What helped me get well?

More than a year on and we haven't moved to the states. It all fell through but we are relieved and it's worked out for the best.


I've wanted to write a post about my journey from ill to well so here it is. I know I've written about what happened and how it affected me but I wanted to do a post about the specific things I did to get well.

The first thing I did, which I have dabbled in a couple of times before but never taken seriously because I never gotten a diagnosis of coeliacs disease so dismissed it due to the usual thing of never trusting my own gut feeling and listening to others too much, was to change my diet. 

The problems I had before starting the regime were:-
1. Extreme fatigue (unable to get out of bed to even shower, slept a lot, weak muscles, intolerance to exercise or even sitting up for long periods).
2. Gastric problems; bloating, wind, reflux, regurgitation, pain, urgency, diarrhoea, indigestion.
3. Post nasal drip which I took a steroid nasal spray for.
4. Extreme pain (fibromyalgia).
5. Weight gain (5 stone).
6. Severe PMT (premenstrual tension).
7. Irritability.
8. Anxiety.
9. Depression ( I was on a reducing dose of anti-depressants)
10. Dizzy spells/vertigo which I took cinnarizine (travel sickness tablet) for.

I was on these medications when I started.
Quietiapine 100 mg mood stabiliser
Venlafaxine 325mg antidepressant.
Steroid nasal spray.
Mebeverine- anti spasmodic for IBS.
Paracetamol 2g a day
Ibuprofen 1200mg/day.
Omeprazole-proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for indigestion.
Domepiridone- anti sickness (works by promoting gut emptying).
I was also eating rennies rather a lot and taking over the dose of omeprazole due to the horrendous reflux I was experiencing.

I found a book by Dr Myhill called 'Diagnosis and treatment of Chronic fatigue syndrome'. I was still suffering with energy levels and feeling ill with upset guts so I decided to go for it and followed the diet in the book known as the Stone Age diet.

The principles of the Stone Age diet are based on meat, fats and vegetables and can be found here. The diet cuts out all processed foods, sugars, dairy and carbs and whilst it seems quite drastic and hard work (which it is) it is worth the effort. After only a couple of weeks on the diet I felt much better.

Supplements.

Vitamin C.
I started taking vitamin C to bowel tolerance (this means taking enough until bowels become loose then dropping the dose back down until the stool is formed again). I took 2g's a day for at least 6 months. The adrenals use a great deal of vitamin C when stressed so it's a good vitamin to take when stressed. It's also a good antioxidant which combats free radicals when stressed.

Probiotics.
This changed my guts completely. I had horrendous ileo-caecal valve pain and even after having it treated and changing my diet I still struggled with the pain. After I started the probiotics the pain went and my guts started to behave better. I took Natures Aid Pro-max 30 because its accessible and affordable.

Magnesium.
I have been taking magnesium for years for restless legs anyway but continued anyway. I discovered that the threonate version passes through the blood brain barrier and also malate is reportedly good for CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). 

Glutamine.
I took a months worth of glutamine for leaky gut which didn't seem to bother me in pill form but when I tried powder form I had a reaction to it and the stomach pains came back, which some people do report. Just something to bare in mind when trying it. I also tried bone broth but this is heavy on glutamine so didn't tolerate it well.

Anti candida supplement.
I have always been prone to candida (caused by yeasts, sugars, carbohydrates). Upon having kinesiology the practitioner found that I was still experiencing symptoms of candida overgrowth. I took Biocare Eradicidin Forte bought from the Biocare website or Dida, which can be bought on the high street (Boots, Holland and Barrett). I took these for 6 months also.

Adrenal Support.
I used the Biocare one. Again I was tested using kinesiology. Mainstream medicine (allopathy) don't recognise it and indeed many functional health care providers don't either but it depends what you believe in. I know sorting out my adrenal function was fundemental in getting well and observing it regularly (by observing it I mean checking my stress levels and how well I'm coping with life) and if I feel they are struggling I will take a course of the supplement. Again this was taken for at least 6 months. 


I tried other supplements as well but it was a costly process so decided to stick with he above ones for 6 months and see how I got on. This is costly, yes, but worth it. It can be trial and error as to what works for you. 

I cut out drinking last new year too and now only drink a few glasses of wine every couple of weeks. Many people cut it out altogether but I find I don't have that will power. 

What happened to my body when I followed the diet and took the supplements?

