Wow! Has it really been two years since I last wrote a blog post? So much has happened during this time. The most significant event has been starting my health journey. I’ve learned a great deal, and I am especially grateful to my sister for urging me to seek answers before I ended up with autoimmune issues like her and our mom.
Beginning My Health Journey
I knew I wanted to address the root causes of my health problems and hoped to get ahead of my symptoms before they developed into full-blown autoimmune disorders. In January 2022, I contracted COVID-19, which left me dealing with chronic fatigue despite maintaining a healthy diet. Soon after, I experienced diagnoses & symptoms of hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, inflammation, MTHFR mutations, high cortisol, and nutrient deficiencies. No matter how much I cut calories or how intense my workout plan, I couldn’t lose weight.
I realized my body was severely inflamed and out of balance. After several attempts, I finally assembled a team of functional and Western medicine doctors who took my symptoms seriously and are now working to restore my health.
Exploring Treatment Options
When holistic treatments didn’t work, I turned to semaglutide. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the miracle drug I had hoped for. It made me extremely nauseous, and at the maximum dose, my fasting insulin reached borderline diabetic levels. The weight loss was slow—20 pounds in nine months. Now, I’m exploring the possibility of a holistic dose of tirzepatide. Fingers crossed! My primary goal is to get my fasting insulin to a healthy level and avoid diabetes. After years of struggle, I was finally diagnosed with PCOS, which explained the glucose monitor recommendations from my insurance. I’m thankful this wasn’t an issue while I was having my children.
Battling Inflammation and Blood Disorders
Inflammation has been a major challenge. Despite numerous tests, the cause remained elusive until we discovered that my high inflammation levels were blood-related. My platelets were rising above normal levels, leading my practitioner to ask if I had a family history of blood cancers. This was heartbreaking, as my mom passed away from a blood cancer and had an autoimmune disorder called ITP (a platelet disorder).
Determined to heal and maintain a healthy lifestyle, I want to be around for a long time to spoil my grandbabies and great-grandbabies. Managing my symptoms has been a constant battle, but I’m now able to recognize when my body is off and address symptoms as they arise. My latest challenge is getting my immune system to fight activated Epstein-Barr virus back into remission. Dormant viruses can wreak havoc, and my immune system has been struggling for years. It’s not normal to never get sick or to not sweat, as I’ve learned.
Adapting My Lifestyle
To protect my adrenals, I’ve traded intense HIIT workouts and Peloton rides for yoga, leisurely bike rides, and walks. I now understand why women’s health issues are often dismissed, and the misconception that moms are supposed to be tired. It’s not normal to wake up exhausted or rely on caffeine to function. Your symptoms deserve attention and care.
Advocating for Health
I’ve been hesitant to share my health struggles because it feels overwhelming. But what I’ve learned is that it’s crucial to find a healthcare provider who listens. Your health matters. I only wish my mom had known what my sister and I know now—she might still be with us. Taking care of yourself is vital, and I’m grateful every day that my husband supports my health journey because he wants me around for a long time too.
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