Meet Yourself Where You Are

Do you ever look back on your journey and wonder how you possibly made the journey to arrive where you are today? I remember knowing that I would never give up on myself despite the many challenges (I still feel that way), but I was never quite sure if I would get to a point where I would feel well enough to do things that I had always hoped I would be able to do. I have met myself where I am… Does that make any sense? Well, I realize there will always be some element of management to my illnesses, but I have more good days than bad and I’m thrilled to say that I have a lot of exciting plans for 2015 and the future. It is like the clouds are clearing and the sunlight is beginning to trickle through. I’m not quite sure how I got here, but I know it was a combination of hard work and effort and always looking for new options if something didn’t seem to work quite like expected along the way. I have my whole future ahead and I know it won’t be all roses and I’m ok with that… I’ll take it.

I’m thrilled to say that I started my school work this week. I am studying for my Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and my Nutrition Consultant (NC). I hope to have both programs completed by the end of 2015. This coursework will enhance my current knowledge as I begin to work on helping others on their journeys to wellness while they are challenged with chronic illness. In addition, some how, some way, we’ll be buying a house this year and I will be working toward launching my website for The Vital Beet all while working full-time and continuing on my own journey toward wellness. This may not sound like much to accomplish in a year, but for me it is and I’m proud I can even consider doing these things. I’m excited that none of this is scary to me… that means I am ready and that I’ve learned to set boundaries. I will be excited to look back a year from now and see where I’m at on my own wellness journey in addition to others that I will be helping in the year to come. I’m grateful for all the lessons I’ve had along the way and all the lessons I will learn not only from my coursework, but also from the experience of others.

As for my progress on the horizon, I’m doing well. There are a few things to tweak and my doctor not only is treating my genetic mutation based on my symptoms, but also some hormonal issues and pain that comes with flares. All this in addition to chelating the toxic heavy metals. In a couple of months we will look at labs, where my toxic metal load is and begin to eliminate some of the supplements and medications that I am currently on. I wasn’t sure there would ever be a day that I truly thought this would happen, but we have arrived. YAY! I’m grateful to slowly but surely get my life back.




In addition, we have been volunteering at MaxFund for the past three months and it has been so rewarding. Check out cute little Wilbur who will most certainly be adopted very quickly when he is ready. What a bundle of fun and energy. I have realized even more so how important animals can be for the healing process.

Cute little Wilbur at MaxFund

Thank you for your continued interest in my ramblings. If you are interested in or know someone that would benefit from Lifestyle Education for chronically ill, please contact me at The Vital Beet to schedule an appointment : TheVitalBeet@gmail.com

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! This is certainly time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to what the new year will bring. It was definitely not a year without challenges, but that has offered opportunities to grow. I have really had the opportunity to learn how to put boundaries in place and to speak up for myself. This I believe is key in seeing improvement when you are chronically ill. Boundaries are much more important to health and well being when you are ill. I've done a good job at listening to myself and determining when something will expend too much energy or bring too much stress upon myself. Some of have lived with stress for such a long time that it is often difficult to see how it affects our health or how it can be a stumbling block to improvement. Saying "No" or setting limitations is imperative. Trust me, people will respect your boundaries if you firmly put them in place and do not make exceptions... and if they don't, then truly they are toxic to you anyway.

Finding your voice is part of setting boundaries... it requires that you speak up for your needs/wants. This one can be tough. I have found that I've been one of those individuals who has been agreeable most of my life... afraid to rock the boat and someone in there my voice became diminished. I've found that has been a huge dis-service to myself and to others. Speaking up for my needs is a number one priority for my continued improvement. Mind you, I've always seen myself as a strong, independent woman with her own opinions. Mostly that is true, but I found I haven't been as true to myself along the way at times and so... no more.

Looking to the new year,  I know that I will see some real improvement in my health and as a result, other areas of my life will flourish as well. I know there will be challenges, but I look forward to the growth that results from any challenge and I will continue to set boundaries and use my voice.

As for resolutions, I'm not much on new year's resolutions. I believe is there is an area of your life that requires change, then I embrace that and take the steps necessary to make that change happen. Along the way, there may be struggle to make change, which is not an opportunity to be hard on yourself, it is a learning opportunity and time to figure out how to support yourself in a different way, so that change is possible.

