So today I have my 6th phone consultation with my nutritionist who lives and practices in Wisconsin. I am so glad she does phone consults and I don’t have to see her in person…she’s kind of far away:)
I have shared a little before about what my physical battles are with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and how I shockingly got it 17 years ago when my son was in first grade. I have had years of ups and downs and having my faith in God is what has truly helped me through very difficult times, along with a loving and supportive family. I’m not typically a talker about this subject or like to share that much in the personal way on this blog , especially about physical things, but I realize by not sharing, I might be missing the opportunity to help someone else. I don’t want whatever hinders me, if it’s fear or whatever to stop me from potentially helping someone.
About 7 months ago I had a conversation with someone I don’t even know that led me down this path to wellness..In a round about way it all happened when our dog Clover was going through physical problems and a blogger made a recommendation about Clover’s food and how when she took her dog off of grains, her dogs Lupus and skin conditions went away. That whole convo led me to open up about my issues and she preceded to tell me about Karen Hurd, a nutritionist she knew that helped someone in her family who had Crones and Ulcerative Colitis. She also told me that Karen has helped many people with RA and other inflammatory issues. At first I thought to myself, ok here’s another shot at potential failure and disappointment. I didn’t know if I was mentally up for that. I’ve tried so many things over this journey and flown to Dr’s all over from Calif to Chicago. Could this program be different? Why haven’t I heard about it? I asked myself a lot of questions.
Then I took a step of faith and contacted Karen’s office at 715-877-3510. I also went to her website and read all about her and her information at www.karenhurd.com. When I called the office they explained that before my first phone consult I needed to buy one of Karen’s books or dvd’s and read or listen to them. It saves a lot of talk time and lays the groundwork on what she believes and why. I bought both the book and dvd. They mailed it to me and sent me the paperwork I needed to fill out and send back. I’m thinking they faxed the forms or emailed I don’t remember. They send it however you want.
When the materials arrived I was kind of excited to read and understand about her program. I was so surprised to find that the book was actually about one of her clients that had RA and ulcerative colitis. It shared her journey to wellness along with other testimonies of people who have gotten well from all different situations.
Basically for me, and the new thing that I now understand, is that my adrenals are shot and need to rebuild. Adrenals are in charge of a lot of things in the body. The reason for the inflammation and RA is that my adrenals aren’t producing the corticosteroid that my body needs to bring down inflammation naturally. Once the adrenals are fixed the RA goes away because the body naturally produces enough corticosteroid. Basically, the inflammation is caused by friction in the body.Most things in our body rub together all the time. It is normally not a problem because the corticosteroid that our body produces brings down any inflammation caused by the friction..
So my goal is to fix the adrenals. She’s given me guidelines to help make that happen. Basically I have a “Do” list and a “Don’t” list that I try and follow every day. Number 1 adrenal zapper is STRESS 🙂 #2 sugar and the list goes on
I have had great improvement in the past 5 months. It can take up to 24 months for the adrenals to rebuild so this is a long process. Some improve faster. It is based on age and how long you’ve had the problem.
Her fee’s are low…$85 dollars for the first phone consultation and $39 for every talk after that. I have a phone appt with her once a month. In fact I just hung up with her. Today I learned how important it is to keep the body warm for healing. She shared a healthy fashion tip: wear a scarf around the neck all the time. We loose a lot of body heat from the neck and head.
I’ll be sure to share about my progress from time to time… Thanks for listening, I hope this helps someone. 🙂
PS….In 6 months I’ve already cut my pain med’s in half.
Update: March- I’m off of my Thyroid med’s and currently taking a 1/4 of the NSAID’s I use to.
I’m linking up with Nester’s – Take a Risk Day– I like the idea of getting this info out in hope’s it might help someone. How is that risky? This journey feels risky because of my past failures toward wellness and because most of my life I liked looking like life was perfect.
Jan says
Very fascinating and thank you for sharing. I’m going to bookmark her site and this post. It makes me question what other ailments could be cured following this type of diet. God bless you as you continue your recovery. I love the idea of the scarf, but it seems like I’m always HOT anymore.
Ellie says
What a great post! I don’t have RA but I’m currently curing my thyroid problems with natural remedies and I get so excited when I hear of others using nature to heal instead of drugs. My husband was pre-diabetic a few years ago, but we cut out dairy and sugar and he’s completely out of danger now. Blessings to you on your journey!
