Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

HOW BIRDS AND NATURE BECAME MY LIFELINE

September 26, 2024


Six years ago when my health journey began it was a time when I sunk to the lowest point of in my life because my body had betrayed me and I felt trapped in a prison of pain and uncertainty. I'd been to multiple doctors, each appointment filled with glimmers of hope that were swiftly destroyed by the harsh reality that none of them were able to explain why I lost my ability to digest food and why standing more than 10 minutes sent me spiraling into waves of excruciating abdominal pain (among other numerous debilitating symptoms). When I was coming to terms with the likelihood I may not survive or at minimum not be able to walk again I found hope in a surgeon who offered a possible solution through  kidney surgery, but with that hope came the terrifying realization that I'd once again have to go under anesthesia. Having been under anesthesia before for a prior abdominal surgery back in the 1990s held no comfort for me, only the stark memory of my sisters tragic fate in 1984, when due to the medical incompetence of a nurse anesthetist and anesthesiologist she wasn't given the required amount of oxygen during a minor surgical procedure, ultimately leaving her to languish in a vegetative state. Anytime I needed to be sedated following that time I'd become paralyzed with fear. 

My sister was like a surrogate mother, my most trusted friend, my protector. Losing her when I was just 13 was like losing a vital part of myself. I was thrust into a world of confusion and pain, and I lacked the necessary tools to process the enormity of that loss. Although I was sent to therapy to work through my grief I struggled to articulate my emotions and couldn't understand the impact that moment had on my entire being. As the years went on I loss the ability to feel safe. Every doctor visit became nothing more than a reminder of how vulnerable I was. Well meaning people would always tell me "don't worry, what happened to your sister is rare" but the concept of rarity became a complicated paradox. "it's rare" for a plan to crash, "it's rare" to be struck by lightening, or "it's rare" to encounter an aggressive shark. Yet these platitudes felt like a cruel irony - comforts offered to everyone but me. I had lived through something extraordinarily rare and devastating, and the scars it left behind were not easily forgotten. Over time I came to realize those words did nothing to abate my fears; instead they illuminated the fragility of my life and the weight of loss, a reminder that security is often an illusion and that trust in the very fabric of existence can be a heartbreaking gamble. 

I didn't know then that I was dealing with mast cell activation syndrome and that it could be triggered by something as common as stress. 

In the months leading up to surgery I was a mental and physical disaster, grappling with a condition that left me feeling like a stranger in my own body. I hadn't been out of the house for much other than to go see doctors. In search of solace I started laying down on the deck in my backyard. I'd rise in the morning before everyone else in the house and head out to watch and listen. I found refuge in the sounds of nature waking up with me. It was late spring and the birds were slowly returning, there was music in the air. Chirp, chirp, chirp 🎶 It was comforting. I'd do this every morning and afternoon and slowly I started to feel safe again. It was as if the birds were telling me "it's ok, you got this, as long as you have us you have everything." I soon told myself I didn't need to walk, I embraced the idea of using a wheelchair and being pushed around in nature anywhere a paved trail may be. As long as I could sustain myself on the physicians elemental diet formula I was drinking, I told myself I was ok with that too, as long as I had the love of my family I was happy, as long as I had the birds every day I'd be absolutely fine. It wasn't long before I started taking short walks in the park behind my house, first 10 minutes, then 15, then 20. Each day I'd listen intently to the calls of the birds I once overlooked, marveling at their resilience and beauty. I really enjoyed photographing them. Slowly I started learning their names and recognizing their calls. 

At that time I'd lived next to Alimagnet Park for 11 years and hardly explored its wonders but in my vulnerable state I was drawn into a strong desire to connect more with nature. This pursuit became a lifeline for my anxious mind. 

In the years following that time I've developed an enduring love for birds. They are stunning creatures that I could listen to for hours but they're also amusing to watch. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, birds are an essential part of natural ecosystems. They help control insect populations, pollinate flowers, disperse seeds, and some even control rodent populations.

For me spring and fall are the most thrilling times of the year in the avian world. Spring is particularly magical because the birds are returning to Minnesota from their wintering grounds, meaning it's a time of renewal. The silence of winter gives way to delightful chirps and songs; nature awakens once more. I eagerly venture outdoors to find and count the ducks I see, keeping an eye out for the return of the robin, and explore the wetlands in search of my favorite, the red-winged black bird. 

As autumn approaches, I find myself drawn to the places where migratory birds pause to rest and refuel on their journey southward. These fleeting gatherings are thrilling, as one day there may be hundreds, maybe even thousands to see, and the next day they may be gone entirely. The diversity of bird species gathering in the same space is astounding.  Swans, ducks, geese, pelicans... all together on the same lake. It's fascinating to witness their flight patterns and the unity within their migratory routes. 

