I have been on the supplements prescribed my Mary from Waller's office for 12 weeks. I am feeling considerably better, so I know a lot is working. My insulin levels are good for the first time ever! My vitamin D levels are normal. The pain is less, but still there. (Increase MSM).Increased energy, but lots of acne. (1/2 dose of progesterone- down to 50mg)
According to my bloodwork, here is what is not:
1. thyroid is still off (increased armor thyroid)
2. Iron is still way low(10) (see hematologist)
3. Pregnenolone is low
4. Infrequent bowel movements (keep taking magnesium)
5. Feel wired. (switched adrenal supports)
Saturday, May 31, 2014
From Bone Broth to Bike Rides
Recently Dr. Waller's office asked patients to submit their testimonies. Here is what I wrote:
Thursday, August 12, 2012: The thought of getting out of bed is torture. And a shower- no way! That is waaaaay too much work. There is so much pressure in my head it feels like it is going to burst. I try not to move too much because if I get overly fatigued the pain sets in.
This exerpt was from journal I started soon after I got sick, documenting my journey with chronic fatigue. Just a year before that I was involved in crossfit four days a week and happily raising 2 preschoolers with my husband in Birmingham, MI. Everything changed when I was diagnosed with mono the previous year. My husband got mono at the same time. But, unlike him, I never recovered. I remained constantly fatigued. Everyday felt like I had the flu. We had to hire full time help to care for the kids and I had to take at least 2 naps a day just to survive.
I went from doctor to doctor, trying to find out what was wrong with me. I was told everything from, "it is all in your head," to "you are no spring chicken." (I was 34 at the time.) I finally found a doctor who diagnosed me with prolonged Epstein Barr, otherwise known to some as chronic fatigue. I spent the first year and a half after my diagnosis on very strong medication prescribed by that doctor. That type of medication may work for some, but it wreaked havoc on my body and I wound up in the hospital after I had a toxic reaction to it. Because of the horrible side effects, I lost 30 pounds (I as already slender) and my gut was in bad shape.
A few people had suggested IV nutrition to me as a way of healing my gut. I was eventually referred to the Waller Wellness Center by another holistic doctor. My original intention was just to get the IV's. But, I was so impressed by the knowledge and care of Mary (NP) and Pamela (PA) on my first visit I decided to transfer all my care there. They were able to give detailed explanations as to why my immune and other body systems weren't functioning properly and they were confident I would get well.
I have been getting 2 IV's a week for 4 months now and am on 17 supplements. They are all tailored to what several specific tests showed my body is lacking. I have been following the GAPS diet, which takes a lot of work including cooking fresh vegetables and meat and not eating anything processed.
It has been a big investment of time and financial resources throughout this journey. At times along the way I have been discouraged or didn't know if I would really get better. My biggest cheerleaders have been the nurses at The Center- Naomi, Alice and Robyn. There've been many days I've come in crying because I was so tired I'd have to miss one of my kids' field trips or I'd have a migraine that lasted days and Naomi would remind me of the progress that she'd seen already. I was constantly reminded that it would take time but I would get well if I didn't give up.
I didn't give up and I am starting to get well! It is a slow and steady progression.I didn't get sick overnight and I don't expect to get well overnight either. I only nap once a day now. I have worked up to taking 10 minute walks outdoors. I pick my kids up from school everyday and we eat dinner together. A year ago my kids asked if I knew how to ride a bike. Were they serious? I had done a triathlon just a few years back! But now all they could remember was me being sick. What they don't know is that last weekend I had my bike tires pumped up with air. They were pretty flat after 3 years of nonuse. I'm looking forward to the next sunny weekend when I can surprise my whole family by asking them to join me for a bike ride!
Thursday, August 12, 2012: The thought of getting out of bed is torture. And a shower- no way! That is waaaaay too much work. There is so much pressure in my head it feels like it is going to burst. I try not to move too much because if I get overly fatigued the pain sets in.
This exerpt was from journal I started soon after I got sick, documenting my journey with chronic fatigue. Just a year before that I was involved in crossfit four days a week and happily raising 2 preschoolers with my husband in Birmingham, MI. Everything changed when I was diagnosed with mono the previous year. My husband got mono at the same time. But, unlike him, I never recovered. I remained constantly fatigued. Everyday felt like I had the flu. We had to hire full time help to care for the kids and I had to take at least 2 naps a day just to survive.
I went from doctor to doctor, trying to find out what was wrong with me. I was told everything from, "it is all in your head," to "you are no spring chicken." (I was 34 at the time.) I finally found a doctor who diagnosed me with prolonged Epstein Barr, otherwise known to some as chronic fatigue. I spent the first year and a half after my diagnosis on very strong medication prescribed by that doctor. That type of medication may work for some, but it wreaked havoc on my body and I wound up in the hospital after I had a toxic reaction to it. Because of the horrible side effects, I lost 30 pounds (I as already slender) and my gut was in bad shape.
A few people had suggested IV nutrition to me as a way of healing my gut. I was eventually referred to the Waller Wellness Center by another holistic doctor. My original intention was just to get the IV's. But, I was so impressed by the knowledge and care of Mary (NP) and Pamela (PA) on my first visit I decided to transfer all my care there. They were able to give detailed explanations as to why my immune and other body systems weren't functioning properly and they were confident I would get well.
I have been getting 2 IV's a week for 4 months now and am on 17 supplements. They are all tailored to what several specific tests showed my body is lacking. I have been following the GAPS diet, which takes a lot of work including cooking fresh vegetables and meat and not eating anything processed.
It has been a big investment of time and financial resources throughout this journey. At times along the way I have been discouraged or didn't know if I would really get better. My biggest cheerleaders have been the nurses at The Center- Naomi, Alice and Robyn. There've been many days I've come in crying because I was so tired I'd have to miss one of my kids' field trips or I'd have a migraine that lasted days and Naomi would remind me of the progress that she'd seen already. I was constantly reminded that it would take time but I would get well if I didn't give up.
I didn't give up and I am starting to get well! It is a slow and steady progression.I didn't get sick overnight and I don't expect to get well overnight either. I only nap once a day now. I have worked up to taking 10 minute walks outdoors. I pick my kids up from school everyday and we eat dinner together. A year ago my kids asked if I knew how to ride a bike. Were they serious? I had done a triathlon just a few years back! But now all they could remember was me being sick. What they don't know is that last weekend I had my bike tires pumped up with air. They were pretty flat after 3 years of nonuse. I'm looking forward to the next sunny weekend when I can surprise my whole family by asking them to join me for a bike ride!
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