In 2019, the "pill for an ill" approach threw me into a personal health crisis. After taking three doses of an antibiotic, I went from being a healthy 48 year-old to feeling as if I had aged 40 years. My joints and muscles became stiff and I was in unbearable pain. Suddenly, I was unable to do the things I did every day, such as dress myself, brush my hair, roll over in bed, or even walk without pain. PMR is something people who are 70+ get; why was this happening to me? Everything I read said there was no known cause or cure for my condition, and the only treatment was steroids.

 

I was terrified that I would be like this for the rest of my life. I wondered what my future would hold and if I would ever be able to do the things I loved again. I thought about my children and was worried I wouldn't be around or available for them in the way that I had dreamed I would. I was sharing my story with a retired nurse who mentioned a newer type of treatment for chronic illness called functional medicine.

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I took a self-directed deep dive into this "root cause" medicine and I discovered that by taking ownership and working to make changes to my lifestyle I had the power to create health. I realized that in order to show up for my loved ones in the future, I needed to show up for myself in the present.

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It was during this discovery that I realized my illness was one of the best things to ever happen to me. First, because of PMR, my eyes were opened to a new type of health care that focused on the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. This health care wasn't just treating disease, it was creating health. It emphasized the affect of our lifestyle choices and food as medicine. As I began to apply these principles to my life, my health turned around. Today, I am able to manage my autoimmune disorder without medications, and I have experienced even greater health than before I became ill. Now, I own my journey, AND my health.

 

Second, my persistence to find answers put me on a new course in life. I knew I would never be content keeping this gift to myself. It became important to me to be a trusted guide for others. After 12 months of rigorous study and intense practical coaching applications, I earned the gold standard certification for functional medicine health coaching from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. Now I use my knowledge and experience to help people like you overcome barriers to health and live with hope, vitality, and joy.

 

My experience making my own lifestyle changes, which I continue to work on every day with my health coach, has cultivated empathy, compassion, and understanding for my clients and a drive to help them take ownership, create health, and have hope for their future.

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I can honestly say that getting an autoimmune disease was one of the best things to happen to me. I am a better person for it. It brought me to where I am today: whole, healthy, hopeful, and equipped to be your guide.

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You, too, have an incredible story waiting to unfold, and I want to be there to watch you create it. Request your free 15 minute laser coaching session and begin to take ownership of your health, create your legacy, and own your future.