I haven’t spoken about my chronic illness called Scleroderma here, but I should, after all, the blog deals with my everyday life and scleroderma is part of it now. I was diagnosed in November 09′ and it has been an interesting seven months. Aside from the fact that it has affected my lungs, joints, skin and has the potential to affect my other internal organs I am very lucky that I was diagnosed early. Actually, it has turned my life around. Since the culprit is my immune system I take a medication that supresses it and I also have pulmonary hypertension caused by the sclero so I take a med for that too. Other than that, I take less drugs than most people.
What I have found, is a new way of looking at what I eat, how I feel and what I do about those things. I’ve always been a believer in alternative medicine, therefore, it was the first place I looked for answers. The mind, body and soul connection, as I refer to it, held all the answer’s for me. I have been slowly transitioning into a plant based diet at least 30% of the time right now. To do this I needed some guidance and I found a women who has been doing this for twenty or more years and holds classes in her home. What I need are enzymes to protect my liver and kidneys that are filtering the meds I am hoping to protect my other organs and intestines. I received a Vita mixer for mother’s day, something I wanted because it is a strong blender that turns fruits and veggies into delicious drinks, and because they are raw, I get all the plant based enzymes directly from the plants.I feel really good, and feel I should share some of what I learn along the way, right here. I will start a new category called “Raw foods and Scleroderma”.
Here are some pictures of my visit at the Turquoise Barn with Michelle, her website is www.turquoisebarn.com
Turquoise Barn
Her home and classroom
Michelle preparing a meal
Zucchini pasta, sauce and salad
In the meantime, our bird Garfunkel ( his brother’s name was Simon) got a new cage. He loves it!
Garfunkel's new home
A new view too!
I have saved the best for last! some cutie pictures of Jacob…
Hanging out and cooling off
cute! mickey mouse diapers
Blessings on you in your new lifestyle sweetie. And as for Jacob, can that sweet boy be so big already?? Ah, now I know I am getting old, because I sound just like my Grandma. Of COURSE he is growing like a weed, just as he should.
I’ve never heard of Scleroderma before now so I did a little research and I’m so glad to hear you have turned to a plant-based and healthy eating plan to help in dealing with it. Our immune system can certainly cause severe havoc when it starts to play up but the healthier we can be, the better chance we have in dealing with chronic conditions. My Mum suffers with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is treated with cancer drugs to help suppress it….Mum tried a few of these but they started to affect her liver so she had to stop taking them. Now she uses cortisone treatment to help with the inflammation and pain but cortisone effects the bones in a negative way causing osteoporois so Mum has to take a lot of calcium to help with that too.
I used to have a yellow Latino cockatiel……..they make such wonderful pets. I hope Garfunkel enjoys his new cage.
My, little Jacob is growing and what a cutie he is!
Serena, I too never heard of this disease before I was diagnosed. Most doctors miss it as well, which means more serious problems occur from it being overlooked. I was lucky, my rheumatologist caught it, my GP had no clue.
Tell your mom to check out the inspire.com group, they cover almost every illness including RA, make friends plus get a lot of information.
Thank you for your well wishes.
Thank you Judi for your Blessings, I could use them. Yes, our Jocob is growing fast. I’m really looking forward to watching him grow as he begins to crawl and walk. I love being a grandma!
Hugs to all,
Carol