1. The pain in my stomach stopped.
2. I no longer had urgency for passing stools.
3. I stopped the antacids and PPI. 
4. My post nasal drip stopped so I no longer needed a steroidal nasal spray.
5. I stopped taking pain relief everyday and only took them after a busy day at work. 
6. I no longer need rennies.
7. I only take 25mg of quietiapine to help me sleep.
8. I no longer take anti-depressants.
9. I have energy back.
10. No more bloating, regurgitation or diarrhoea.

I still follow a high fat/medium protein/low carb (no gluten) diet and feel well on it. I have been able to reintroduce some fruit back into my diet too which I haven't been able to eat for a few years due to bloating and acid reflux. 

I am part of a group on Facebook which follows the Dr Myhill protocol and its' a great group and I believe in the principles it follows but I have also been in other groups for adrenal fatigue but found some of them unhelpful and even stressful. It's a very individual process and what will work for one person won't necassarily work for another. 

This information is just from personal experience and is not endorsed by anyone but myself. 

Resources I also used:-

Grain Brain by Dr Perlmutter.

The GAPS protocol by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride.

Chris Kresser

Dr Hyman. 

Dr Kelly Brogan- Mind of your Own.

An A to Z guide to coping with Christmas when suffering with anxiety and depression.

This time of year can be challenging for most people but for those with a propensity to being more sensitive than others it can be very difficult.  Love it or hate it, it’s everywhere you look and on everything you listen to. It’s unavoidable unless you can escape to a place with no internet, tv or radio so I have compiled a list of coping strategies to help get you through the holiday time.

Acceptance.

It’s here, it’s unavoidable and it’s in your face. Sometimes the path of least resistance is the easiest option. If we fight something it can often make it worse than ‘going with it’. There’s a myriad of emotions attached to this time of year which can make it exceptionally hard to deal with so burdening ourselves with fighting the ‘christmas cheer’ can lead to further feelings of depression and anxiety.

As the saying goes 'resistance is futile’. If christmas cheer or adverts wind you up then take a step back and ask ‘why’? Is that others appear happy? is it that you feel jealous? Learn to deal with these feelings and explore why you feel this way rather than ignoring them and hoping they will go away.

Accept that it’s a part of life for this time of year and you are halfway there to getting through it.

Bravery.

It takes a heck of a lot of courage and determination to make it through one day at a time when feeling depressed or anxious or both. We are brave, courageous beings in that we get ourselves through each minute, hour or day and are still alive and breathing. That take a lot of power to be able to do. Be proud of yourself. 

Care.

Be consistent with how you are caring for yourself over this time. Ensure time for yourself when needed. It can be overwhelming. Sleep when you can and even cancel plans if you feel you need timeout. But try not to hide away either. Sometimes when you feel you cannot possibly be bothered with doing a social event then you might surprise yourself and actually enjoy the event. Beware of comedown though and learn how to cope with suddenly finding yourself alone after having a good time. Self care is extremely important.

Digestion.

The digestive system can be extremely sensitive to upset and emotionally changes. This time of year it can be overworked with sugary products, alcohol and large amounts of food; foods that can also trigger digestive problems. Studies are showing a direct correlation between gut inflammation and depression and anxiety. Gut inflammation  can be responsible for pain, irritable bowel, indigestion and many other symptoms including feelings of anxiety and depression. It won’t hurt to take a good quality probiotic during this time if you are overindulging. They don't have to be expensive but make sure they aren’t cheap ones off the supermarket shelf. Getting one from a health food shop is probably best but don’t be persuaded to part with lots of money for one. There’s no need. Pro-30 Max by Natures Aid is a good one to try but if the strength is too much then take one with less bacteria in. Take it first thing on rising when acid is low in the stomach and not with a hot drink as this can kill the bacteria in the capsule.

Exercise.

Groan…….exercising can be a difficult one to achieve. It’s particularly difficult when feeling depressed or anxious in my experience. Getting out can be anxiety provoking and being depressed can lead to lack of motivation and energy. However, if the adverts or constant references to christmas on the TV or radio are getting on your nerves a good walk can clear your head. Or if a walk isn’t your thing, how about a swim? It doesn't have to be tens of lengths, a few will do. I have yet to discover that exercise releases endorphins and I have participated in many strenuous exercising regimes but I know a good walk sometimes is all that’s needed to blow some cobwebs away.

Forgiveness.

