Health Update
I’ve been contemplating on whether to do this post for a little while now. For those who don’t know, I was in a car accident back in August that changed my life. {post here} I’ve come out of it a different person and it is reflected in my posts, my outlook on life, just to name a few things. Since then, I’ve posted a few snippets of updated info and then I did a health update {post here} back in November. I haven’t done another real post about it since, mostly because there hadn’t been any major changes and big steps forward.
In the past week, I’ve had a lot of people ask me via email, Twitter and text if things have changed recently. As of this very moment, yes, there have been changes! Actually, a lot of progress has been made in the past week or so. *insert squealing and happy dancing all around*
A few months back, while I was going to the chiropractor/ naturopath, he randomly suggested that I might want to change some of my eating habits, to see if that would help with the severe back pain. We quickly learned that I had digestive issues and my body no longer could handle any sort of MSG products. Uh, for those of you who don’t know, that’s in a LOT of things, especially Asian foods. Oh, and don’t just look for the label to say MSG, it’s disguised under a LOT of names. Lots of research, cutting out of just about every place I used to eat and no longer consuming my favorite “go-to” items, I could tell a difference, but I still wasn’t feeling that great. Time for more experimenting….
Another visit to the doctor and he suggested cutting out all grains {not just wheat items} and processed sugars. I won’t lie, I cried when he said this. My life pretty much revolved around breads, rice, and any sort of sugary drink or treat, how was this going to work?! Honestly, I was in so much pain, I knew I had to at least try this for a little bit. One week in, no changes. Two weeks in, a slight improvement. One month in, I could tell something was changing.
Now the question: what was causing my back to be in pain {after the accident}? Sugar, grains or both? After carefully planning out a day where I could afford to be sick, I ate a couple of Wheat Thins. Just a few triggered something, but then I realized it was dumb because it had both wheat and sugar in it! Another go at something with grains and I learned that was the thing that was inflaming my back. After introducing sugars into my system again, it seems to be okay and doesn’t trigger any major pain.
So……I’ve had to completely cut out all grains, MSG products, all nuts {since my body doesn’t seem to digest oils very well} and this seems to keep my pain level at bay. Granted, it’s not gone completely, but I’m SO grateful for this improvement.
Now the question that I get asked a lot, “Are you back to driving?”
Up until literally six days ago, I was only driving 10-15 minutes away from my house alone. Anything further and I would get panic attacks and flashbacks. I had a few failed attempts at driving further, which resulted in a mental/ emotional breakdown. Why couldn’t I get past this? It had been over seven months since the accident, surely I should be “over it” by now. No matter how much I wanted to, I couldn’t seem to shake the fear and anxiety.
Thanks to the suggestion of one particular reader, I looked into talking to someone about my anxiety. I know many would try to hide the fact that they are seeking a counselor, but honestly, this person has helped me so much. Not only have I been able to talk through my fears, she’s been able to show me that some of the things I’m allowing myself to believe are completely untrue. I’ve had two visits with her {I have a third one today} and I can tell I’ve started to change the way I’m thinking of the accident and various situations surrounding it.
So I still haven’t answered if I’m driving alone yet. Well, the last couple of days, I’ve been able to drive 40 minutes away BY MYSELF! This feeling is even greater than when I first got my license! Do I still get nervous? Absolutely. However, as I’m doing it more, I’m getting a little more comfortable and hopefully, I’ll be driving everywhere by myself again!
What happens from here?
Well, we still haven’t figured out how to get the pain to go away completely, so hopefully down the road, that answer will reveal itself. I’m not able to stand for longer than 5-10 minutes at a time without pain shooting up and getting nauseated, which is still a mystery. I’ll still have to continue to eat the way I do, since my body literally won’t allow me to go back without major effects. I’m hoping and praying that as time goes on, I’ll be more comfortable driving and won’t need to have help with transportation anywhere.
