My Story of Determination to Overcome Poor Health
August 31st, 2009
My experiences with poor health and overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome have significantly influenced my philosophy on health and life in general. Much of what I write about is based on these experiences, and as such, I’d like to share with you the story of my most meaningful accomplishment in hopes that it will help inspire you to take better care of yourself.
From Bad to Worse
As a child, I was often sick and frequently suffered from stomach pain and headaches. It certainly didn’t help that I ate a lot of processed foods and was frequently exposed to second hand cigarette smoke. Although I thankfully didn’t have any significant problems to speak of, I began adulthood with a predisposition for poor health.
College life certainly didn’t help matters. My diet continued to be just as poor as it had always been, my sleep schedule became much more irregular, and like most college students, I was having more than just a few drinks on weekends. As I became more and more fatigued, I began to question if something was wrong, but having never experienced vibrant health, I didn’t know what I was missing and accepted the fatigue as normal.
Despite living a healthier and more regimented lifestyle after college, I was still pushing through life more so than enjoying it. Getting out of bed was a major ordeal nearly every morning, and after a typical workday, it seemed like a tremendous effort just to drive myself home. On one such drive home, I vividly remember being so fed up with my exhaustion that I was on the verge of deep depression. After questioning why the basic activities of life seemed to be so difficult, I berated myself for being weak and concluded that if everyone else can deal with it, I can too. As time passed, I found myself fighting these emotions more frequently. I’d sometimes be too tired to even care and would surrender to the depression until it ran its natural course. Other times, it made me so angry and frustrated that I could have punched a hole in a wall.
What Finally Pushed Me Over the Edge
Despite my frequent exhaustion, I still forced myself to exercise and play sports as often as I could manage. Although these were some of my favorite activities which helped to keep me sane, forcing myself to be physically active when I didn’t have the energy undoubtedly made everything worse. I frequently experienced what is commonly referred to as an exercise hangover which intensified many of my symptoms and left me even more tired than normal for a number of days, sometimes longer.
One of my most annoying symptoms was the shakiness, weakness, and lack of coordination that you’d normally experience after an intense confrontation. I was experiencing this sensation on a regular basis, especially while playing tennis, and it was very frustrating. Although it seems kind of strange in retrospect, of all the things that were bothering me, this is the one symptom that I finally complained to my doctor about. She sent me to have a glucose tolerance test which assesses the body’s response to sugar intake, and according to the test results, my blood sugar dropped severely. This meant I was very susceptible to hypoglycemia. Despite the hope this gave me for improvement, I would eventually learn that it was just a small part of the overall problem.
My Life Changing Revelation
After receiving my test results, I immediately purchased several books about hypoglycemia and began reading. I was a bit shocked when I read the long list of symptoms which included fatigue, anxiety, irritability, depression, headaches, muscle aches, mental fogginess, dizziness, difficulty speaking, poor memory, irregular heartbeat, increased sensitivity to sunlight, increased perspiration, intense hunger, and of course, the shakiness and weakness that I had originally complained about.
I had to stop reading for a moment due to my astonishment. I had experienced every single one of the symptoms listed above, many of them on a regular basis for a number of years, and couldn’t believe that they all could be caused by the same problem. More importantly, I had the sudden realization that the state of health and quality of life I’d been living with for so long was anything but normal.
At this very moment, it was as if the dark clouds of a stormy day had immediately lifted. I suddenly recognized an incredible potential for a much better life.
My Disappointment with Conventional Medicine
The nurse who called to inform me of my test results did so in a surprisingly apathetic manner. She said I could be referred to a dietitian if I wished and that was it. No explanation or recommendations from her or the doctor. If I wished? If I wished? Of course I wanted to see a dietitian! At the time, it was my only alternative to doing nothing and continuing to suffer.
By the time my appointment with the dietitian approached, I had already read several books about hypoglycemia and had already adjusted my diet to eliminate sugar and restrict carbohydrates. The knowledge I had gained from the books turned out to be more useful than my time with the dietitian. After several months of not making much progress, she agreed that there must have been more to my situation than just hypoglycemia.
Based on the reading I’d been doing, I suspected some kind of hormone imbalance and had read that hypoglycemia is a symptom of another condition called adrenal fatigue. Unfortunately, few doctors are even aware of adrenal fatigue, and the ones who are tend to disregard its legitimacy. As such, I went back to my doctor expecting a difficult discussion and she reluctantly sent me to an endocrinologist. Despite questionable test results indicating the possibility of hypothyroidism, which can result from adrenal fatigue, the endocrinologist insisted that my hormone levels were fine and that there was nothing she could do for me.
