How I Got Here

I have always had a sensitive gut. Even as a young child, I had chronic GI issues. The symptoms were better when I was at a healthy weight and eating a clean(er) diet, but they never went away. Through the years, I had my gallbladder taken out, was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, GERD, H Pylori bacteria, depression and anxiety, and struggled with infertility. These things were treated and managed with meds. And things were manageable…for a while, at least. 

After I had our son via c-section in 2016, at age 37, I started having some pretty annoying and debilitating health issues. I saw my primary…fully expecting to be told that I was nothing more than a stressed-out, exhausted, first-time mom. Because I was! But I knew there was something more going on. The trouble was figuring out what that “more” was. 

All I knew is that I was sick. I was struggling to be a wife, mom and employee. My symptoms were no joke. 

Extreme Fatigue (abnormally exhausted)
Weakness
Shortness of Breath
Dizziness
Lightheadedness 
Heart Palpitations
Ringing In Ears (Tinnitus)
Pulsating Feelings Throughout Body
Swollen & Painful Tongue
Brain Fog
Mood Swings
Joint/Muscle Pain
Restless Legs
Blurred Vision
Chronic GI Issues
Inflammation
Tingling/Numb Hands & Feet
Balance Problems

Over the next five years, after seeing my primary multiple times in addition to multiple specialists, things progressed quickly. I ended up getting pretty sick with COVID-19 in February of this year. (I am beginning to think that the COVID-19 virus sent all of my pre-existing issues into a tailspin.) 

I am waiting to see a rheumatologist. I have an appointment scheduled in October. The tests from the hematologist are pointing towards Lupus, but a rheumatologist will have to confirm. 

Thankfully God has opened my eyes to things I can do to improve my health. I am grateful for the people he has put in my life to guide me to healthy solutions. I want to pay it forward and share what I have learned.