A Diagnosis of an AutoImmune Disorder or you’re not feeling well

Dear friend,

I’ve heard you aren’t feeling better and might have an autoimmune issue. I’m sorry to hear that. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with Ankylosing Spondylitis after dealing with fatigue, iritis and other back/feet issues. We decided to use diet and lifestyle changes to help, instead of Ibuprofen and other medicines. I think the doctors don’t always handle long term chronic issues very well as they focus on the symptoms and not the causes. It’s been a lot of learning, work for cooking, changing what I eat, reading labels and looking for ingredients. My wife has taken a lot of that on for me. Another piece is trying to reduce stress and sleeping more.

It’s healthy to mourn the loss of the life you had or were expecting. You’ll have to make changes that will be a challenge, but will help you in the long term. Most of all, I hope you trust Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” to give you “peace that passes all understanding” and hope.

Information

I wanted to share some information and offer our help with any questions. I hope you can find others who have also dealt with these types of issues and have a lot of insights as well.

[The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)]https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/ (we have a big book from her that has helped a lot). Diet changes, more sleep, less stress have helped me a lot and many other people who followed this approach.

This podcast https://autoimmunewellness.com/awp/ has been helpful as well

The 3rd way by Christina Tidwell was helpful. It’s easy to get overwhelmed!

GI Map

I’ve also done a GI Map once a year or so that gives a lot of insight. You need to find someone to analyze the results and give you actions and supplements to improve. It’s great to have real data to improve your gut.

Improving your gut health is a huge part of healing.

Water

Drink more water, especially when you wake up in the morning but through out the day.

Sleep

I started going to bed earlier because I was tired earlier, but have kept the habit to get more sleep. Blue light blocking glasses during the day and an hour before bed can help.

Magnesium is supposed to help you sleep better as well. I’ve found BiOptimizers | Magnesium Breakthrough to be a good product.

Red light could help

Here’s what I bought, ( https://luminousred.com/ ) this was less expensive, but later I found it was made and shipped from China. Here’s a good podcast about it: TPV Podcast 315: The Scoop on Red Light and Infrared Therapy (thepaleomom.com)

It takes learning, changes, time and persistence to heal

This could take a lot of time before you start to feel better. Persevere!

Hope

A diagnosis can feel like a loss. In a way, there is relief, but also loss of a more carefree approach to life. Take some time to process it and grieve. Then remind yourself of hope and move forward.

Hebrews 6:18-20a "18) so that by two unchangeable things, in which lit is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19) We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20) where Jesus has gone"