So, lets embrace 2015 and all that it will bring our way. If you feel changes need to be made, set yourself up for success and when you struggle, know that you are human and be gentle with yourself. Get back up and know that change is possible, sometimes we just have to look at change from a different angle. Here's to wishing you success with whatever your hopes and dreams are!

Happy New Year!

Paying it Forward

When you are chronically ill it typically "takes a village" of practitioners to help one stay well and keep the illness managed. This is no different for me and I want to take this time to thank all the very important practitioners in my life for never giving up on me and thinking of new options when the going got tough and simply being there for me. Thank you! I am grateful to have you in my life!

Now it is my turn to pay it forward. I have been diligently working on putting together a Lifestyle Consultation practice with a focus on chronically ill clients. It will give me the opportunity to work more closely with my husband who is a Chiropractor, but more importantly I will be so honored to work with folks who are struggling on their journey to become well. I'm so looking forward to helping them find their way to better health and to regain their lives so they no longer feel imprisoned by their illness. Life is full of challenges for everyone, but especially for those who are chronically ill and it is expensive to be chronically. You only have one life and it is worth investing in. I will be able to meet my clients where they are on their journey, because I have most certainly been there. It will be my pleasure to advocate for others and to empower others to regain a sense of well-being and ability to handle what life throws your way.

This is my logo and I will keep you posted as the website is completed, but for now I am available for consultation. I can be reached at: 303.539.9362 x2 or TheVitalBeet@gmail.com

On another note, my progress continues. We will likely do another heavy metal challenge in a few months to see where my toxic load is at and how long chelation must continue or if we reach a good stopping point. My protocol has been adjusted to remove some of the Lyme anti-microbials and some additions were made to continue opening up my methylation pathways, so that my cell continue to be better nourished. My body seems to be doing relatively well at fighting off acute illness. I've been around a few sick people this season and could typically count on getting sick and staying sick for a while in the past, but not the case this year. YAY!!!

I just want to say again, thank you to my readers, my practitioners and my loved ones. I appreciate your support through the years on this journey and the years to come. I'm looking forward to giving back. I have thousands of hours of research and real world clinical experience from the patient standpoint that will truly benefit those I will be helping. It is because of you that I am able to enter this next very exciting phase of my life!

Peace!

No More Tag

http://krishanson.deviantart.com/art/No-more-pain-Request-291205320

I am doing relatively well and seeing some improvements with my health. I say this while I am currently experiencing a flare-up. It can be quite difficult to remember how far I've come when there is a set-back/flare-up, but what I can tell you is that my body is truly doing much better at recovering more quickly from a flare-up and they are less severe. I hope that one day maybe they will be nearly non-existent.

I believe that the cycles of oral chelation are what is causing the frequent flare-ups as it is moving metals from my body. I now get excruciating headaches that can wipe me out while I'm on a chelation cycle. I think this may be fairly common with chelation. Fortunately I don't get them every time I chelate, but this is something that is becoming more common for me and was a rare symptom prior to chelation, so this is something I will discuss with my doctor mid-month. There may be something I can do to lessen the severity or frequency.

 

Great news! I had minor surgery to finally have the titanium tag removed from my right breast that was placed about 8 years ago. All my doctors were in support of having it removed due to the frequent problems that were occurring in the right breast. When my doctor removed the tag she showed me exactly why she thought I had been experiencing so many infections, pain and other issues. My body had grown a capsule of tissue around the tag and had actually been rejecting the tag. As it turns out, that particular tag is no longer being made and it was made of an alloy, so my body could have been reacting to some other metal and not the titanium. This may have been why I had mastitis shortly after I had started chelation. The mastitis was located in the same quadrant where the tag was located. Case in point… This is a very important reminder that you know your body best. All my doctors including me are so thankful that I no longer have that tag in my body. Amazing what a miniscule piece of metal can do. Imagine the problems I would have had if it had been a larger implant like a hip replacement or some other type of joint replacement. My body has a big enough battle without adding foreign objects to the mix. The good news is that I am 2 weeks post removal and I'm in far less pain.

