I know. I've done it. I've panicked. And it's all not really worth it.
But, for lots of rules, there is that one exception, and recently I did reap a good outcome for my bad-behavior internet searching. I found one name that kept coming up over and over in my search for "how to overcome Epstein-Barr Virus." And attached to this re-occurring site were the testimonials that totally did me in.
"When I was first diagnosed with mononucleosis (Epstein Barr), I couldn't get out of bed at all. I just couldn't function. I had a chronic headache. Very, very severe fatigue. I felt like I had the flu. I had chronic nausea 24 hours a day."
"I was ill for about eight months, until I purchased the book and started following Liz's suggestions."
Tears. Yes, that's me.
Elizabeth Noble is the name of the qualified naturopathic who has published a wholistic treatment-approach to Epstein-Barr. She says on her website,
"Are you fed up with suffering from Epstein Barr virus?
- Do you have to get better fast for your work, studies or family commitments?
- Do you hate the idea of going to work, school or university feeling sick?
- Do you feel agitated that you can't shake your annoying Epstein Barr virus symptoms and jump back on the bandwagon of life and work?
- Do you despair at missing out on family activities and fun things you really want to do?
- Do you feel inadequate and guilty that your body has let you down?
- Are you terrified that your Epstein Barr virus could end up as chronic fatigue syndrome or worse?
You are not alone! Epstein Barr virus can be a time of significant physical suffering, great uncertainty, frustration and distress.
Epstein Barr sufferers are often driven into silence, resentment, anger and depression. I believe that these frustrations and blocks are only something that a true Epstein Barr virus sufferer can understand."
Ok, you got my attention, Ms. Noble.
I've since purchased her book and combed through it for all the ways I can add her suggestions to my day. I made notes and lists on notebook paper, and then Neal and I set out on our next mission. If you would have told me in October on our way to our first doctor visit that we would still be at this in May, I would have fallen over dead. But as we were pulling out of the parking garage, Neal grabbed my hand and warmly said, "Just out on another adventure called life." My heart and my spirits bolstered.
Instead of heading to the pharmacy, we were off to Whole Foods and Stanley's Fruit and Vegetable Stand. While the medical community says there is nothing I can do but wait in the face of a virus, alternative medicine says there's plenty to do in the meantime:
1. Take vitamins, vitamins, vitamins!
2. Use essential oils to relax, soothe, and calm.
3. Soak in epsom salts to flush toxins out of the body.
4. Do yoga daily to achieve low-intensity exercise and strength-building for your body.
5. Eat fruits and veggies like it's your job (80% of your plate per meal).
6. No sugar!! No cake, candy, cookies, processed foods, or treats. Little carbs. Lots of protein.
7. Go to sleep by 10pm and sleep for 10 hours.
8. Drink immune-boosting teas.
There's a few more things, but you get the idea. Honestly, I've enjoyed reading about what each vitamin does for my body and why it's important. And while it takes more time to prepare fresh veggies and fruits for each meal, I like the fact that unlike medications, I know that all of these things are beneficial to my body, whether or not they relieve my symptoms.
The journey to health continues, and prayer is never absent for a day.
1 comment:
I loved reading this! A naturopathic doctor is finally how I got answers and got better too so now I'm totally a believer. I hope and pray this begins your journey to getting a lot better!
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