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!

A day full of surprises!

This morning when I got up, I knew it would be a tough day. My pain level was high and my headache was more intense than normal. But I knew I'd have to go out, since I had a chiropractic appointment (the treatments help me so much). I got ready, but was dreading going out in the cold.

The first surprise, was that the snow on the car was very light and wiped off very easily. I only had to scrape two small sections of ice. That was wonderful.

To get to Dr. Moore's office, I have my choice of several routes. As I got to one intersection, I had to make a choice, go straight or turn right. When I looked to the right, the traffic was backed up all the way to the light! I wasn't sure how long I'd have sit in that traffic jam, so I went straight. God had a wonderful surprise waiting for me! As I traveled down the road, the speed limit goes from 45 mph to 25 mph. Just after reaching the 25 mph, I saw the most beautiful thing. Ahead of me on the left side of the road where 2 huge deer. Then they bounded across the road.... and were soon followed by two smaller deer. As I approached where they crossed, I looked down to the right and there they stood! Surrounded by the white snow and trees, it was breath taking! I slowly went on my way to Dr. Moore's, thanking God for a wonderful view.

My adjustment and treatments went very well at Dr. Moore's. Due to my chronic pain, some days I'm tighter than others. On the tighter days, it's harder to do the adjustments. Even though my pain level was high today, Dr. Moore was able to adjust me quite easily. 

On the way home from Dr. Moore's I stopped at Target to pick up a few groceries. I didn't need a lot of things, but I did have several things on my list. I went to one aisle and as I picked up the item.... there was a coupon! As I continued to shop, there were a few more coupons and some extra special sales. I love to shop when God has surprises for me!

Once again God showed me that pain doesn't dictate the type of day I'll have. Just because my pain was high today—that did not mean the day would be bad.

God sends surprises everyday. Some surprises are bigger than others. Yet, each surprise is sent from God and make every day a special and positive. The more I look for the surprises and blessings from God the more I find! Yes, today was a very positive and good day! Thank you, God!