Disease. Dis-ease. The word literally means, "lack of ease" or "inconvenience." And isn't that the truth?! Illness and disease really are an inconvenience. I don't know about you, but I just don't have time for it! :)
For the past three years I have been "dealing" with a chronic, pesky "inconvenience" known as eczema. Ec-zah-mah. Or is it Ec-zeeee-mah? Regardless of how you pronounce it, it's terrible. It's a vicious cycle of dry, red, hot, wet, flaky, ITCHY skin, and just when you think it's over and you are feeling "normal" again, it comes raging back full force (usually in the middle of the night) making your body feel as though it has been dripped in hell fire. It's maddening! It's discouraging! It distracts you from truly LIVING life. And here's the thing...I've tried EVERYTHING to heal my skin. Everything (or so I thought). All the supplements out there that claim to promote and nourish skin, lotions, creams, medicinal body washes, foods that promote healthy skin cell regeneration (i.e. $11 for 7 wheat grass shots...sigh.), salt spas, infrared saunas, acupuncture, steroid ointments (yuck!), books that claim to have the latest "answer" or "cure" etc.etc.etc. I detoxed! I juiced! And although, some things did give me some relief, it was still there! I'm a health coach! I should know what to do, right?
In early October my eczema symptoms began to get increasingly worse. By December my "moderate" eczema had become so severe that there were days when I literally couldn't raise my arms over my head for fear my skin would crack open.
This was my skin the middle of December 2014. |
In December, I started consulting with my chiropractor regarding my eczema and allergies. He did a nutritional analysis, recommended I take a few targeted supplements, and avoid certain foods. This made a tremendous difference in my skin! AMAZING! But I still found that some foods triggered eczema reactions, and there didn't seem to be a rhyme or reason. In the mean time, I (well...actually my mom) made an appointment for me to see a doctor in Pennsylvania that practices integrative medicine. His treatment protocol for eczema using nutritional IV therapies has been very successful. This was a huge leap in my healing journey, and I am happy to say that I am seeing incredible results! I have more energy and I just "feel" better. But...healing hasn't been instantaneous. My body didn't get sick over night, so I have to be patient as it heals. I've also had to work hard to get better, being disciplined in adjusting my diet, and taking my supplements. It's a huge relief to finally have answers. And it's the little things too you know? Like getting up in the morning and putting on clothes without thinking, "What clothes should I wear that will hide most of my eczema and not make me itchy?" or having to vacuum my bed (just keeping real) because my skin is so dry, or being itchy ALL THE TIME! Simply put, I'm just so grateful!
My skin 6 weeks later: 95% eczema free! |
Here are the 5 things that have helped me as I am pursuing health and healing:
1) Find the best doctor for your "dis ease."
This has definitely been the best decision I've made! One I wish I had done sooner. In the
past, I made many appointments with local doctors and was given no answers or
solutions. I even went to an"integrative" doctor locally and came out of the office with
another prescription for a steroid ointment. For me, traveling 5 hours to see a doctor that
is skilled and knowledgeable about the health issues I'm facing is a small sacrifice.
2) Invest in your health.
Healing your body may not be "cheap," but it will be worth it! I promise. I will admit that
as I was considering the cost of the treatment that my doctor recommended, I began
to panic, but I had to think long term. Did I really want to live my life constantly trying to
"manage" my symptoms? Um, no. I truly see this as an "investment." This is the only body
I'll ever have and keeping it healthy is important, and ultimately a priority. (But hey, you
know what was costlier? All those products I purchased that did nothing.) Personally, I am
"investing" in my health by getting regular chiropractic adjustments, proper nutrition
through "real" whole foods, essential oils, and IV therapies.
3) Find a wellness advocate.
Regardless if your doctor is local or not, find someone who can be an advocate for you
during your healing journey i.e. health coach (*wink*), chiropractor etc.
Someone you trust to help and support you as you navigate toward your health goals and
healing.
4) Stop it with the "self diagnosing."
Just stop. I know this is hard because I've been there. I also know what an emotional
roller coaster this can cause; especially if you don't know how to get better. You will
literally try anything! I've talked myself into having so many ailments that it's not even
funny! This only causes unnecessary stress on your body and rarely (if ever!) gives
sufficient results.
5) Quiet you mind.
When you are struggling with an illness it can be all consuming, exhausting, and
isolating. It can influence everything you do/think/eat, and sometimes you forget that
there's a whole world out there that you're missing out on. Find time to relax and do
things you enjoy and just be "normal"...read a book, get a massage, go hiking, take a yoga
class, meditate and pray, meet up with a friend for a tea or coffee date, plan a game
night, think of ways you can serve and bless others (I think this is an awesome way to stop
thinking about how you're feeling, and turn the focus to someone else.).
Healing from any type of illness is not easy. It takes focus. Determination. Guidance. Consistency. Gratitude. It is also knowing that even if nothing changes, my hope is the One who WILL make ALL things new (even my skin cells!)
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