We are at the halfway point in the first month of the year. Many have set a resolution and already broken them. I have not set a resolution but I have decided to change a few habits.
Now 2010 already saw a change in my life. I went gluten free. I made this change because I was tired of the drugs I was taking to control a disease called Ankylosing spondylitis. Most of you are saying what is this disease? It is much like Rheumatoid Arthritis, very debilitating pain in joins. Mine affects my upper and lower spine, hips and at times my hands.
In September of 2006 I was struck with major pain in one hip joint on our way back from a weekend trip. The pain then started to effect my spine and hips. I went to the doctor and was blown off so I went to a specialist. After blood tests, x-rays and a physical my doctor determined the diagnosis of AS.
This diagnosis hit hard. This was now disease number two. The first was Hashimoitos disease. I faught has for that diagnosis. I was told it was in my head and given anti depressants. That is another long story for another day.
So after trying a few drug combinations, I finally settled on Remicade infusions and methotrexate for relief. It was at least a year (late 2007) before I felt better. But I was not happy being on these drug. I feel that drugs simply cover up, the don't get to the root. My thyroid replacement is different, I am replacing (with natural thyroid) what my body can't make because it is destroying itself.
I kept getting a pressing feeling that these drugs were not right for me. But every time I delayed between infusions the pain was really bad. I knew something needed to change, but I wasn't sure what. But I knew God was pressing on my heart to do something different.
In early 2010 I began to read up on natural RA treatment. I googled this phrase because AS is not commonly found and the treatments are very close. What I found when I did this search was a large number of people symptom free going gluten free. Now I knew a little about gluten free and thyroid disease, but I wasn't 100% convinced. I think that it was more a case of me not being ready to make a change.
The more I read, the more I was convinced this was what I needed to do. So in April 2009, I went gluten free. Within three months I went off all meds except my thyroid replacement. My pain is gone. Yes, I am mildly stiff at times but it is easy for me to stretch back out, unlike before.
So back to my change for this year. I dropped drinking Cokes December 25, 2010. It was my one thing. I had dropped all artificial stuff, hydrogenated items and high fructose corn syrup except Cokes in 2009. Dropping these was harder than going gluten free. But I know that this is all part of my health. HFCS is very bad for us! So I have to look at it from that aspect.
My challenge to everyone is to go through your pantry and fridge, throw out anything with artificial colors and sweeteners, no high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils.
More later!
Kate
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