It was eight years ago.
I was three months pregnant with our second child.
My mom was visiting and giving me a head rub...which she always does when she visits me (don't you just love mamas).
I was extremely tired and talking to both Kelly and my mom.
I started to not talk correctly. What I was thinking in my head was coming out as something else when I spoke.
My left hand then went numb.
This was followed by a pressure that started in my left hand and then went up my arm.
I was so scared at this point and so was my family.
Kelly immediately took me to the hospital.
By the time we had arrived most of my symptoms had dissipated but I felt exhausted.
The rest of the evening was the doctors talking to me about my symptoms being a stroke or even a tumor.
Here I was three months pregnant and I had a little 1 1/2 year old boy at home and I was trying to stay calm when the doctors talked of tumors.
I then had a CAT scan.
There was no tumor.
This started months of tests to conclude what had happened.
The answer was inconclusive. They finally guessed that it was a TIA....mini stroke.
For the next three years I had a few times of experiencing auras...for me that looks like rippling water over my vision.
Three years after my first trip to the hospital it happened again.
This time is was worse. Same tests and same lack of answers.
Over the years the symptoms continued and also new ones began.
Sometimes these stroke symptoms could happen four times a day and then I wouldn't have anything for a few weeks.
I started to have symmetrical numbness on my face, scalp and even my eyes, nose and tongue.
I have also had a weird sensitivity to too much sound.
My head would feel cloudy and almost as if I were in a dream.
I have had MRIs and almost every test the doctors could think of.
I have been offered medications all along the way and always declined because they didn't really know the reason why all of this was happening.
About three years ago I kind of gave up with the traditional doctors.
I have been to an acupuncturist, chiropractor and naturopath.
I had seen some improvement over the year and then could never find a pattern for why the A typical migraines were happening...that is what the doctors finally said was happening to me.
They told me that because they truly didn't have an answer...and I so desperately needed one.
This has effected so much of my life and how I feel everyday.
About six weeks ago one of my friends (who is also a chiropractor and specializes in nutrition) asked me to give her integrated medicine clinic a try.
I did.
I had the most comprehensive physical of my life. During that exam is when they found the lumps in my breast (which ending up being nothing).
They also did a round of blood tests.
They also ordered another MRI to rule out tumors, lesions or MS......everything was fine with my brain.
Most all of my tests came back fine...in fact wonderful...except a few small things.
My thyroid was barely working and my vitamin D levels were really off. This could have stopped right there with most doctor's offices but it didn't.
My friend (the chiropractor) looked at the results and said, "this makes so much sense".
I had no clue what she was talking about.
She said that hypothyroidism and gluten intolerance go hand in hand. I told her that I don't eat gluten...I don't eat bread, pasta etc because I don't like them and I feel sick (isn't that funny now?). She told me gluten is in everything and let me tell you (now that I am looking) it is.
It was in my gum, spices etc.
She then proceeded to tell me that if I cut out gluten my thyroid would start working again within 3-6 months instead of being on thyroid medicine for the rest of my life.
She also began some in depth blood work regarding allergies.
That first day (four weeks ago) that she told me I could have a gluten allergy I have cut out all gluten in my life.
If I had a chance to feel good...REALLY GOOD...I was starting that day.
I have also gotten back the first round of tests and it has come back that I am allergic mildly to coffee, dairy, flax seed, chocolate and wheat. I am also very allergic to rice.
I have more tests coming and more details will follow.
Eight years and I had never been tested for allergies that could be causing me to have stroke symptoms.
I know more answers are coming but I have not lost my vision or speech since I cut out gluten and dairy.
After the last test came back I have also cut out coffee and I have not had any numbness on my hands or face since that day.
My doctor was amazed that I didn't feel lethargic all of the time because of my thyroid. I know that the only reason I have felt as good as I have all these years is because we eat really well.
I don't eat breads and pastas. We eat only organic fruits and vegetables. We only buy grass fed meats.
We use coconut flour, almond flour and coconut oil to cook.
Most of the things that I needed to do I was already doing...now I am taking it to a new level.
I feel hope for the first time that my head will feel clear and these "A typical migraines" will no longer effect my life.
I know there has to be someone reading that is going through the same thing and is so frustrated because they don't have answers.
I haven't written about this before because I didn't have answers...now I hope I do.
Over the next few weeks I would like to share with you some of the recipes that my whole family loves.
They are gluten, dairy and rice free.
They are also paleo...which just means raw and unprocessed.
Good whole foods that have been around for thousands of years.
I thought I would start off with a really easy one that even Kelly loves.
I also make extra so we have leftovers for lunch.
Chicken Cucumber Salad
1 1/2 pounds organic chicken breasts
1 1/2 cucumbers
1 cup dried organic cranberries
1/2 red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
cumin
cinnamon
celtic sea salt
coconut oil
2 garlic cloves
The first step is to cut the chicken breasts into 1" cubes and cook in 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
I like to add cumin, cinnamon and garlic while it is cooking.
