Our Stories...
Rachelle's Story:
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My healing journey began when I was 24. I started experiencing severe dermatitis on the back of my neck and into my scalp. Our family had always approached illness through a more holistic lens, but out of the severity of the situation, I went to a dermatologist seeking help. I was given topical steroids for the rash and within a couple of weeks, the issue was gone. However, a few months later the issue came back, but this time on my face. My face was covered in dermatitis spots that were embarrassing and painful. I found a holistic doctor that told me I was suffering from food allergies and put me on an elimination diet. After months of cutting most things out of my diet, my face eventually cleared up. I assumed most of my problems were being managed and didn’t put much thought into other root causes while I continued eating a limited diet.
During this time my periods became increasingly painful and my pms symptoms began taking over my entire cycle. I was never on birth control, but as I sought out help from a medical doctor she told me this was simply part of “becoming a woman” and that birth control was the only answer. Deep down I knew that wasn’t the answer so I declined to go on the pill. I tried various supplements, but didn’t fully know how to address the root cause of my issues.
I coped with my symptoms for a couple of years, but hit a breaking point in the summer of 2021 when my health plummeted to its lowest point. I went to a new functional doctor that decided to run some tests that I hadn’t done before. The results came back with Chronic Lyme Disease and Mold Toxicity. I worked with my doctor to start eating a pro-metabolic diet as well as started targeted supplementation for my specific health needs. For the first time in my adult life I could truly feel my body healing. The journey hasn't been easy, but taking charge of my health was one of the most important decisions I ever made. My healing journey still has ups and downs, but I’m in a better place than I’ve ever been. You have a right to ask questions and choose a different path than what your doctor recommends. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it!
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Georgette's Story:
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My healing journey began in 2019 at 24 years old. I started gaining weight, felt extremely exhausted, couldn’t go a day without a nap, and couldn’t walk outside without breaking out in painful eczema/hives all over my face. I was miserable. Turning to traditional medicine was never my first choice, but I was lost, tired, and just needed someone to help me. I got a skin and blood allergy test done and tested positive for 97% of all outdoor allergens. It was highly suggested I start immunotherapy shots right away, which seemed to make sense at the time, so I agreed. Within the first few months of administering the shots, I saw improvement in my skin and felt better. 6-8 months in, I started to break out in clusters of cystic acne all over my face after injecting the shots. My allergist assured me it wasn’t the shots causing the acne, it was most likely my hormones. I never had hormonal issues prior, so I thought this was odd and mentioned that, but it was dismissed, and I was given steroid cream after steroid cream to apply instead.
I continued the shots for almost a year and had the same breakouts every time. Each time it got more severe and I couldn’t enjoy my life anymore. I felt defeated and came to a breaking point. I called my doctor and told him that I was 99% sure the immunotherapy shots were activating the acne on my face. He wouldn’t deny or confirm but said, “you should go to the ER for a steroid shot or antibiotic. It won’t fix the problem, but I don’t know what else to tell you.” At that moment, I decided enough was enough. I decided to work 1:1 with a nutrition practitioner who believes that the body can heal itself with the proper support. I was then able to dive deep into my health background and discover the root cause of my issues.
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I lived in a mold-infested dorm room my freshman year of college and came down with double pneumonia for two months, but never thought anything of it. After college, I moved back home and my parents found mold in their kitchen and under their house, which I had inhaled. Not only am I allergic to mold, but also, mold attacks the sinuses and the thyroid in a major way, and I had gone untreated for at least 5 years while also injecting more into my system with immunotherapy shots. I was in histamine overload and my body was screaming for help. We addressed mold toxicity, histamine intolerance, hypothyroid (activated by mold toxicity), and insulin resistance (most likely developed earlier in life) through targeted nutrition and supplementation. My symptoms started to improve within weeks and continued to get better from there. My journey continues, but there is no timeline for healing. I can confidently say that the best decision I made was taking my health into my own hands and listening to my body. In my experience, there is always another way and it’s okay to say “no” if you feel your health is being compromised.
