I am so excited to get to DC and my appointment with Ginger Savely. Not only am I excited to finally work on a comprehensive diagnosis but I'm excited to discuss a plan for treatment.
What I am really interested in talking to Ginger about is my theory that I am improving due to the Galaxy Blend I have been taking. I really believe I have been going through a version of the Herx reaction. I am going through cycles of getting sick, but then after being sick feeling even more recovered. I truly can feel the war going on in my body and it makes me realize that this high blast of nutrition is helping, but I have to do even more to win this battle going on inside of me.
I stopped eating gluten last year and did feel better for awhile before I started getting sick again. I guess it's time to start paying even more attention to my diet. I know it's time to cut out sugar and probably dairy..sigh, I love my sugar and dairy, but I love being healthy even more.
I think cutting out sugar will be my next step, while I slowly wean myself off the dairy. I like almond milk so that will be an easy switch, cheese on the other hand....well, one thing at a time.
I remember a few years ago I did a presentation for school on the obesity epidemic in our country. My main point of discussion is that it was to expensive to eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Not only that, but eating healthy was also time consuming and we, as a nation, were to busy to eat healthy.
Instead of obesity, if I were to do a similar project today, I would discuss the crisis our country faces due to a population of individuals who are malnourished. We eat a lot, but our bodies keep craving more because we are depriving ourselves of the essential nutrients we need to maintain optimum health. Even when we try to eat healthy by buying more fresh fruits and vegetables, we don't realize that we are being deceived. The fruits and vegetables in our produce section lack the nutrients we think we are paying for. Spend more and buy organic? Make sure you are paying attention to where the organic food is coming from. How far has it traveled to get to your local store? Was it actually ripe when it was harvested? Or if it is frozen, dried or modified in some way, what temperature was it modified at? It all makes a difference.
To difficult? To expensive? To time consuming? I use to think so. I would see other people put effort into their diet but saw it all as to overwhelming to do myself.
Do you feel that way?
Let me tell you what I have learned. It takes baby steps to change your perspective.
I started with going gluten free. I did it to prove a point, but discovered I felt so much better. I committed to three weeks, but after the three weeks were up I felt so good that I had the motivation to keep at it. Now that I was eliminating something my body didn't need and replacing it with foods that better met my nutritional needs I found I was actually eating less. In turn my grocery list was shorter evening out the costs of buying some food that was more expensive.
The next step was being introduced to products from JUUVA. I was first impressed with the benefits of negative ions and the relief I was given from discomfort. I had been headache free for months after cutting out gluten, but the pain was slowly returning. When we decided to become distributors for JUUVA we decided to try all the products out one at a time.
It soon became time to try the Galaxy supplement.
WOW
Once we started taking it, stopping it was not an option for us. We budgeted it in to our monthly grocery budget.
Funny thing, it seemed expensive at first, but in reality I believe we are saving money.
We are meeting nutritional needs our bodies were lacking. In turn, we are finding we are craving food less, and not buying as much food as we use to. Along with this, we are feeling so good our precious time is being used more productively allowing us to not only work more, making more money, but also we have the time to budget better. I have become better able to organize, plan, prepare..little things, such as having the time to budget our monthly needs ahead of time, shop for the month, find the best deals, all of these things our saving us A LOT of money. The cost of the Galaxy was easy to budget in simply because we are now feeling so good we can easily figure it out! Feeling healthy is encouraging us to make healthier decisions.
As far as the Galaxy and Lyme Disease, Dr. Booth thinks it can help my body detox the lyme just like Galaxy helps fight cancer. My brief research on line shows me that recommended lyme diets are similar to recommended cancer diets. With this thought, if we have scientific proof of the effects of Galaxy on cancer then couldn't Galaxy work on lyme the same way? (google "galaxy effects Dr. Gary Booth) All I know is my body has been responding similarly to videos and testimonials I am watching and reading about the HERX reaction when starting antibiotics.