Once the chicken is finished I just put it aside.
Dice up the cucumbers and onion, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and combine the cranberries.
I then generously sprinkle (or dump in our case) cumin and cinnamon in the mixture.
Once everything is tossed I add the chicken and sprinkle with the sea salt.
This salad is sooo good and so good for you.
It is even better the next day because the flavors have mixed perfectly.
This is nothing fancy but it is perfect for lunches and even dinners on a hot summer night.
I will try to have more recipes next week for anyone else that is trying to avoid gluten or just eat better.
For anyone that has made it to the end of this VERY long post...thank you...I just had to share this amazing news with you guys.
*******************************************************
I have been getting a lot of emails today asking for the name of my doctor.
For those in the Denver area you can contact
East West Health Center
Dr. Shamanie Haneca
She specializes in Chiropractic and Functional Medicine
303-694-5757
If you are not in the Denver area go to www.stopchronicdisease.com
This site will help you find a natural doctor in your area that specializes in Functional Medicine.
I hope this helps.
Yay! I'm so glad you are feeling better!! I hope you keep it that way!!
Posted by: Rachel | May 20, 2010 at 01:10 AM
I can only imagine what fear you have had to deal with these past years. I am so happy that there may be an answer finally in sight. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Posted by: Melinda Barrowcliff-Reyes | May 20, 2010 at 01:49 AM
Wow that's quite a story. I too am dealing with health issues, and even though I take medications for my high blood pressure, thankfully I have not experienced the mini-strokes or TIA's that you describe. I *DO* however have an underactive thyroid. My PA took blood tests to check my thyroid activity and it came back significantly below normal. She started me on synthetic thyroid medication, which I could not tolerate. It gave me heart palpitations, anxiety, and panic attacks, so I quit taking it. She will not prescribe Armour thyroid for me (dessicated animal thyroid) so I just suffer feeling like crap most of the time. I never thought about the whole gluten thing... I am going to give that some more thought and re-read your posting so I am clear on what you are saying. It certainly is food for thought... thanks for this timely posting.
Posted by: Anna C. Boyer | May 20, 2010 at 02:17 AM
Jeanne, i am happy for you that you are finally getting some answers...and that you may be symptom free soon...your chicken salad sounds delicious...i look forward to seeing what other recipes you post...i need to start cooking more healthy...
Posted by: Lori | May 20, 2010 at 02:51 AM
I am so glad you are feeling better!!! I hope it keeps working for you. Since I've switched to grassfed my cholesterol has dropped by 26 points!! I think there is so much to be said for eating how we are meant to.
Posted by: jennifer Rizzo | May 20, 2010 at 03:29 AM
I am glad you are finally getting some answers and that you are starting to feel much better.
I would need answers too. I have felt just that way in regards to my families health on many occasions. Often dealing with allergies. Thank goodness my children all out grew them. My husband however still suffers from such things. He has waited 6 months to see an allergist and has had his share of very scary moments, one like you describe. We are also hoping for answers.
Thank you for sharing your story. Allergies seem to be effecting more and more people and your story will help others.
Posted by: staceyyaculastudio | May 20, 2010 at 04:58 AM
So glad you are able to share this...isn't it amazing the effects of food and changing a few things has changed your life!!!? I am glad you will share this because you never know whot this may help! your recipe looks sooo yummy!
Posted by: Martha | May 20, 2010 at 05:16 AM
Wow Jeanne, I will keep you in my prayers. I too suffer from migraines but I am being told it is my age....I'm not convinced. I wish you continued success.
Carla
Posted by: Carla | May 20, 2010 at 05:40 AM
Wow! What a story of staying the course. My little girl stomach always hurts and we kind of get blown off as it her just being a kid. Now I wonder what all she may be allergic to. I should dig deeper with her problems now! Thanks
Posted by: Shelley Overholt | May 20, 2010 at 05:51 AM
I'm glad that you're getting answers at last. I've had to take a long road with health problems too. I really appreciate you sharing your story and recipes. I'm looking forward to more of them.
Posted by: The Tiny Homestead | May 20, 2010 at 05:58 AM
I know we've already talked about this, but I am so thankful you called and told me about the gluten/thyroid connection. I am on a whole new path now...and finally getting some answers! :)
I can't wait to try your salad! Looks like a GREAT lunch! :)
Posted by: Courtney Walsh | May 20, 2010 at 06:56 AM
Oh my, that post brought back some scary memories and put tears in my eyes! I remember the day that you first had your symptoms years ago. So scary. I'm so happy that you have figured things out and can be symptom free! Yippee for your good friends who led your way! Love you!
Posted by: Amy Jo Axe | May 20, 2010 at 07:11 AM
Jeanne, I can hardly believe you have gone through this....as I HAVE as well. ALL the test and inconclusiveness. Mine started in May of 2005. I haven't written about it and for the past three months have prayed on if I should incorporate how the migraines with aura have changed my life (mostly for the better....NOW) Hmmmm? Funny how life works and better how healing happens. Happy you are feeling more YOU, these days.
