I’m often asked, what made you decide to go into this field?
I usually say “It was a process of elimination. I could not imagine myself doing anything else, but I could imagine myself doing this.” That’s part of it. But there’s more.
When I was a freshman in high school, I got pretty sick. Bad abdominal pain, exhaustion, weight loss, loose stools. I will never forget the PE teacher taking me aside, and telling me that I looked like a ghost, and if I was ok. I hadn’t realized I’d lost a lot of weight and my face had turned pale.
That year I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and put on a series of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. When I was 16 my pediatric gastroenterologist put me on a round of Prednisone, a strong steroid, to suppress my immune system as Crohn’s is an autoimmune disorder.
I stayed on these medications, until one day my junior year of college, I went on a three week camping trip, and suddenly stopped taking the medications. All of them. I remember I had a bad flare-up, then I was ok. I started learning about other ways to take care of my body thanks to a guy I started seeing (and yes you guessed it I married him years later). I learned that diet, homeopathy, acupuncture, and herbs could all aid healing my digestive system.
Since that day in May 17 years ago, I have not taken a prescription medication for Crohn’s disease and have not had a single flare up. I reversed my autoimmune condition! This is not to say everything was hunky dory and my health has been perfect. It’s a continual journey, challenges become my learning opportunities, and I strive to be strong, healthy, and happy every step along the way.
I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire you or give you hope that things can get better. A medical diagnosis is not a dooming sentence for misery. Take charge of your health, be your own advocate, and always know that you can feel better!