 

This has also been an important reminder that I need to have my fillings replaced. My hope is to do this over the course of the next 6 months. This will be a costly process and one that will require great care as I do not want to increase my toxic load of metals. Whoever decided that mercury in any amount was safe for the body was so sadly mistaken, though I'm preaching to the choir here. The health of our mouth can be a critical indicator of the health of our bodies. This is a crucial point that most Doctor's miss when treating chronically ill individuals.

 

As for my mental state, I would say I am holding up very well and I think 2015 is when I will see some real improvement. Mid-February will be about 6 months of oral chelation with DMSA. This will be a good time for me to take stock of how effective chelation is for me and perhaps there will be re-testing between now and then to see how my toxic load has changed. I am hopeful that I will see some very apparent progress by then.

 

I will be attending a nature retreat in which I will have an opportunity to bury some stumbling blocks that are holding me back from reaching my full potential. I think it is important to visualize what may be holding me back and to be able to also visualize letting go of whatever that might be… whether it is money, a job, an unhealthy relationship… whatever, now is the time to let go. Fall is a great time to do this. I expect that it will help me to feel I have the space and time that I need to move forward with progress. I believe this will also be beneficial as I enter my new journey to become a Lifestyle Educator. I'm learning new things and attending seminars taught by doctors regarding successful treatments for Autoimmunity, Chronic Lyme and taking into consideration genetic predisposition, epigenetics, nutri-genomics and lifestyle/behavior changes. All of this will help me to have a well-rounded view and perspective with the most chronically ill that seek out my help along their journey. It will be my pleasure  to hold their hand along their journey and to support them as they grow and learn about their own health and how to become well.

 

Until next time… Happy Fall!

Not Your Normal Reaction

We live in an ever increasing toxic world. That said, most of us are toxic to a certain degree, but those with chronic illness and in particular with autoimmune diseases, these individuals typically have a high toxic burden. This is primarily because their bodies have more complication with eliminating toxins. This is where genetics can play a really important role because methylation pathways are key in eliminating toxins. If there are genetic SNPs these become a stumbling block unless you have the proper set of keys to unlock these SNPs being very specific supplementation to support the body's natural processes that have been stopped by a set of genes that have been passed down. It is possible to help the body that is more challenged by detox processes.

I am chelating with oral DMSA because of an abnormal toxic load of Mercury, Lead and others. These are commonly found in autoimmune patients and Lyme patients. I was told by my doc prior to my heavy metal challenge that he had only ever seen one autoimmune patient that didn't have a heavy metal burden that was abnormal. I'm thankful to have a doctor who is taking into account my personal genetic SNPs alongside my oral chelation. Most doctors just chelate without giving consideration to genetic SNPs. Why do I think this is such an important consideration? Because chelation lowers the immune system. Strengthening and opening up my methylation pathways will be key in helping my body to detox and eliminate properly so that my immune system can remain strong. Even still my immune system will likely get a run for its money while I am chelating.

I had Mastitis a couple of weeks ago - very painful. Moms out there may be able to relate. This is the strange and rare thing… this is usually an infection that a breast feeding mother would contract. I'm not a mom, at least not to a human and I'm not breast feeding either, but then this is me we are talking about. I'm not the norm.  I had a biopsy many years ago for a recurrent issue in my right breast. It is common that they place a titanium tag with a biopsy for easy relocation of a problem area. That said, I am one of those rare individuals whose body is not happy with the titanium. Titanium is typically a benign metal for "most" people. I'm not most people. I've contemplated having it removed for several years because it has caused much excruciating pain among a number of other problems. I thought perhaps the oral chelation might have been the cause of the irritation and yes it was likely my immune system being lowered from chelation that opened me up to infection but not from loosening of the titanium from the tissue. DMSA has a higher affinity for Mercury and Lead. Titanium is much lower on the list if at all for DMSA chelation. All things considered I believe it may be time to remove the tag.

Mercury Amalgam   http://www.drchrispatten.com/heavy-metal-toxicity/

That leads me to the consideration of also having my amalgam fillings replaced with a more bio compatible material and so that my amalgams are not adding insult to injury with the oral chelation. I'll have to budget for this and perhaps consider one filling at a time. When the time comes to replace the fillings my doc will adjust chelation protocols before and after the procedure to mitigate any additional Mercury poisoning, which is a common occurrence after having amalgam fillings removed. Even if the procedure is done by a Bio Dentist in an extremely safe manner, this can still be a potential problem, but is less likely.