Posted by: deborah | May 20, 2010 at 07:13 AM
I cannot believe you posted this. I can't tell you my whole story, because it would be as long as your post, but I had such a similar experience for the last 6 years. They thought brain tumor, spinal cord injury, MS, & seizures but it was none of those. Finally it settled on migraines which I've always had. Then about 4 years ago I moved and my new doctor discovered a thyroid problem. I've had bad allergies all my life and when they are especially acting up, the crazy symptoms come in force. At first I would panic every time something happened, but now I'm used to it. I don't know what triggers what (thyroid, allergies, migraines), but it seems like they are all connected somehow. I've done acupuncture and chiropractic too.
Anyway, glad you are doing better. Health is a strange thing that we so often take for granted. I wish more mainline doctors incorporated more natural/diet things into their thinking.
-FringeGirl
Posted by: the domestic fringe | May 20, 2010 at 07:28 AM
once again you inspire me. #s 2&3 are wheat and dairy free and I am attempted to eliminate it from the rest of our diets, but gradually, so that it simply becomes part of who we are and our daily routine. I am really excited about you sharing your recipes as some days it is difficult to find things that will work... I can't wait to try this salad!
xx
Posted by: kimberly | May 20, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Wow, that's quite a burden you've been carrying. I'm glad you're finally getting some answers. Isn't it amazing that what we put into our body has such a profound effect on so many things!
Posted by: Debra | May 20, 2010 at 07:41 AM
Medical mysteries are SO frustrating!! Good for you for sticking with it. What a scary time for you, though; and ironically what a "simple" answer. Simple in theory, not necessarily in reality. It sounds like you aren't having too much trouble with it, though. Thanks for sharing, Jeanne.
Posted by: Amy "Booze" | May 20, 2010 at 07:58 AM
Wow, now you got me thinking I might have the same thing! I have IBS and have had to cut out all eating out (resturants&fast food) and can only eat organic and non processed foods. My body has done a total 360 since I have done that. I have my physical in August and want to have some allergy tests done to see if I am allergic to anything. My headaches have subsided but I do have the occasional one due to my sugar dropping. It is amazing what we eat can make us feel so horrile. I am so glad you have some anwers and are able to change your diet to help you instead of medication. Blessings my friend!
~Molly P
Posted by: Molly Pearce | May 20, 2010 at 07:59 AM
Not knowing what's wrong...but knowing something is wrong...can be so frightening. It must feel amazing to finally have some answers! Wishing you well:)
P.S. The recipe sounds yummy!
Posted by: Leah C | May 20, 2010 at 08:11 AM
Praise God for your chiropractor who had the wisdom to put two and two together!
Your recipe looks DELICIOUS. I shall be trying it out on my family soon! :)
Posted by: Rebekah | May 20, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Hi Jeanne ~
So glad you have pursued answers, even if you don't get one - the picture does become clearer. I truly believe diet (what we eat) plays a big role in our health - thanks for sharing this delish recipe! I know I'm going to LOVE it! My grandad had celiacs, so more and more I'm trying to cut that out of my diet - I love pasta, but notice I don't feel so great after eating it...
Best wishes for continued good health & happiness & keep sharing yummie recipes!
Hugs ~
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | May 20, 2010 at 08:35 AM
I'm so glad you found out what was wrong. Isn't it so much easier to treat the problem than to not know at all?! My friend Clairissa (you might remember her from CO before she moved to Georgia) has MS and she has really changed the way she eats too. She posts lots of good, organic recipes on her blog. Let me know if you want to be invited to look. I am a FIRM believer is healthy eating. And I know my family benefits from it as well. If my kids can learn healthy habits, I've done my job! Keep it up my friend (although the coffee thing must really suck for you)!!!!
Posted by: Kara | May 20, 2010 at 08:39 AM
Jeanne, I am not sure if I ever missed your post or if this is the first time since you said that there were some lumps found in your breast. I have been waiting as I was also praying and trusting that the Lord would heal you. I am so GLAD to hear that it is all good and that you have found some answers for your stroke like sysmptoms. I am so happy for you and your loving family, enjoy your day my sweet bogging friend.
Smiles and Blessings,
Sheila
Posted by: sheila | May 20, 2010 at 09:06 AM
WOW! I too have hypothyroidism, was diagnosed twelve years ago and take medication everyday. I find this very interesting. My husband and I have tried to eat organic as much as possible. Just with in the past couple weeks, after watching Food Inc., we stated buying grass fed beef. My weight has been such a struggle due to my thyroid levels...we are on are way to a healthier life and the hopes of a thinner me.
Posted by: Tami ~ A Girls Gotta Nest | May 20, 2010 at 09:12 AM
PS. Thanks for sharing, what an inspiration you are!!
Posted by: Tami ~ A Girls Gotta Nest | May 20, 2010 at 09:17 AM