progress and next steps

And also a quick update. Last November I was back at St Marys for a check and review. Dr Cox was still thrilled with the progress I have made, but there had been a slight decline in some of my core readings. Needless to say we are talking 0.5 to 1 point difference which actually as an average is not so bad.

My pelvis is still pretty poor, with reading still in the Osteoporosis zone lingering around - 2.8, however parts of my spine and other areas have increased into Osteopoenia at around an average of -1.8. So I have managed to move some bones back in to a 'condition' and no longer a disease.....whilst pelvis and lower spine are still osteoporotic, but MUCH LESS breakable. Its overall good news, and he believes that for my case, Im generally out of the danger zone for regular breaks, (especially from a hug) and that I can live an unbridled and full life. This is AWESOME news.
I carry on with life as normal. The main this is Ive got over my fear of participating and continuing with a normal life.
I have been skiing again, Im going ice skating this week, I run, I walk, I swim, I dance! I might not ride a horse seriously again (animals have a tendency to be unpredictable and a fall from there is much greater risk!) but Im not stopping doing anything. When I saw Professor Fogleman way back about 4 years ago  -  the key specialist in Osteoporosis in Europe, he was also very pro and extremely clear that your positive state of mind and continuing  to do things that make you happy plays a large role in managing such a disease and not giving in to it -  all those happy endorphins do us a world of good!


So what have I done to achieve my turnaround:
1) I continue with a VERY large focus on an alkaline diet. (I've just got back from an alkaline diet retreat in Turkey to give myself and extra boost before the winter  -  see pic!)
See http://www.betterbones.com for more information on this from a leading US doctor on this. Its under the alkaline diet and ph balance section in bone health articles.
2) lemon water and/or raw cider vinegar (2 tablespoons/ pint of water) on a daily basis instead of normal tap water......this helps keep acidic balance in your body where it should be!
3) regular exercise - walking, a bit of jogging, swimming and general activity. When Im not active EVERYthing starts to really ache and often my fibromyalgia returns. Muscle maintenance is key to managing both fibromyaligia as well as bone support.

4) cut back on the wine intake!
5) lots of fresh vegetables -  top 5 are kale, broccoli, avocado, quinoa, rocket (cut back on spinach!)
and included walnuts and almonds as good alkaline sources of protein. Additionally less meat generally but lots of fish and white meats (organic where possible)
6) continue to see my Chinese acupuncturist! and
I continue to work on positivity, mindfulness and deflecting bad people and bad karma.
7) Stress levels as low as possible. the amount of research out there that outlines just how bad cortisol is for your absorption and update of calcium is incredible.
8) daily auto-immune green shot -  I use a good one from the local Healthfood shop, its packed full of chlorella, wheatgrass, omegas and all sorts of super foods. this is not only to boost immunity during the cold season, but it helps keep me strong and when its cold we all know how fibromyalgia can worsen. this is dramatically reduced for me taking these daily does of green stuff.
9) I stopped taking DEPO PROVERA (go google it  -  it has a black box warning and it shouldn't in my opinion even be an option as a contraceptive) and nor do I now take any form of contraceptive -  it seems that my body is particularly susceptible to the hormones, which get ticked out of balance and are a huge nono for me! they exacerbate my condition! -  maybe you could get yourself checked if you are pre menopausal and still taking contraceptives -  My endocrinologist was the key to me discovering this........ (top tip!)
10) I do what makes me happy. -  this is key to our general state of mind. If we just stop doing everything of fear for ourselves and wrap ourselves in cotton wool then our minds close and depression can set in. Keep doing what makes you happy, its good for the soul, and general well-being!

I of course continue to take my VIT D (20000 ui) and calcichew as Im not allowed to take anything else -  Im avoiding the big drugs as they will effect my day to day quality of life but also my ovaries, and I still hope to have kids one day!

So happy days. Yes I still get pain, I do everything I want within reason and not so risky, but I have fun, I live! I re-found my smile and I look after my body - after all its the only one we have!!!