What a Difference A Year Makes

Just this past week I heard the words, "Your blood work looks great!"  That was not the case one year ago when I began my journey with functional medicine.  It is hard to believe that it has been almost exactly one year since I sat in this stranger's office, in tears, wondering if I was every going to feel better, if I was ever going to make it through the day without being overcome by fear, anxiety, constant darkness, physical pain, and an adrenal system that was going crazy! 

I remember that day, as if it were yesterday.  I sat in the chair and just sobbed as he tried to make sense of all that was going on in my body, all the the prescription medicines that I had tried with little to no success.  For months I had been wondering why I was getting worse and not better - my family doctor was wondering the same thing, so we both agreed it was time to take the plunge and try another avenue which led me to Dr. Shannon Smith at Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center in Mechanicsburg. 

As I sat there in tears, I remember Joel saying, "this is not my wife.... she is not a crier, I am the crier of the family."  I said that was true, though I am not sure he believed us at the time.  My first visit he said, we are going to try to bubble wrap you and at least calm some things down while we figure out what is going on.  So he prescribed several supplements and a blood draw with 15 vials of blood as well as a food allergy test. 

The results came back, and my blood work was anything but good!  I had a Co-infection in my body that was going nuts - my numbers were both over 4.5 (they are to be less than 1.0).  My adrenal system was stuck in fight or flight and my body was filled with histamines that were causing my brain to not work properly.  On top of that my food reactions were off the charts! 

With the results in hand, Dr. Shannon began adjusting my supplements, adding and taking away as he looked at my tests and blood work.  He would check in with me weekly and adjust as necessary.  Within one week of his adjusting my supplements and taking me off most of my meds - I woke up one day without panic, without fear, and without tears... it was a strange but welcomed change!  That was my turning point. 

Though I was hoping that it would only take a month or two to recover, instead of a year, I am thankful for this journey.  It has taught me so much about myself, my God, my family, my friends and my health. 

For myself, I have learned that it is okay to ask for help.  I have learned that I can't be all things to all people and that is okay.  I learned to cherish the good days, and trust that God has a purpose for the hard days.

As for God, I have learned that he will never leave me nor forsake me.  In my darkest of days, when all I could do was cry why, He was there!  He held me in his loving arms, even when all I felt was numbness.  He gave me truth through his word even when I didn't have ears to hear it.  He was and still is faithful! 

My family was my constant!  Though I struggled to do much during that time and leaving the house was sometimes overwhelming for me (I literally struggled to be in the car as my anxieties went through the roof).  Joel was on call all the time.  He couldn't fix it which I think was the worst thing for him, but on a daily basis he would come home from church to sit with me, he would hold me until I fell asleep.  My daughter, she watched me struggle - she asked me often if I was dying.... that was devastating for me as I thought maybe I was. 

My friends showed up to "babysit" me, to pray for me, to make meals for me, to just sit with me when I had nothing to offer but tears.  I had friends that planted my gardens, my flowerbeds and even came and weeded for hours.  I am so blessed by my friends and I am so blessed that I have the ability to enjoy doing my garden this year.

Lastly, this journey to a healthier me has been a long and hard journey, but one I would not trade for the world.  It has been hard to change my diet completely!  It has been challenging financially (our insurance does not cover any of my appointments, supplements, or treatments).  It has been challenging emotionally wondering if these changes will be the "new normal" for me.  I have cried at my share of events and restaurants when nothing on the menu is approved for me to eat without cheating.  I have cried when I have watched other enjoy something that I can't have..... but on the flip side I have celebrated a year of better health!  A year of transformation!  A year of being down 50 pounds!  And a year of hard work to be close to saying my autoimmune disease - Multiple Sclerosis is nearing remission!  I can now begin exercising!  I can garden for hours and not feel like I have been hit by a car after 5 minutes.  I was able to go to Disney with my family, a trip we had promised Ella when she turned 8, but a trip I was sure we would not be able to take because I was so sick (side note:  Disney does an amazing job catering to dietary restrictions!)

So today - I will celebrate, because God has blessed me beyond what I deserve, and he has given me fresh hope, a sense of peace and accomplishment, and he has given me a reminder that you can't have your destiny with our your history!   My story is messy and hard at times, but it is my story with God's strength, power, and grace written all over it. 

Before my journey 

After losing 50 pounds :) 

For Better or Worse

This morning as I struggled to get out of bed, I noticed the smell of something cooking in the kitchen along with the rumble of the Ninja (which is out smoothie machine).... as I stubbled to the kitchen after my shower I found my husband busy in the kitchen cooking chicken and making my daily smoothie will with my newly approved foods.  But the chicken had me stumped.... so I asked what is that for?  His reply.... I knew you would need something you could eat for lunch today so I thought I would make you some chicken!  You see we have some great leftovers in the fridge but leftovers from more than a day contain histamines and I can't have histamines.  So packing approved lunches has been a struggle, going out to eat has been a struggle, having energy to cook has been a struggle.... but my dear husband has recognized how challenging things are.... he recognizes the moments in the day that cause stress or cause me to feel flustered and he steps in..... as has Ella (but I will save that for another post)

My family has sacrificed a lot over the past months and they have picked up my slack.  They have done extra chores, cleaning, laundry, planting, watering.... but the best part of what they have done is they have rested with me.  They have snuggled on the couch after a long day when I have no energy left and we watch Tiny Houses and talk about whether or not we could live in one... Ella is sure that we could... and then I remind her that she would have to get rid of ALOT of her toys and dolls.... then she quickly changes her mind. 

