Autoimmunity: Lifelong curse
or blessing in disguise?
ARTICLE BEC ERICKSON
Autoimmunity is the term that classifies a multitude of conditions in which a person’s immune system mistakenly starts attacking it’s host. The conditions predominantly target females, and often begin within the child-bearing years. These conditions, such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis to name but a few, are said to be incurable, lifelong and are often misdiagnosed for years, only to then be managed with unending medical appointments and strong immune suppressant medications.
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espite the reputation, in the writer’s opinion, being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition can be viewed as both a curse and a blessing. Depending on the type and severity of the condition/s, (yes, people are often afflicted with more than one), they definitely fall under that label of curse, so how could such a condition ever be referred to or considered a blessing? Two reasons, actually. Speaking from experience both personally as a patient and professionally as a practitioner, I can empathise with and understand the absolute confusion, desperation, frustration, helplessness and despair that one experiences when faced with autoimmunity. It is often a very lengthy process seeking help for, and then obtaining a diagnosis relating to varying yet relentless symptoms and fluctuating ill health. Obtaining that diagnosis, after being told for years “there is no explanation or nothing wrong,” is the first blessing. I experienced that relief after a seven-year journey that can be summarised as follows: “In no specific order I was plagued with cardiac concerns, gastrointestinal symptoms, joint pain and inflammation, neurological manifestations, psychological/mood disturbances including anxiety, depression and panic disorder and much more. I would repeat my story at each time-limited GP appointment, only to re-state my case to specialists such as Neurologists, Gastroenterologists, Gynaecologists, Cardiologists, along with spend large sums of money on expensive and invasive tests. A breakthrough came for me by way of a Neurologist who was investigating me for Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy. He ordered some ‘nonroutine’ pathology tests, which uncovered the irregularities in my immune system. From there, I took back the reigns and started treating my troubled immune system, naturally. I made dietary and lifestyle changes, but in order to modulate and
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optimise my immune system and overall health, I supplemented with targeted, high strength, practitioner supplements to quickly address deficiencies and re-balance my system, as safely and swiftly as possible. So, among years of discovery and illness, what could possibly be blessing number two? Selfawareness, self-accountability, self-care, and a deep, profound innate connection with oneself, also for me personally, the alignment with my passion and purpose. My pathology is now ‘normal’ and at 43 years old, I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been. Although recovery may mean using targeted supplementation initially to treat underlying deficiencies and imbalances, the benefit is that these natural supplements have little to no side effects and can easily be removed from a treatment regime, once the client is able to manage with dietary and lifestyle changes alone. It is my belief that this kind of recovery and reset is available to anyone who is willing to believe in themselves and make the necessary changes to control their health. What is needed is an experienced natural practitioner, who specialises in autoimmune issues, whom can help guide you through your unique health journey. As a Nutritional Medicine Practitioner (among other things), I help clients identify and address the root cause of their symptoms and conditions on a daily basis with the most crucial tenant always being adhered to – ‘First Do No Harm’. www.holistik.com.au Mobile: 0427 992 973 or Email: bec@holistik.com.au This article is not to be taken as personal health/medical advice and people should consult suitably qualified health practitioners prior to making serious changes and decisions around their health. www.spiritualeventsdirectory.com
