Changing to Improve!

Change.

That's one word which I don't really like. I'm a habitual person and once I find something that works, I stay with it. However, I can honestly say that I'm excited about some changes happening in my life.

In June 2010, with the help of my Pain Management Dr. and Chiropractor, I weaned off all my pain medications and changed to a vegan, gluten-free, organic diet. There were basically three reasons for these changes.

1. We wanted to try a new treatment to see if we could "reboot" the nervous system. However, due to circumstances that treatment had to be delayed until August 2011.

2. After being on pain medications for 10 years, my body had reached a toxic level. It was time to detox the body.

3. We wanted to try to see if we could lower my pain level naturally.

I have enjoyed the vegan and gluten-free diet. I've been introduced to new vegetables, new spices, and new products which I didn't know existed. Overall, I feel better. However, my pain level remains too high.

In August 2011, we tried Lidocaine Infusion treatments to see if we could "reboot" the nervous system and lower the pain. After eleven treatments, my Dr. and I decided to stop. The treatments were having the opposite effect on me—my pain level was increasing.

Now what?

It seems like everything we try to lower my pain increases it. There is one thing which I haven't made a decision on, and that is my spinal stimulator (a pacemaker for pain). My stimulator is broken, so I can't use it. I have to make the decision on replacing it with an entirely new stimulator (paddle & battery)—that would be back surgery #9. Right now, I'm not sure what I want to do, so, the best thing is to do nothing. 

With my current pain level, exercising is impossible. And although I'm eating healthy, I'm not losing weight. I've tried a variety of things, however, none have worked for me. 

Change—that I'm excited about!

My chiropractor is offering a new Weight Loss program, which is based on "resetting the pancreas and insulin levels". By resetting these and providing the body with proper nutrition, healthy proteins and vegetables, the body loses fat while retaining/building muscle. And due to the calorie restrictions, exercising in Phase 1 is not recommended. After discussing the program with my Chiropractor, we both believe that the Moore Health Ideal Weight Loss program is something I should try. I hope to begin the program within the next month. I'm looking forward to losing weight to aid me in being healthier.

Some are now asking...will you stay vegan and gluten-free? I will remain gluten-free since there is research that gluten can increase inflammation. However, for the length of the diet I will not be vegan. When I reach Phase 4 of the program, I'll make a decision about returning the vegan diet. My decision in going vegan, was to eat healthy. During the past year and half, I've learned much about food and nutrition. I plan to continue eating healthy and making sure that I'm getting the proper nutrition.

Change. Although I don’t like change very often. I’m excited about this change in my diet plan. I’ll keep you posted on how I do.

Another change which I've been very grateful for, is a deeper relationship with Christ, since my life changed dramatically in October 2000, when I injured my back. I continue to be overwhelmed by God’s goodness and care that He displays each and every day.

Creating a Positive Day

Includes

Changing to Improve!