If I wasn't experiencing firsthand the changes happening in my body, I'm not sure I would believe it.
I have lost 16 pounds over the last two months, and it has been verified as inflammation through DEXA scans, but that isn't even the most amazing part of my health journey.
I'm going to try to convey the depth of suffering I've gone through over the last 10 years and also the surreal miracle I am now living.
I'm not sure I can really put my journey into words. Honestly, I'm a little uncomfortable being so transparent with personal matters, especially considering what I do for a living.
But I recognize those of us living with chronic illness and conditions need to hear messages of enduring hope and success in reclaiming health.
You need to know you are not alone and it can get better.
The length of time I have been dealing with this is probably one of the most shocking factors for me. 10 years is far to long to live without answers and very little help.
As many of you may relate, my symptoms never truly resolved, but compiled. It didn't matter what doctor I went to or what protocol I followed, I just seem to have one mystery symptom/illness after another. And about the time I would adjust to that "symptom", something else would seem to go wrong.
With three official diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, it was just assumed that new symptoms were linked to those or other autoimmune. Having multiple is very common and many conditions don't even have names yet.
And sadly, there's an unspoken belief that someone with autoimmune is broken and cannot be fixed. Treatments are few and doctors that offer them even fewer.
About a year ago a man at my church shared a little about his own journey with auto immune disorders. He spoke about the hopelessness that he felt at his lowest point.
He talked about feeling like a hypochondriac and a drain on his families emotional and financial stability. While his talk was geared towards uplifting outcomes, I remember crying all the way through that service because his words were so relatable.
Admittedly, I lost hope in many ways. I started to believe I would always be covered in open wounds and sores. I mentioned once I wanted them covered at my funeral. Chronic pain became the normal. I can't even remember a time I didn't have pain deep in my bones.
This was me. And many more uncomfortable conditions that just seemed to be assigned to Kristina's human experience.
About two years ago, my body took a turn for the worst. About a year into that shift, I started recognizing my nervous system was no longer functioning properly with digesting food.
I researched what could be causing such a dramatic situation, I came across possible diagnosis like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis - and I knew in my heart both of those would be wrong diagnosis, but very likely what I would hear. This was a massive wake up call for me. I needed to find help.
I had both frustration and fear after experiencing such a dramatic decline in my health, despite following protocols given to me by various traditional and naturopathic doctors. It is a challenging and disheartening situation to be in, but we cannot lose hope.
I reached out to James in a way I never had before. I felt truly vulnerable. James is my husband and at the time, he was a full-time student at Purdue to become a nurse practitioner.
I partly approached him as a med student, but more openly I came to him as a wife and a scared one.
He's kind of the quiet, stoic type. But as I described the new symptoms and condition of my digestive system, (that was once considered chronic constipation or IBS), I could easily read his unspoken concern.
James graduated in August 2023 and shortly after took the licensing board exam to become a licensed nurse practitioner in family medicine.
With his ambition always being to practice functional medicine, and as a newly licensed practitioner, his first order of business was me. His wife. Who he had watched struggle and suffer with no answers, and many unresolved and uncomfortable, and even frightening health concerns.
Functional Medicine
As a practitioner who believes in and practices functional medicine, James partnered with a lab who specializes in advanced testing not usually available through traditional medicine and insurances.
These advanced tests, led to an eventual root cause diagnosis and food and natural remedies as the medicine. Not one pharmaceutical has been recommended.
But I'm getting ahead of the myself.
After reviewing my comprehensive lab results, he provided me with a truly individualized treatment plan that changed my life.
I received a personalized supplement regimen to help reduce or eliminate symptoms - primarily to reduce chronic inflammation
I was advised to continue the anti inflammatory diet I was on
and short term changes to my strength training regiment to help reduce inflammation (I gave up running, so was strength training 6 days a week. I have now been able to resume that schedule.)
Interestingly, the supplement plan included things like increased dosing of fish oil, doubling up on turmeric, and an addition of ginger and other supplements. All supplements and dosing where tailored to my specific needs to address deficiencies or health concerns identified in the lab results.
Once those protocols where in place, another round of tests where ordered for further investigation.
After reviewing the second round of results, he identified more areas of concern and ultimately pinpointed the root cause of my symptoms. This personalized approach not only allowed for targeted natural remedies to address deficiencies and inflammation but also led to a more precise diagnosis.
This highlights the importance of utilizing thorough lab analyses in healthcare for more effective treatment strategies. We need affordable access to broader testing.
