Like you, I too suffered from numerous unexplained physical and emotional symptoms like fatigue, depression, brain fog, hair loss, infertility, gut problems (to name a few). After many years I was finally diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. But although I had an answer, I was still pretty lost.
I went through a lot of doctors after that initial diagnosis. The more I learned, the more I became aware of the fact that Hashi’s is more of a gut problem than anything – the thyroid is just an innocent bystander – and that many conventional doctors aren’t trained to dig down and find root causes to autoimmune issues.
I learned that healing the gut is paramount, and that diet is key. I revamped and reworked my diet, sleep habits, and lifestyle, following the Auto-Immune Protocol (AIP). The AIP was a life saver for me.
I feel better today than I did 10 years ago. So for those of you who don’t feel well just resorting to thinking “oh I’m just getting older” – don’t believe it! Lies, I tell you, all lies!
Yes, I worked my butt off to get where I am today. Yes, I had a lot of ups and downs and setbacks and frustrations along the way. But the day I started on this “healing journey” is the day I stopped being sick and started healing. Did I get well overnight? Heck no – I did it with baby steps, slowly adjusting diet, lifestyle, and addressing emotional issues and other root causes as they became apparent.
I spent about 6 years in therapy as I was going through these health issues to address some of that emotional trauma. Doing so revived a love of psychology I have held deep inside of me for eons, and a few years ago I decided to pursue health and nutrition coaching. The training I have received from the Kresser Institute’s Health Coach program (I am an ADAPT Certified Functional Health Coach or A-CFHC)as well as my time spent studying for the National Board exam (I am now a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach or NBC-HWC) has enabled me to grow as a person in ways I did not know were possible. I am truly excited to be able to help others grow in this same manner, to learn the ins and outs of lasting behavior change.
I’m thankful for the help I received from the lovely Mods and Admins over at Hashimoto’s 411 on Facebook when I was first diagnosed. Without the information gleaned from that group and its amazing database of information, I don’t know where I’d be.
To learn about what a health and wellness coach can do for you, check out this post for a brief explanation of what coaching is – and isn’t. For more information about functional medicine, see this post.
If you would like to work with me one-on-one, you can schedule your Complimentary Session here.
I look forward to joining you on your journey – welcome!
Sandy
