In July 2010, I encountered a stranger who walked up to me and said, "You're asleep! It's time to wake up!"
Believe me, I really wished I could have just woken up and that everything I had been dealing with was all a bad dream. My doctors had me on 11 prescription medications, and I was somewhat sedated... asleep you could say.
(The whole story is in my two memoirs: Appearances: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Love, Life, & God: Getting Past the Pain. Plus, I combined the contents of these two books into On The Move: Autobiography of a Survivor and my newest book titled My Quest for Healing.)
You see, once upon a time, I was overwhelmed by the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis (which caused nerve compression in my spine and Facet Syndrome), Depression, Anxiety, PTSD from multiple incidents of trauma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Epstein Barr Virus), Adrenal Fatigue, and Polycystic Ovarian Disease -- leading up to permanent disability in 1998.
When I could no longer work, I lost the identity connected to the work I did. Then my identity became the afflictions I had, including being a "disabled person." Despite antidepressants, I dealt with an increasing amount of stress, anxiety, depression, struggle, and low self-worth.
Then in 2005, instead of the MS (multiple sclerosis) my doctor suspected, I found out I had Grade 2 Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 due to a bilateral pars fracture (my spine is slipped 1/2 way off my sacrum)... and I was born with Spina Bifida Occulta at L5... which was all the root cause of the pain and weakness in my legs. Two different pain management doctors told me, "Whatever you do, don't get surgery."
As a result of this encounter, I did something stupid (please don't do this) and decided to stop taking the 11 prescription medications I swallowed everyday cold turkey. These meds included antidepressants, antipsychotics, antianxiety, and antiseizure drugs, plus muscle relaxers, opioids, PPIs, statin drugs, BP meds, diabetes meds, and more.
For the 1st 24 hours, I was okay and thought nothing would happen. Then the withdrawal hit. For 5 days, I was terribly sick. I had sweats, chills, diarrhea, and felt like I had a severe case of the flu.
Then I WOKE UP!
I felt like I was injected with amphetamines! And, I thought I had experienced a miraculous cure! (Maybe it was a manic high?) My adrenals seemed to go into overdrive.
I went from spending most of my life in bed to experiencing strength, energy, and absence of pain as well as the inability to sleep more than 2 hours a night. This adrenaline rush lasted for 3 months, during which time I seemed to be downloaded from the heavens with a life purpose -- to USE THE TALENTS I HAD BEEN BLESSED WITH.
I started writing non-stop, all of which became this blog and the many books I’ve self-published so far. I also started to write new songs.
A few months after 'waking up,' I swung the other way and crashed. The pain, weakness, fatigue, and depression returned, plus I began to have anxiety attacks. A recovering alcoholic said I "hit the wall."
All my Primary Physician had to offer was more prescription medication, which I sadly accepted because I couldn't afford to see a Naturopathic/Holistic Doctor or get any of the alternative therapies I wanted. I eventually discontinued the last of them in February of 2018.
But I had to know... what happened during the 3 months I felt fantastic? And could I feel that way again?
I continued to do research to try and figure out what had happened while building this blog, adding links to all the blogs and websites I found pertaining to my challenges.
My thirst for learning more about my body and natural solutions intensified, and the internet began to deliver one documentary series after another pertaining to autoimmune disease, nutrition, vaccines, thyroid issues, adrenal issues, and alternative treatments for chronic pain. I listened to interviews with holistic doctors and practitioners from all over the world. Then I purchased some of their books to read.
I learned about nutrition (healing leaky gut and improving autoimmune issues) and lots of positive psychology (your thoughts create your life).
I learned Conventional Medicine (the route I had taken for my issues) is generally for managing diseases and disabilities once you develop them. As for me…
Energy Medicine which I didn't have access to, however, returns homeostasis and BALANCE vs. DIS-EASE as well as providing COURAGE and HOPE.
I discontinued Toastmasters in 2018, but was part of social groups such as the Central Texas Writers Society and the Rumley Club (Texas Education Extension Association) for a few years which provided community, an essential ingredient to mental health. Several non-profit organizations found me and asked if I could do their recordkeeping, etc., which I do from home.
On this site, I have provided links to meditations, videos, articles, exercises, and websites that were instrumental in the improvements I experienced. Come inside... and find some inspiring solutions for your life!
There are many more 'albums' on my Pinterest Page.
I also post on the Lampasas Pain Support Facebook Group so be sure to request to join the group.
Be forewarned, though. Too much time on your computer, tablet, or smartphone will aggravate your condition and repetitive motion injuries are painful! Looking down at devices continuously messes with your neck and all the way down as you lose the natural curve in it.
Hope is knowing that just because everything you tried in the past hasn't worked, it doesn't mean there isn't anything new still to be discovered!
For the 1st 24 hours, I was okay and thought nothing would happen. Then the withdrawal hit. For 5 days, I was terribly sick. I had sweats, chills, diarrhea, and felt like I had a severe case of the flu.
Then I WOKE UP!
