Progress

December was enlightening.

I finally secured a doctor, I had my first appointment, I also had my first appointment with a naturopath. I learned I had a gluten allergy. And a dairy allergy. And I started drastically changing my life and my pantry.

We've been a month gluten and dairy free and both members of this household are feeling healthier and lighter...AND I am feeling vindicated in this whole, knowing your body, knowing and truly understanding that something bigger is wrong with you. Cause I was starting to feel like I was crazy for thinking something wasn't quite right. It's bit of a revolution in my personal psyche, that I need to manage my health care and fight to get the answers that I know aren't far from reach...if only you keep on searching, and learning and advocating for yourself.

I am astounded at how much more energy I have, my friends are thrilled that I don't fall asleep on the couch at 9:30 pm when they're over visiting. I don't wake up groggy and headachey. I feel like a human being again.

Now to tackle the joint issues. But in all honesty, without the allergy zapping all my energy and pulling me down, I'm better able to pinpoint the pain in my hips and shoulders and I imagine this will help with a diagnosis.

I've lost three pounds over the last couple of weeks alone and I am now officially down past the five pound mark. So a new picture say you?!?

I don't know if there's anything markedly different but I am officially over ten pounds down from the number that terrified me in September. And all it took was learning more about me...

...photo credit, Christy DeKoning (thanks for the patience...and making me laugh)
...cardigan, Joe Fresh - tank top, H&M, jeans, Gap (run - don't walk, buy these jeggings - comfy, real buttons and pockets, exceptionally thick, keep their shape especially well) - shoes, Nine West purchased at Luxe in Chatham, ON