Forgive yourself! You’re doing great. Stop chastising yourself for things you think you are guilty of. If you cannot find the strength or energy to do something which you think needs doing or you should be doing then stop. You are important too and if the thing you think should be done doesn't get done then so what? Not everything has to be perfect it just has to be done to the best of your ability. 

Gratitude.

We live in a society where it is thrust upon on us most days how much people have. Fancy cars, big houses or money for example but how many of us say thanks for the basics in life such as a roof over our heads or that we have had a few hours sleep, as apposed to none? Do we wake up and be thankful we had a bed to sleep in at all or focus on the fact that it’s cold and dark when we get up? It’s a habit I think a lot of us have gotten into.

I was out walking some dogs the other day and was tired and felt heavy, wanting to be home with my feet up when I saw a young man in a wheel chair and instantly felt guilty that I had been feeling sorry myself. I’m fortunate enough not to have to rely on a wheel chair to get about and should be thankful for the legs that carry me about and allow me to do the job I do with ease. I’m sure the guy in the wheel chair is probably far more grateful for things than I am! It takes work to practice it but you can master it. Just look at how good you are at making negative thoughts really important!

Help.

Ask for it if you think you need it. Ask friends and family to help out if you feel things are getting too much for you. Yes, it’s busy time of year for some but for others it may not be and they may be willing to help out with whatever it is you need, even if it’s just wrapping presents or doing a shop. If you don’t ask then people won’t know you need help but I know only too well that I don’t ask for fear of rejection. This is tough one and another thing to conquer. Maybe ask acharity that is designed to help those with mental health problems? That’s what they are there for. Whether it’s advice, someone to talk to or practical help (within reason).

Insomnia.

Wanting to sleep and being unable is a bitch. It can send even the most stable person insane. It’s very underestimated. Not only are you depressed being awake during the day or want some respite from being anxious all the time then our bodies then decide to keep us awake all night or from the early hours. I still suffer a little from early morning waking and disturbed sleep but it’s manageable. But I remember the days of being awake at silly o’clock until the early hours and managing about 3 hours at a time. It was torture. You’ll probably be finding concentration difficult as well and extremely frustrated. If you are fortunate enough to have access to on demand films or tv then storing up programmes could be an option or a new series on netflix? It’ll be hard enough avoiding christmas movies and re runs at this time of year as it is. Or maybe try and read something? Or even start a blog? Blue light doesn’t help sleep, which is omitted from TV’s and kindle devices but in my experience I fall asleep watching a film rather than lying trying to sleep tossing and turning.

Have some sleep aids in stock too such as nytol. They do chemical and herbal versions for short term relief so always worth a try especially if you just want to sleep and try and forget as much of this time of year as possible and try and avoid it all together.

Joy.

There’s a lot of pressure to feel joy at christmas time but if we aren’t feeling it, then we aren’t feeling it. It can’t be forced. So don’t try to. Be aware of your emotions and examine how you feel and reflect on it but never try to force it. Using the technique to not encourage the bad thoughts and feelings and practice letting in the good thoughts and feelings. If you do feel joy however brief embrace it wholeheartedly.

Kindness. 

Give and receive it. I have to practice this most days as I can be grumpy but no-one deserves that. Receiving can be equally hard at times but accept it when it’s given. The world would be a much better place with more kindness in it.

Loneliness.

We feel loneliness if we are not content within ourselves. Christmas highlights being on your own 100% whether it is because a spouse has died or a relationship breakdown or family live far away; it feels more acute at this time of year. I was fortunate to be in a job where I could work Christmas to avoid people I didn't want to see but also avoid being alone. This may not be possible for many people. If I were to find myself alone at Christmas now I would be tempted to occupy myself somehow probably by volunteering for the homeless or an animal charity on christmas and boxing day. 

There is no antidote to loneliness only distraction and working towards loving oneself. Some activities can highlight it and some quash it. It may well be outside your comfort zone to volunteer but there are so many deserving charities out there that desperately need help this time of year. See also ‘people’.

Motivation.

I don’t know about you but this is something I seriously lack any time of year let alone when I’m up against a time scale. What do I do to counteract this? I pace myself. I start early and do things at quiet times when I can. A little bit, often. Not always possible I know. There is nothing more off putting than shopping at the very last minute to put a wet blanket over any motivation you have managed to summons up. No rushing allowed! No last minute dashing about. 

No.

One word and learn how to say it. Without explanation. There’s no need to elaborate. That’s no one else business but yours.