I felt like I was injected with amphetamines! And, I thought I had experienced a miraculous cure! (Maybe it was a manic high?) My adrenals seemed to go into overdrive.
I went from spending most of my life in bed to experiencing strength, energy, and absence of pain as well as the inability to sleep more than 2 hours a night. This adrenaline rush lasted for 3 months, during which time I seemed to be downloaded from the heavens with a life purpose -- to USE THE TALENTS I HAD BEEN BLESSED WITH.
I started writing non-stop, all of which became this blog and the many books I’ve self-published so far. I also started to write new songs.
A few months after 'waking up,' I swung the other way and crashed. The pain, weakness, fatigue, and depression returned, plus I began to have anxiety attacks. A recovering alcoholic said I "hit the wall."
All my Primary Physician had to offer was more prescription medication, which I sadly accepted because I couldn't afford to see a Naturopathic/Holistic Doctor or get any of the alternative therapies I wanted. I eventually discontinued the last of them in February of 2018.
But I had to know... what happened during the 3 months I felt fantastic? And could I feel that way again?
I continued to do research to try and figure out what had happened while building this blog, adding links to all the blogs and websites I found pertaining to my challenges.
My thirst for learning more about my body and natural solutions intensified, and the internet began to deliver one documentary series after another pertaining to autoimmune disease, nutrition, vaccines, thyroid issues, adrenal issues, and alternative treatments for chronic pain. I listened to interviews with holistic doctors and practitioners from all over the world. Then I purchased some of their books to read.
I learned about nutrition (healing leaky gut and improving autoimmune issues) and lots of positive psychology (your thoughts create your life).
I learned Conventional Medicine (the route I had taken for my issues) is generally for managing diseases and disabilities once you develop them. As for me…
- There was never any mention I could have a leaky gut from all the antibiotics I had been given.
- There was never any mention I could have gluten intolerance and other food sensitivities that were triggering autoimmune responses that targeted my muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons as well as metabolic imbalances. (It turned out painful arthritis was a reaction to oatmeal and painful fascia knots were a reaction to wheat.)
- It was never suggested that I get a DNA test that showed I had the MTHFR gene mutation and needed to supplement with methylated vitamins.
- There was never any mention that I wasn't producing enough hydrochloric acid in my stomach to digest proteins and fats.
- There was never any mention that Epstein-Barr and Herpes viruses can affect your overall nervous system, including spinal nerves. (Anthony Williams/Medical Medium).
- There was never any mention that my thought processes were distorted. (Cognitive Distortions.)
- There was never any mention that the goose-egg concussion I got in a car accident when I was 21 had affected the function of my hypothalamus.
- There was never any mention that childhood and adult trauma contributed to my cells' inability to recover (cell danger response) and my nervous system being stuck in fight or flight.
- And there certainly was never any mention that by focusing on everything that was wrong, including my life circumstances and ailments, I was attracting more of it (Law of Attraction).
Energy Medicine which I didn't have access to, however, returns homeostasis and BALANCE vs. DIS-EASE as well as providing COURAGE and HOPE.
I gradually got stronger, even putting away my wheelchair after depending on one for over five years.
I learned that patterns of thinking and believing produce chemical reactions in your body, which affect your nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system, hormone production, energy level, and balance... all of which immediately and directly impact your immune system.
I had beaten myself up (my own worst bully) for 'freezing' each time I had encountered a traumatic situation and couldn't defend myself. Then Peter Levine's book, Waking the Tiger, relieved me of this condition when I learned it was a natural defense mechanism to FREEZE. Then the trauma(s) stay frozen in your body until you find a way to discharge the energy.
I learned about the Law of Attraction and realized how by focusing on all that was wrong with my life, I attracted more of the same. I had to shift from the belief that I was worthless and unloveable to learning how to love myself.
Once I began to focus on GRATITUDE, MIRACLES, and SYNCHRONICITIES (I wrote every one of them down), I began to attract this instead. I began to meet holistic healthcare practitioners who offered treatment and solutions, including one who bartered for what I had taught myself how to do: publishing, social media, and website creation.
I learned about the 10 Cognitive Distortions (10 Forms of Twisted Thinking)--and acknowledged I had all 10 of them, which contributed to unhappiness, pain, and depression.
Indeed, my readers, when I began to figure it all out, my life shifted dramatically! Amazing people and circumstances began to manifest all around me, including the transfer to a newly remodeled apartment!
I am still challenged with the symptoms of Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 (which is now Grade 2-3). In June 2018, I had to get back into using a wheelchair after a fall jarred my lower back which resulted in just enough of an additional slip to incapacitate me. While others have endured fusion, for me, the risks far outweigh the benefits. The last surgeon I consulted with told me my vertebrae were too porous to hold screws... and would most likely crumble within 10 years.
I learned that patterns of thinking and believing produce chemical reactions in your body, which affect your nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system, hormone production, energy level, and balance... all of which immediately and directly impact your immune system.