Yes, every time I blog here I talk about JUUVA. This blog was originally started to discuss Juuva, Nutrition, Environment, and working from home. As I am feeling better I will be returning to these topics. I also have been neglecting my ELLSWORTHATA blog. ( I have one drafted..stay tuned)
My heart has been in taekwondo, it is a perfect union to join that passion with my slowly growing passion for nutrition. My Grammie Maddocks instilled the importance of nutrition and environment in me when I was a child. I didn't fully understand it back then, but now it is all I think about! God has given us everything we need to be healthy. He created a perfect earth that we have slowly been destroying. We are unable to fulfill our purpose in life if we are unhealthy, hurting, sick, and tired. I do believe the healthcare system is important and has it's place. I think we are missing the boat if we place medicine over nutrition. The more we show these products to people, the more my heart is heavy for all of you who are suffering physically.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Laughing so hard I pulled a muscle in my gut!
I had a GREAT weekend! So great that I wanted to blog about it yesterday, but I was to tired!
First, I had to share that with the generosity of others I have my first doctor's appointment completely paid for! Praise God! Please pray that either through our own income, or through donations, we can pay for the blood work I want to have done that isn't covered by insurance. Or, pray that blood work covered through insurance will provide enough evidence for a diagnosis. Either way, I am always on pins and needles about being covered by my disability insurance. I have about five months left that is available to me and I am approved through November 15th. They will reevaluate on the 15th to decide if they will extend it further.
Now I can talk about my weekend! Scott and I decided we could see us in the future, traveling around the country talking about JUUVA. We enjoyed the time we spent with each other in the vehicle as we traveled to Massachusetts. We both love to travel. We also love sharing with others what we are passionate about. For us it is martial arts AND Juuva. This weekend we got to share both! We visited a former student and old friend whom we have missed having in the area. We were sad when the family left, but have been proud to watch them continue their martial arts training. Needless to say, both she and her son have proven to be as talented and dedicated as I knew they were! I can't wait to work together with them in the future, when I'm training again, on XMA and demo team! Until then I am happy to share the advantage having our products gives the martial artist when it comes to strength, balance and flexibility! It is so fun to share this advantage with others who understand it and get as excited about it as we are! Can't wait to go back! Oh, and having some gluten free, home made thai food waiting for us after the long ride was pretty great as well! YUM!
After a great afternoon, Scott and I returned to Portland in time to catch the end of our monthly Juuva Seminar. I haven't been able to socialize with our Juuva Team Extreme friends for a long time. They were all just as on fire after the seminar in Utah as my husband was. By now my body was "all done" and I was confined to my wheel chair. That was ok with me. I had managed to walk and get around rather normally all day. I wasn't surprised to have my arms and legs decide to become uncooperative. A month ago all it took was an outing to town to become this symptomatic.
I love it when you learn something new. Saturday night I learned that I was becoming sicker then I realized last spring. The Juuva products were helping me to function normally. I truly believe, with my whole heart, that God introduced me to these products at the right time. Last winter I was starting to really struggle. If I hadn't started using these products I would have been home on disability before summer started. If this had happened, I never would have crossed paths with a new coworker who saw my symptoms and had enough knowledge about lyme to point me in the right direction. Actually, she didn't point, she pushed, pulled and drug me in the direction of lyme. If it wasn't for her I would be home right now thinking I was insane. I would have been scared and feeling hopeless. I also would have been to sick to get online to do my own research. My stint off the galaxy showed me how sick I could be.
I already knew this, but I was reminded of it when I told my friends how much of the Revive and Zing I was using a day. Apparently, most normal human beings would have been awake for a week taking that much of the energy products we sell. Don't worry, the products are all natural and good for you. I never took more then the maximum recommended dose. I was shocked at the surprise on everyone's face when I mentioned how much I use to use and they were shocked that I was serious! I laughed so hard as the story spread from table to table and people continued to respond with shock. I laughed so hard I pulled a muscle in my stomach! It felt so good to laugh like that!
So, I am still taking two doses of the galaxy. I still need only one nap during the day most days. I have more endurance when I'm up and around before my body gives out. Unfortunately, I still can over do it and pay the consequences for a few days afterwards. I haven't taken the Revive since I stopped working. I can't wait to see how I feel when I'm better! One thing's for sure, the Revive will last a lot longer!
