Trevor and I got referred to this incredible organization called Pure North by some friends of ours. Don't worry, it's not a pyramid scheme or a get-rich-quick company. It's basically a health initiative set up by a big company here in Canada for its own employees to focus more on preventative medicine versus crisis management.
Trev and I went at the beginning of July and had our blood drawn, weight and measurements taken, health history, etc. We met with an amazing Naturopath who we both connected with and felt so comfortable around. We were given supplements based on our health histories and surveys we filled out about our current health situations.
Honestly, I struggled. I was having a very difficult time with the supplements. For those of you who don't know, I have a huge problem with my esophagus. I have struggles with swallowing (dysphagia) and I constantly get stuff stuck in my throat. Food, drink, medicine, you name it.
So every time a normal person would take a handful of pills and swallow, I chop mine into tiny pieces. And for the capsules, I dump them into a smoothie, applesauce, or pudding.
That gets tiring after a while. Especially when the powders taste SO BAD.
So, I kind of gave up.
Okay, I fully gave up. HA.
So this Thursday, we were scheduled to meet the Naturopath again to go over our results.
Honestly, I didn't want to go.
All week I felt like crap. I had been sleeping a lot, I was in a lot of pain, I felt this huge fog around me and a complete lack of motivation. The last thing I wanted to do was go to Fort St. John (spit) (Corner Gas reference, anyone?) and hear about how nothing was really wrong with me- I was just fat and lazy, and if I could fix that, I'd be set.
We got into our van and the kids were whining and screaming that they didn't want to come. I was grumpy, too. At one point I looked at Trevor and said "Aidan sounds like what I feel like."
I think we could all agree that we weren't off to a good start.
We made it to FSJ, the kids were in a better mood (Ainsley napped on the way there and Aidan got a hamburger), and we were ready to take this on.
Honestly, I feel like my whole life changed while I was in there.
The nurse and naturopath listen to us. Engaged us. The staff played with our kids and gave them granola bars and colouring sheets (we were the last patients of the day, so there was only staff there). We went through our results.
All of a sudden, the years of wondering what the heck was going on with my body started to come together. For the first time, I wasn't blown off, shamed, or treated like I didn't know what I was talking about.
I have insulin resistance. I figured for years that I had it. I went to the doctor and asked for tests, and all we did was a glucose test. So I would get a "No, you don't have diabetes!" I know I don't have diabetes!
A simple blood test showed that my insulin levels were insanely high.
I have a low B12 level. In fact, the naturopath said she had never seen any patient with a number as low as mine. It was off the charts low. B12 is essential in DNA building, the nervous system, pain management, and especially hormones.
I have a very low iodine level, which regulates the thyroid. Hello, difficulty losing weight and problems with hormones and body temperature regulation!
(there are a few more things, but I'm trying not to bore you)
And the one that really blew my mind: I have a gluten allergy.
I'm a pretty competitive person. So, if I'm going to be bad at something, I'd rather be THE WORST. You know? I know, that makes no sense.
So, I got kind of a weird satisfaction when she told me I had the worst gluten allergy rating she's ever seen in a patient at the clinic. Who knew?!? I don't get upset stomach and such when I eat wheat.
But, I have chronic inflammation and head aches, problems swallowing (AHA!), brain fog, no energy, etc. Isn't it nuts? Those are all symptoms of gluten allergy.
I felt so... validated. I'm not crazy. There are some serious things going on with my body.
So, what's next?
Well, no gluten. Or eggs. (Apparently I'm allergic to those as well- not as severe).
Insulin resistant diet- which means high levels of protein and veggies, low carbs, watch the glycemic index. No fried foods, etc.
I'm taking all kinds of supplements.
No more pop. Yeah, that's happening!
I feel very settled and determined now. I have been able to have confirmation from someone that I'm not crazy and have been empowered to change my life.
yes, I'd still love to lose 100 pounds. But, I believe that will come with being healthy and whole for the first time that I can remember.
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