Living with Environtmental Illness requires constant adjustment and flexibility.
As my allergies and sensitivities have gotten worse, I've gradually had to make more and more adjustments, and every day requires flexibility in different ways.
Here are some of the unusual details of my E.I. life:
- Because of my sensitivity to certain kinds of fabrics and to fabrics manufactured in certain countries...I use organic, cotton T-shirts (made mostly in Central Americaa) as all-purpose material - for hand towels, bath towels, T-shirts of course, pillowcases, etc.
- Since practically all bedding now contains fire retardant (required by law), I use a pair of rolled-up jeans for a pillow. Not exactly cloud 9, but at least it's better than a rock. =)
- Sitting in a chair for very long is exhausting, so I haven't eaten a meal at the dining table in ages. I eat on my bed with my feet up.
- For too many reasons to list, my room is completely empty except for my mattress (which is on the floor) and an air purifier (and a mirror which is nailed to the wall).
- With my sensitivity to EMF's (electro-magnetic fields) we turned off the breaker to my room...which means we have to run extension cords from my mom's room through the hall into my room in order to plug in the air purifier. And I have no light in my room, (which isn't quite so bad now since it doesn't get dark so early).
Those are just a few of the crazy details of my E.I. life (and I haven't even started on what it's like for my mom since she has to live with me...it's no picnic for her either).
Sometimes I look around and realize just how far from "normal" my life is. All I can do is laugh at the absurdity of it...and keep adjusting and flexing.
But really, compared to a lot of people with E.I., I'm living in the lap of luxury! I have heat and a/c. I have air purifiers. I have an organic mattress. I have a computer I can use. I have my wonderful mom to take care of me! What more does a girl need, eh? (Well, a real pillow would be nice....) =)
This kind of life gives new meaning to Paul's words that "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (1 Tim. 6:8)
The Lord always provides for my needs, even when it's through strange means. I hope I'm learning a kind of contentment that will last through any circumstances.
One day we'll be enjoying our mansions in heaven (with all organic products, right?). =) Until then, I pray whatever you're going through today, you will find contentment not in your cirucmstances, but in the God who cares for you!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Cell Phone Radiation
Hello. Today I just wanted to write a quick note about cell phones.
While the debate continues about just how damaging cell phone radiation is, I think it's clear that we should take precautions. Recent studies have raised concern about the safety of cell phone radiation, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
I think it's important for us to take this issue seriously. And it's not hard to do something. There are simple things we can do to minimize exposure to cell phone radiation.
* Don't hold the phone next to your head - use the speaker-phone or an ear-phone when you talk.
* Don't carry cell phones in pockets or a hip-holster, as this put the radiation right next to the body.
* Leave your cell phone in a different room (or at least across the room from you ) at night, not right next to your bed.
* When you're ready for a new phone, buy one with a lower level of radiation.
The Environmental Working Group has a special section focused on this issue with more tips and a chart listing which phones (including smart phones) emit the least or the most radiation.
http://ewg.org/cellphone-radiation
Just be aware of the possible dangers and take appropriate precautions.
Also, something most people are unaware of, is the fact that cordless phones also emit high levels of radiation. If you still have a land-line, I suggest unplugging the cordless phone and using a regular wall-phone instead.
A few years ago, one of my doctor's suggested that I spend 10 minutes a day standing barefoot on the ground. This "grounding" supposedly helps the body get rid of excess electromagnetic radiation that it has absorbed. (I haven't looked up the scientific research on this yet, but I can only imagine that standing on the earth God created would be a beneficial thing.) =)
It's hard sometimes to remember that our bodies are constantly surrounded by electromagnetic fields - electricity/power lines, wireless internet, cell phone towers, radio waves.... These things are foreign to the body, so the more we can limit our total exposure, the better.
Take care!
While the debate continues about just how damaging cell phone radiation is, I think it's clear that we should take precautions. Recent studies have raised concern about the safety of cell phone radiation, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
I think it's important for us to take this issue seriously. And it's not hard to do something. There are simple things we can do to minimize exposure to cell phone radiation.
* Don't hold the phone next to your head - use the speaker-phone or an ear-phone when you talk.
* Don't carry cell phones in pockets or a hip-holster, as this put the radiation right next to the body.
* Leave your cell phone in a different room (or at least across the room from you ) at night, not right next to your bed.
* When you're ready for a new phone, buy one with a lower level of radiation.
The Environmental Working Group has a special section focused on this issue with more tips and a chart listing which phones (including smart phones) emit the least or the most radiation.
http://ewg.org/cellphone-radiation
Just be aware of the possible dangers and take appropriate precautions.
Also, something most people are unaware of, is the fact that cordless phones also emit high levels of radiation. If you still have a land-line, I suggest unplugging the cordless phone and using a regular wall-phone instead.