Thank you from the very bottom of my heart to those who have checked in on me, sent me cards or gifts to encourage me, or somehow contacted me during this time. My blog has almost been a lifeline, since I wasn’t able to go many places for a long, long time. Your comments, words of encouragement and prayers have {and still do} mean so very much.
Whew! I know this was a super long post and I probably lost a lot of you along the way. However, for those who have been wondering or asking, I hoped this cleared up any questions. If there are any more improvements, or changes, I’ll let you all know! :)
So very grateful for you all……
thanks for the update and hopefully you will eventually recover….
Paulina,
I am new to your blog- just participated in my first craft dash last week. I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story – as someone who was diagnosed recently with a chronic illness that is characterized by pain, I have some sense of how difficult and scary some of this stuff can be. I hope sharing your story helps – it helped me to read it, it feels healing to send good energy and compassion your way.
I get how tricky it is to talk about this stuff, I too worry about how others will perceive me. But I think your blog is the perfect place to talk through this scary thing. I wish you continued healing.
Andrea
Wow, what a story! So glad you are finding some relief and seem to be making some headway in figuring out how to help ease the anxiety. I know I would be lost without my counselor and what she has taught me. Good for you for knowing you need help and getting it!
I just found your blog a few days ago, so I didn’t know about the card accident and resulting injuries. Wow, you’ve had so very much to deal with! I was so glad to hear you talk openly about seeing a counselor. I’ve seen counselor’s make such a difference in the lives of some loved ones. I wish more people would talk freely about it. Congratulations on your progress! I hope you continue to make progress with the back pain.
I’ll be following your blog posts (I subscribed via email). Prayers for continuing progress!!!
I have been waiting for this update, so was very happy to read that you are making progress. I am so happy and encouraged to hear this news. You are definitely on the right path to recovery!
Paulina, I am so proud of your progress and determination to overcome this. What a long journey! Your honesty is refreshing in an age of “only blogging the good.” I am rooting for your continued healing and complete recovery. Oh, and eat lots of quinoa…not a grain at all, but rather a seed. And truly delicious for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (((HUGS)))
Sounds like through all the problems you have been having you are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and taking the right road to recovery. Awesome to hear your back is better and you are driving more. As someone who has experienced a little more anxiety as I’ve gotten older, it’s nice to hear counseling helps.
Well my friend I am happy dancing and applauding for you!!! I know many who have gone through counseling for various reasons and it seemed to have helped them all in one way or another. Our son recently cut wheat at the suggestion of his doctor as a trial and it has helped tremendously! I continue to keep you in my prayers and give God the glory for your improvement ;)
Wow, Paulina. I had no idea the extent of your pain and after effects from the accident. I’m so glad to hear that things are improving. Dietary changes are hard to make but so important. I try to go wheat/grain-free and sugar-free, too. And it helps in so many areas. I have to say that I’m so impressed by your spirit through all of this. Granted I only know you in the e-world, but you just seem so joyful. Chronic pain is enough to put most people in a very depressive state. But you, with your chronic pain and all of the other things you listed, just continue to encourage people and make us all smile. I hope we can do the same for you. You most certainly deserve it. Praying <3
so glad you are doing better. you are still continulously in my prayers that you reach your original health.
god works in mysterious ways… but glad that you’re on the track to full recovery. <3
lauren
Hello Paulina ~
You are on such a good track! You encourage me with your courage, positive attitude, perseverance and reception to other’s advise. There are seasons in life, and this ‘time out’ (and yet you are still so busy!) will be used by God for some greater purpose some day or some year. I have a slipped disc atm, and Fibromyalgia, so I greatly sympathize with your pain and limitations. It’s exciting to hear of your breakthroughs the last few months! I pray for your continued healing and endurance! Thank you for sharing your story!
So happy you are doing better! It’s great that you keep us updated. Good for you for talking to someone; you’re driving!!! ♥ you, my friiend. Hope you continue to get better every day.
