I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jackie and hearing her amazing story. I wanted to share her story with you. In hopes that anyone out there going through this struggle might know they are not alone and their journey is not hopeless.

“For more than 10 years I have had a struggle with spinal disc health. Then in 2016, after an accident, I was paralyzed for 9 days. Post surgery I was prescribed items to help with a condition called peripheral neuropathy; the weight gain was never ending. If I worked out, I was in pain. If I didn’t move I was in pain.  It began a vicious cycle of weight gain and pain. Then in 2018, another spinal disc injury and surgery set me back even further.

After 2 years of severe pain, July 2020 came around and my hands began to shake and my back was in the worst shape ever, a size 2x (size 20 pants and 276 lbs; 40D). I was in daily pain and unable to function normally.  Upon hearing that my “medical team” wanted to add new medications, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Against medical advice, I weaned from the prescribed medications to see how my body would function. (This is not to say this should be the path for everyone, but it is to be aware that maybe those pharmaceuticals aren’t necessarily helping what your body may be trying to achieve.)

The first 60 days were a nightmare, it was constant pain and wondering if this was going to be worth it, but then the first signs began to show that we may be onto the right track. I began to lose some weight, and the next month a bit more. This snowball effect came so quickly, 2 lbs. some weeks, 5 lbs. on others. My hormones, my pain and shakes began to equalize. The results were astounding.

Each month was a little more invigorating than the last. Pushing forward through the journey, it was psychologically a beating, and emotionally I was drained everyday but my body was beginning to feel healthy. I put my energy into filling my body with better food choices and adding a few new healthy habits; sans pharmaceuticals.  

After almost 12 full months of “detox” my body is now 180 lbs. Size 10, 36 C. It has been a miracle coming from “you will live in pain for the rest of your life” to I don’t think so! I am able to workout now, 4 times a week and the feeling has returned to my extremities, which I was told would not happen.  I was headed toward an early grave and feel like I have a second chance at life. I have new confidence in myself, I no longer get the urge to hide in the shadows and stay home out of sight, I want to throw on that dress and head out on the town. Additionally, relieving my daily pain has also aided in anxiety and depression that intertwine so tightly with chronic symptoms. There can be a brighter side to life. 

-Jackie“

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