At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. The diagnosis came after weeks of experiencing symptoms that had upended my otherwise normal teenage life and left me hospitalized. At the time, I was disheartened to be told that this condition was incurable and would likely require lifelong management with medications.

For the next decade, as expected, I experienced numerous flare-ups of varying severity, each one impacting my life in significant ways. The worst of these flares occurred in 2010, a year after the birth of my child. This flare quickly became extremely severe, and I soon found myself in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time, my body withering away as conventional treatments failed to control my symptoms. It was a terrifying time, filled with moments of absolute hopelessness and despair and the growing fear that my child might have to grow up without a mother.

After many months of desperate struggle, I finally began to recover with the help of potent immunosuppressive medications. While I was very grateful to these medications for pulling me back from the brink and finally getting me back into remission, I felt that relying on them long-term was not the path I wanted to pursue for myself. Despite the medical interventions, I wondered how long it would be before I flared again, and what my long-term health journey would look like. How did my disease become so severe, and why did it ever manifest in the first place? My questions remained largely unanswered.

I had a growing feeling deep down inside that there HAD to be a better way, and that a life chained to a "fear of the next flare" did not have to be my destiny. That growing feeling nudged me to start believing that it was time for me to take my health, and my life, BACK, by seeking out the inner wisdom and guidance that I knew was waiting to be discovered.

And so, on a wing and a prayer, I made the life-changing decision to find a way to tap into the body's innate healing power, to heal my body naturally, and then hopefully, to remain healthy and healed.

This marked the beginning of my journey of natural healing. I fully immersed myself in researching anything that I could get my hands on related to natural healing from autoimmune disease, learning about the power of nourishing nutrition, comprehensive lifestyle changes, and taking a holistic approach to health. I discovered that the foods we eat and the choices we make every day have a profound impact on our well-being.

With unwavering determination, I implemented what I learned, radically transforming my diet and lifestyle. I embraced nutrient-dense, organic, whole foods, while eliminating processed and inflammatory foods. I incorporated regular exercise, stress-management techniques, and prioritized sleep and self-care. I sought help from a naturopathic doctor and a therapist. I started paying attention to the parts of myself that had long been neglected. I came to understand that true healing extends far beyond the physical; it necessitates a transformative, holistic journey of mental, emotional, and spiritual healing too.

The results have been nothing short of incredible. Under the supervision of my medical team, I was able to transition off medications while still maintaining my health. I have now been free of any Ulcerative Colitis flares since the beginning of 2011, and off of all related medications since the end of 2011. My body has healed, my colonoscopies continuously show no signs of active disease, and in my 40's I am stronger, more fit, and healthier than I've ever been.

This journey has taught me that true healing goes way beyond just managing symptoms; it requires a commitment to examining every single area of our lives. It requires nourishing not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits as well. It has also shown me the incredible resilience and wisdom that is within each of us, and the great power we have been given to transform our health when we align ourselves with nature's principles.

Deeply humbled and inspired by my experience, I now have the honor and the privilege of sharing the knowledge and insights I've gained with others who are struggling with autoimmune disease. I am truly grateful to be able to give back a part of what's been given to me by bringing guidance, encouragement, and most importantly, hope to those who are suffering.

Whether you are facing an autoimmune condition or other chronic illness, know that remarkable transformations can take place when we embrace the innate wisdom and power of a natural healing approach.

In addition to my personal experience, acquiring my nutrition coaching certification has further equipped me with the knowledge and tools to better guide and support others on their own healing journeys.

For more information, please reach out via the "Let's Connect" button at the top of the site. Whether you're inquiring about coaching, workshops or other events, or just need a sympathetic listening ear from someone who understands the struggle, I'm here to help.

No matter where you are in your journey, there is always hope. The body has an innate ability and an incredible capacity to heal when given the right conditions and support. By embracing the principles of natural healing and honoring your unique needs, I truly believe that amazing things can happen.

Let’s heal and stay healed — together!

Kelly

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Disclaimer: This story represents the author's personal health journey and is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author is a certified nutrition coach, not a medical doctor. Do not discontinue medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.