THE TRUTH
PART 2
We are at it again today.
More truth coming at you.
Today we are talking about where my health stands now and a glimpse at what I've been doing to control it.
As I've stated, my health is really good.
I am stable.
I am med free.
Well, almost.
I take one 10mg Propanalol, twice daily for my irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure; which may actually be caused by the Lupus.
I used to be take this three times daily.
I would like to get off it at some point if possible but for now I have just learned to accept that I need it.
After 15 months of carefully following my blood work and urine samples, I have been able to avoid all other medications.
You know, those nasty steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. As well as IVIG, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
Patting myself on the back right now.
& when I got shingles, I was able to go pain med and steroid free.
Boom. Fucking rockstar.
So how the hell did I do it?
You're getting a list today.
1. DIET- I completely overhauled my diet. I am plant based now. & it has been the #1 contributor to my awesome health status. (When I go to Mexico I consume a little fish.) I also don't really consume soy or corn and I somewhat limit my gluten intake.
2. MEDITATION- Tough for me in our household because of all the commotion, but I regularly succeed using insight timer and my headphones. When I am away on vacation (especially near the beach) it comes so naturally. & yes, it was very foreign to me when I started. But you will get to a point where you are able to tap into a completely different realm and it will be the greatest high of your life.
3. EXERCISE- I move my body for an hour a day, 5-6 times a week. I do 20 minutes of cardio (usually the elliptical), 30 minutes of strength training and 10 minutes of stretching/yoga. It is unreal to see what a year has done to my endurance and strength. I never thought this level would be possible for me. & I'm still pushing. & down 18 pounds.
4. SELF HELP BOOKS & THERAPY- When I mention this, I get a lot of "you're in therapy?" or "why do you need that?" comments. OMG, people. We are not good at everything and we don't know it all. Shocker, I know. There are so many tools to help you reach a better you. Use them. That is what they are there for.
5. TRAVEL- I traveled alone a lot this year. I went to Spain to explore and reconnected to myself. To remember who I was before illness and what I wanted for my life. & then I traveled to retreat in Bali to continue my spiritual and health wellness. The most wonderful experience I have had to date. I also did some traveling with Keith. We took our yearly trip to Mexico in January totally last minute. Booked it on a Wednesday and left on a Saturday. Our trip the year before was really tough and I wasn't sure I wanted to do it again. Mexico had defeated me. It ended up being the best time we've had together in Mexico. Then in September we took a ten day road trip through Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. I woke up on my birthday at a college friends house and went to bed at a friends house that I met while at Mayo PRC. Best birthday ever.
6. SUPPLEMENTS- While I currently only use spirulina and B12, for the majority of the year I was using 12 different supplements to combat my illnesses. Mostly for shingles. I had those suckers cleared up in 9 days, thank you. Diet was the major benefiting factor for Lupus. & by supplements I'm not talking about ones on the Wal-Mart shelves. I was using very high quality, vegan, non-GMO, etc. supplements.
7. ROUTINE- Up at 7. Get my liquids. Workout from 8:30-9:30. Shower & get ready. Breakfast (which is always a smoothie) at 10:30. Clean/laundry. Lunch between 12:30 and 1:30. Then creative time & work stuff. Down time from 5-6; I usually read or learn something new. Cook, eat and clean up dinner from 6 - 7:30. Down time with hubs. Bedtime between 10-11. Doing all of these ensures my next day will be a good one. I am at a point in my health where I am able to change it up a couple times a week but I definitely notice a difference the following day. If I am away on a trip, I do my best to stay on schedule. It's actually pretty easy now.
8. SLEEP- I do this now! & well! Of course I have my nights once and awhile, but we all do. Overall, my sleeping habits are wonderful. Also, I try not to use my phone after 9:00 PM. I don't always succeed. But that isn't reason to try again the next day.
9. MINDSET- We all think we are a little more damaged than we actually are. Once you figure that out and are truthful to yourself, you can start working through emotions. You can unlearn and correct recurring negative behavior patterns. You can heal. The whole basis of the Mayo program was built on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
10. GOODBYE CHEMICALS- I have changed just about every cleaner, soap, detergent, hair & body product and lotion in our house. We don't spray for bugs anymore. We buy organic groceries as much as we can. I'm currently in the process of changing my makeup collection to natural products.
All of these things have allowed me to have life again.
Yes, my blood still pools when I take a shower.
I have had two UTI's this year. Better than 6-8. & no bladder and kidney infections.
When my system gets ahold of dairy on accident it is a five day event to reboot.
I struggle with pain some days but have the tools to work through it.
If I go a bit rouge with my diet (meaning too much corn or gluten) my bowels will be still for a few days.
If I don't keep up with exercise, the headaches and neck pain will set in.
It is all a balancing act.
There are tough days.
But there are far more fabulous days.
& for that I'm thankful.
I'm thankful I entered this world when I did.
I got this tattoo while in Bali on retreat.
It is my reminder that to heal is a lifelong commitment.
It is there to tell me no every time I want a vanilla soft serve.
It is there whenever I want to fall back into a negative behavior pattern.
It is there when I need a reminder of how far i've come.