A few years ago, one of my doctor's suggested that I spend 10 minutes a day standing barefoot on the ground. This "grounding" supposedly helps the body get rid of excess electromagnetic radiation that it has absorbed. (I haven't looked up the scientific research on this yet, but I can only imagine that standing on the earth God created would be a beneficial thing.) =)
It's hard sometimes to remember that our bodies are constantly surrounded by electromagnetic fields - electricity/power lines, wireless internet, cell phone towers, radio waves.... These things are foreign to the body, so the more we can limit our total exposure, the better.
Take care!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
His strength
28 "Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:28-31
Amen.
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:28-31
Amen.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Parasites
Ok, this is everyone's favorite topic, right? Not.
But parasties are indeed a real part of most people's health problems.
Most experts estimate that 80-95% of the American population has parasites (just google it - you'll be surprised).
- If you have a pet, you're at risk for parasites.
- If you've ever been out of the country, you undoubtedly picked up parasites.
- If you've ever eaten pork or fish, you've most likely consumed parasites
...these are just a few indicators.
Basically, unless you've recently done a parasite treatment, you most assuredly have them right now.
But before you freak out, try to remember that this knowledge can be a good thing. Parasites can mimic other diseases and cause all kinds of problems in the body. So maybe your strange symptoms have a simple explanation.
The problem is that most doctors don't test for parasites, or they only test for a few kinds. And most medications they prescribe only kill the adult parasites, not the eggs, thus are ineffective.
After I returned from Mexico, my MD gave me a routine parasite medication, which as far as I know, didn't do any good. Next I tried a natural alternative - Wormwood. (That is the nastiest taste on the planet!) I don't think that helped either, because my intestinal problems continued.
Later a friend recommended an herbal treatment, which consisted of taking capsules, powder in water, and drinking a special tea each day, for several weeks (40-50 days, I don't remember exaxtly). Unfortunately, because of my sensitivities to herbs, it made me worse, and I had to quit before I finished it.
Finally, in 2009, I went to Dr. Smith (http://www.allertouch.com/index.asp) who has developed a natural treatment for parasites that actually works! He treated me for parasites in my intestines. Later I found that I had parasites in my adrenal gland, so we treated for those also.
When we tested my mom she originally had them in her stomah and liver. We treated her. Then a few months later more showed up in her lower intestines. So we treated for those.
The point is that there are many different kinds of parasites and they can be in different places in the body. And after treating for one kind, another kind may show up somewhere else. This is why regular checking and treating for parasites is so important.
If you're interested in the natural method we use, send me an email or post a comment, and I'll send you the specifics (it only takes 2 days).
If your body is not as sensitive as mine and you can tolerate herbs, then Dr. Valerie Saxion has an herbal parasite treatment on her website, called ParaCease. http://www.valeriesaxion.com/
She also has MUCH more information about this topic.
Unfortunately, parasites are part of the reality of living in this fallen world. Whatever you do, please take this seriously! Your body is God's temple. Be a faithful guardian of it. Kick out the "squatters." =)
Fighting for health,
-Joanna
- One more note: A good rule of thumb is to get a new toothbrush every 3 months (germs & nasties build up in your toothbrush). But it's especially improtant to get a new toothbrush when doing a parasite treatment. If you don't, you could end up reinfecting yourself from your toothbrush.
.
But parasties are indeed a real part of most people's health problems.
Most experts estimate that 80-95% of the American population has parasites (just google it - you'll be surprised).
- If you have a pet, you're at risk for parasites.
- If you've ever been out of the country, you undoubtedly picked up parasites.
- If you've ever eaten pork or fish, you've most likely consumed parasites
...these are just a few indicators.
Basically, unless you've recently done a parasite treatment, you most assuredly have them right now.
But before you freak out, try to remember that this knowledge can be a good thing. Parasites can mimic other diseases and cause all kinds of problems in the body. So maybe your strange symptoms have a simple explanation.
The problem is that most doctors don't test for parasites, or they only test for a few kinds. And most medications they prescribe only kill the adult parasites, not the eggs, thus are ineffective.
After I returned from Mexico, my MD gave me a routine parasite medication, which as far as I know, didn't do any good. Next I tried a natural alternative - Wormwood. (That is the nastiest taste on the planet!) I don't think that helped either, because my intestinal problems continued.
Later a friend recommended an herbal treatment, which consisted of taking capsules, powder in water, and drinking a special tea each day, for several weeks (40-50 days, I don't remember exaxtly). Unfortunately, because of my sensitivities to herbs, it made me worse, and I had to quit before I finished it.
Finally, in 2009, I went to Dr. Smith (http://www.allertouch.com/index.asp) who has developed a natural treatment for parasites that actually works! He treated me for parasites in my intestines. Later I found that I had parasites in my adrenal gland, so we treated for those also.
