Thank ya Kindly.......

Something I've been meaning to say on this blog (to myself mostly, because I know not many people are reading :) is that I am very thankful for my health. Even at my worst in this whole ordeal with daily nausea, aches/pains, and sleeplessness.....it does not compare to all the people out there dealing with cancer, heart disease and other life altering situations. So despite the focus of this blog I want to just type some words of....well.....gratitude I suppose. Because even in the most exhausting moments of feeling terrible, I have continuously been granted a wonderful, blessed life.

So thank you to everyone to prays for me, and to all of you who have gone out of your way to find answers for me. The support and accountablity is much needed and ever so appreciated.

To a few people who have REALLY gone out of their way to be apart of this journey so far. Whether it be following this blog, praying for me or just taking a sincere interest you have impacted me:

Mom- thanks for EVERYTHING. you've been the listening ear, an offerer of resources and prayer, friend, and encourager. And heck you gave birth to me.
Roxanne- I've never even met you but the interest you took in my situation means a lot to me :)
Grandma- The prayer warrior. Nough said.
Jackie- My Africa mama. thanks for always checkin' in on me :)
Nan- For telling me how it is. And for always taking interest in my life. Here's to you, Jello Prez
Anna- Thanks for sharing your story and resources with me
Debbie-I know you can relate, thank you for talking things out with me and for really listening, even when I feel silly talking.

And finally....the biggest thanks goes to a very special "that guy".

My boyfriend, Kenny, has taken some brutal verbal beatings as he tears ice cream, cheerios and cliff bars out of my greedy, carb-starved hands. He's listened to me complain more than anyone. He's watched me become sick after buying me nice dinners on our date nights and nursed me back to health time and again (pulling the car over when I'm nauseous, holding my hair back out of my face, telling me it's okay). He picks up my supplements when I forget and buys me healthy groceries when I can't afford it. He's graciously put up with my irritable, crazy, foggy moments in the midst of substantial sleeplessness and discomfort. He's really gotten me through this whole fiasco and I cannot thank him enough.

He's been through crazy girlfriend boot camp people. We've had a rough couple months and despite misunderstandings and mistakes...he's still around. And it's.....well awesome!
You are wonderful Kenny. Thank you SO much :)

Day 9

Today was relatively easy and pretty boring. The most exciting moment surrounded my playing of the "should I eat this old yogurt" game. In the end it wasn't that fun.

Ah, what to say.......OH! Bought myself a granola bar as a treat for completing a whole week of this grueling diet. Didn't affect me badly or anything...but not something I plan to repeat.

And in other news my black slacks that haven't fit me 8 months are now a comfortable, and even loose fit. Which, is basically awesome. Feeling good today. No vomit, lots of rest, lots of supplements and really can't complain. Maybe I'm turning a corner on this whole deal? We shall see.

Hopefully visiting a real live Naturopathic Clinic this week.

And.......I'm done.

Day 8

Well today is going well because I haven't really eaten. I don't feel like it. I'm sick of eggs, yogurt and chicken. So I'm opting to just drink my Kombucha drink and be stubborn. Heading to the Gym to work off some of my negative attitude.

As for other positive notes I purchased a vintage set of Jars today that have mushrooms on them. For 10 bucks. Hooray :)

Called on this place...we'll see...

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE COMMUNITY CLINICS

Portland Community College – Sylvania Community Clinic
Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with Dr. Peabody supervising
PCC Sylvania Campus, HT Building, Room 217
12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland
To make an appt.: (503) 552-1515
Located in southwest Portland, this clinic is the only health service provided on campus. It is the largest of the three PCC campuses, serving approximately 26,000 students annually. The clinic also serves the staff, faculty and community members in the neighborhood.

Day 7 lesson

After working so very hard for a week, it's NOT a good idea to celebrate by taking a giant bite of a grilled cheese sandwich. Because it may get stuck in your mucus coated throat and cause you to throw up all the other "good" foods you worked so hard to prepare earlier in the day.

Yes, I spent the whole evening puking. In a way it was good because I'm associating certain foods I know my system can't handle with negative things like vomit and general discomfort. I'm hoping this reminder aids me in making proper choices for Day 8. Which begins officially.........Now. No wait.....

Now.

Sigh....

I don't want to cook eggs. So sick of eggs. What I would give for a bowl of cheerios right about now.... :)

Day 7

Officially one week on the Candida Diet. While I have tripped up once or twice taking a taste of a pancake here....eating 1 chocolate covered Almond yesterday....pretty much haven't cheated and I'm feeling better.

The Pros:

Learning to be disciplined in my health

Reading a lot about good foods for your body

Considering pursuing a degree of some kind in nutrition along with Doula certification

Loving the Gym again. Running 2 miles a day.

Lost 10lbs

Eating lots of Veggies

Learning to listen to my body and know what it needs

Taking Supplements diligently everyday (love pro-biotics)

Vomiting/other symptoms have lessened (but still linger)

The Cons:

Still struggling with vomit/sleeplessness (without sleep enhancing drugs)/headaches/fatigue/mucus in throat *though they have become less severe as mentioned above*

Becoming Lazy about my menu and starting to just "not eat" rather than find something I can have

Dropping weight too fast (probably for reason above...I Love that I'm dropping weight, but I

want it to be sustainable and healthy)

Still very constipated which surprises me considering how many veggies I'm eating

Settling for being super hungry rather than taking time to make food

low low energy level

become very frustrated sometimes at the lack of options

My goals as I start week 2:

1. Get some good Candida recipes (thanks Jackie :)

2. Get Creative about my works outs/options for food to avoid starvation tactics or going crazy and eating a cake.

3. PUSH THE WATER

4. Raw vegetables once a day (baby steps)

5. Spend time renewing my relationship with God.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This is working. My symptoms are going down. I'm in the midst of the hardest part because I'm still experiencing the discomforts (though milder than before) but have no way to "medicate" myself by grabbing a candy bar to make myself feel better. This is a very good thing. I'm learning to live in this place: embracing my flaws, addictions, struggles and voids yet not turning to worldly things (food, stuff, entertainment...and in some cases other people) to ease the pain. I have to deal with it head on. I have to "snuggle up to it and accept this struggle" as my friend....a part of my life, and then destroy it (e tu Brute?).

To be honest, it's NOT so much about the Candida. I don't want natural health, my own life, blogging, how I feel or Candida itself to become my "god". The best way I can describe it is this:

I want to be free. That's all.

So as I pack up my junk from this house sitting gig I've had...and gather my blessed zucchini's, greek yogurt, stevia packets and supplements from their fridge...I venture forth into Day 7. Hopefully filled with some good eats, good exercize, good thoughts, time with God and service by loving on the two toddlers that nearly ended my life on Wednesday (over the top I know, but in the moment, I felt like I truly would die from their high pitched screaming and endless timeout balling).

Away We Go. Again :)

Peace Out.

Jenni