I wanted to be a mom my whole life. As a little girl, my most precious toys were my dolls. I knew how to sling a baby on my hip before any of my friends, and it wasn’t because I had younger siblings. I was the youngest in our family. My desire to be around children meant that I volunteered in the church nursery in elementary school, and then naturally, babysitting was my first job.
Unfortunately, I suffered from endometriosis, which is quite painful and resulted in many hospital stays and laparoscopic surgeries. In my mid-twenties, after having another cyst lasered off, my doctor said my uterus looked like someone who had already had five kids with the amount of scar tissue from cysts. I got a second opinion; the same story. Both doctors said my chance of having kids was slim. I was heartbroken.
“During a woman’s regular menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up and is shed if she does not become pregnant. Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down just as the endometrium does, resulting in small bleeding inside of the pelvis. This leads to inflammation, swelling and scarring of the normal tissue surrounding the endometriosis implants. When the ovary is involved, blood can become embedded in the normal ovarian tissue, forming a “blood blister” surrounded by a fibrous cyst, called an endometrioma.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis
I then found a doctor who talked to me about the effects of stress on the body, my diet, and how food and alcohol can affect my fertility and the chances of having a baby. This doctor was the first medical professional that talked to me about holistic changes and looked at me as a whole person. I immediately altered what I ate, reduced my alcohol consumption, and I started going to talk therapy and taking yoga classes several times a week. As a result, I lost weight, emotionally felt more regulated, and I felt in charge of my health for the first time. And before anticipated, I was pregnant.
This “diet” that the doctor suggested was honestly not anything special or hard to follow. I stopped eating processed foods, which meant no fast food. I increased my vegetable intake, only ate organic, and ate animal protein and carbohydrates appropriate for my body size. I ate food that tasted good and that I liked to eat. It wasn’t rocket science, but it did take planning and preparing. And it also took the determination within me to change my habits.
The food we put into our bodies can cure us and protect us from ailments. But I also believe in medicine. I think the two should go hand in hand. Doctors can and should prescribe medication that will help the person heal, but it’s also essential to make some lifestyle changes. Consulting a health coach to discuss your diet, movement, and habit change should be the next step after working with your medical professional. Beginning a meditation practice to reduce stress and lower blood pressure is always helpful regardless of your diagnosis. Keep in mind that we aren’t cured by simply taking a pill.
For me, my kids are my proof that when faced with uncertainty- nutrition, movement, and letting go of things that cause me stress are my resource. I’d love to help you make a lifestyle change. If you think we would be a good fit for each other, let’s jump on a complimentary call and discuss some small changes you can make in your life to improve your quality of living. I believe you can do it, and I’d like to help you on your journey.
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