More Money, More Problems
The stress of having to wait long periods of time for appointments with people who weren’t helping was beginning to overwhelm me. I knew I needed professional help, but I couldn’t find it and was running out of options. I eventually found a center that specialized in fatigue and chronic illness. Despite the 3 hour drive to get there and my insurance company’s refusal to pay for the visit, I decided to go anyway. After dozens of tests which indicated a number of hormone imbalances including adrenal fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and viral infections, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Because I had been bitten by a tick in a highly endemic area, they suspected Lyme disease as the primary problem.
I had followed the treatment prescribed by this center for nearly a year, and during this time, I was continuing to educate myself on how to support my recovery through healthier lifestyle habits. I was impressed by the center’s thorough testing and advanced knowledge of chronic illness, but was beginning to question their treatment approach. Although they described their approach as natural and holistic with minimal use of drugs, they were neglecting a number of important lifestyle factors and I was also displeased with the large number of supplements and prescription medications I was taking. Throughout most of the treatment, I was taking more than 60 pills every day, and it seemed that each time I discussed one of my symptoms with the doctor in hopes that it would shed some light on the cause of my problems, I would be given a new prescription.
By the time a full year had passed, I had made some notable improvements, mostly as a result of my lifestyle changes, but overall, wasn’t feeling much better than when I had started. I was frustrated by my lack of progress and had a strong suspicion that I was heading down the wrong path. Inspired by the knowledge and confidence I gained through my own research, and more notably, my frustration with the medical community, I decided to discontinue the treatment and rebuild my health on my own. Unfortunately, I incurred almost $20,000 of debt to get to this point and had little to show for it.
The Importance of Good Digestive Health
I firmly believe that the digestive system is the foundation of optimal health. After oxygen and water, food is the most essential requirement for survival. Every one of the trillions of cells that we’re made of depends on the nutrients that are assimilated through the digestive system. Furthermore, our digestive system is our first and most important line of defense against ingested germs and toxins. As the health of the digestive system declines, we become more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, infections, and food sensitivities, all of which can lead to significant forms of chronic illness.
I eventually discovered that my digestive system was a mess, and by focusing on this, I was able to address my health issues much more effectively than the multitude of doctors and specialists that I had seen in the past. Through the training I pursued after discontinuing my treatment at the fatigue center, I reconfirmed my state of adrenal fatigue and determined that I had 61 different food sensitivities, a chronic infection of H. pylori, and an overgrowth of undesirable intestinal bacteria. Worst of all, and probably as a result of these issues, the immunity of my intestines was completely shut down.
Dedication and Hard Work Changed My Life
I could have very easily accepted hypoglycemia as a lifelong condition and not have done anything more, or I could have viewed myself as a lifelong victim of chronic fatigue syndrome and accepted a permanently compromised quality of life. This is what many people choose to do. Having only one chance to make my life as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible, I was not willing to accept my compromised health as a permanent limitation. I was fully determined, and still am, to achieve the best health and highest level of wellness possible.
Deciding to discontinue the intensive treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As a result of my hard work and dedication, I now feel better than ever, have eliminated the majority of my symptoms, and have more energy, physical capacity, and resistance to illness than a large majority of the population. Even though I still have room for improvement, I feel like a new person with a new life and none of this would have been possible without the ambition and determination to find a better way.
What about you? Is there room for improvement in your life? Do you have the determination to pursue it?
Post this on Twitter
Post this on Facebook
Support this on StumbleUpon
Email this to friends
Leave a comment
Good article, but I’d sure like to know how you tested for “a chronic infection of H. pylori, and an overgrowth of undesirable intestinal bacteria”.
There is something missing in my quest for relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and I need to go the next level down.
Thanks,
Jon
Hi! Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds a lot like mine, eerily so. My question to you is how did you fix your digestive system, how did you determine your food sensitivities and how did you turn this all around once you went on your own. That’s where I am now…
Thanks!
Vin, I have fought fatigue for most of my life as well. I feel better than I have in over 20 years right now from simply 1) dropping all my prescriptions and 2) Eating a healthy diet. I’ve recently added exercise but I haven’t progressed far enough on that to make much difference yet. I agree on the intestinal health issue. I think paying attention to that has made as much of a difference as anything. Of course sugar is one of the worst things you can do for your gut.
Vin, I wrote you a few months ago about training for a marathon. I was having a difficult time with my energy level and my diet. You suggested a book- The Garden of Eating. Since then I have discovered Mark’s Daily Apple. Both have helped tremendously. Alot of the symptoms you mention really hit home. I am feeling so much better and it is due to your help. After reading this post there is much more to learn. Thanks so much!
Thank you all for your comments!
Jon – I discovered the intestinal dysbiosis and shut down immune response through BioHealth Diagnostic’s mucosal barrier test, and the H. Pylori through their stool test which is also used to detect parasite infections (a common problem for people with chronic health issues).
