Remember that mystical creature, the Push-Me Pull-Me, from Dr. Doolittle's adventures? It tugged and tugged without getting anywhere. That, my friends, is the similar, frustrating feeling I've experienced with post-mastectomy treatments. For months it felt as if my body was being pulled in a variety of directions, and in spite of the movement, there was no progress whatsoever. This constant "tugging" caused me to become weaker with new symptons popping up.
One sympton that appeared shortly after each breast cancer operation was the difficulty in digesting foods. I had no trouble whatsoever in swallowing foods. My stomach didn't ache, but within minues after eating, I felt a "lump" in the "pit of my stomach" followed by vomiting. In 2000 I had a detox treatment plan which eliminated most of the "stuck" feeling. The procedure, colon hydrotherapy, removed much of the toxins from my lower intestines. It washed out the bad floura.
Unfortunately, my 2011 operation was scheduled so quickly that I had little time to prepare for a detox program. Since the local colon care center closed in 2010, I couldn't find another specialist close-by. Two weeks after surgery, the discomfort after eating resurfaced. The detox teas and enzymes were not strong enough to fight whatever "battle" was happening in my intestines/stomach. These episodes of "vomiting" were followed by a sense of weakness (often leaving me feeling dizzy). I use the word "vomiting" loosely ... my food just wouldn't go down. It would come right up shortly after eating.
I made an appointment with my primary care physician. He prescribed high blood pressure meds because of the hypertension that developed. I tried to explain the drastic change in blood pressure was a result of the bouts of vomiting. Sadly, he wouldn't listen. I felt that the symptons from the statins would compound the situation. He also wouldn't listen to my explanation as to why I felt the symptons occurred after each breast cancer surgery. He concluded with, "This just doesn't make sense." He dismissed me, wrote a few prescriptions, and scheduled a follow-up appointment. I felt more frustrated, yet determined, to find the true cause of my high cholesterol, dizziness and inability to digest food.
My alternative treatment doctor concluded there was something systemically wrong. Scar tissue was definitely pressing against the stomach, but there was something else causing the strange condition.
I decided to change primary care physicians. After 3 1/2 months living in pain, I finally "struck gold." My new doctor was able to pin-point the cause of the conditions: I had developed an intestinal virus that had become serious because it was left untreated. She was also concerned about my Vitamin D deficiency, but also wanted me to take blood pressure medication.
I began researching side effects of Vitamin D deficiency. I read that the body needs some cholesterol, and when the body lacks Vitamin D, it will produce more cholesterol. Bingo! I was on to something.
Intuitively, I "knew" to stop taking the cholesterol meds. The combination of lack of Vitamin D plus taking the cholesterol meds created this "pull-me, push-me" battle. I also refused to take blood pressure meds.
So what do I do? I apply a more natural approach to my well-being. I added more high-fiber foods and dandelion tea to my diet, plus exta poritons of mushrooms, spinach, kale and purple potatoes, which are high in Vitamin D. TMypersonalized nutrition plan, exercise program, daily yoga and stress-free lifestyle have been crutial to my total recovery. In the past 30 days I was able to lose 10 pounds (without starving myself). I had my cholesterol rechecked: it is below 200. My blood pressure is 114/62.
Yes, the medical community does serve its purpose, but we also play an important role in our well-being. My suggestion is to really get to know you body. Follow a healthy nutrition plan. Get plenty of rest. Drink sufficient amounts of water daily. Develop an exercise program that works for you. And, if a doctor's diagnosis doesn't sound right to you, get second or third opinion. Most importantly, TRUST YOUR BODY! I did, and it saved my life.
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