I now have a personalized treatment program addressing the root cause of illness with weekly injectable vitamins, while replenishing my body and easing symptoms from malabsorption issues. For instance, while traditional medicine had allowed for and prescribed Vitamin B shots, I now take weekly B Complex injections, available through compound pharmacies.
My Crazy List of Symptoms & Conditions
Multiple autoimmune disorders including celiac disease (presenting in both gut responses and nervous system), hypoglycemia, and pernicious anemia
Lab evaluated and diagnosed hormone imbalances
Thyroid imbalance
Insomnia
Depression
Anxiety
Confusion and brain fog
Inappropriate parasympathetic responses and reactions that sent me to the ER by ambulance, masked as a stroke or heart attack
Chronic fatigue 24/7
Significant skin conditions including boils, cystic acne, rashes, and discoloration.
Premature aging
All over and unexplained joint pain
Significant memory loss both short term and long
Hair loss and breakage
Multiple food allergies and sensitivities
Both hips loss of soft tissue and pain on impact
Severe gut health issues including nervous system disfunction
All stemming from previously underdiagnosed and undiagnosed malabsorption, inflammation and gut health conditions.
I am excited to share that after only three months of natural supplements and one month of treating the root cause of my illness, my health is improving dramatically.
Marked Improvements
Use to be 3 - 4 hours of nightly sleep with sleep aids, and now sleeping 8 - 10 hours a night without sleep aid
My depression is gone, anxiety has greatly improved
Confusion and brain fog are gone
Memory is improving, with dramatic improvement in short term memory function
Skin conditions are resolved and now able to start rehabilitation protocols
Joint pain has dramatically improved, even in the hips
Hair loss and breakage has stopped
Nervous system is easing
Digestive system is dramatically improved
All over body swelling is gone
Lower dosages in bio identical hormones
Energy up
Mood - HAPPY! My stress management protocols have a fighting chance
Of all of the exciting health transformations I am experiencing, three stand out the most for me.
1. For the first time in 10 years, I do not have any open sores on my body. 2. My digestive system and Vagus nerve are easing. I am actually having normal nervous system responses and my gut health has improved. 3. I have lost 16 pounds of inflammation. Through DEXA scans I show my muscle mass is up, my protein is up, my bone mass has sustained, my water mass is up and my body fat is only down .3%. That means all 16 pounds was literally chronic inflammation that was wreaking havoc on my body.
I have shared a lot of important information, so I want to summarize what I hope you take away from this;
It is important to address chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders, food allergies, or sensitivities through holistic protocols. Consulting a functional medical provider can assist in determining the appropriate supplements and dosages tailored for your specific needs, helping to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
It is important for individuals with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer to consider holistic protocols to reduce inflammation. Consulting with a functional medical provider can help determine the appropriate supplements and dosages needed to manage and alleviate inflammation associated with these conditions for better overall health outcomes.
Science is now showing that chronic inflammation is the pathway to all chronic illness and disease, including gut disorders, nervous system disfunction, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, lung disease, cancer, and so on and so forth.
Taking proactive steps to manage inflammation can greatly impact overall health and well-being. By focusing on incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, practicing stress-reducing activities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals can help reduce inflammation and potentially prevent chronic diseases. Prioritizing this aspect of health can lead to long-term benefits and a higher quality of life.
Visiting a functional medicine practitioner can offer a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing your health concerns. By considering various aspects such as nutrition, exercise, genetics, and stress, they can help identify underlying issues and develop a personalized plan for healing. This holistic perspective may provide valuable insights into improving your overall well-being and managing any chronic health conditions.
It is important to be mindful of the potential presence of chronic inflammation in the body and seek appropriate medical guidance if needed. While specific medical claims or cures are not being made, addressing inflammation can have positive impacts on overall health and well-being, making it crucial to approach this topic with attention and care under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In closing I would be amiss if I didn't take a moment to thank James. Over the years I became bitter, even angry about my medical conditions. I could write an entire book on how hard I tried over the years to reclaim my health. As my husband, he knows more than most just how true that statement is, and also how hopeless I was starting to feel.
But, there were missing pieces that only a medical provider could help me diagnose and fix. Someone needed to look beneath the surface of "normal range" blood work and autoimmune stereotypes. I will never truly be able to thank him enough for listening to me, believing me, and then going the distance to help me.
There are medical providers who are truly dedicated to the well-being and success of their patients. Their investment in each individual's health journey can make a significant impact on the overall quality of care and patient outcomes. It's important to recognize and appreciate those healthcare professionals who go above and beyond for the betterment of their patients' health and well-being.