My health journey started in 2016 when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Endometriosis, I had always considered myself reasonably healthy; I ate well and generally lived an active lifestyle. The diagnosis therefore came as quite a shock, I had never really heard of Endometriosis, and had spent some 15 years thinking heavy bleeding, painful cramps, bloating, fainting, mood swings were all normal.
I was however lucky enough to have a gynaecologist at the time that was an Endoscopic surgeon specializing in Endometriosis. I knew I was in good hands and went through a two- hour Laparoscopy surgery. They discovered I had “Kissing ovaries”, a term used when your ovaries wrap around and “touch” each other. Despite the severity of my disorder, they managed to save both my ovaries, something that a lot of women diagnosed with severe Endo aren’t so lucky with.
After my surgery I was told, like all women, the pain and symptoms were something I was going to have to endure for the rest of my life, with a high probability of being back in hospital for more surgeries when it grows back again. I was advised to go on a contraceptive pill specifically for Endometriosis, in order to minimize the growth by preventing ovulation. I was additionally directed to take over- the- counter painkillers for the pain and inflammation. After I realized the pill wasn’t agreeing with me, I tried the Mirena, which too had been recommended for Endo sufferers. My body rejected the Mirena after a few months.
Around the same time as my diagnosis, I had started to develop severe anxiety and mild depression. Again, I was prescribed medication for my anxiety. I had reached a real low point, perhaps even my personal dark night of the soul where I knew something had to change. I knew there had to be a better way, a more natural way to heal my body from all its imbalances. I didn’t want to live on medication or with chronic pain and anxiety for the rest of my life. It was debilitating.
It was then that I decided it was time to take charge of my own health. I slowly got myself off all prescribed medication, and contraceptives and adopted a more natural way of living. I started following holistic health practitioners, listening to podcasts and reading inspirational healing stories - stories of people who had reversed chronic illness naturally and removed disease from their bodies, all through healing foods and lifestyle change.
Fast-forward a few years later and I am no longer reliant on painkillers nor suffer from painful debilitating symptoms. I have regular periods with no bloating, cramps or blood clots. I have not needed another surgery for Endometriosis.
Throughout this journey of self-discovery, I came to understand the integral connection between diet and well-being, and just how important our gut health is for our overall health and wellness. Changing my lifestyle and naturally healing from chronic illness inspired me to become a Health Coach and help others achieve the same goals and reach an understanding of what it means to live well and be in optimal health.