Ari Marsh says
My grandfather was diagnosed with RA in his twenties, so I’ve witnessed & heard about the frustrations of RA all my life. I’m sorry that you have to deal with them.
Your positive spirit is probably one of the biggest keys to your improvement! Keep us updated. (:
bargain hoot says
Thank you Jan, Ellie and Ari for you kind words.
I’ve been encouraged. I’ve already cut back on half my meds. Pray for me when you have a chance that my body will keep responding in a positive way and my adrenals will get well!
Ari, sorry to hear about your Grandpa and Ellie, I’m glad to hear how your diet and natural methods have given you positive results!
Melissa says
I have heard of her and thought about calling her myself. In my case I could go see her as I am here in WI. I suffer from Lupus and I have changed my diet. It may not be the same as hers but I will tell you I feel ten times better than I did. Still in lots of pain but better. Good for you and good luck!!
Jeanette Van Wicklen says
Rene, I’m so sorry you have to deal with RA…I’m not really familiar with it, so I don’t have a story to share. But I’ll keep you in my prayers for healing.
I dealt with a very small area of psoriasis for a few yrs (came after I had a stressful time in my life, about 2004 on) but I finally found a Doc that gave me a topical med that has made it go away….it comes back from time to time but as soon as i use the med it’s gone…..
my heart goes out to people that suffer with psoriasis all over their bodies…..
if anyone wants the med name, write me…..
xoxoox
Carol Ann says
You’ve heard people say, “everything happens for a reason.” I just started following your blog this week. My 26-year old daughter was diagnosed with RA just two months ago, so I found your most recent post very helpful. Sharing personal struggles can’t be easy, but your decision to share this part of your life helped me and hopefully, will help my daughter. My prayers are with you.
Judi says
Rene,
I have watched you on this journey, and the grace that you have shown through it all astounds me. I would love nothing more than for you to be completely well and fully functioning. You are a precious friend, and I love reading this blog. <3
Robyn M says
Thank you for your post today. I am just in the process of trying to find out why so much joint pain for me. I just had my first doctor appt. This pain came out of the blue during the holidays with no previous warnings that I know of. I have always been healthy and strong and active. Could you tell me some of your signs and sypmtoms so I can know if I’m on the same track? I usually feel good during the day (most days) but at night I begin to feel the pain again. I wake in the night with joint pain especially in my hands, feet and knees. One shoulder is giving me trouble as well. In the mornings I feel like I’m 90 or older but the more I move the better I feel most days. Somedays it hangs on longer than others. Thank you for sharing. If you wouldn’t mind emailing me a little more info – it may be a great help to me! I will pray for your recovery!
bargain hoot says
Melissa, thta is great that you have success with your diet. I would encourage you to go and see her if you can. My pain level is very low and I’ve cut my meds in 1/2. I’m praying this will led to complete remission like it has for many others.
Jeanette thank you for your prayers. So glad your psoriasis is better.
Carol Ann, Judi and Robyn, I’ll email you. Thank you all for your sweet comments and prayers..
thedailyapron says
you are so thoughtful to open up like you have. not only are you able to help others, but now we can pray for your continued healing. i will keep you in my prayers.
blessings,
aimee
Peggy Bryant says
Rene,
Thank you for sharing the information on the nutritionist. I will check her out. I have had RA for 28 yrs. and I understand the struggles you are going through. You are in my prayers. Peggy
Amy says
Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed with RA in October and the meds are really helping so far. I have heard that dietary changes can make a difference. You can bet that I’ll be looking at the website and reading up on what you talked about.
Kathy says
Thanks for taking a risk and sharing your struggle with RA. You followed your instincts and took the leap – good for you. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I have recently visited a Neurologist, started meds, and changed my diet hoping to relieve severe pain in my feet. I am being tested now for RA, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, or whatever? I will definitely look at your nutritionist’s website and consider consulting with her. I believe it makes a difference.
bargain hoot says
Kathy sorry to hear about the pain in your feet. I pray you find relief in the path you feel led to take. I really believe God led me to Karen via blogging. 🙂 I am not an organized person so having her give me a plan of attack and talking to her once a month helps me so much and gives me the accountability to stay on target.