I had beaten myself up (my own worst bully) for 'freezing' each time I had encountered a traumatic situation and couldn't defend myself. Then Peter Levine's book, Waking the Tiger, relieved me of this condition when I learned it was a natural defense mechanism to FREEZE. Then the trauma(s) stay frozen in your body until you find a way to discharge the energy.
I learned about the Law of Attraction and realized how by focusing on all that was wrong with my life, I attracted more of the same. I had to shift from the belief that I was worthless and unloveable to learning how to love myself.
Once I began to focus on GRATITUDE, MIRACLES, and SYNCHRONICITIES (I wrote every one of them down), I began to attract this instead. I began to meet holistic healthcare practitioners who offered treatment and solutions, including one who bartered for what I had taught myself how to do: publishing, social media, and website creation.
I learned about the 10 Cognitive Distortions (10 Forms of Twisted Thinking)--and acknowledged I had all 10 of them, which contributed to unhappiness, pain, and depression.
- I kept track of my thoughts.
- I matched them to cognitive distortions.
- Were the thoughts I was thinking true?
- Did I have proof?
- Am I discounting the positive and ruminating about the negative?
- Is there an alternative way to think about this situation?
- Will this matter a year from now... or five years from now?
I did all the exercises and retrained my thinking. When I learned to reframe, my life began to change for the better.
In July 2015, I joined Killeen Toastmasters with the hope of developing self-confidence in speaking (but I couldn't shake the anxiety) and was pleasantly surprised when I began to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, too. I had always loved taking college classes, and for a reasonable membership fee, I had access to quite a bit of education, practice, mentorship, and opportunities to meet professional speakers -- in person. I especially felt encouraged to hear about their journeys from low self-worth to the confident people they are now. Best of all, I met many people who were in the military, retired military, disabled military, military brats, and more... who taught me about resilience and adrenal letdown symptoms. (And they had moved around as much as I had.)
In 2016, I had some ThetaHealing® sessions. The belief work included techniques for digging for core subconscious beliefs and replacing them with healthier ones.
What were mine?
- I had to be in pain in order to exist.
- I had to be perfect in order to be loved--and because I wasn't perfect, I was unlovable.
- If I love, I'll be abandoned. If I'm abandoned, I will die.
Then I learned how to love myself. I had no idea how much I didn't until I did. Did you know:
- that in order to utilize the Law of Attraction, you have to love yourself enough to believe you DESERVE to have what you desire?
- that you will attract people in your life who REFLECT your lack of self-love issues?
- that you cannot love others as you love yourself if your idea of love is DISTORTED?
Indeed, my readers, when I began to figure it all out, my life shifted dramatically! Amazing people and circumstances began to manifest all around me, including the transfer to a newly remodeled apartment!
I am still challenged with the symptoms of Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 (which is now Grade 2-3). In June 2018, I had to get back into using a wheelchair after a fall jarred my lower back which resulted in just enough of an additional slip to incapacitate me. While others have endured fusion, for me, the risks far outweigh the benefits. The last surgeon I consulted with told me my vertebrae were too porous to hold screws... and would most likely crumble within 10 years.
(I wrote another book titled, Living With Symptomatic Spondylolisthesis -- A Personal Survival Guide that includes the research I did on this topic.) This required I have assistance from home health agencies in the way of daily attendants for several years -- who became the family I needed to have. (And when the last of them left in June 2021, I dealt with empty nest syndrome.)
I still have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Adrenal Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain (although not nearly as severe as it used to be). However:
I still have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Adrenal Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain (although not nearly as severe as it used to be). However:
- Painful adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) vanished when I experienced a sound therapy session.
- Painful arthritis vanished when I quit eating oatmeal.
- Painful carpal tunnel, ulnar nerve pain, and heart palpitations vanished when I took MoRS Methylated Donor folate and B vitamins.
- I got rotation back in my right arm from my elbow to my hand when I had three frequency-specific microcurrent sessions.
- My overall system improved when I began taking BodyHealth PerfectAmino, a predigested amino acid supplement that gave me more energy, new brain cells, decreased muscle discomfort, and cleared up the swelling in my right foot and ankle.
I discontinued Toastmasters in 2018, but was part of social groups such as the Central Texas Writers Society and the Rumley Club (Texas Education Extension Association) for a few years which provided community, an essential ingredient to mental health. Several non-profit organizations found me and asked if I could do their recordkeeping, etc., which I do from home.
On this site, I have provided links to meditations, videos, articles, exercises, and websites that were instrumental in the improvements I experienced. Come inside... and find some inspiring solutions for your life!
There are many more 'albums' on my Pinterest Page.
I also post on the Lampasas Pain Support Facebook Group so be sure to request to join the group.
Be forewarned, though. Too much time on your computer, tablet, or smartphone will aggravate your condition and repetitive motion injuries are painful! Looking down at devices continuously messes with your neck and all the way down as you lose the natural curve in it.
Hope is knowing that just because everything you tried in the past hasn't worked, it doesn't mean there isn't anything new still to be discovered!
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