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Published: September 13th 2006
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For the past month or so I’ve not been feeling well. As the pain in my kidneys began to be unbearable, (Bill thought I was getting unbearable) it was time to realize a trip to the doctor was in my immediate future. I have or my body has a history of creating kidney stones that are unfortunately too large to pass. I’ve undergone no less than twelve surgeries for removal of said stones. Bill was tempted to make standing appointments at the local hospital in AZ every two years for lithotripsy.
After the last surgery with Dr. Sunshine, yep that’s his name it was suggested that I drink abnormal amounts of lemonade to help break down the stones and avoid future surgeries. I took his advice to the extreme, eating whole lemons until I had to give my stomach lining a break. It seemed to work as I hadn’t had any kidney issues for about four years, until recently… or so I thought.
Those with recurring illnesses can sympathize with me on the frustration of having to explain health histories to new medical practitioners. When you’ve had as many bouts of kidney stones as I have, you know when
Enjoying a banana split
Don't think Bill and Callista will ever give up banana splits. there is an issue with the kidneys. The pain is different than any other. It was difficult in the states convincing ER doctors to run the proper tests to prove the stones were there and expedite the surgery. The thought of having to explain the situation to doctors in a foreign country in a foreign language kept me from taking care of the issue until it was absolutely necessary. Last week it became necessary.
Bill and I talked over the situation and my fears, the decision was made, I HAD to get help or at least something strong for the pain (or a pill for him to be able to deal with me). We decided to see an iridologist at the suggestion of a friend prior to going thru traditional medicine channels. What could it hurt?
Iridology, also known as iridodiagnosis, is an alternative medicine practice in which patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris are examined for information about a patient's systemic health. Practitioners match their observations to iris charts which divide the iris into zones that correspond to specific parts of the human body. The eye, therefore, acts as a "window" into the body's state
Suggested teas
Te Verde, Una de Gato and Diente de Leon of health. Iridology is a practice that is not recognized my mainstream medicine (definition courtesy of Wikipedia).
Yeah, yeah, yeah…Mom, I heard you say “OH BROTHER!” Something a urologist once told me has always stuck in my head. Physicians practice medicine. Haven’t met one yet who’s perfected it, they’re all just practicing. Hmmmm…since that’s the case why not try something different. I’ve been the traditional route many times before.
I called Luis, the eye guy and made an appointment for last Thursday. It was an interesting and informative meeting. After just two minutes he told me the issue wasn’t a kidney stone as I had thought. Instead, it was an issue with my colon causing the kidneys to work harder than normal to eliminate the body’s toxins. The kidneys were tired and as hard as they tried couldn’t keep up with their job resulting in throbbing, aching kidneys for me with pain similar to that of stones. Thank goodness, no need to see a “real” practicing doctor if the advice Luis gave me could alleviate the problem.
He brought out several books, gave me recipes for natural remedies to fix the immediate problem and suggestions for lifestyle
Supplements
Haven't been able to purchase melatonina after checking with 4 different shops. I guess ticos use it quite a bit. changes that would not only keep this problem from reoccurring but help me to live a healthier, happier life.
We heeded his advice and headed to the local macrobiotica post haste to purchase the teas for my relief as well as those suggested for Bill’s health and well being along with additional supplements he suggested.
After following his instructions for only a day my body began to thank me. Since last week I’ve been waking happy and pain free once again. For a mere $10 and a drive into San Jose my problem has been eliminated without having to deal with the medical system. A small miracle in my mind, ok… not so small.
We are more convinced than ever that you are what you eat. We have vegetarian friends who’ve been telling us this for some time. (yep Barb, talking ‘bout you) The difference this time is now we truly want to eat to feel better instead of just eating what tastes good. With all the wonderful fresh fruits and veggies here the time is right, the stage is set. We want to enjoy everyday of our lives to the fullest. Yesterday, we purchased the suggested
New juice extractor
Thought we were going to have to pay over $50 for this but found one for only $32. books online and will have them sent down to us so we can make other changes to our eating habits. (Thanks again Mom) Today, we went into town to purchase a juice extractor with every intention of regularly adding carrot juice to our diet as well as the monthly white onion & lime juice concoction Luis suggested for cleaning my system. We’ve also decided that once settled on our own property a goat will most likely be added to our family. Not sure who will get the job of milking it. Luis has promised to come up and teach us how to make our own cheese.
At this point I don’t imagine, can’t imagine myself having a big ole glass of goat’s milk with my Oreo’s but I’m willing to try adding it to my morning coffee and see how things progress. Perhaps I’ll just drink my coffee black. Or better yet switch to tea and not deal with the milk issue at all. Ah… but then there’s Callista. If we drink it, she will as well. Monkey see, monkey do. It’s for our benefit as well as hers that we change our eating habits.
Some changes will be easier than others. We’ve managed to change our lives already without too much hassle so changing what we eat shouldn’t be so bad. Right?
Anyone know if you can make ice cream out of goat’s milk?
Pura Vida!
Jen, Bill, Callista and Bear (who is going to have to learn to live without ice cream if I have to)
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Carol Lynn Featherstone
non-member comment
Great for you Jen!
I have been changing my diet too. I used to suffer from depression and all sorts of little ills and have never felt better since incorporating a few changes as well as drinking more h2o and no more diet drinks. I used to drink tons of em. Now that being said I wanted to direct you to a web site that sells a colon cleanser that I have done twice now. You wouldnt believe how great you feel and your skin becomes so clear and your body thanks you in enormously gross ways by means of (expelling toxins) gross I know. Here it is...by the way, i am in no way connected to this company other than using the colon cleanser has changed my life in amazing ways. The site is under Blessed Herbs. You can google it. I like the ginger flavor best! Just a thought. Carol Lynn. Ps: we are now looking into CR, Honduras as well as Nicaragua! Can you imagine it? So exciting. CL