My auto-immune journey

I was diagnosed with my first auto-immune condition in March 2015, an inflammatory arthritis which arrived suddenly and left me in so much pain. Normal movement became painful and many of my joints started to cease everyday. It was a very sudden and crushing illness and the doctors didn't give me much hope, as it was a degenerative condition. The only thing they could do was to try to slow down the illness and reduce my daily pain. I was given some very strong medications: Methotrexate, Salazopiryn, Cortisone, Voltaren. My pain had a huge impact on my work, I had my own kids clothing range at the time, and after a few months I decided to sell my business.

I spent a lot of time at home, and during this time, I started looking online to see if there was anything else I could do to reduce my pain. I was prepared to try anything.

This is when I came across a few websites from The States who spoke about an elimination diet called The Auto Immune Paleo diet (AIP) which was apparently very successful. I had nothing to loose really so I looked more into it and decided to find a nutritionist who could help me on this journey.

It's during that time that I was diagnosed with my 2nde Auto-immune condition: Hashimoto, a hypo-thyroid condition. It was another crushing news to take in. My body seem to fall apart from within. But my nutritionist seemed to think the diet would help so I started my AIP journey.

It was a long process and I started to realise it wasn't gonna be a quick fix.

The protocol also mentioned dealing with stressful triggers.

Auto-immune conditions can be triggered by many things: a virus, genes, gut issues and stress to mention a few.

I had read many recovery stories and it seemed evident that working with food alone wasn't enough, I needed to address any causes of stress in my life. You don't actually realise how much stress you have on a daily basis.

This is when I came across the MBSR programme, a Mindfulness programme designed for chronique illnesses.

The programme taught me a lot about mind training and regular meditation practice.

This lead me to do more research and Sophrology seemed to be an amazing method.

We happened to move to France where I could study, and my healing journey continued.

My arthritis is now in full remission, I no longer need to take any medication which I am so grateful for.

I still live with 2 auto immune conditions, which I have to manage and I still practice Sophrology to help me cope with some of my Thyroid symptoms.

This journey has encouraged me to help others who are on a similar journey.

I feel passionate about healing ourselves as naturally as we can, giving the power back to our amazing body to heal itself.

I understand how hard it is to live with a chronique illness and it brings me so much happiness if I can help someone else.