First, I had to share that with the generosity of others I have my first doctor's appointment completely paid for! Praise God! Please pray that either through our own income, or through donations, we can pay for the blood work I want to have done that isn't covered by insurance. Or, pray that blood work covered through insurance will provide enough evidence for a diagnosis. Either way, I am always on pins and needles about being covered by my disability insurance. I have about five months left that is available to me and I am approved through November 15th. They will reevaluate on the 15th to decide if they will extend it further.
Now I can talk about my weekend! Scott and I decided we could see us in the future, traveling around the country talking about JUUVA. We enjoyed the time we spent with each other in the vehicle as we traveled to Massachusetts. We both love to travel. We also love sharing with others what we are passionate about. For us it is martial arts AND Juuva. This weekend we got to share both! We visited a former student and old friend whom we have missed having in the area. We were sad when the family left, but have been proud to watch them continue their martial arts training. Needless to say, both she and her son have proven to be as talented and dedicated as I knew they were! I can't wait to work together with them in the future, when I'm training again, on XMA and demo team! Until then I am happy to share the advantage having our products gives the martial artist when it comes to strength, balance and flexibility! It is so fun to share this advantage with others who understand it and get as excited about it as we are! Can't wait to go back! Oh, and having some gluten free, home made thai food waiting for us after the long ride was pretty great as well! YUM!
After a great afternoon, Scott and I returned to Portland in time to catch the end of our monthly Juuva Seminar. I haven't been able to socialize with our Juuva Team Extreme friends for a long time. They were all just as on fire after the seminar in Utah as my husband was. By now my body was "all done" and I was confined to my wheel chair. That was ok with me. I had managed to walk and get around rather normally all day. I wasn't surprised to have my arms and legs decide to become uncooperative. A month ago all it took was an outing to town to become this symptomatic.
I love it when you learn something new. Saturday night I learned that I was becoming sicker then I realized last spring. The Juuva products were helping me to function normally. I truly believe, with my whole heart, that God introduced me to these products at the right time. Last winter I was starting to really struggle. If I hadn't started using these products I would have been home on disability before summer started. If this had happened, I never would have crossed paths with a new coworker who saw my symptoms and had enough knowledge about lyme to point me in the right direction. Actually, she didn't point, she pushed, pulled and drug me in the direction of lyme. If it wasn't for her I would be home right now thinking I was insane. I would have been scared and feeling hopeless. I also would have been to sick to get online to do my own research. My stint off the galaxy showed me how sick I could be.
I already knew this, but I was reminded of it when I told my friends how much of the Revive and Zing I was using a day. Apparently, most normal human beings would have been awake for a week taking that much of the energy products we sell. Don't worry, the products are all natural and good for you. I never took more then the maximum recommended dose. I was shocked at the surprise on everyone's face when I mentioned how much I use to use and they were shocked that I was serious! I laughed so hard as the story spread from table to table and people continued to respond with shock. I laughed so hard I pulled a muscle in my stomach! It felt so good to laugh like that!
So, I am still taking two doses of the galaxy. I still need only one nap during the day most days. I have more endurance when I'm up and around before my body gives out. Unfortunately, I still can over do it and pay the consequences for a few days afterwards. I haven't taken the Revive since I stopped working. I can't wait to see how I feel when I'm better! One thing's for sure, the Revive will last a lot longer!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Wheelchairs, endurance, learning restraint
Yes, you probably will be seeing me in a wheelchair.
No, that doesn't mean I'm worse, or can't walk.
Actually, I'm continuing to slowly feel better! My bad days aren't so bad, and my good days are becoming GREAT days! Feeling better, though, doesn't mean I'm back to normal.
Now that I'm feeling better I tend to want to do more. Unfortunately, my endurance doesn't match my sense of well being. It is really easy to over do it. For instance, I can feel good enough to walk in a store, but then once I'm in there for a bit I realize I can't walk out.
The wheelchair is a necessity to conserve my energy. It is going to allow me the freedom to do more outside the house. I don't have to limit myself to stores that have wheelchairs and I am able to go on family outings that involve walking. If my legs aren't tired I find I can engage in conversation for longer periods of time without my arms going all crazy.
What's really cool is that I'm now doing forms as part of my physical therapy. I haven't attempted any moves in my 3rd degree form yet, but I can slowly work my way through Songahm 1 and Songahm 2. The human body amazes me! I can limp down the stairs to the studio, and then preform two forms with decent balance and body control.
