Where it all started

It feels like a daunting task to chronicle what we have been through over the past ten years, but it's time. I have finally come to a place where I am not pregnant, or nursing, or trying to get over being pregnant or nursing! My story began in earnest ten years ago. I was a senior in college and I was tired, stressed out, and feeling like food and environmental allergies would be an ID badge I’d wear for the rest of my life. Sometimes I felt like introducing myself as, "Hi, I'm food allergy. I'm very tired, so don't try and tell me your name, as I probably won't remember it." At one point in college, I was found to be allergic to 15 different things. Needless to say, eating at the dining commons was next to impossible. Chronic fatigue, brain fog, fuzzy head, difficulty sleeping, and dependence on an air purifier defined my days. I was extremely sensitive to chemicals, perfume, the outdoors, the indoors-- and even people--and thought I always would be! I married in 2001, and my husband was fully aware of my situation and loved me anyway. One day I told him that I did not want to meet one more person-- it took too much effort just to get through each day, let alone demonstrate interest in anyone else. I did not think I would be able to have children, or at least if I did, I would have to be on bedrest throughout pregnancy because I was almost too tired to function. I used to go to Whole Foods or any other health shop and ask them what supplements I should try. I took garlic, tried mushrooms, special juices, protein drinks, herbs, homeopathic remedies, vitamins, minerals, and even bitters. When I heard about a nutrition supplement called Reliv, I tried it only because of the money back guarantee. Absorbable nutrition was something I knew I needed and within three months, I saw marked improvements in my digestive tract, my immune system, my allergies, and especially my energy. By 6 months, I could eat all 15 foods that I had previously gotten migraine headaches and hives from. I am a different person today, and love meeting new people, and can often even remember their names! Next post, I’ll share with you the rest of my story and provide the next installment of this saga that began when our first daughter Valerie was born.