I know on our wedding day, we didn't say the traditional vows, but on our wedding day - I know we promised each other to be partners in life, whatever life brings.  My husband has done that - in more ways that I can count.  I don't know how long this will continue, but one thing I can be sure of is that I have a man who will walk through it with me, and when I feel hopeless or I feel alone, I am reminded that God is near because he has used my husband daily to show me just that.

I know Joel's love language is not words of affirmation, but to me part of my daily reminders is to find things to be thankful for in the midst of feeling crappy - and today I am reminded how thankful I am for my Husband especially!!!!  Joel Wade Snyder - thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in my life!  I love you to infinity and beyond..... plus one!

"A Cord of three strands it not easily broken" Ecc. 4:12

Day 20 - Elfina's Advent Adventure

Today is cookie baking day!  And Ella and Elfina got to help put it all together.... Ella did really well cracking the eggs all by herself and using the hand mixer for the first time (that made me a little nervous, as I pictured everything flying all over the kitchen).  We were also excited that Mim showed up unexpectedly and we could start sharing the cookies that we made.  

Day #20

Let’s put on an apron and make a mess

Making cookies together will be our success

We will make them for friends, neighbors and such

A few we will eat, but not very much

Enjoy the time in the kitchen with mom

Perfecting the recipe, it will be the bomb

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 31:31 

Love our Monster Cookies

Day 19 - Elfina's Advent Adventure

Today is a helpful Elf day.... today is all about helping out the people you love.... so why not start with Mom and Dad.... Ella's job today (with the "help" of Elfina) is to do three jobs around the house to be helpful.... she was also encouraged to help her Mim today but she slept in so she didn't get to find the Elf before going to Mim's house this morning.

Day #19

Today your job is to be a helper elf

Just like me, but really yourself

I need you to join me to do three jobs today

The jobs are your choice, but your mom and dad have a say

Also it would be nice if you help Mim as well

She loves you and your help would be swell

Verse of the Day: Matthew 19:19 

Though this day didn't go exactly as planned.... Ella was helpful and did so some things to help around the house... and she even helped our neighbor put salt on his driveway.  I also didn't get any pictures.  

Day 18 - Elfina's Advent Adventure

Today's Advent Adventure involved singing at a fundraising Coffee House.  Though it didn't go exactly as I would have planned.... it was pure Ella fashion.... we didn't get to have Elfina on the stage but she enjoyed the show.

Day #18

Let’s take the stage, and sing a song

Maybe we can even ask Mommy to sing along

Please don’t forget to take me tomorrow night

I want to meet your friends and I’ll be a sight

They won’t forget me, but better yet

We hope they remember Jesus who you have met

In your heart, he lives

So tonight let’s sing about the love He gives

Verse of the Day: Psalm 100

Ella and her friend Kaylee

Day 14 & 15 - Elfina's Advent Adventures

This was Ella's entrepreneur day.... in the summer and fall - Ella has a Veggie stand so she decided she wanted to make pretzels to give as gifts and sell at Cruisers.  She enjoyed our pretzel making event.  

Day #14

I have been practicing the spelling of your name

Decorating the counter was such a fun game

Today you can do a project with your mom

You can make chocolate covered pretzels that will be the bomb!

Quality time with your mom making snacks

Is good for the heart, and that is a fact.

So have fun making treats, and don’t make too big of a mess

I am sure they will look great, and be a success

Verse of the Day: Prov. 1:8

Today was mommy/daughter day.  We spent the day together, shopping not only for the gifts that I needed but also for Ella to learn the importance of giving.  So she was given money to get something for a friend as well as herself.  

Day #15

For today’s adventure we must leave for the car

No worries Ella we won’t be going too far

Let’s head to Selinsgrove, to have a girl’s day

I even have this gift card, for you to pay.

But don’t spend too much just on yourself,

Also buy a gift for a friend and share your wealth.

Verse of the Day: Prov. 17:17

Though I am pretty tired from being gone all day - it was a nice day of shopping and Ella did well looking and chosing gifts.  Now if we could just get through this I want everything stage :)  

Day 12 & 13 - Elfina's Advent Adventures

Since this was Joel's week off and our Anniversary we were on the road a little more than usual.  We left on Monday and headed to Lancaster for an overnight.  We knew it would be dark on our trip so looking for lights would be a fun highlight of our trip.  