Paulina, I’m new to your blog, so I didn’t know about your accident and recovery til today’s post. So glad to hear that you’re doing better and that you have some help for your pain (although I’m sure the dietary restrictions are really difficult to get used to). Hang in there!
Thank you for the update. I am glad there are answers to help the pain and inflammation subside. I pray further permanent progress is made and you stand strong and pain free soon.
Bless you!
Kimberly
I give you so much credit for being proactive in searching out sources for your pain and really being an advocate for yourself. A counselor is a great idea too. If you are physically sick you go to the doctor…same scenario in my opinion with any emotional issues! I am so happy for you! Your blog is one of my favorites and it is clear why with your spirit (and creativity)! Keep it up and know that you are prayed for!
I think you are amazing. You have done things I don’t think I ever could have. I just love your blog. I feel better and inspired in so many ways when I visit. Thank you so much for sharing.
This is great news, Paulina!!! I’m so glad to hear that you and your doctors have found some ways to help reduce your pain and discomfort! And I’m so proud of you for having the courage to drive again. That’s a big step after what you’ve been through! Way to go, my friend! I applaud you for being strong and never, ever giving up!!! (((GIANT HUGS)))
Congratulations on making progress, Paulina, even if it hasn’t been as quickly as maybe you would have liked. Be patient as you’ve been through a lot of agony & stress, pain & discomfort and ups and downs. Take care!
Happy to hear your making progress. I was in an awful card accident in 2004 that completely changed my life. I won’t get into all the details, I did end up with PTSD, surgery, neck and back pain (not to mention all the treatments tried before surgery) as a result. After surgery I went back into physical therapy. It took a long time for me to be once again comfortable with driving, for the longest time I had panic attacks. I would break out into tears if someone suddenly pulled out in front of me. Counseling was a great help in getting me back to normal. I still have back and neck pain. Whenever the pain flares up I think about all the things I am grateful for in my life, and tell myself it’s okay to have a bad day. I did cut sugars and most grains from my diet, this helped with some of the pain. Some of my pain was stress related and that eventually passed. I sometimes end up back in physical therapy to stregthen my back muscles (I’m told that you need to adjust your exercise routines). I found that exercise, diet, keeping a positive attitude and stress coping techniques are what help me the most. To cope with stress I work in my art journal, play with my dog, and do some walking. Hoping that maybe something out of this comment will help you in your recovery.
Paulina, I’m so happy that you are making progress! I ask about you every time I see DeNami Design at a craft show! Looking forward to the next time you make the road trip! Until then, I will continue to pray for you!
I’m a newish fan, Paulina, but I stopped to read this and had to let you know that your spirit shines through your writing. Your dreadful car accident caused you emotional and physical damage, but it definitely did not crush your spirit! I’m sorry that your road to recovery has been a long one and you continue to struggle, but with the help of your counselor and your own inner strength, you are going to be SO okay! Thank you for sharing this part of your life so that perfect strangers can become your friends and join together to pray for you. You, in turn, give inspiration to all of us! Mwah!! Darnell
I am glad you are seeing a counselor because you went through a traumatic event and it is hard for to cope with something like that. I would miss sugar too but I am so glad you are feeling better. Keep up the good work with driving too :)
Head up sweet girl!! =) THANKS for sharing the update!! I know you will make it through and takig the bad with the good makes us better people!! Especially when you can look back and reflect nd make life changes!! Have a Fabulous Week!! =)
Oh! The Nausea has a lot to to with pain, Every time I get a strong pain I get nauseated. I had a car crash once and the brain chemical reaction to fear driving would last for a while. I wanted my husband to take me to work every day. I thought I was going to crash all the time. Still today I think of it!
With all the support of your love ones and your readers you sure to overcome this situation, just give it time
the counselor would help for sure! Some forms of meditation and breathing techniques help soothing pain. I wish you the best and speed recovery! XOXO