I completely attribute my improvement to what I'm putting into my body nutritionally. I just started the alkaline, ionized water and I think that is contributing to my improvement. Wouldn't it be cool to go to my appointment in November with the Lyme Literate Practitioner and have minimal symptoms?! I am really praying for a quick recovery! I hope that I have jump started myself on the path back to wellness.
I am continually grateful for all the forms of support my friends, family and community have shown. As hard as this has been on me, it has been equally hard on my husband and kids. They have been troopers through this. I'm so blessed.
No, that doesn't mean I'm worse, or can't walk.
Actually, I'm continuing to slowly feel better! My bad days aren't so bad, and my good days are becoming GREAT days! Feeling better, though, doesn't mean I'm back to normal.
Now that I'm feeling better I tend to want to do more. Unfortunately, my endurance doesn't match my sense of well being. It is really easy to over do it. For instance, I can feel good enough to walk in a store, but then once I'm in there for a bit I realize I can't walk out.
The wheelchair is a necessity to conserve my energy. It is going to allow me the freedom to do more outside the house. I don't have to limit myself to stores that have wheelchairs and I am able to go on family outings that involve walking. If my legs aren't tired I find I can engage in conversation for longer periods of time without my arms going all crazy.
What's really cool is that I'm now doing forms as part of my physical therapy. I haven't attempted any moves in my 3rd degree form yet, but I can slowly work my way through Songahm 1 and Songahm 2. The human body amazes me! I can limp down the stairs to the studio, and then preform two forms with decent balance and body control.
I completely attribute my improvement to what I'm putting into my body nutritionally. I just started the alkaline, ionized water and I think that is contributing to my improvement. Wouldn't it be cool to go to my appointment in November with the Lyme Literate Practitioner and have minimal symptoms?! I am really praying for a quick recovery! I hope that I have jump started myself on the path back to wellness.
I am continually grateful for all the forms of support my friends, family and community have shown. As hard as this has been on me, it has been equally hard on my husband and kids. They have been troopers through this. I'm so blessed.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Nutrition has been the biggest help so far
One of the first things I learned on my journey down the road away from traditional health care is the concept of detoxification. What I mean is that often when you begin a regimen of something good for you your body feels worse before it feels better. Now I am going to give you my perceptions of this, please note that I don't pretend to be an expert in this area, but I can give you my simplistic comparisons. It's like our bodies can only hold a finite amount of "stuff" and we are constantly balancing the "good stuff" and the "bad stuff". So, if we change the ratios of what we are putting in then there needs to be a change in the ratio our body is holding. If we start putting more of something good in our body, our bodies natural response is to push out some of the bad it's holding.
An example of this is when I started drinking naturally ionized, alkaline water. I was warned to start out slow to allow my body to get use to it. Being an all or nothing kinda person I didn't follow this advice and started drinking nothing but water run through my Energy Cup. The result was feeling dizzy and spending a large amount of time in the bathroom. This was due to my body detoxing.
Where am I going with this? I'm not sure! I have two or three ideas in my head I want to communicate! Let me focus on nutrition and a thought I'm pondering in regards to WHY this is all happening to me this summer. I ran this idea past my doctor yesterday and she agreed my idea did make sense.
It is like there is a war going on in my body. If I have lyme then that, of course, is obvious. Where I don't have that diagnosis yet, I won't write as if I do. I will just call it a war with an unknown enemy. When I started taking the Galaxy Blend I experienced a dramatic relief from arthritis symptoms in my knees, wrists and fingers. The funny thing is that soon after that I also began to experience the neurological symptoms increasing. I AM NOT saying I think the Galaxy is causing this, but I am wondering if the Galaxy triggered something in my body, that was laying dormant, into fight mode. The "enemy" relocated to another system in my body. So, with this idea in my head I chose to start taking a second dose of Galaxy every day. I am not only feeling better with my energy levels, endurance, and over all sense of well being, but I am seeing a REDUCTION in neurological symptoms! It seems slow, but steadily, I'm improving!!!!!