Day #12

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

I love that song, and I love lights!

They shine so brightly, especially at night

I loved using lights to decorate this home

So let’s take a light tour tonight, to many places we’ll roam

As you drive tonight be sure to pick a favorite place

Whose lights bring you joy and a put a smile on your face

Verse of the Day: John 8:12

Taking pictures by request while riding in the car

This house had music with it.  

Day 13 - was a fun day for all of us.... as we celebrated out 8th Anniversary as a family by going to see Samson at Sight and Sound.  It was a bonus as well that we got tickets for half price.  Ella was so excited and did a great job!  She really wants to meet Samson but she was sad that he is dead... then she said, well I guess I will have to meet him in heaven.  

Day #13

Samson was a mighty man, whose strength was in his hair

I don’t really have much hair, but our strength you can compare

Okay actually I am not really that strong

But with today’s adventure, you won’t be wrong

Today we will go to a place called Sight and Sound

To see your first official Musical, I am sure it will astound

Verse of the Day: Judges 13:5

Ella made a friend within the first few minutes of walking in the door  

Lunch at Hershey Farms

Day 10 & 11 - Elfina's Advent Adventure

These two days were spent in DuBois Pa.  We spent some time at a hotel (thanks to Mandy!) And enjoyed meeting new family as well as time celebrated Christmas with some family members.  Ella had a sleepover at Nana's house and enjoyed Cousin day with Easton.  I didn't get lots of pictures, but here is an Elf picture of the set up - they enjoyed lots of fun activities together. 

Day #10

It’s Cousin Day – Let’s have some fun

We will laugh and sing and even run

Around the house, we’ll make some noise

We eat, hide out and play with toys

I have a few things to add to the joy

So open me up, and together enjoy!

Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 4:9

Day 11 - thankfully - the weather did work out as it was predicted because I had to plan everything ahead of time for the whole weekend... and it snowed as planned and Ella loved it!  

Day #11

Good morning Sunshine, Go and look to the sky

Will it be snowing, can you see it with your eyes?

If it is snowing I think you should go out

And throw a few snowballs, and give a big shout

If angels are possible, I would make one I would

Because playing in the snow is something you should

Do when it’s winter, it doesn’t snow much

So enjoy it and remember the meaning is such

Jesus died to help us to know

He washes our sins as white as snow

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 1:18

This was also a great opportunity to talk about the fact that Jesus washes our sins are white as snow!  What a great promise!  

Making Snowmen as we drive home.

Elfina's snow angel 

Snowball fight! 

Day 8 - 9 of Elfina's Advent Adventures

Sorry I haven't been great about the blogging lately.... we were away and I have been tired in the evening.  I will try to do two days at a time to catch up on my blogs.

On Day 8 - It was Daddy Daughter Day and one thing that Ella loves to do is be creative and make up songs and make videos.  She is very random as you will see.  But I think you will enjoy her video of the day.

 Day #8

Today is Daddy Daughter Day

We are off for an adventure we are off and away

While Mommy is working we will have some fun

Today we will make some videos of the things we have done.

Don’t forget to take me along

I want to be in all the videos and also your songs

 So put on your creative thinking cap

We are off to great adventures, be sure you take your map

Verse of the Day: Psalm 96:1

Day 9 - Was all about giving to others.  Ella loves stuffed animals and dolls and she finds it challenging to buy them and give them away when she really wants to keep them.... however this year we only got a few minutes of you can't keep it, which was an improvement from last year... which was a lot of tears!  Anyway - cool story - we weren't able to find a donation bin the day we got the gifts so we saw one at our hotel... and little did we know but we also earned some free hotel points for donating the gifts. 

  

 Day #9

You have been blessed with many toys and things

People who love you, these are the things they bring

But many kids around these towns

Don’t have many toys and that brings a frown

I think it would be fun to go shopping today

For a boy or a girl, who’s name we can’t say

We will find a box that is collecting the toys

For a special little child, a girl or a boy

Verse of the Day: Matthew 25:40

So proud of her for not crying this year when I told her she couldn't keep it.  

A Stocking for Kit - Ella & Elfina's Adventures Day 7

Today's Adventures had Ella and Elfina making a stocking for Kit (Ella's American Girl Doll).  Last year during Advent we made a stocking for Lucy (Ella's other doll) so we thought it would be fun to make one for Kit as well.  So Ella found Elfina in the closet with my stash of felt thrown all over the closet.  Kit and Lucy were right there as well watching Elfina make a mess.  Here was her note this morning....

Day #7

I am glad that you found me

I am not trying to hide

I was looking for some fabric

To help out a friend of mine. 

You see Lucy has a stocking from last year,

But Kit wasn’t around so let’s make one my dear.

I need some help because I am not good at sewing

But together we can work and figure out what we are doing

Verse of the Day: Ephesians 2:10 

In addition to making the stocking for Kit - we also spent some time talking about what it means to be God's creation and his workmanship.  It was a fun day of crafting together.