Overkill.

The holiday time might span for a couple of weeks but really it’s only a couple of days and it can be a huge let down and comedown once it’s over. That’s why it’s important not to go overboard. Getting into debt and stressing yourself out for what? Two days. It really isn’t worth it. Like I have said in other points, it really is not worth it to stress yourself out so much and spend money you don’t have to appear to have the ‘perfect’ time. Do what you feel capable of and don’t push yourself to destruction.

People.

Being around people is forced upon us at this time of year just because it’s this time of the year. And people can be really bloody irritating. Being with the ones we want to is an option and if we can’t then don’t settle for just anyone but if being alone and lonely is not the best option then chose as wisely as possible. 

Avoid crowds at the shops. People scrabbling for a bargain can be a real pain in the arse. If you are already feeling tired and irritable or depressed and anxious this will be exacerbated. 

However, people can be uplifting and a great source of comfort. Just having a chat in the street with a neighbour can help lift our spirits. Even if we feel we want to avoid people sometimes an exchange with another person can lift us out the funk we might be stuck in.

Quiet time.

As with self care take some time out for yourself and have some quiet time. Be it a walk or off to bed for an hour if it all gets too much or overwhelming. People with depression and anxiety are much more sensitive to their surroundings, environment and energy. Know when you are reaching your limit and take time out before it gets too much for you.

Relatives

Whether it be having to see those we don’t want to or missing those that are not with us any longer or not being able to be with those we love. And even the death of a much loved pet.

It’s painful to miss those we no longer have in our lives for whatever reason. My mother died over 20 years ago and I still miss her. But time does make it easier. Old and boring cliche. But the truth. A first christmas without someone special can be atrocious so again the best thing to do is distraction until it’s all over by any means possible except drugs and alcohol! The come down from either makes the pain ever more acute and it’s just not worth it. It’s going to be hard, there’s no two ways about it. Keep going through the day every minute or hour at a time. Whatever it takes to get you through. 

Here are some great tips for coping with grief and loss at any time.

If it’s having to see relatives you really don’t want to then simply- don’t do it. It’s your time to do with what you wish. Don’t feel guilty. If you want to stay home with a partner all day or home alone and not go visiting then do it. If you really feel bad about not seeing those people then arrange to see them before or after christmas and don’t let people guilt trip you into seeing them. My brother would do this and I have spent many christmas’ uncomfortable and fed up being made to stay when I wanted to go home and relax and watch what I wanted on TV not play horrendous board games or watch what he wanted to on TV. It spoilt my day and made me angry so i refused to do it anymore. I was called boring and miserable but I started to value myself and my feelings more than his or his words.

Suicidal thoughts.

These seem to be more prominent and determined around this time of year when people are more vulnerable or cannot face the time ahead. What to do when these awful beasts strike? Tell someone for a start. If you feel you have no one to talk to reach out to someone or failing that go to a hospital accident and emergency department. What you must not do is act out on those awful thoughts as they are not real. Write them down and leave them there in the book. Disown them.

It is absolutely beyond heinous feeling suicidal but it is driven by our thoughts. Interrupt them and tell them ‘I know you are there but I’m not going to listen to you so be quiet’. This takes practice but you have to beat them down and not allow them the power to reap havoc and destruction on your and your loved ones lives.

You are worth it and you are valued even if you don’t believe it. Suicide leaves behind a trail of destruction. The thoughts also do come and go and if they come, they can go so be brave and hang on until you get respite from them. 

Time.

Most people I know seem to be in rush and there is ‘no time’. Why? What are you doing that makes you so busy? I’ve had periods of time when I’ve been really busy but not all the time. It seems to be the people who like everything perfect that are the busy ones. Why does everything have to be ‘perfect’? Constant cleaning and having to do things a certain way just creates more stress none of us need. If it means planning a little more in advance, after all there’s been a year since the last one then just do things a little sooner. Don’t stretch yourself to the limit. It’s only a few days out of the year. So what if the toilet doesn’t get cleaned or you didn’t get that certain present you wanted for your loved one that you really wanted tot get? So what if you don’t send any cards. Do it electronically if you must send a greeting. Nothing is ever that important and it will not make the world end, however running yourself ragged will result in frustration, exhaustion and further feelings of inadequacies or deepening depression and exacerbation of anxiety.

Unload.

