Recovery

After nearly forty years as a care-giver, I must take an extended pause for self-care.  Although I have always cared for myself (regular chiropractic care, healthy eating, exercise, rest, plenty of fresh air and water, as I have always recommended to others), the magnitude of this injury has required extended rest, rehab and focus, which, while working, even on a part-time basis, was impossible.  Each week since stopping, I feel clearer, more rested, stronger.  I know that this HUGE fork in my path as one of God’s greatest blessings.  I am working on that.

Many hours of study and introspection later, I see areas I could have done better, knowing that hindsight is 20/20.  As I have meticulously tracked my daily nutrient intake, I see that I have had a protein surplus and a calcium deficit.  Cortisol and protein are problems for those of us with less than stellar bone density and I have had high stress and low carbohydrate intake for the past ten years or more.  I have also attributed my stress load to being what is now called “sub-fertile” and therefore not able to carry a pregnancy to completion but that’s a discussion for another day.

Although I am not one to treat symptoms, but rather to address causes, I have begun an intensive program of bone density enhancement.  This program includes using a vibe plate for 20 minutes at least three times per week. (see pubmed.gov for some great research on the what and why of this, my favorite is ncbi.nlm.hih.gov, PMID 27904420,  “The Role of Vibration Therapy in Old Age).    The best calcium calculator I have found is the app “MyFitnessPal” and I supplement calcium AND magnesium based on what I have eaten, not just a rote amount each day, for optimum absorption.  Gentle aerobic exercise AND strength training are also important.  My favorite resources are http://www.mercola.com and http://www.drswolfson.com for info on both of these.   I have an amazing personal trainer, (Matt Nigut) at AMP gym, a great life coach (Joel Wade, PhD), massage therapy, chiropractic care, and I have plenty of time now to track down the very best ingredients for my meals.  I am even beginning to enjoy cooking (I know, I know!).  I spend quality time outside in the sunshine for my vitamin D and supplement when I cannot.  I also take vitamin K in the form of natto and emu oil to boost my calcium deposition.  Hope my research is helpful to you and to any loved ones who may have similar issues.

Deep gratitude flows from my heart and I MISS the many lives of practice members.  I know I will see you all again!  I hope that you will keep in touch with me, either here or by phone or email.