In addition to a lowered immune system with chelation, individuals with a propensity toward Candida overgrowth will likely experience an increase while chelating. This is something that is happening with me, so I will complete another 5 day course of Nystatin and Diflucan as needed. I also had to take a course of Cephalexin antibiotics for the Mastitis. We all know that antibiotics can also increase the overgrowth of Candida, so now it is up to me to eat well and get my rest during this cold and flu season that may bring me some challenges.





The great news or the upside of the antibiotics is that it killed off some of the Lyme and although Cephalexin is in the Penicillin family, I never got hives. I have to attribute that to my really smart doc who took into consideration a particular genetic SNP that I have, the particular antibiotic I was on and helped me by increasing certain minerals and supplements while on the course of antibiotics and for 5 days following, so that my body would be less likely to have my typical allergic reaction. Yay for no hives! Thanks doc!

Despite the Mastitis and also a flare up with my neck pain, my body seems to recover more quickly than it has in the past and it seems to be more readily using the tools and information I am giving it. I'm hopeful that one day soon I'll be writing about "turning the corner" and I'll be thrilled to share that with all of you.

There are not a lot of practitioners out there that have a strong understanding of epigenetics and nutrigenomics, but genes are so key if you are chronically ill and not seeing any improvement with your effort. So, if you find yourself struggling with a chronic health issue and never really seeing much improvement for your efforts, it might be time to consider empowering yourself with the knowledge of your own genetic SNPs and finding someone who understands how that information can actually help you to get well.

Cheers to your health!

Seasons of Change - What Are You Grateful For?

As we are closing in on the end of this year, I cannot help but think that this was a year I had such high hopes for and though there have been good things this year is has been a year full of challenges and a sprinkle of turmoil, but there in lies where growth happens. Who knew I'd still be growing in my ripe age... Ah, and this is my birth month no less. This month marks many memories, good and bad. September is also when my grandfather and my sister were born. I have fond memories of the three of us sharing our birthdays together while growing up. Birthdays seem far less special as we age, but not any less important. I'm grateful for so many things and I have high hopes for what the future holds. That said, we all experience pain to different degrees. Today I am reflecting on the past year as this is a day we had to make the tough decision to relinquish our baby Elsa to a wonderful no-kill shelter that specializes in Special needs dogs like Elsa. We came to the conclusion that we were just not equipped to care for her properly -- emotionally, mentally, physically and financially. She is in a place where her needs will properly be met and they will help her to get well and once she is better then they will adopt her to the right family. It was a tough decision, but it was the right one. We will miss her. I feel good knowing that we a saved her life and I think we were meant to be a stopping point for her to live through the meningitis and get her stable enough. I know she'll go to a wonderful family once she is well. She deserves a good life and I know she will get that. MaxFund is a very special place that is often a last resort for animals that need them the most. Kudos to MaxFund and we'll be volunteering there real soon. Ah, and this also marks nearly 1 year since Jack passed. My sweet 12 year old Dre has been through two losses now, but he's a real trooper and seems to be hanging in there. I'm sure it won't be long before he realizes that he's getting all the attention and that we will spoil him. I've dealt with health issues, job instability, no being able to go back to school as planned, sick dogs, crazy unexpected expenses, the floods and so much more in the past year, and yet I am so grateful we were blessed to have little Elsa grace us with her presence as part of our family even if it was only for 6 months. I'm grateful we still have Dre. I'm grateful to be making good progress with my new doctor (though not without its challenges), I'm grateful to have job prospects and people that reach out to me, I'm grateful for my family that came to visit and for my dear sweet hubby. I'm grateful his practice is growing and grateful I have a passion to help others through health and wellness coaching. I have plans for the future, but have learned to remain as relaxed and easy going as possible because life throws you curve balls from time to time that can hit you on the side of the head when you least expect it. I'm here to soldier on and I will leave this world a better place than I found it. That seems to be the biggest goal I have in life and it is achievable with small gestures and by taking baby steps. I've learned to take things in stride. I've learned to experience my pain for what it is and not to fight it, but also not to wallow in it. 
I feel it...
I learn...
I get back up on my feet...
I move on...