When we tested my mom she originally had them in her stomah and liver. We treated her. Then a few months later more showed up in her lower intestines. So we treated for those.
The point is that there are many different kinds of parasites and they can be in different places in the body. And after treating for one kind, another kind may show up somewhere else. This is why regular checking and treating for parasites is so important.
If you're interested in the natural method we use, send me an email or post a comment, and I'll send you the specifics (it only takes 2 days).
If your body is not as sensitive as mine and you can tolerate herbs, then Dr. Valerie Saxion has an herbal parasite treatment on her website, called ParaCease. http://www.valeriesaxion.com/
She also has MUCH more information about this topic.
Unfortunately, parasites are part of the reality of living in this fallen world. Whatever you do, please take this seriously! Your body is God's temple. Be a faithful guardian of it. Kick out the "squatters." =)
Fighting for health,
-Joanna
- One more note: A good rule of thumb is to get a new toothbrush every 3 months (germs & nasties build up in your toothbrush). But it's especially improtant to get a new toothbrush when doing a parasite treatment. If you don't, you could end up reinfecting yourself from your toothbrush.
.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
I CAN...
Living with Environmental Illness is constantly being faced with what I can't do. I can't - go there, do that, eat this, see them.... The ongoing limitations can be overwhelming at times.
Today I just want to praise God for the improvements in my health that mean there are some things I CAN do again!
- I CAN wash dishes!
It's been years since I've been able to stand up long enough to wash a few dishes. And believe me, it feels great! =)
- I CAN read books!
I don't know how many months it's been since I could hold a book in my hands without getting sick from it. I'm having so much fun reading that I'm actually in the middle of 4 different books right now!
- I CAN do 4 & 1/2 push-ups! =)
Ok, not every day, but at least once or twice a week. Yeah!
- I CAN listen to music!
There were a lot of months when I was so weak that any sounds, even good music, would make me feel worse. It's so wonderful to be playing Wayne Watson and Keith Green again!
- I CAN learn!
For a long time my body was in survival mode: eat, breathe, sleep. Thinking was a luxury I didn't have. But now I'm able to receive information, process it and learn - and I'm loving it! (My brain still isn't 100%, but I think it's at least 50% better.)
These are just a few of the things I CAN do again now, things I took for granted for many years. I praise God for His healing work in my body, and I pray I will enjoy every day, being thankful for what I CAN do!
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thess. 5:18)
Today I just want to praise God for the improvements in my health that mean there are some things I CAN do again!
- I CAN wash dishes!
It's been years since I've been able to stand up long enough to wash a few dishes. And believe me, it feels great! =)
- I CAN read books!
I don't know how many months it's been since I could hold a book in my hands without getting sick from it. I'm having so much fun reading that I'm actually in the middle of 4 different books right now!
- I CAN do 4 & 1/2 push-ups! =)
Ok, not every day, but at least once or twice a week. Yeah!
- I CAN listen to music!
There were a lot of months when I was so weak that any sounds, even good music, would make me feel worse. It's so wonderful to be playing Wayne Watson and Keith Green again!
- I CAN learn!
For a long time my body was in survival mode: eat, breathe, sleep. Thinking was a luxury I didn't have. But now I'm able to receive information, process it and learn - and I'm loving it! (My brain still isn't 100%, but I think it's at least 50% better.)
These are just a few of the things I CAN do again now, things I took for granted for many years. I praise God for His healing work in my body, and I pray I will enjoy every day, being thankful for what I CAN do!
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thess. 5:18)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Roller-coaster
Living with E.I. is a roller-coaster.
For a long time, it was all downward spirals and sideways corkscrews for me.
Thankfully, with the right help, I've been able to make some steady upward progress. But that doesn't eliminate the downward plunges or upside down loops.
For example...
In December God brought me to the top of a huge hill - I got off the Cortef medication!
Of course, shortly after that I had an awful reaction to some herbicide, it took over a week to recover. I was just starting to feel better when I reacted to something on Christmas Day!
After two weeks, I was about back to "normal" (for me) when I had another chemical exposure.
I got over that one, then we had fumes in the oven - we couldn't use it for two weeks.
Finally got that straightened out, and then we got gasoline fumes in the house...we're still trying to get those cleared out.
(And this is just a little snapshot of my life, not including all the other twists & turns.)
But E.I. life isn't without its "ups," thanks to God's grace.
One day I was crying out to God in anguish of spirit, just tired of this trial, tired of the struggle, but also tired of this imperfect life, its pain and impermanance.
Then, like someone had flipped a switch in my brain, I realized that, really and truly, earth has nothing I desire! (Ps. 73:25) Everything I love, all that I long for is already stored up for me in heaven!
