The Wellness Chronicles
My Personal Journey and where it all began for me
My personal journey commenced in 2017 when I embarked on my wellness path, reminiscing about the inception of it all. Each of us has a unique story and faces individual challenges; it is our choices moving forward that truly count.
Lets rewind back to 2017......
I bascially woke up and never got better and it has been exhausting journey and one that has had many hurdles to overcome, challanges that have broken me down into a million peices, my body has been hammered with medications, been givin wrong medications, had to advocate for my self, have seen how broken our systems are in New Zealand.
My story is lengthy one and one im hoping you take something away from as you start your wellness journey, My warning signs were always there from the time i was diagonised with endometrious and then a ina ctive thyroid but i continued not to listen and keep thinking i had time. Everything around was me ws toxic and suffocating and at times i did try some diets, tried the supplements, the crazy shake diet and guess what nothing improved let alone changes never lasted.
In 2017, a series of health challenges hit me hard, causing a cascade of diagnoses and medical uncertainties. Each doctor's visit brought new concerns – from unexplained symptoms to the need for additional tests and medications. It felt like a cycle of health issues and frustrating conversations, with constant advice to exercise more, lose weight, and endless battles to have my voice heard.
I have endometriosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, IBS, gastritis, skin conditions, an underactive thyroid/hashimoto's, TMJ, sleep apnea, and on top of that, my lymphatic system is not functioning properly, causing fluid retention instead of fat. My autoimmune system is fighting against itself, resulting in my body experiencing misfiring signals, leading to intense levels of pain.
I was trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, but then I decided to change careers and returned to studying. Balancing work placements, motherhood, a tumultuous relationship, work life, and adapting to a new environment became my daily challenge. I relied on energy drinks and quick meals due to my busy schedule, neglecting exercise except for occasional walks. Lacking a proper routine, my habits were poor, and I pushed through each day for four years until reality caught up with me.
It wasn't until I was assaulted in May 2021 that I finally took a long, hard look in the mirror and confronted myself with tough questions. Mentally exhausted and physically drained, I found myself without a home, voice, confidence, or identity. I felt lost, walking around in a daze and struggling with overwhelming emotions.
My experience with domestic violence turned out to be more serious than I initially realized. As time passes, the situation becomes clearer, and it's fascinating how the body reacts when it constantly anticipates harm. This led to delays in receiving medical attention, complicating my recovery journey. Recently, my condition progressed from post-concussion to a mild mental brain injury, damage to my inner ear balance. I received more insights, revealing mild impairments on my right side, nociplastic pain, and ongoing central sensitization. This condition involves mild inflammation in my nervous system, affecting my brain and spinal cord, heightening my senses and making my gut overly sensitive to perceived threats. It's overwhelming and has been draining me lately.
This moment marked the beginning of my journey towards self-transformation. Unsure of where to start, I sought help at a support center and began the counseling process. Realizing I couldn't do it alone, I had returned twice to someone who had hurt me. Despite being on the brink of taking them back, a moment of clarity struck, and one of the toughest decisions I made was closing that chapter. It was time to focus on healing and rediscovering myself. It was a this the moment I realized the need to completely transform my life and make significant changes to better manage my chronic illnesses and pain. Unfortunately, in 2017 when my health began to decline, I didn't take things seriously. It wasn't until 2001, after leaving a situation of domestic violence, that I embarked on a path of self-discovery, healing, and started my wellness journey.
