Today was my follow-up appointment with my gastroenterologist, and it was an extremely productive appointment! My GI doc is my favorite doctor, by quite a lot. They’re the most awkward subject matter, but they’re always productive and my doc refuses to give up on me. It’s a very refreshing change from how most doctors treat my cases.
Anyway, the follow-up was in regards to my HIDA scan. Continue reading
The Chronic Illness Bloggers group is doing a MASSIVE giveaway!!!
This is seriously exciting stuff, and the packages are gigantic!
This giveaway is sponsored by Chronic Illness Bloggers. Check out the sponsor list below for all our wonderful sponsors!
When I say the prizes are ridiculously huge, I mean it! There are eleven total prize packages, each valued between $400 and $600! I’m not even kidding around. This is an absolutely massive giveaway… and it’s only running from Nov. 23 until Dec. 3 (2016).
Enter here: rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/dde15f7712/
Two of the eleven packages are, unfortunately, only eligible for winners in the United States. That leaves nine packages open for the whole world though! The winners are drawn at random, so if you enter from outside the USA, then you may get paired with a “US Only” prize pack. If that happens, you may either forfeit your package, or have it shipped to a US address. Obviously, shipping it to a US address first will cause a delay in you receiving the prize pack.
I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
I am not a doctor! This post is not intended as medical advice. This post is for information purposes only. Before beginning any new medical routine, always consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist. By continuing, you release me (Elizabeth Bulfer) from any and all liability.
Why am I reviewing Visbiome high potency probiotics? Well, I’ve been struggling with severe IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome, constipation prominent) for over 20 years. I’m only 26 years old. My IBS-C problems started very shortly after I started eating solid foods. Apparently, as a toddler, I used to scream and cry in the corner to try to avoid using the restroom. I first got an IBS diagnosis when I was in college, about 2010, but there hadn’t been any other testing done so I actually ignored that diagnosis. Then, just recently, I got diagnosed with IBS-C again. This time, however, I really trusted the doctor and we have done extensive testing for all sorts of other illnesses (and ruled them out). After listening to my history of “bathroom issues,” he concluded that I have definitely been living with severe IBS-C my entire life. You can read a more detailed account in my post: “The Personal Hell That Is My IBS” (warning, it’s quite detailed/graphic and emotional). I’ve only just started to get some semblance of control over my IBS-C thanks to the use of high potency probiotics and an incredible gastroenterologist. Continue reading
Over the last several weeks, I have been dealing with the first massive complication from my joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) that I’ve ever had… At least, that’s what we think it is as of right now. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, then you know what’s been going on. If not, let me fill you in now:
I’ve had several vertebrae in my back dislocating. Yes, several. My pelvis has also been trying to dislocate in several places, and my SI joints have been severely dysfunctional (dislocating and getting jammed). I also subluxed – partially dislocate, but it pops back into place by itself – my left hip the other day. Obviously, I’ve been in pretty severe pain for a few weeks.
Source: Yarra Osteopathy
I’ve concluded I need a reusable respirator mask that I’ll wear more often.
The allergist that had been dealing with me (I’ve stopped seeing him for various reasons) told me to get an N95 mask to wear whenever I’m around airborne allergens – like when I’m cleaning, gardening, etc. He wasn’t entirely clear how often I was supposed to be wearing it, but it’s supposed to help reduce my permanent rhinitis and my eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) symptoms.
My recent throat infection horribly flared up my EoE and made me realize I need something to reduce infections and filter allergens… on a regular basis. There was also a wildfire less than ten miles from my house, at the tale end of my infection, and it really brought the point home. My EoE is still completely flared up.
My stomach issues have been slowly getting worse and it’s been very disheartening. The delayed gastric emptying has hit ridiculous levels, and the pain and nausea can be incapacitating after I eat.
The absolute worst episode was the weekend my mother-in-law was in town… Of course, when people are in town, we try our best to not let my health mess with our plans. Becky, my MIL, was here from Friday night until midday Sunday. Continue reading
Finding Life's Silver Sun 