Something simple and inexpensive that you can try to relive your IBS is to strictly eliminate grain and dairy from your diet for a month. If it helps, you at least have part of your answer. If you’d like to have testing done, send me an email through the contact form and I’ll recommend some people who you can talk to.
Dawn – I determined my food sensitivities through Signet Diagnostic Corporation’s MRT test and allowed my digestive system to recover by avoiding the foods I was reactive to, by completely avoiding all grain and dairy as an added precaution, by eating nutritious whole foods, by minimizing sugar and refined carbohydrates, and by taking probiotics, gelatin, and a few other supplements. I also took a specific supplement to eliminate the H. Pylori infection and supported the entire process with basic healthy lifestyle habits.
Although I can’t say this with 100% certainty, I seem to be quite sensitive to gluten and think that avoiding it played a big role in my recovery. Grains have been a minimal part of my diet for a number of years now, but it took a while before I finally decided to fully eliminate gluten and I think this actually slowed my progress down.
I also supplemented with DHEA and pregnenolone to facilitate recovery from adrenal fatigue which helped my overall recovery as well.
Stephen – Those are all great things you’ve accomplished and I’m sure exercise will help to make you feel even better! Yes, sugar is definitely bad news for intestinal health. Not only does it facilitate the growth of unfriendly bacteria and fungus, but it also suppresses immune activity.
Carla – Yes, I remember that. It’s great to hear that you’re feeling better. Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!
There will always be more to learn. I’ve heard many great people say “the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” Well, the more I learn, the more I realize how true this is!
yes, i do believe there is change form me. i am diabetic and my a1c was running quite high about 10 or 11. i started eating less, excersing more, and putting more insulin, as of now i have my a1c down to a 7.8 and now im starting to count my carbs for breakfast and dinner
Hi Penelope, that sounds like solid progress! Keep up the good work and stay away from those sugary and refined foods.
A lot of possibilities for improving my life. It helps taking each possibility calmly. I’m exercising the calm/proactive approach and so far so good. The seek first to understand (accepting), is really working to curb unnecessary stress.
Gone are the times I was hesitant (neurotic perfectionism) and keep beating myself up for the small things, just because I expect myself to be smart that I do not really need anyone (I took the smart boy chant from my father very seriously, when I was 7). I realized it has simply created unnecessary disappointments.
In school I feel drowsy when I have nothing to do or did not get enough sleep (I battle sleepiness in class in vain). Upon reaching home, I often feel sleepy in afternoons (it is normal to to take a nap). Sleep is one habit I am calmly approaching.
When I feel drowsy, I think I feel half of the intensity of what you have felt (article paragraphs 4-6). It depends on what food and how much I have eaten.
Hi ægil, thanks for sharing your experience!
I’ve read that our metabolism naturally slows down between the hours of 2 PM to 5 PM which helps to explain why most of us notice a drop in energy during that time. However, a lack of sleep, too much stress, and even what was eaten for lunch can all have a major impact. Despite a naturally slower metabolism, I think many of us are far more tired and mentally impaired during this time period than we should be.
As I’m sure you know, sleep is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve how you feel. And as with anything, it’s great that you’re approaching it calmly.
Thanks for the informative response!
If I did not do anything to curb my last year’s attitude, I would not comment at this site or any at all, in fear of criticism and writing useless words.
But it is different today, I feel my own words inspire me! For me a lot of difference in one year! I’m 100x happier (and counting) today than 2008 [haha]!
Ægil, your comments are anything but useless. They’re very thoughtful and I appreciate you taking the time to share what’s on your mind.
Thank you for posting this. I, too, have suffered in my adult life with chronic illness. My illness du jour was Lyme. Fun stuff, huh?? Anyways, after exhausting many MDs, I found a ND who helped me immensely. I had a similar experience to yours, in that I was spending so much money on supplements. One thing I learned from the ND however, was the importance of avoiding allergens. I tested positive for a ton of them. By doing that, taking a few herbs and just a couple supplements and by following a Paleo-ish/Nourishing Traditions type of diet, also by teaching and practicing yoga, and doing caveman style workouts, I was able to get back to feeling better than I ever did. Even better than when I was a child. Once again, thanks for this post and thanks for your website!
Hi Jamie, thanks for your comment! I still wonder if I actually had or maybe even still have Lyme disease, but I can say with absolute certainty that the treatment is no fun at all. It’s great to hear that you’ve found a successful protocol. So many people with chronic Lyme disease never do. I think your story is similar to mine in regard to the importance of basic lifestyle measures.
Although it sounds like you fully recovered and then some, you might be interested in checking out Dr. Deitrich Klinghardt’s approach to Lyme disease. His perspective is one of the few that I think really makes a lot of sense.