Take a load off yourself. Unload and unburden yourself. Write a journal. Do some yoga. Dance round your front room to One Direction. Release the tension with a hot bath an lavender oil or a good old rant to the mirror addressing the person we feel may have irritated us or wronged us or write them a letter that never gets sent. Take that big pile of shit and dump it out!

Volunteering.

Something to consider if you find yourself with days to spare for whatever reason over the holiday season. It can lift the spirits and give us a massive sense of purpose and helps out those less fortunate to boot. Win win! It can be one hour or many days.

Worry.

Generally goes hand in hand with anxiety. Often worry is unfounded and unhelpful. Write your worries down and put them in a box along with the feeling attached to them and let them go. Practice imagining the worries leaving your body and floating away. This could be a concept that you might find hard to grasp but it’s a hell of a lot better than carrying those worries about. What are you worried about? Are they real worries? Could they actually happen? Are they unfounded? Put them into perspective.

Xxxxxx

Some kisses for you because you deserve them.

You.

It’s all about you. No one else feels what you are feeling at any given time. They can’t change you or be responsible for you. Only you can do that. So take control and be responsible for yourself. Your time and energy are important as anyones else so be careful with it. Use it wisely and be frugal with it!

Zzzzzz.

Get plenty of these, if you can. It’s a great way to recoup and recharge.

Things that make you happy.

My friend and fellow Blogger Amanda Green has written a blog post on 'Things that make you happy.' So I thought I would give it a whirl also.


Ok so in no particular order here's what make me happy.

My dog.

His name is Frugal and he is a sproodle (springer crossed with a poodle). He nearly 2 now and has settled a little but still pretty bonkers at times. 

Apart from the colour, you can see we have matching hair.

My Job

It's not a job really to me. I get paid to walk doggies and feed cats. It's freedom and much less tiring than working as a nurse. It recharges the soul to see happy smiling (mostly) doggies everyday. I am very grateful for it as it gives me some money without all the stress, which means I can continue to recover and get better.

Eating out

I love eating out. Looking for a new place to go excites me and then tasting a glass of wine and ordering off the menu. I find it really exciting especially if it turns out to be better than I had hoped like having amazing wine or a dish that is wonderful and especially great if there is a great view or lovely garden. I particularly love curry but my guts can't cope with it all the time. Getting ready to go out for a curry is one of the best feelings ever!

Reading

I love a cracking book. I don't read as much as I used to or I go through phases and read all the time. I have to be in the mood. One of my favourite authors at the moment is Paula Daly and what I love about her is that she has no airs and graces and talks to her fans when she can. Her books are brilliant and the titles resonated with things happening in my own life and drew me to them (although the stories themselves are nothing like my life). I can devour a book of hers in one sitting! The next one is due out at the end of the month. I cannot wait.

I also love Isla Dewar's books especially Secrets of a family album and The woman who painted her dreams. I only hope that one day I produce something akin to these wonderful ladies books!

My Fiancé

We have been together nearly two years now. After many years in a marriage I didn't like and years of stress following separations, affairs, divorce and having my child go live with her dad, I have found someone to spend time with doing things I enjoy and great company. We are lucky to have found each other.

The sun

The yellow thing in the sky not the newspaper! I love a good sunny day and feeling the sun on my skin and turning brown, although I struggle with heat a bit but at least in the UK when it is sunny it's usually not overwhelming.

The beach and the sun together are just wonderful aren't they? This was taken at Saunton Sands in Devon last weekend. One of my favourite places ever. 

Travelling

I love seeing new places and experiencing local food and culture. I've been a bit restricted with finances and time at the moment. I travelled when I was younger and it was the best experience ever. Just a backpack of clothes and endless possibilities.


Quiet.

Until I moved in with my fiancé I would always have the TV on or music. Now I like to sit and hear nothing. Just listen to nature or the sound of water. 


My iPhone 

I know it's really shallow but I love it. Sometimes I wish I could live without it but I admit I'm addicted to it.

My daughter 

She's turning into a beautiful young lady now (although her attitude isn't very ladylike but then she's a lot like me!) I'm very proud of her no matter what and she's coped so well with all the changes in her life. 

I think that's about it for now!! 

Loyalty

a strong feeling of support or allegiance.

plural noun: loyalties

"rows with in-laws are distressing because they cause divided loyalties"

synonyms:

allegiance, faithfulness, fidelity, obedience, fealty, adherence, homage, devotion, bond;

 

Over the years I have been a loyal friend and relative yet this has not been reciprocated. When someone is disloyal it is painful and upsetting and more character building ensues, which I’m a bit sick of tbh.