In a moment God took me from the depths of anguish to the heights of joy! He used the difficulty of my trial, the loops and plunges, to bring me to a place of spiritual awareness and deeper intimacy with Him.
I understand now that if I hadn't gone through the "downs" of the roller-coaster, I wouldn't have experienced the "ups" either.
I guess all of life is a roller-coaster, not just E.I. life. Heaven is our "finish line," our place of permanance and perfection. Until then we're still on this wild ride.
So while sometimes on this roller-coaster I'm holding on for dear life, other moments I'm lifting my hands and shouting for joy!
For a long time, it was all downward spirals and sideways corkscrews for me.
Thankfully, with the right help, I've been able to make some steady upward progress. But that doesn't eliminate the downward plunges or upside down loops.
For example...
In December God brought me to the top of a huge hill - I got off the Cortef medication!
Of course, shortly after that I had an awful reaction to some herbicide, it took over a week to recover. I was just starting to feel better when I reacted to something on Christmas Day!
After two weeks, I was about back to "normal" (for me) when I had another chemical exposure.
I got over that one, then we had fumes in the oven - we couldn't use it for two weeks.
Finally got that straightened out, and then we got gasoline fumes in the house...we're still trying to get those cleared out.
(And this is just a little snapshot of my life, not including all the other twists & turns.)
But E.I. life isn't without its "ups," thanks to God's grace.
One day I was crying out to God in anguish of spirit, just tired of this trial, tired of the struggle, but also tired of this imperfect life, its pain and impermanance.
Then, like someone had flipped a switch in my brain, I realized that, really and truly, earth has nothing I desire! (Ps. 73:25) Everything I love, all that I long for is already stored up for me in heaven!
In a moment God took me from the depths of anguish to the heights of joy! He used the difficulty of my trial, the loops and plunges, to bring me to a place of spiritual awareness and deeper intimacy with Him.
I understand now that if I hadn't gone through the "downs" of the roller-coaster, I wouldn't have experienced the "ups" either.
I guess all of life is a roller-coaster, not just E.I. life. Heaven is our "finish line," our place of permanance and perfection. Until then we're still on this wild ride.
So while sometimes on this roller-coaster I'm holding on for dear life, other moments I'm lifting my hands and shouting for joy!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What To Pray
This week I was thinking about my E.I. friends who are heavy on my heart. I want so badly to be able to change their circumstances, heal their bodies, and free them from suffering.
At the same time, I know that God has allowed me these years of health problems to bring about much good in my life. So even though I continue to ask Him to restore my friends' health, I thought of a few other important prayer requests...things I have often prayed for myself, things we can pray for anyone with E.I., maybe things you need prayer for as well, whatever your circumstances.
I hope these prayer requests will help you in praying for others and encourage you in your own relationship with God today.
Please pray for those with E.I. -
- to have sufficient courage to face each day's challenges. Some days we just don't want to open our eyes to another day of suffering. Only God can give supernatural courage.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20)
- to continually meditate on God's promises, not negative thoughts, especially during sleepless nights.
"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." (Psalm 119:148)
- to find and hold on to hope - hope in God, but also hope for restored health. People with E.I. need to know that they can get better, that there are answers, that this illness won't last forever.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
- to practice vocal praise to God, in spite of how we feel and what we see.
"Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth," (Psalm 119:108a)
- to learn how to be truly happy in God alone. There is a genuine gladness we can have in knowing God, regardless of circumstances. But only God can accomplish this.
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)
Praise God that He hears our prayers and listens to our cries!
Thank you for praying.
Blessings,
-Joanna
.
At the same time, I know that God has allowed me these years of health problems to bring about much good in my life. So even though I continue to ask Him to restore my friends' health, I thought of a few other important prayer requests...things I have often prayed for myself, things we can pray for anyone with E.I., maybe things you need prayer for as well, whatever your circumstances.
I hope these prayer requests will help you in praying for others and encourage you in your own relationship with God today.
Please pray for those with E.I. -
- to have sufficient courage to face each day's challenges. Some days we just don't want to open our eyes to another day of suffering. Only God can give supernatural courage.
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20)
- to continually meditate on God's promises, not negative thoughts, especially during sleepless nights.
"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." (Psalm 119:148)
- to find and hold on to hope - hope in God, but also hope for restored health. People with E.I. need to know that they can get better, that there are answers, that this illness won't last forever.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
- to practice vocal praise to God, in spite of how we feel and what we see.
"Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth," (Psalm 119:108a)
- to learn how to be truly happy in God alone. There is a genuine gladness we can have in knowing God, regardless of circumstances. But only God can accomplish this.
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)
Praise God that He hears our prayers and listens to our cries!
Thank you for praying.
Blessings,
-Joanna
.
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