Happy Fall!

It has been a challenging year, but  I've learned so much. I embrace those lessons and take them with me.  As we enter my favorite season, Fall, I will be looking ahead with hope, yet living in every moment. 

I'll keep you posted on my progress with chelation and progesterone and anything that changes with my protocol. For sure there are still kinks to be worked out, but all in all seem to be on the path.

What are you grateful for?

Peace out my peeps! I hope you read this in good health.

Heavy Metal and I'm Not Talking 80s Hair Bands

image from vulture.com

Wow! I cannot believe it is already August. What a whirlwind Spring and Summer it has been. I suspect I will be very grateful once Fall is upon us. It is my favorite season. Things are finally settling down somewhat. Elsa is stable and she will be on Prednisone for another 5 months. By then she will be almost 14 mos old. We're discovering that she isn't going to be a very large dog despite being a cross between German Shepard and Bernese Mountain dog, which is fine by us. She still experiences pain, but not near the pain she had back in June. I look forward to titrating the Prednisone down and eventually getitng her off of it so that we can really strengthen her immune system, but in the mean time we are adding fermented fish stock and raw goats milk to her food, which seems to be helping both our dogs and they love it. Stinky, but good!

On the job front I have a little breathing room for now as some things have shifted and I'm able to keep my full time hours. Thank goodness. I don't do well with financial stress. That said, this has been a time of reflection and figuring out what my purpose on this planet is for this phase of my life. The truth is I actually know what that is I just need to make some steps toward that. The recent upheaval at work also meant that I had to drop my classes that I was going to take this Fall. My classes would be starting in a couple weeks, but alas that is no more. It is on hold for now or until I can find a relatively good online program. I'm really looking forward to being a Wellness Coach and helping people who are chronically ill or who want to try to prevent chronic illness, those who are motivated to be well, but just need the guidance. I will make this a possibility because it is something I'm faced with every day and I constantly have people asking me for advice and I'm passionate about helping. It makes my soul happy and that is how I know that I cannot ignore this call from the universe. 

My health is finally on the right track, but I still have much progress to make. My new doc is really great. I finally got over the herxheimer that lasted almost 3 weeks. I'm feeling pretty good, yet I know I'm going to feel even better in the future. My new doc started me on a regimen that focuses on opening up my methylathion pathways, which seems to be quite effective in my case due to the specific Genetic SNPS that I have. I am on a multitude of separate B Vitamins, as she said it, I'm being marinated in B Vitamins and not just any. They are specific clinical grade from Thorne that take into consideration my MTHFR mutation discussed in previous blogs. In addition I'm on Iron, Vitamin A (as Palmitate) because my body cannot use other forms of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Citramins (a multi-mineral), Magnesium CitraMal, Curaphen (for inflammation)... this one makes a huge difference, seveal probiotics that I rotate and several herbal/mineral remedies that are natural antibiotics against the Lyme. In addition I am on a low/no Amylose diet, which is great for individuals with biotoxin illnesses. My workouts are more geared toward resistance training as more aerobic activity in my case can actually be counterproductive for my needs. This one is a difficult one to get used to, but so far, so good. 

In addition to the new protocol I've had several labs run over the past 1 1/2 months. I've been through hormone testing, additional biotoxin testing and a heavy metal challenge with I.V. drip. I've learned that I'm likely in peri-menopause and so I will be starting supplementation with some progesterone over the next few months because I am estrogen dominant and my estrogen to progesterone ratio is out of whack. I was never in to 80s hair bands, but I also found out that I have heavy metal toxicity that is mostly attributed to Lead and Mercury, but there are others, so I will be starting oral chelation with DMSA. This type of chelation will take quite some time, but I should begin to see a noticeable impact in a positive way with my symptoms. These are both road blocks that need to be removed and will help all other efforts to become much more effective. This is not to say that there won't be another herx or other set backs along the way, but I look forward to overall improvement and moving forward with progress.

I hope you are enjoying your summer. Fall will be here before we know it. Cheers!