I'm still struggling with the fact that my body has become sick. I know diet isn't the cure all, but this last bit of kidney stones and pulmonary embolism really has shot me down. I have had bouts of crying and feeling sorry for myself. Not hard to do when you feel so crummy. I have left work a lot because of shortness of breath, or cramping from the kidney stones. Yesterday I went to the doctor in hopes they would help me after a CT scan. Come to find out I passed a large stone and now this one that is smaller is a bit stuck. It's sitting in my ureter just hanging out. The doctor doesn't want to do surgery, and wants to give this a couple more days to get the heck out of dodge. Ugh! Keep me in your prayers that it passes!
A couple of weekends ago, I was cruising around Youtube like I normally do to see what new things I can learn. I came across this lady. Her name is Brooke Goldner MD. I have seen her before, but haven't paid too much attention to her ideas, until now. I gave her a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okThbAAS4pY&t=23s She talks about autoimmune problems, specifically Lupus. She totally got rid of her Lupus. Now to someone that isn't on a whole foods plant based diet that may seem a bit out there and just a bunch of hype, but for me it was interesting and intriguing!
When I first became ill with this pulmonary embolism I had a blood test because they had no idea where it came from. I didn't have the normal symptoms of a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in my leg. This was an unprovoked clot. So I had a bunch of tests run, and I had to insist that I have them done. My doctor said that it wouldn't change my treatment, but really I wanted to know! Who wouldn't! At any rate the blood test came back that was positive for APS Antiphospholipids Syndrome in other words an autoimmune issue, and it just floors me that I had to do my own research into this problem. The doctor didn't tell me that it was autoimmune!!! What does it mean to have an autoimmune? Your immune system is supposed to take care of intruders i.e. colds, flu etc. In other words it fights off infections. If you have an autoimmune, your immune system attacks your body. Just dandy!
Now this test doesn't exactly tell me for certain that I have this issue. I have to have the same test again 3 months after having the first, and if that one comes back positive then it will be real. It's a hurry up and wait game. Ugh, but really all the other tests were negative like Factor V Leiden, and a couple other ones that I can't remember so it makes me think that this is what is going on.
Now back to Dr. Goldner. I listened to her on youtube, and then I went to her website and signed up for her 3 day free webinar about fighting autoimmune problems. This webinar was PACKED with great information! If you can, and are having issues with autoimmune issues then sign up for these classes. She had Lupus for 12 years being diagnosed at 16, and almost died. Her story is amazing! Here is her story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeuYpsnqcSw&t=6s She talks about hypernourishing your body with the right fats will help lose those unwanted pounds. She attributes this to her green smoothies. In essence it is 1 pound of greens, put in a high speed blender, with a bit of fruit on tops, and 1/4 - 1/2 cup of whole flax or chia seeds. I know, I know, I freaked when she said to consume that much fat, but it's a good fat, one that helps your cells to get rid of toxins which if they aren't pliable because of the wrong things we eat keeps us from releasing those toxins and keeps us fat. She explains it soooo much better than I do! She also said by hyponourishing your body, giving it the right nutrients will heal your body!
At any rate, I have decided to give this a go. What have I got to lose? My body weight is still an issue. I still have 50 pounds to lose, and I think by drinking these smoothies and drinking a gallon of water everyday will indeed do the trick, and hopefully that next test that I take will be negative, and I can get off of these blood thinners. Blood thinners are life saving, but the side effects will make your hair stand on end. I'm willing to do what it takes to get my life back.
Something else I have learned along the way, is doctors don't tell you everything. You have to do your own research into your own health. Doctors have their purpose, don't get me wrong, but if you don't insist on things, if you don't stay abreast on your own health then you will never get better! The big pharmaceuticals are in a huge business! Do you know that my blood thinners would cost 900 per month if I didn't have insurance? Totally ridiculous, and scary if you don't have insurance!
Hypernourishing is what I will start doing. Everyday, greens and fruits. I want so much to get better and have my life back! Cheers!