I ran this by my primary care physician and once I showed her the ingredients to the Galaxy she quickly agreed that my "theory" was very plausible. My doctor has an interest in nutrition and homeopathic medicine. She was very opinionated that my course of action in regards to how I am dealing with this illness is the correct one. Don't worry, I still plan on visiting a lyme literate doctor for diagnosis and treatment. My hope is that with what I'm doing already, my antibiotic treatment will be more successful.
My husband talked to Dr. Gary Booth from BYU a few weeks ago. Dr. Booth is studying the Galaxy in regards to cancer. Dr. Booth confirmed our opinion that the Galaxy is one of the best weapons we have in our arsenal no matter what we are waging war on. Our body is able to wage war if we give it the strength to do so.
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Tuesday, October 1, 2013
one step forward two steps back
Good days are often hard for me. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but on good days I'm feeling well enough to not only want to do things, but actually be able to do some things. The part that is hard is my motivation is limited by my disabilities.
Saturday I had a great day! I went with Jenna to get her senior pictures done. I went apple picking with family and friends. My husband got a workout pushing me around in a wheel chair through the rough terrain of the orchard. He was a champ! I really wanted to do the corn maze but by the time we were done with apple picking I could feel that twinge in my stomach that told me the extreme fatigue was setting in. Not only that, but there was no way the borrowed wheel chair would be able to make it through the corn maze anyway. Don't worry, I was super happy with what I was able to do! It was a lot!
Sunday was a tired day for me. I spent it resting. My usual consequence for a busy day. I knew I had to plan on resting all day and accepted that.
Monday was another good day! I got some things done around the house, did some bookkeeping and other business tasks, and even went shopping at goodwill! (I love bargain hunting. I got a bunch of clothes with the price tags still on!). I was a little disappointed I didn't have any energy left to get to a second store but I guess fatigue helped me not spend to much money. I had such a great day Monday, and I felt I hadn't over done it. I took a nap and paced myself. I was looking forward to today and getting more done.
And here it is Tuesday and I am exhausted. I don't know why. I don't feel like I did to much yesterday. It is just a reminder to me that I am sick. I guess that when I'm feeling good I am still pushing to hard. Maybe I shouldn't have cleaned out a closet yesterday.
The good news is the numbness in my foot seems to be improving and I am finding my arms don't spasm as often. Those improvements are consistent and I attribute to the Galaxy I always plug. I plug the Galaxy Blend because I truly believe it is the best on the market and I attribute that along with my emitter and energy cup as the reason I don't need pain medicine anymore.
As much as I wish I could completely cure myself on my JUUVA products alone, I know the reality is I need medical help. I have gone the route of traditional doctors who follow strict CDC guidelines, out of ignorance, or out of fear. I have accepted the fact that a Lyme Literate Doctor is my best answer. Most Lyme Literate Doctor's don't accept insurance. I am going to be paying out of pocket for a lot.
I am going to be very blunt and honest now.
I am on temporary disability for six months. My pay has been cut by $800 a month.
I am traveling to one of the best Lyme Literate Practitioners on the east coast. I believe I have had Lyme for 20 years. I remember when I first got sick at the age of 17. I believe I now have neurological lyme. I am taking this very seriously and I want the most knowledgeable practitioners treating me. I have a martial arts school to run, students to mentor, a community to serve. I need to get back to martial arts and will accept no less.
My first appointment is $750. My second appointment is $500. I will then have monthly appointments for $250. Thankfully I will be able to do these monthly appointments as a phone call. The blood tests I will be seeking will cost out of pocket $1000. Some of this I will be able to get back through my insurance, but only some. I am hoping I can get my insurance to cover long term treatment. I'm hoping I can get back to work in six months so I don't LOSE my insurance!
I am so grateful for the meals, visits, and prayers. Those gifts have been priceless.
I am going to ask for one more thing. Some of you may want to help but don't have time. If God lays it on your heart to contribute financially to my medical costs then click on the link. My friends have set up an online fundraiser to donate safely. I will be setting up a saving account that I am using ONLY for medical bills. http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/hope-for-holly/82482
I hate asking for things. I have promised some friends that when it comes to my financial needs I will be open and honest. So, there it is. Right now Scott is running the school on his own with the help of a couple of volunteers. We want to keep the school running without changing things any more then we already have. I want to be able to do the Ninja Recital again this year. I want to offer all the services we have always offered through the school.
