Anita's Health Update

I'm feeling gradually better. I'm learning and growing as I heal. It's been quite an interesting process!

The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
John Ruskin, 1819-1900

Here's what's helping:

Recent blood test results showed low iron (anemia), low protein, low thyroid, and low cortisol, which all explained my overwhelming fatigue, dryness, and intolerance to stress. I've begun adding iron supplements, protein powder, kelp tablets, and adaptagen tincture to re-balance the deficiencies, and my energy levels are gradually improving.

Vulvodynia is about 80% improved, mostly due to avoidance of any and all irritation. (Skip this paragraph unless you want all the gory details.) I've avoided most sitting. I've been rinsing with water and patting dry after urination. I've avoided any soaps, used only hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent, and have gotten used to wearing silk slips with long skirts. I have been on a low oxalate diet and drink lots of water with a little lemon to keep my urine diluted and alkaline. Supplements include: Calcium Citrate, Magnesium Glycinate, N-Acetyl-Glucosamine, Probiotics, Quercetin, LOTS of Omega-3 Oils (Fish and Flax Oils), Vitamin E, and more.

Daily affirmations and yoga have kept my mind positive and my body limber as I've been home recuperating.

Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside. – Albert Schweitzer

Based on both my research and my intuition, I believe I am in early perimenopause, and that that is the root of my recent health problems. For example, perimenopausal hormone changes are known to cause frequent urination, vaginal dryness, and a tendency to urinary tract infections. My body is changing, and I can feel it!

At 40, my sleep is already being disrupted by hot flashes and night sweats. My mood swings are typical companions to perimenopausal hormonal swings. Hormonal changes would also explain the palpitations and anxiety I have recently experienced. And my periods vary from 4 days light to 10 days heavy, from a 21-day cycle, to a 36-day cycle, when they were always regular before. So, I'm going to try some natural progesterone cream during my next cycle, and research herbal remedies, and I will let you know how that goes.

I am working on creating a CD of healing affirmations, "Affirmations for Transforming Health." The CD will include a brief relaxation exercise following by positive statements you can listen to, to promote your mental and physical health. I plan to have it available to purchase soon. If you are interested, please send me an email at southhillsyoga@gmail.com.

The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend. – Benjamin Disraeli

I've been very happy about the results of our national and local elections, and feel optimistic about the healing and rejuvenation of both myself and our society as a whole.

"Yes We Can!"

Dangers of Antibiotics, Vulvodynia, and Healing Prayers

Since I'm struggling with my health lately, I would love it if you could send me some positive healing energy or prayers. It turns out I had an adverse allergic reaction to the antibiotic Cipro this summer, and it may be months before I've fully recovered. Meanwhile, I've got chronic pain, neurological damage, & inflammation to the point I've been unable to work or do much, and my emotional health has justifiably gone downhill as well. It's a healing crisis, and I'm doing everything I can to get well again, and to ride this out as well as possible.

Here's info about what's happened to me (the dangers of quinolone drugs):
http://www.fluoroquinolones.org/
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/features/cipro-side-effects-antibiotic-drug-7.html

Having gone through natural childbirth twice (including tearing my labia), plus several car accidents, various sprains, daily neck/shoulder/back pain for the past two years, three root canal surgeries, and numerous bouts of suicidal depression, I can clearly say, without a doubt, this is the WORST HEALING CRISIS and most painful experience I have ever had in my entire life. It is lasting months and no matter how hard I try, recovery is unbelievably slow.

The worst part is the part of my body that is affected is my genitals, so I cannot sit comfortably, wear underwear or pants, or enjoy any sexual experiences, so my quality of life has gone way down hill. And since my genital area is the affected area, there is a feeling of embarrassment and secrecy -- a truly invisible disability with a layer of shame and a permeating feeling of vulnerability and unsafety at my root chakra.

I am hoping to get through the other side of this, offer advice to others about helpful treatments through my blog, and help others avoid my fate if possible. Avoid any unnecessary antibiotic use!!!

Here's a link with lots more info about vulvodynia (my current condition) and some of the treatments I'm trying: http://www.vulvodynia.com/faq.htm

Sorry about the rant. Here's a more cheerful link for fun: http://peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm
And please get out the vote!

So please send me some healing energy and good thoughts -- I need all the help I can get!

Love, Anita