Hello – I also have IBS & was extremely frustrated with the medical community. I was not digesting food properly and went to 4 different doctors over a matter of months, each one telling me I appeared to be a healthy person in her early 30s. Even with many tests, from stool samples to endoscopy, I was incredibly frustrated because I felt terribly! As recently as this year I had an attack where I debated calling an ambulence & sat doubled over and sweating in my cubicle for 2 hours, thinking that surely my intestines must have ruptured. I finally was given a diagnosis by my last gastroenterolotist, who prescribed an anti-spasmodic. The pain went away, but I felt like it didn’t really address the problem. I am also planning to have kids, and I can’t do that taking anti-spasmodics. NONE of the doctors addressed nutrition!
I went to an accupuncturist a few months ago & she referred me to an alkaline diet & also suggested increasing the amount of water I’m drinking to half my body weight. I’m not sure how I feel about the Alkaline diet yet as it seems a bit gimmick-ey, but it is supposed to reduce stomach acid or the production of stomach acid. Interestingly, the don’t's chart she gave me includes (cow) dairy & wheat, along with processed foods. I can say, though, that I am feeling a lot better! I’m hoping at some point it catches on with my body & I am able to start losing the bloat.
Anyway – just wanted to say great write up & add my 2 cents about pursuing my own cure to my IBS.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your experience!
It’s great to hear that you’re feeling better and I hope that you continue to find improvement. Any diet that aims at producing alkalinity has the potential to be problematic since different people have different tendencies toward being acidic or alkaline, and based on this, it’s possible for an alkalizing diet to make you too alkaline. In addition, there are varying opinions on what qualifies a food as acidic or alkaline. Despite all of this, eliminating processed foods is definitely a great start.
Why are you looking to lower stomach acid? You might want to read the article I wrote about Jonathan Wright’s book Why Stomach Acid is Good for You.
hi, I have been diagnosed with lime and h. pylori and this story sounds alot like mine, i was on my way to getting my masters degree suffering with extreme fatigue when i callapsed in my basement. I have not been able to find any answers since i am allergic to antibotics. there are no llmd in kentucky. I have been searching for a year now on the best way to regain my health and my life. I would be so grateful if someone would point me in the right direction.
Hi Heather, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such a tough time. I just sent you an email with a few suggestions. Hang in there and stay positive! I just sent you an email with a few suggested resources.
Vin – thanks for sharing your story! I haven’t been blogging for some weeks due to our school schedule, so I’ve missed out on many of your articles and am now attempting to catch up. I think so many people have these same complaints, just like you and I, and it’s my hope that many people will see this story and the one I have on my site…to give them some hope and some answers to problems they’ve been experiencing but have never been able to overcome. It’s really sad that so many people suffer needlessly, all because of a system that is designed to delve out medications and perform unnecessary medical procedures instead of giving people solid advice about real food and lifestyle choices. If anyone can benefit from this type of information, I’m truly thankful!
Hi Raine, thanks for your comment!
In a way, people like you and I are fortunate to have experienced poor health at a relatively young age because it forced us to recognize the flaws in the system and save our own health. In contrast, most people don’t recognize significant problems with their health until much later in life, and by that point, they unfortunately attribute it to old age most of the time.
I too am hopeful that more people will benefit from stories like this.
Hi Vin,
Thank you for sharing your story. I resonate with so many of your experiences. I have struggled with chronic ezcema most of my life and I went down very similar paths on my way to recovery. I now consider it a gift because I have learned things I never would have known or thought about. As a mother of four, this awareness is probably saving their lives. I am also happy to say that my ezcema is nearly non-existent. My cure? Lifestyle. Healthy food (whole, organic, increasingly lower carb thanks to my husband’s discovery of the paleo diet and the research related to sat fats and cellular health), exercise (I’ll share more on this with you at a later point but I have been doing an intense yoga/pilates for 7 years and the slow burn weight bearing method seems to be very effective and the stretching makes me the envy of 20 year olds in the classes) and mindful/spiritual practices. I have also learned alot about energy matrices and how to heal on many levels. The combination of these and other practices has really made a difference. I really appreciate meeting (even virtually) others who are actively exploring and finding success with these cutting edge concepts and practices. Traditional allopathic “medicine” does not work, as you and I have discovered. The good news is that we can share our personal experiences to help others avoid unnecessary struggles and dead ends with that limited and potentially deadly model.
Keep it up and I look forward to reading more and more!!
xo
Hi Elle, thank you for your comment!
I’m happy to hear that you were able to overcome your eczema and improve your health! Like you, I consider what I went through to be a gift because it forced me to learn how to take better care of myself. The knowledge that I gained has undoubtedly given me the ability to live a better life.
It’s great that you’re applying what you’ve learned to your children. Hopefully they’ll be able to appreciate the importance of a healthy lifestyle without having to learn the hard way like we did.
I too enjoy meeting people who appreciate natural health and am happy that you found my site!