Honestly, prayers are my biggest request. Yesterday I swear I could feel moments in the day where I was being covered by the prayers of others. Thank you. God will supply our needs. I also don't want anyone doing anything that isn't laid on their hearts to do. God gives us all different blessings to share. No blessing is more helpful then another. I pray God enables me to return to others everything he is giving me right now.http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/hope-for-holly/82482
Saturday I had a great day! I went with Jenna to get her senior pictures done. I went apple picking with family and friends. My husband got a workout pushing me around in a wheel chair through the rough terrain of the orchard. He was a champ! I really wanted to do the corn maze but by the time we were done with apple picking I could feel that twinge in my stomach that told me the extreme fatigue was setting in. Not only that, but there was no way the borrowed wheel chair would be able to make it through the corn maze anyway. Don't worry, I was super happy with what I was able to do! It was a lot!
Sunday was a tired day for me. I spent it resting. My usual consequence for a busy day. I knew I had to plan on resting all day and accepted that.
Monday was another good day! I got some things done around the house, did some bookkeeping and other business tasks, and even went shopping at goodwill! (I love bargain hunting. I got a bunch of clothes with the price tags still on!). I was a little disappointed I didn't have any energy left to get to a second store but I guess fatigue helped me not spend to much money. I had such a great day Monday, and I felt I hadn't over done it. I took a nap and paced myself. I was looking forward to today and getting more done.
And here it is Tuesday and I am exhausted. I don't know why. I don't feel like I did to much yesterday. It is just a reminder to me that I am sick. I guess that when I'm feeling good I am still pushing to hard. Maybe I shouldn't have cleaned out a closet yesterday.
The good news is the numbness in my foot seems to be improving and I am finding my arms don't spasm as often. Those improvements are consistent and I attribute to the Galaxy I always plug. I plug the Galaxy Blend because I truly believe it is the best on the market and I attribute that along with my emitter and energy cup as the reason I don't need pain medicine anymore.
As much as I wish I could completely cure myself on my JUUVA products alone, I know the reality is I need medical help. I have gone the route of traditional doctors who follow strict CDC guidelines, out of ignorance, or out of fear. I have accepted the fact that a Lyme Literate Doctor is my best answer. Most Lyme Literate Doctor's don't accept insurance. I am going to be paying out of pocket for a lot.
I am going to be very blunt and honest now.
I am on temporary disability for six months. My pay has been cut by $800 a month.
I am traveling to one of the best Lyme Literate Practitioners on the east coast. I believe I have had Lyme for 20 years. I remember when I first got sick at the age of 17. I believe I now have neurological lyme. I am taking this very seriously and I want the most knowledgeable practitioners treating me. I have a martial arts school to run, students to mentor, a community to serve. I need to get back to martial arts and will accept no less.
My first appointment is $750. My second appointment is $500. I will then have monthly appointments for $250. Thankfully I will be able to do these monthly appointments as a phone call. The blood tests I will be seeking will cost out of pocket $1000. Some of this I will be able to get back through my insurance, but only some. I am hoping I can get my insurance to cover long term treatment. I'm hoping I can get back to work in six months so I don't LOSE my insurance!
I am so grateful for the meals, visits, and prayers. Those gifts have been priceless.
I am going to ask for one more thing. Some of you may want to help but don't have time. If God lays it on your heart to contribute financially to my medical costs then click on the link. My friends have set up an online fundraiser to donate safely. I will be setting up a saving account that I am using ONLY for medical bills. http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/hope-for-holly/82482
I hate asking for things. I have promised some friends that when it comes to my financial needs I will be open and honest. So, there it is. Right now Scott is running the school on his own with the help of a couple of volunteers. We want to keep the school running without changing things any more then we already have. I want to be able to do the Ninja Recital again this year. I want to offer all the services we have always offered through the school.
Honestly, prayers are my biggest request. Yesterday I swear I could feel moments in the day where I was being covered by the prayers of others. Thank you. God will supply our needs. I also don't want anyone doing anything that isn't laid on their hearts to do. God gives us all different blessings to share. No blessing is more helpful then another. I pray God enables me to return to others everything he is giving me right now.http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/hope-for-holly/82482
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