 

However, this time finding out someone you love has been disloyal hasn’t sent me to the bottle or becoming depressed. It has lead me to some soul searching and yet again as with this incidence, in a round about way, it will lead to the person in question being phased out of my life, which is what I wanted anyway. It could have happened with less hurtful ramifications though!

 

It has made me question my friendships and relationships and wonder if any of them are actually real. What exactly is a friend if they can be disloyal after all you’ve been through together? Trust is now also an issue but I think that is because the hurt and betrayal is still very acute. In time trust won’t be an issue in relationships if they haven’t given me any reason not to trust them.

 

When loyalty is tested it sends a person into a mad dive into the grieving process and for me a fast run through it which can last days not months.

 

Grieving what you thought you had. The loyalty and trust you put into that person. Tainting memories of the you and the person who has betrayed you. I found listening to music seems to spark memories of them and ignites pain and also looking at photos is very painful. 

 

Some people can forget about disloyalty but I cannot. I can forgive after time but never forget. I will draw a line under the relationship and move on. That’s the only way to cope with it for me. 

 

I have been increasingly choosey about friendship and the friendships I have made in the past have been put into question due to my gut feelings. However the people who have betrayed me have not shocked me but disappointed me but to be honest I would expect nothing less from them. 

 

If you have a friend in your life who you think would let you down or wouldn’t be surprised that they let you down or a relative then be very careful about the things you do for these people and what you tell them. Ironically, the 2 disloyal friends I was telling very intimate things to at a disastrous time in my life (that I told no-one else). That came back to bite me on the ass!! 

 

All 4 people who have betrayed me are the ones I have gone out of my way for and done the most for. oh the irony!! 

 

That does not mean I won’t do things for people anymore. I’ll just be more frugal with my time and energy! 

Emotional freedom technique.

I decided to give this technique a go as the healing centre I attend was offering the session half price so I thought why not? I’m going through a tough period at the moment with moving continents and all the emotional baggage that comes with such a big move.

I’ve been going through old photos and have come across ones of my daughter at a young age and it triggered lots of emotions. I have also been breaking down about leaving my daughter and moving away, although I’ll see her still. It’s been a journey of grief since she went to live with her father and another step has been added by myself which will trigger it off again.

Mark Clutton is a hypnotherapist local to my area. Mark uses Emotional freedom technique to help people overcome fears, emotional blocks and problems.

He describes the technique as:-

  EFT is a mix of psychological techniques and  the stimulation of  acupressure points on the body which can result in the alleviation of long held limiting beliefs or physical symptoms.

The technique involves tapping certain points in order around the face, body and hands whilst expressing what is troubling us and affirming our worth. After the tapping there are series of eye movements to do and some vocal exercises. The whole process takes a few minutes. 

The process is probably best done in private as it can draw attention, however there are techniques that can be used in public that aren’t so obvious such as tapping on the knees and with the feet alternatively which will tell the brain to rethink and distract from the problem you have, for example being on a plane or before an exam. 

So far trying the technique at the time of distress seems to lessen the intensity of it and ground me. 

If you want to see what it looks like check out this video. 

Kinesiology.

I have been suffering more and more with my stomach and last week was in agony; so much so I nearly went to hospital with suspected appendicitis.

I had been wanting to go to a kinesiologist for a while but finally decided to book an appointment a few weeks ago and get myself sorted. I know why I put it off as I feared what would come up in the testing.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is in layman's term muscle testing to find what is affecting our bodies. There are several different arms of kinesiology. Practitioners can specialise in emotional, nutritional, muscular or classical or applied kinesiology which is all three. Applied kinesiology is what iI had done today.

Diane, the practitioner asked me my history, which gives an idea of what to look for then on the couch lying down she finds a muscle that is workable, in this case she used my arm. She asks the body questions of where to start by doing something with her fingers placed on my arm, I couldn't see what but my arm was weak at certain points as she could push it down easily.

Ileo-cecal valve.

