Toss the script and keep your head down for Downward dog.
Sounds kinda funny doesn’t it?
Do you know what I’m referring to?
I didn’t think so…
Toss the prescription script and find the answer.
That’s right- for almost six years of my life doctors handed me prescription scripts for everything from water pills (to help with my leg swelling) to steroids (for my myocitis in my leg muscles).
It was a nightmare.
A true living nightmare.
My general practitioner even told my sister that I was crazy last November and said I needed ‘meds’.
I ripped up the script right in his face and never filled it.
Why would I?
To put a band-aid on my ailments?
To mask the problems I was facing?
A year ago next week I had my 5th colonoscopy and endoscopy and they wanted me to go on medicine for ‘IBS’.
Nope; I didn’t budge.
I just ripped up the scripts and kept fighting.
I’m a fighter.
And a believer.
I believe everything happens for a reason.
It’s a common phrase- but it truly means a lot when you think about it.
So, I pulled up my big girl pants- said bye bye to the crazy doctors and started yoga.
And meditation.
And then came along my quest to integrative medicine.
And just like that….
I healed.
My legs stopped swelling, my mercury fillings came out, I went through chelation (still going strong) and detoxed my life, my apartment, my body and my mind.
And look at me now.
This is the first spring in six years that I can wear a skirt without having 20-30 lbs. of water weight in my legs…this is the first spring I don’t wake up 3 times a night having to change my clothes and sheets due to pools of sweat, this is the first spring that my bones don’t ache like a 90 year old woman.
This is the first spring I’m livin’ in six years.
And boy o’ boy does it feel good.
Here’s what I’m snackin’ on right now. So sweet and o’ so good.
Big smile.
xo
Sweet Mint Cherry Tomatoes
Gluten-Free and Vegan
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 Tbsp. stevia powder
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; gently toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Eat this treat with a toothpick for a fun, sweet, refreshing snack.
- Enjoy!
Join me on Saturday night from 6:00PM-7:30PM at Arcadia Spa where I am hosting an Earth Day event with fabulous gluten-free and vegan desserts.
Just foudn your blog the other day and love what I see. I was treated for IBS for probably 15 years. Dietary changes, meds, ugh! Finally I was told that I needed to eat fiber. Lots and lots of whole grain fiber. Little did I know then that it was whole wheat and oats that were keeping me sick. I went gluten-free just over a year ago and I am a new woman! My stomach is normal, my migraines have all but disappeared, I sleep better and the bursitis I had in my hip is no longer an issue. Sure I miss traditional pasta or some of my mom’s childhood sweets but I’m slowly learning to modify them to suit my needs. The days pain and suffering is not worth the few moments of implied happiness I would get from consuming something I now consider unsafe for me.
Thank you, Lisa; so happy to hear you are feeling great. This is fabulous to hear and I thank you so much for sharing your story! Have a wonderful night!
I agree with Kendra in part. I feel like a lot of people feel that they should turn to some “alternative” lifestyle or a slower, more meditative way of life. I don’t think that’s meant for everyone and in fact, I think it can actually slow us down too much at times. I think people actually need more stimulation in life versus relaxation – it leads to too much contemplation and being “in your head”. Connecting with nature, being with friends, dancing, challenging yourself – that’s stimulating to the mind and body! But that’s different for everybody too I guess. I do agree that there are way too many prescriptions being dished out and it’s a shame but not everybody has a different path to follow and for some people conventional medicine may actually be what they need – at least initially. No two people are the same so I won’t judge.
I think above all that people need to stop taking themselves so seriously – that is all 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Thanks Jen; as always great to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts- enjoy your weekend!
I really am not a fan of yoga. It was one of those things I “tried” to get into in the belief that I had to, that it would cure me of my ailments, or make me more at peace, but I soon realized that I was trying to fit into some mold that I’m not.
Its the same with holistic practices and dietary lifestyles. I can’t enter into them. I just have to be at peace that I’m not a perfect eater and that I’m not an exerciser. I chose my faith (christianity) instead to help me in life. Would I benefit from alternative medicine and yoga? Probably certainly would considering my ailments. Will I pursue that? No.
I’ll take my faith and let that guide me. 🙂 Hot dogs, cheese, bagels, beer, and chocolate included 🙂
Take care sweetie in lovely NYC 🙂
Thank you Kendra; have a great weekend! Hope you have beautiful Spring weather for Saturday and Sunday!
This is such an inspirational post and really hit me on a personal note as it was about 3 1/2 years ago I was put on meds for IBS. I have tried to ween my way off several times but the pain is too much.. this post gives me hope that I can conquer the pain and get off these meds and start to really LIVE my life! Thank you!
Thank you Melaina; I love hearing from you and seriously need to come out to Boulder to meet you soon. Say hi to the Rudi’s group for me; miss them! So happy to hear that you are living your life and feeling well. xoxo Enjoy you weekend darling!
Amie, everyone loves the hello and send a big one in return! I would LOVE to meet you! Please let me know the next time you’re in town!
Awe; they are so great. I miss them all! I’ve never been to Boulder but hoping to get out there soon and I will have a big hug waiting for you!! xoox
Amie, that’s so inspiring. All too often doctors blame “psychosomatic” causes when they can’t find an answer, especially to things like IBS or Crohns. Bravo for taking back control of your life and body!
Thank you so much, Val. I am on a mission to help people start to truly listen to their bodies and not just take the prescription script without asking Why?
Xo
Absolutely! I had the same experience with a few rheumatology doctors because of joint swelling. Not one of them asked anything about my diet. It was finally discovered by an amazing acupuncturist/herbalist that it was a sensitivity to corn, which is in practically all packaged foods in the US.
Thank you for sharing your story, Val; you are amazing and I am so happy to hear from you! Keep up the great work and congrats on your discovery. xo