey – but first, we have to look at where I’ve come from.
The History
There are a few long-running themes in my life: stomach problems, constipation, and overeating. Most of the time I eat fast and don’t chew my food completely before I swallow, which leads to gas and bloating. Apart from my longstanding issues, I have a lengthy history of trials and tribulations with my health.
Since I was a teenager, I’ve tried to heal myself by removing trigger foods that cause discomfort. I started with greasy foods, and after some time I removed red meat. In my early twenties, I removed dairy and sweets. And in my thirties, I removed all meat and gluten – making me essentially vegan, except I still ate eggs.
By my mid-thirties, I found and began following the A+ blood type diet and started taking probiotics. I thought I was finally on the right track as I started to feel a little better – but then the aches and pains in my joints started. I also began to feel numbness in my hands, feet, forearms, and calves. At the doctor, we ran tests, but they found nothing wrong.
At 39, I had my second hernia repaired and removed my gallbladder because of stones – the stones weren’t a problem, but I didn’t want a third surgery, later on, to remove them (when they would later become a problem). Unfortunately, my health only deteriorated from here. Six months after the surgery, I was so concerned by my stools, which had become so irregular and alarming, that I sought a GI doctor. The doctor found that my pancreas was not emitting enough enzymes to digest my food, which means I now need enzymes with all my meals.
My Breaking Point
At 42, I’m a gluten-free, dairy-free vegetarian, though I do eat eggs and the occasional salmon or tilapia as a treat. I avoid gluten due to my wheat allergy, more out of necessity than for health reasons.
Despite my diet, in the last year, I have felt worse than ever. I’m plagued by body aches, weekly headaches, occasional insomnia, terrible gas after eating, painful bathroom visits, vertigo, and asthma symptoms (I’ve never had asthma.) I feel sluggish and tired, easily angered and agitated.
Finally, I sought out a functional medicine practitioner at the advice of a friend, since my internal medicine doctor was unable to find anything on their end. After further testing and $7,000 later, I have:
- High oxidation
- Leaky gut
- Severe inflammation throughout my body
- Food sensitivities to everything I currently eat
- Black mold in my bloodstream
My body is in full stress mode as it is constantly fighting the mold allergens, which has caused me to develop an autoimmune disease. My body is fighting anything that comes in – good or bad. As a result, my cortisol and dopamine levels are low.
Despite all of this, I’m happy to still be alive for my family. My hormone levels are normal. And I have a plan.
The Plan:
I’m ready to heal and strengthen my body from the inside out. This is the beginning of my journey to healing – one step at a time. Here’s exactly how I will do that:
- Grow closer to God’s word and strengthen my prayer life.
- Meditate to help quiet my thoughts and calm my immune system.
- Clean the air in my home to remove all toxins.
- Take all prescribed meds and vitamins to heal my gut.
- Start and keep an exercise schedule to increase blood flow and oxygen to my body.
- Work with my nutritionist on recipes to fuel my body with food that will nourish and work with my body – not against it.
My journey to healing may not be easy, but it will be incredibly rewarding. After a lifetime of struggle, I’m finally on the right path. I’m so excited to share my experiences and I hope that sharing my journey can help someone along the way.
To Follow My Journey:
Healing – Growing Closer to God’s Word
Meditation – Healing in Silence
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