It’s been my intention, for quite some time, to share about my journey back to health since 2004. My hesitation: well it’s this doubting voice in my mind saying, “Who wants to hear about THAT?”
I try to keep things positive when posting, because I am a believer in keeping positive energy and that love vibration really high.
Recently, however, someone in my life has started to feel the very same symptoms that I’ve dealt with for over 10 years. (Including the fear and anxiety that comes with the unknown of it all)
It’s dawned on me that, just maybe, sharing about my experiences with this CAN be a positive thing in helping others to at least feel comforted, heard, and maybe, understood.
I’m not exactly sure how to go about it. Post a brief summary or the whole history? As with all my posts, I will just let my intuition guide me. What is typed here will be what is supposed to be shared. I’m just the instrument with which the energy will flow.
In November 2004, in a seemingly sudden happening, vertigo struck me in such a way that was baffling, scary, and confusing. Instantly, constant spins caused everything I knew in my life to be changed. Remember when you were a kid, spinning and spinning around on the grass just to get that out of control dizzy feeling was fun? Falling to the soft grass, we would laugh and laugh and the world would slowly come to a stop again for us. Well, this time, I wasn’t spinning myself on the grass, I wasn’t laughing, and the world did NOT stop. It went on continuously. For a month, before I finally I went to a doctor and was taken out of work on December 1, 2004. The spinning continued on well after that…
Doctor after doctor — Specialist after specialist — Test after test — All the scary diagnoses were ruled out (thankfully), but the mystery was even more troubling. Every possible cause of vertigo known to the medical world was proven not to be the issue, in my case. I was given mounds of medications, all of which caused tremendous side effects, INCLUDING more headaches and vertigo, kidney stones, intestinal problems, among other things.
I felt hopeless, confused, scared and sad. The only time I would feel any relief was when I was laying down in bed.
I couldn’t do anything for myself. I could crawl on the floor, but the spins made it difficult to navigate my direction. I couldn’t eat anything without feeling sick.
I was very lucky to have been blessed with an angel in my life, who took such phenomenal care of me during that time. This angel, after tirelessly searching and trying different things, found that the only food I could eat comfortably was French fries from “In N out Burger”, with extra salt. Now, today I can tell you that that was a no-no, but hey. It’s what I lived on, and I’m grateful.
After a while, about a year or so, I enjoyed about one day per month where the world stopped and I could sit up in a chair for a few hours. It was amazing! But being the extreme all-or-nothing personality that I am, I would over-do it on those days, and pay for it for another month or more with the agony of being bedridden again.
This went on for a long time. Eventually I was told by medical doctors that there wasn’t anything else they could do for me, they patted me on my head like Cindy Lou Who, and sent me on my way; prescriptions in hand which included anti-nausea meds, anti-headache meds, anti-anxiety meds, antidepressants, and who knows or remembers what else. They told me that I would never have a normal life again, that I would be bedridden the majority of the rest of my life, and that I would get depressed, so take all the meds.
Utterly defeated, I sank into that for a while and let it consume me.
Eventually, on the good days, I would get online as a form of social connection. I met someone on a networking site that was a nutritionist. This fabulous man from the East Coast helped me, for free, to examine diet as a possible cause of the symptoms. With his advice and coaching, I changed my diet. I took red meat and pork out of my meal plan, and added in new things, like Quinoa, Millet, turnips. (I found out later that my diet would need to be changed, AGAIN… but let’s continue…)
I started feeling a difference. More good days.
That went on for quite some time, and then I decided that I still wanted more. I met a girl that knew this doctor in town that she was raving about. He is a Holistic doctor, and a Chiropractor. Thinking to myself, hey, I have nothing to lose! I made an appointment.
This man is a blessing! He was the first doctor to actually listen with compassion and care to my story. Like the nutritionist I worked with prior, he also believed “diet” was the culprit. More specifically he focused on toxins in the diet. He kindly said to me, “give me two years and we will have you more functional”.
We took grains out of my diet, pesticides, and sugar. We added in meditation, easy walks when I could, and he also explained how stress alters body chemistry, which acts like a toxin as well. He got me off of all chemical medicines except the anti-nausea medication and Advil, and into natural supplements.
After a couple of years, I noticed so much more improvement. I was still experiencing vertigo symptoms and migraines, however this doctor taught me the “signs”. When I would feel a toxic feeling at the back of my neck that was a sign for me to drink a lot of water, and lay down. This keeps the “spins” away, and leaves me with only a “trying to walk on a boat” feeling (seasick, but manageable).
With even more functional days, I figured that I should be thankful for those, even though I still had the symptoms.
Then, In August of 2014. The 4th bout of kidney stones had me DESPERATELY searching for a way to avoid those forever. If you’ve never experienced those, consider yourself lucky. Worst pain EVER!!!
I stumbled upon a group on a social media site that discusses oxalate issues. They have a website, www.lowoxalate.info that is so full of information – current, correct information. So much on the internet about oxalates is wrong (as I had been following all of the wrong information for decades). This site is another miracle to me. It’s shown me the “missing link” in the treatment I’ve been receiving.
