So very thankful for my Mom that stayed in bed for six months while she was pregnant with me or she would have lost me. Goodness, six months is a long time. She must have loved me just a little bit before she even knew me. And I had the honor of taking care of her the last year of her life before she passed from breast cancer.
Being a preemie baby though has had long-lasting effects on my life. I will not attempt to the list the number of environmental, food, and medicines that I am allergic to. Thank goodness a lot of the allergies did not surface until around the good age of 40. My medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, etc., etc all helped me to realize my Celiac Disease, IBS problems, food & environmental intolerances.
When growing up in the 1960’s & 70’s, we really didn’t hear about autoimmune diseases and how to help ourselves. Still for me there is not a complete diagnosis to the chronic pain (arthritis), inflammation and malaise, etc. that I get to try to moderate on a daily basis. I’m sure for anyone else that deals with this daily, it is a mindful act of what to do, eat, and think all the time. Very frustrating for a lot of us out there. At least with age comes wisdom and learning what to do and what triggers your flare ups. Now, if I would abide by that wisdom and not eat a lot of sugar and grains then my flare-ups would be less-flammable so to speak.
If you ever hear a doctor or anyone tell you, “Goodness, what can you eat?” or they look at you when you tell them your problems and they give you the feeling of disbelief or being an irritant…. please don’t give up on yourself. There are doctors out there that will listen and the knowledge of autoimmune disorders is growing. There is always hope and exercise/movement, wise food choices, positive thoughts, prayer/meditation are all things that will make life easier and more fulfilling. If I can help in any way, please let me know. I had found techniques and tools of the trade that help decrease the pain and bring more joy.
I am happy for this life, Mom, and I hope to be able to help others that are in similar situations. Aging brings changes, challenges, and choices. Cheers to knowledge & exercising wisdom.
Does anyone else have to deal with autoimmune or allergy problems? Maybe even vent about aging… pros and cons!
