Living Healthy With Health Issues

chelseateelyoga
Mar 2, 2020
5 min read

Updated: Mar 3, 2020

Sometimes surrender is the best choice. Sometimes it’s the hardest choice. And, sometimes, surrendering means the most work. This is where I find myself every now and again.

Most of you who know me probably know a little about my medical history. Though this isn’t something I speak on often. And, it’s not something you would be able to tell by looking at me. However, after having a few setbacks in the last year I decided to take a time out and surrender, reevaluate, and open up. I’ve been moved by others stories and solutions, their lifestyle choices, and their work. So, if by speaking on my life experiences helps just one other, it will have been worth it.

I have a few feminine health issues, as well as a kidney disease. * This will contain “graphic” language that relates to menstruation and anatomy.

I have estrogen dominance, crazy heavy periods (loosing more than, usually MUCH more than, 80ml of blood per cycle), occasional ovarian cysts, mild endometriosis (though I have not been properly diagnosed as I passed up on the laparoscopy), and fibrocystic change in both breasts. Fibrocystic change is generally benign lumps on the breasts that can become very painful mid-late cycle, fluctuate in size, itch, and can increase in amount.

I do not take medication, including birth control. I choose to treat my conditions with foods, herbs, supplements, and lifestyle. Generally this has been successful- reducing or removing symptoms and aiding in underlying causes. However, if I “fall off the wagon” I begin to notice changes almost immediately. And in 2019 it was kicking my butt.

My cycle is a great indicator of my diet and lifestyle (the same for all menstruating people, though not always as extreme). If it isn’t up to par, I will know it. My bleed days will last for 7 long days, 5 of which will be HEAVY, accompanied by cramps, large clots, mood swings , backaches, and headaches. Sometimes these symptoms mimic an illness, including nausea, and the blood so heavy and constant that it’s hard to function through daily activities. After months of feeling well, I had found myself back here. AND having located yet another lump in my breasts

Another lump means more doctor visits. More fears, scans , exams, and inevitably more money. While I know that I am blessed to live where I do, and have my basic needs met- I also know that health care here is a mess. I live it. I skip my doctor appointments, cancel dental exams and cleanings, glue my glasses back together, and wait to get lumps checked. All because , even with medical insurance, medical care is not always accessible to a vast majority of Americans. And sometimes, I am one of them. The cost of being sick is so much higher than our health.

I do NOT include this to ask for any sympathy. There are many struggling much more than I. However, we all need to open our eyes. We all need to know what is going on around us, and we all need to be proactive in our own health so that we can be proactive in the health of others.

So, what do I do to care for my menstrual and breast health in a natural (and not insanely expensive) way?

Lots of things. And these things are accessible to everyone! And, in 2020 I am starting over, from the ground up. To improve my health, my wellness, and my quality of life. Some things that I will be doing- and have done in the past or still do currently are:

-Seed Cycling- this is great for all women. Essentially you eat 2 Tbsp of a specific seed or nut every day during your cycle to mimic the hormones you would be producing. This is also applicable for women who have gone through menopause.

-Using reusable menstrual products - my cloth pads and my menstrual cup

-Natural menstrual care- rice heat packs, cbd massage oil and muscle rub for cramps and backache, cbd/3rd eye roller for headaches, teas!, ritual baths, and slowing down

- Remove synthetic and chemical body/bath/cleaning products - we already do this pretty well. But many of these contain chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body

-Eat right for my body- intermittent fasting, detox, journal, and eat foods that work for my specific issues (kidney disease, estrogen dominance, hormone balancing), cut those that don’t.

- More physical movement! Yoga , workouts, etc.

-Add in herbs and supplements where I am lacking.

I have a kidney disease.

That still feels foreign to say.

It is called Medullary Sponge Kidney or #MSK. With this I also have severe nephrocalcinosis . This is a birth defect that, generally, manifests later in life. I began to notice pain during my pregnancies but it wasn’t successfully diagnosed until years later, after ER visits, and many doctors appointments.

In my MSK- my body doesn’t produce the right amount of citrate and excretes too much calcium- this is not able to be healed, just corrected short term through medication. I am supposed to be on two-three medications. However, they have nasty side effects. I have been lucky enough to have found (and am working towards more) natural options!

My MSK manifests as stone formation in the meaty tissue of my kidneys. Therefore, I have not had the many measurable kidney stones that many suffer from with this disease. And I thank God for that. But, a vast majority of my kidneys have been calcified. My kidneys function at just below normal, and I am at high risk for UTIs (and kidney stones). I have pain in both kidneys, I am told that this is caused from the calcification and from small fragments of calcification breaking off , or tiny stones passing. Usually, these days, all side effects are mild or sometimes even non existent! However, without following my protocol extremely closely I quickly run into issues.

MSK caused major pregnancy issues for me and my babies, so much pain, and so much fear BUT it also pushes me to keep growing, to stay healthy, and to be so thankful for all of the health and love that I have!

My MSK protocol-

- Little- no animal products (animal proteins)

-Insanely low sodium

- No soda, very limited carbonated drinks

- LEMON WATER EVERY DAY- to replace citrate levels

-Raw ACV In water every day

-CBD products for pain and kidney health!

-Maintaining health &weight- through diet&exercise- lots of yoga&meditation! Extra weight stresses the bodily systems more

-Eliminate or significantly lower foods that cause stone formation (low ox diet)

- DRINK AN INSANE AMOUNT OF WATER-flush kidneys

Despite everything , I feel very healthy on many of my days. “Normal” even. I am blessed with overall good health, mobility, and a wonderful family to help me along the way.

So many of us aren’t that lucky. I have been inspired by others who speak up about their challenges in life, and who choose to make a change! Health challenges, addiction, lifestyle challenges, education, mental health, weight, and so many other examples of hardships and issues in each of our lives. We all have something. But those who speak it and DO something are my heros. We don’t have to sit back and take it. Make changes, however small they need be to begin.

Just Begin.