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JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
By Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ June 5, 2023
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Nikki’s eyes.
Nikki's Story: Journey through Life
TAKING CHARGE
Seven years. Nineteen drugs. Two supplements. Four doctors. One nurse practitioner. And far too much false hope. I was done waiting for change—I took charge of my own life.
First Step: ANALYZE
- I began by reflecting deeply on my true self, seeking to understand what was truly happening and what I needed to prioritize for my well-being.
Second Step: AWARENESS
- It became evident that the treatment plan I was adhering to was not working. My mental and physical health continued to decline, and finding relief for my pain seemed impossible.
- Ultimately, gaining self-awareness was crucial in identifying the steps I needed to take to ensure my survival.
Third Step: RECOGNIZE
- Without a doubt, I now realized my prescribed medication treatment plan was causing me more harm than good.
- Both my mind and body were deteriorating, and relief for my pain seemed unattainable with the wellness path I was on.
Fourth Step: CHANGE
- With a strong support system by my side, I decided to take charge of my treatment plan and withdraw from the prescribed medication I was currently on.
- It took me more than a year to finally discontinue the last three prescription drugs.
- The journey through withdrawal was anything but easy. Though professionals may disagree, I firmly believe that withdrawal from any drug—be it prescribed or illicit—feels fundamentally the same. The reality is a drug is still a drug.
- However, the decision I made—and still strongly believe—was the right one.
JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN A NEW WAY
I still live my life with day-to-day challenges.
But I live my life with an accurate diagnosis:
- I am a person with a thyroid disease
- I am a person with a glutamate problem
- I am a person who has obsessive-compulsive disorder
- I am a person who has diagnosed allergies and sensitivities to foods, drinks, medications, smells, and chemicals
NOW I CAN TAKE CHARGE
- By learning what foods I can and can’t eat
- By learning what products I can and can’t use
- By learning what medications I can and can’t take
- By becoming self-aware of my triggers
- By trying to openly discuss my feelings
- By knowing I don’t need to be fixed
YOU CAN TAKE CHARGE
- Insist on an accurate diagnosis
- Develop an appropriate treatment plan
- Learn self-care techniques
- Realize your well-being is a lifelong commitment
KEEP IN MIND
- Diet plays an important role in your well-being physically and mentally
- Never give up hope even if at times there seems to be none
- Keep learning about new techniques and new treatments for you
- If you choose a medication treatment plan, research the medication(s)
- It’s okay to question!
Learn More
♥
Live Healthier
Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story and Mom’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
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