By “accident” in trying the Low Oxalate Diet, I began experiencing HORRIBLE vertigo and migraines, extreme fatigue, burning eyes, more toxic feeling in my neck, back, ears, sinuses. I was scared that it was all getting worse again. But in reading about oxalates and learning from the experts in the social networking group on the subject, I realized that those are all symptoms of “oxalate dumping” (which is the body releasing stored oxalate).
See, I thought I was eating healthy. Well, except the mountains of chocolate I was eating. I ate healthy things like nuts, spinach, kale, brown rice, potatoes, etc. ALL of which are high oxalate foods. Not only do they cause kidney stones in people prone to calcium oxalate stones, but they also increase oxalate related issues. For decades of my life, with all the high oxalate foods I was eating, it got “stored” in my body.
Oxalate is a poison. Some lucky people have the bacteria in their guts to be able to process it. Some people don’t. I’m not a scientist, or an expert, so trying to explain about oxalate here will not do anyone any good. So I will leave that to any interested reader, to check out the low oxalate info site
I began working with a Low Oxalate Coach (yes, there is such a thing). I am teaching my Holistic doctor about it (he is so amazingly open and wonderful).
Currently, I am suffering with worsened symptoms, for 10 to 20 days per month. But I have been given hope by the experts and my peers in that social networking oxalate group, that once the body rids itself of stored oxalates, that the symptoms will gradually become less severe and less frequent. That the “in between” times will become longer, and have me feeling better than ever.
The days that I DO feel well, are fabulous! I celebrate them; I see the world in its entire vivid splendor. I love more, I laugh and smile more, I do my best to spread positive energy and gratitude. Those days are cherished treasures! They keep me going during the “down” days, as well as the genuine, wonderful people in my life that keep me encouraged.
The process could take up to two years, I’ve heard. But I feel that it’s worth it. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I may actually get to live life more “normally” again. The curse given to me by the medical doctors in the beginning has been lifted. I am not sentenced to a lifetime of nothingness. I’m in the final battle of this… I can see the glorious ~ beginning.
Everything in life happens for a reason, for our best good and the good of the world. For whatever reason, I’ve endured these things and more, so that I can be right here, right now. Following my calling! Which is sharing light through my writing (err, my feelings and thoughts).
We are not alone, we all have a purpose for being here, and we are all valuable and important. Our job is to find acceptance within our circumstances, trust and keep faith. If we keep our hearts and spirits open during such times, we will allow our intuition to receive guidance by following our destined path.
It’s really cool when ya think about it. Happy wishes to all of you, and, thank you for reading. Hugs!
Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing! I can identify with both the bad and the good things that happened to you. I am very happy you found your calling. I am sure, your heart will take you where you need to go.
All best, my friend!
Thank you so very much, Katina! I know we have some things in common, especially our calling to write and share light into the world! Thank you for your very kind words, I appreciate it a lot. When we follow our heart and spirit, great things happen. You are beautiful. HUGS!
Wow, what an incredible (and hellish) journey you have been on! Thanks for sharing! I’m glad that you see light at the end of a tunnel, even if that tunnel is long. It’s when you don’t see the light that despair and depression set in. Good for you for not giving up! Stay strong!
Thank you, Cheri! You’re so right. Seeing that light makes all the difference! 🙂 🙂
I admire your courage and determination. What an inspiring story of someone who did not give up and didn’t loose hope. Feeling like that all the time is awful! Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Theodora, for your kind, compassionate words! I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as well. All the best of life is here for us to enjoy now 🙂
Wow, your story is very inspiring, thank you for sharing it with us! I can relate to some of it, I’ve never heard of that condition but it sounds dreadful. I am so glad that you have improved & I hope that you continue to improve! Praying for you! I’m all for holistic medicine, I go to 2 holistic doctors for my immune system & allergy problems.
Thank you, Katie! I appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers! Yes, holistic medicine is a wonderful thing. So gentle, yet extremely powerful. I hope that your symptoms improve with each day. Hugs!
What an amazing journey you have been on – both terrifying and enlightening at the same time! You inspire me so very much…thank you for sharing your story. I am about to embark on a second ‘detox’ which for me means eating only fruits and vegetables (mostly raw) for a period of time. This is how I deal with my health issues…I hope to come out of this second round with a much better plan for eating. I can’t eat like everyone else all the time and it took me this past year to figure that out… My body craves healthy clean foods and I am determined to listen to it. I had never heard of a low oxalate diet before your blog… I am sure it will help many people that feel alone and desperate as you did. You give them a voice to help themselves… Brava!