There is a lot going on in my body so the session was an 'emergency' fix. The first thing that came up was my ileo-cecal valve (ICV) wasn't functioning properly. This is located in the lower right abdominal area half way between the hip and navel, it is the valve between the large and small bowel and stops the back up of waste into the small bowel. If the valve is malfunctioning, waste can back into the small intestine where it can get re-absorped and cause horrendous symptoms as you can imagine. I had been having terrible pains in my right lower stomach along with indigestion, bloating in my upper stomach, a feeling of being poisoned, regurgitation and irritable bowel. Diane told me that there is a close link to chronic fatigue syndrome and ileo-cecal valve problems and that she could help me with that. I cried!

I was so relieved that someone could help me with this problem. Diane carried out a few tests to find out what would help me with it which included her releasing the ICV by pressing on it and releasing it. It was painful! She carried out the same thing on the other side, which was less painful.

Self-management for ICV problems include:-

•  Drinking plenty of water throughout the day between meals. Up to 1/4 hour before eating and an hour after eating.
• Avoiding stimulants like coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid irritants such as spice foods like curries.
• Chewing properly to aid digestion. 
• Avoid too much roughage (bran/fibre) for a couple of weeks as it irritants the bowel.
• Take moderate exercise to stimulate the bowel.
• Take good pro-biotic such as one from bio-care, which is made of human strain bacteria.
• Avoid allergens such as gluten or dairy. You can easily see which one or both affect you by avoiding one at a time for a few days and noting the difference then reduce or avoid the other one completely. 
• The ICV is located in the right inguinal area. Massage this after eating and after a bowel movement.

The Houston Valve.

The Houston valve is located in the left inguinal region of the bowel and stops the large bowel emptying rapidly. Getting this valve to function correctly again is important to stop diarrhoea. 

Here is a video that shows how to get your large bowel valves working properly again.

Candida.

Candida (thrush) problems can also affect the ICV so Diane tested what would be helpful for candida, which is an overgrowth of thrush in the guts. It can lead to horrendous symptoms such as fatigue, aching of the muscles and joints, brain fog, indigestion and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) amongst other things. I have always had a problem with candida but largely chose to ignore it but could no longer as my symptoms were too bad.

An anti-candida diet isn't for the faint hearted.  I love sugar (of course I do, I have candida) and drinking, or at least I did drink rather heavily but recently not so much. I'm known for my love of cake and booze! So this is going to be a hard one. I did the diet for a week before but I need to do t for a long time this time as I have leaky gut too. I'll talk about that later.

Basically on a anti-candida diet the best things to do are:-

• Eat fresh veg, preferably organic as having candida usually means your body is full of toxins form malabsorption.
• Eat good quality protein at each meals. Again preferably organic.
• Cut out sugary foods and drinks, yes that means alcohol.
• Cut out yeasty or fungal foods like mushrooms and vinegar. 
• Cut out gluten as the is an allergen which most candida sufferers are sensitive to. 
• Cut out processed foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Cut down on foods like potatoes as they act like sugars in the gut. 
• Cut down on diary as this can inflame the gut.
• Cut down on hydrogenated fats or out altogether. Especially fried foods.

Leaky gut

This causes the gut, as it suggests, to leak toxins into the blood stream and cause all sorts of problems. A lot of the problems are similar to candida. It can cause IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), PMS, allergies, skin problem, depression and chronic fatigue. 

Leaky gut, candida and ICV incompetence are all interlinked. I think mine started with gluten intolerance which caused leaky gut which in turn became colonised with candida. But that is just my point of view. 

Healing leaky gut is a long, slow process and requires dedication and perseverance. 

Supporting supplements.

Diane uses a combination of acupressure point stimulation, bach flower remedies, dietary changes, vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations to support your body whilst it recovers. 

Bach flower remedies.

She advised me to get two Bach flower remedies. Bach flower remedies were discovered by Dr  Edward Bach a Harley Street doctor who believed the mind plays a great role in illness so developed 38 remedies for each negative state of mind. 

My body responded to Olive, which is for complete mental and physical exhaustion. Pretty accurate description for the state of my body at the mo! 

This remedy show total exhaustion of mind and body after a great strain or nursing the sick.

LOWERED KIDNEY FUNCTION is seen and LOWERED OXYGEN LEVELS IN THE BLOOD as well as TOXIC INTESTINAL FLORA and ALCOHOLISM. The Olive state is always a call to humility, and a challenge to deal with one's vital energy as well. This remedy will help to deal with stress with stamina and joy. The remedy belongs to the group LACK OF INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES along with CLEMATIS, HONEYSUCKLE, WILD ROSE, WHITE CHESTNUT, CHESTNUT BUD, and MUSTARD. There is weariness of mind, body, and emotions, and rest and recuperation are called for. Apathy can be present, one starts a task and doesn't finish it. Those in social services or suffering from prolonged illness.