Debbie says
Thank you so much for sharing this information. Eight years ago, I found the same type of result with diet/nutrition. I’ve since gotten away from eating a restrictive diet, and am feeling all of the effects again. Your story is just exactly what I need to motivate me to begin all over again. It’s a long process, but the results (good health) are worth it. I appreciate having the contact information of a good nutritionist.
bargain hoot says
Debbie,
I am so glad this is motivating you, it makes it all worth it for me to open up about this situation.
I hope you talk to Karen, she is so reasonable, I’ve spent thousands of dollars with different docs and nutritionists.
Her prices are the best I have ever known.
Holly says
I found you over on the Nester’s site. Thanks for taking the risk of sharing your story. I have other physical ailments than you but I think Karen’s site and ideas and maybe a consult will point me in the right direction. Reading your story and reading Karen’s gives me hope that I can make some significant changes in my health and I’m so grateful for that! I plan to share this all with my friends, family, and my children. THANKS so much for taking the risk, Rene’!
bargain hoot says
Holly thank you for taking the time to write me. I always appreciate comments. It encourages me so much to think that what I’m sharing might help someone else.
I use to worry somehow that people would think I’m weird or something beause of my personal battle.
Nicolette @ momnivore's dilemma says
thank you for sharing this. i love when bloggers let us in behind the curtain to see their health and wellness issues. we all have them. we are all human.
you are not weird. you are on a journey to feel better. i’ve been suffering from migraines and fatigue for years, and it wasn’t until I removed gluten from my diet a year ago {along with other foods} that i began to heal.
i am with you, there, sister. it’s hard, but the pain of rediscovering how food affects our bodies and inflammation is worth all of the study and trial and error.
i am now following you, because i hope you continue to take risks and update us on your journey.
love the tip about staying warm. no wonder i hate the cold so much!
bargain hoot says
Nicolette,
thank you for your sweet comment and encouraging words.
I’m so glad to hear that you’ve been healing by removing certain things from your diet.
I appreciate the follow…I’m following you too 🙂
Mimi says
Hi Rene’!
I found your site the other day while I was trolling through blogland and reading about bargain hunters and as I looked through the archived posts I saw this one. I instantly felt connected to you — I have also suffered with RA for about 15 years. I had a rather long and nasty initial flare following surgery. My children were also quite young –they were 8 and 5 years old at the time. If not for my faith in God, which has grown exponentially since RA, I don’t think I could manage. I totally agree with you! I feel rather fond of the book of Job and feel that it was written for all of us chronic illness sufferers!
I found your nutrition pursuit interesting. I’ve tried some of the dietary suggestions for arthritis patients in the past without much change. However, several factors for me that I do try to limit in my diet are sugars, salt and msg. I have a horrible time with takeout chinese! I’m currently trying to eliminate even more sugars, soft drinks and lower my intake of wheat. I’m finding the gluten free products are better.
I live in a very warm climate (Mississippi) so I don’t need a scarf most of the year but I do know that staying warm helps and I totally agree with you about rest. It doesn’t matter if I take the nap but I do need to rest for a little while each day. Adding this rest period seems to have helped my energy level. —( I’m sure its not that I’m fast approaching 50!! Lol Lol! I’m 48 )
Thank you for sharing your journey, your tips and your spirit!!
Mimi
bargain hoot says
Mimi,
I’m so glad you found me. Thank you so much for sharing parts of your journey and what has helped you over the years.
I’m sure it will be an encouragement to others who battle RA.
I hope you stay conected, as I plan to continue to share updates once in a while.
Charlene Walker says
I have come upon your blog because of the vintage Shasta trailer you showed. Then I saw your postings about RA. Within this past year and a half, I have been diagnosed with RA. I am discouraged with just about everything.
It has been a while since you have posted on this. How are you doing now? Can you honestly say your new eating habits have really made a difference in this disease?
I would LOVE to hear more of you and dealing with RA. It does help us and I thank God for people like you who are walking a difficult journey and willing to share so others can learn.
Thank you.
bargain hoot says
Hi Charlene, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am doing really well. I will try and update about the progress very soon.
I continue to improve….Thank the Lord!
bargain hoot says
Charlene,
So sorry to hear about your discouragement.
I understand how you are feeling. I pray God leads you and shows you what to do
for your health.