Birds serve as a reminder, that despite life's hardships it is essential to keep moving forward and find joy in the present moment. 

Wild birds navigate a relentless struggle for survival, from the instant an egg is laid until their last breath. Predators lurk at every turn, targeting their eggs, chicks, and adult birds, while diseases such as avian botulism, avian flu, and West Nile virus threaten their well-being. The challenges they face are many; mite infestations in their nests, dehydration, and collisions with man-made structures can all claim their fragile lives. Yet despite these relentless obstacles they continue to sing, travel, and raise their young, teaching us that joy can be found amid adversity. Their tenacity enchants me and encourages a hopeful perspective on life's challenges. 





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DISCOVERING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ACUPUNCTURE: ALL I CAN SAY IS, WOW!

March 2, 2024

My doctor has been an incredible beacon of support throughout my healing journey, guiding me to various specialists who have each played a significant role in my recovery. Every person I've encountered along the way has been exceptionally nice, caring, intelligent, and genuinely helpful. It's clear that if more doctors mirrored the dedication and compassion that my doctor demonstrates, the world would undoubtedly be a much better place. Her commitment to her patients goes beyond the typical, as she truly invests her time and effort into understanding their needs and facilitating their well-being.

One standout professional in my experience has been acupuncturist Hongji Bessler. I genuinely can't rave about her enough; she is nothing short of incredible. The treatments she provides feel almost magical, and I wholeheartedly believe that my progress would not be what it is today without her expertise. Recently, she has incorporated electroacupuncture into my treatments, which involves stimulating the needles with an electrical current. This new approach has significantly alleviated my pain and improved the functionality of my digestive system, making a remarkable difference in my quality of life.

If you've never considered trying electroacupuncture for pain relief, I highly encourage you to look into it. Numerous studies highlight its benefits, showcasing how it can be an effective treatment option. One particularly compelling study discusses the positive outcomes experienced by patients, emphasizing reduction in chronic pain and enhanced overall sense of well-being. Such evidence reinforces the importance of surrounding oneself with a dedicated medical team that truly cares.

Mechanisms of Acupuncture-Electroacupuncture on Persistent Pain



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TO BE GRATEFUL

February 17, 2024

 

Despite my chronic health issues, I am overflowing with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. First and foremost, I cherish the happiness and health of my children. Watching them thrive and enjoy life brings me a profound sense of joy and purpose. Alongside this, I am incredibly thankful for my wonderful husband, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength through my struggles. His kindness and encouragement uplift me daily, reminding me that I am never alone in this journey.

Another reason for my gratitude is our beloved grand-dog, who defied the odds and continues to be a vibrant part of our family following a scare last December. His wagging tail and enthusiasm for our daily walks bring an extra layer of jour to our lives, a reminder of the simple pleasures that can ignite happiness even on tougher days. Additionally, I am thankful for our beautiful home, nestled in a location where nature thrives around us. Every day, we have the privilege of witnessing wildlife in our backyard, which adds an enchanting element to our routine. 

For many years, I turned to journaling during my moments of sadness, pouring my thoughts onto the page whenever life felt overwhelming. Recently, I've made a conscious shift towards embracing a daily gratitude journal. This practice has transformed my perspective, prompting me to pause and reflect on the positives in my life. By intentionally focusing on what's going well, I've noticed a remarkable improvement in my mood. Through this gratitude journey, I am continuously discovering just how rich my life truly is, revealing layers of appreciation that often go unnoticed amidst my health challenges. 

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EXPLORING UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS IN MY JOURNEY TO OVERCOME HEALTH CHALLENGES

February 10, 2024


My life was turned upside down in a single night back in October 2018. I went from navigating the typical health challenges that accompany the approach of 50, such as occasional fatigue and aches, to a frantic struggle of survival. It began as an innocuous set of symptoms, but soon spiraled into a whirlwind of medical appointments and consultations - multiple doctors from various specialties scrutinizing my condition, each offering their own theories but no clear answers. I endured numerous treatments for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a trip to the Mayo Clinic seeking hope and clarity, and even kidney surgery that was both necessary and daunting. After countless diagnoses and misdiagnosis, I found myself entrenched in a battle that seemed unending.

As time marches on, one of the most profound shifts I have experienced is in my mental health. The toll of chronic illness is not limited to physical suffering; it seeps into every aspect of life, often leaving a shadow over the flickers of joy I once knew. I'm tired...really tired. The optimism that once buoyed my spirit has slowly withered away, replaced by a sense of fatigue that feels both profound and unrelenting. I've lost the believe in my future filled with ease and comfort, and in its place, doubt looms large. yet, despite the heaviness of it all, I persist. This relentless drive to keep going is woven into my very being; it is what I do. Each day I wake up and take another step, however small, in this ongoing battle for my well-being and that persistence has now lead me to try the hyperbaric chamber.
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