Angela, thank you! Your words are encouraging and motivating! That detox you are starting sounds great, does it keep you feeling full? How are the cravings, for protein? My body craves vegetables all the time, and I don’t eat them nearly enough. My holistic doc tells me 7 servings a day is best. I’m lucky if I get 1 or 2. I really must change that. I feel best when I eat only lean protein, vegetables and fruit. I bet you feel phenomenal after that detox! Good for you for listening to your body and treating it well. …Thank you, I do hope that the word about oxalates gets to all who need it. I was desperate… so I’m thankful to now be learning more about it and taking the proper steps toward even better health. I hope to help as many people as I can. Feeling empowered is a wonderful blessing! 🙂 <3 Keep me posted on how you are doing!
I do feel empowered…I am on day 5 and feeling so much clearer – body and mind. It’s amazing how quickly that happens. I am also sleeping well – that is best side effect for me of this diet. Food definitely impacts my sleep and that is the first thing impacted when I eat bad food (for me). I am going to keep this up for 28-30 days and then slowly work fish and chicken back into my diet initially. I can’t even tell you how many servings of vegetables a day I eat right now – about 25-35? I also eat quite a bit of fruit (morning smoothie mostly fruit with kale) and then morning snack and afternoon snacks are fruit. My lunch is a huge salad with all yummy things in it – always with at least a half avocado – my healthy fat. I don’t miss anything yet…well maybe the coffee in the morning and my glass of wine with dinner! Dinner is cooked vegetables – last night was rainbow carrots, mashed cauliflower with sauteed mushrooms, roasted sweet potato and grilled asparagus. I was so stuffed!
WOOHOOO! Empowerment is GOOD! I’m so glad you are feeling better and clearer. Feeling good and rested too! That’s the best! Good for you for sticking to your goal and striving. It’s working well! WOW you have a lot of vegetables! That’s inspiring! I’ve got to improve on that, myself. Big time. I know I feel wayyy better when I eat mostly vegetables, lean protein, fruit and healthy fats. I just don’t stick to it like I should. :/ Sounds like you have a lot of variety in your diet, and enjoy lots of good flavors. Makes a big difference. Gosh, you’re making me crave some vegetables right now! haha
I have to eat so many veggies since I am making sure I get at least 1200 calories a day…hard to do on just fruits and veggies but it helps to keep track in a calorie counter – I use myfitnesspal which also keeps track of nutritional information – valuable. Glad I am inspiring you to crave more veggies! I had a wonderful dinner of leftovers last night and really felt satisfied and full. Day 7 feels great. Seeing my acupuncturist tonight which will help me balance even more… Slowly getting back to taking care of myself. The past 6 months I have been off track but already feel so much better after just a week…more focused…and clear minded. Love your blog…keep up the good work! I am hooked…
It IS hard to get so many calories with only produce! Good for you! I love myfitnesspal! Although, I haven’t been very good with it for a while lol. Sounds like you are doing great! I’ve always wanted to try acupuncture. I hear good things about it. Good for you for taking such great care of yourself. You are worth it! <3 ...Awww thank you! I'm so glad you love my blog! I enjoy being able to share with the world and remind us all that we are "empower-full"!
THANKS for this wonderful information on oxalate levels in SO called good foods. I have been following, VERY FAITHFULLY, a low oxalate diet. I am finally having days where I feel really good. It is good to know that DOWN days will happen because at first I thought I must be eating something that is still making me feel awful. Knowing to expect this really helps. I don’t have words to describe how good I am feeling in comparison to when I started to eat low oxalate/low histamine/low salicylate/gluten-free AND lots of good fats (tallow/avocados/coconut oil) and organic veggies.
Alice, thank you for your comment! I appreciate it very much. How wonderful that this blog post is helpful for you! I really should do an updated post, eh?! I really want to get the word out there about the correct information on oxalates. The mother of all kidney stones formed while I was following a food list that was online, from a so-called reputable source. So so horribly wrong! Gosh it’s sad how much incorrect information is out there, and how behind all the docs are. I’m so grateful to have found the groups on FB and Yahoo and that website with the correct info, finally! What a Godsend! It sure makes a difference to feel well… and to know the crappy days are part of the process… and will get better. I’m like you, I like to know ahead of time what to expect. So nice to have a support group to talk to! What fabulous news that you are feeling better and better! I love how you mention the good fats, I still need to add more back in. They make such a difference. And more of a variety of low oxalate veggies. Health truly is the greatest wealth! Thank you again for reading and for your comment! 🙂 🙂
Great story you sent me on the Oxalate board to read! I can relate! No the constant Vertigo but the symptoms from Anxiety to other sinus problems etc., dizzyness as well. I don’t know if it is all Oxalate problems but an OAT test showed High Oxalates markers in Urine and I figure that is atleast some of he problem. Sweet Potatoes, Fries and so on got me in this mess, last binge on Sweet Potatoes sent me over the edge with Oxalates so I am here.
Great story, hope you are doing a lot better now!
Hi Sean! Thank you very much for reading this and sharing about you, too! Oh. Sweet potatoes. Why are all the high oxalate foods so yummy? It’s just not far ;). I do hope you find relief and enjoy better and better, more functional days. The Low Oxalate Diet isn’t for wimps, that’s for sure! Keep strong, keep hopeful. You can do this! …And thank you!