I also responded to impatiens, which as the name suggests is to treat impatience. 

The personality is irritable, tense, and driven. There is loneliness like HEATHER and WATER VIOLET.

The state creates NERVOUS TENSION and CARDIOVASCULAR STRAIN. Inner tension mounts out of concern for others. NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. The individual is efficient with lots of skill and ability. They are leaders with short tempers, and are arrogant, intimidating and self centered. There is also a problem with impulse control and the remedy restores a balance of mind over emotions. A feeling of self mastery is achieved as with HOLLY and CHERRY PLUM AND VERVAIN. These individuals can experience HOT FLASHES, and are QUICK THINKING and NATURAL EXTROVERTS, and can suffer from SKIN RASHES.

I'm definitely impatient that's for certain and tense but driven I'm not sure about.

As for being 'arrogant, intimidating and self centred' I'm not sure I would say that about myself and I'm definitely not a leader. 

...is, as its name suggests, the remedy for impatience and the frustration and irritability that often go with it. Anyone can get into this state of mind, but there are also genuine Impatiens types, who live life at a rush and hate being held back by more methodical people. To avoid this irritation they prefer to work alone: the Impatiens boss is the one who sends staff home early so she can get the job finished quicker.

The remedy helps us be less hasty and more relaxed with others. It is also an ingredient in Dr Bach's original crisis formula, where it helps calm agitated thoughts and feelings.

Dr Bach's description 

Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.

I much prefer this description but I don't think I would have picked it out for myself. That's what is great about going to a kinesiologist, they can find what out what the body is craving for. 

We shall see if it helps with my irritability and impatience!

Herbal supplements.

For the herbal supplements my body responded to vitamin c and liquorice for adrenal fatigue. Licorice root extract is a good herb for mood lifting and yeast infections. It it instrumental in assisting the adrenals produce cortisol, which is the main function of the adrenals. Cortisol is the stress hormone and when the body experiences great, prolonged stress the production of cortisol is altered leading to adrenal fatigue. 

Vitamin C is needed by the adrenals when working overtime. As soon as the adrenals are called into action, vitamin C is rapidly used up.

Pomegranate is the third supplement shown by my body to be of benefit and it's action is to kill candida (thrush).

At the time of writing, I'm on day 3 of the diet and day 2 of the regime. I think it's too early to tell for the most part but I have noticed a change in is my bowel habits. I'm not not waking up and rushing to the bathroom and the pain in my stomach is much better. My mood has been really low today but I'm not sure if that's circumstantial as well. 

Expressing ourselves.

I've heard it say to me three times in healing that I have an issue with throat chakra. So I looked into it. Despite thinking and feeling like I can express myself, I started to notice that I would raise my voice rather a lot when things weren't going how I wanted them to.

I realise now that I shout as I feel people don't listen to me. Apparently when the throat chakra is excessive a person needs to 'discharge energy though shouting' I didn't think I had any energy in me! Or use talking as a defence. I know I'm not good at listening! And can use bitter language against themselves and others. I used to do that but don't so much now unless I get wound up.

Although having an excessive throat chakra can also be indicated by 'self-righteousness, overbearing, opinionated, addictiveness, domineering and dogmatic'. Some people would say I was self righteous- I'm working on it and opinionated, yep that too. And I'm also very guilty of interrupting others and unable to stay silent. And I'm definitely not dogmatic because I change my mind all the time.

So what do I need to do to work on it?

Listen more for sure. Apparently that will help me be heard when I do speak.

I don't gossip too much anymore (well maybe a little) but cutting down on that can't be a bad thing.

Expressing thoughts and beliefs that have gone unspoken. This can be to yourself whilst in the shower or bath or on a walk. I've done it unknowingly a lot in an attempt to get my point across to the person I've had a disagreement with and apparently the conversation needs to be had even if it's just to yourself.

Chanting and singing are good for the throat chakra unfortunately for my family, they will have to put up with me singing a bit more! I tend to spend a lot of time alone though so should put some sounds on!

Oh and a bit of yoga when I get settled in the States.

There's loads of stuff out there to read and most of it says the same, thankfully. One thing when learning something new is having conflicting advice!
I let you know how I get on.