Vanessa's CFS and severe POTS recovery story (after 10 years)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Vanessa shares powerful insights from her 10-year healing journey from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, severe POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), chronic pain, chronic migraine, IBS, and more. Chat starts: 0:24. Interview starts: 1:31 TIMESTAMPS:
Overview:
Vanessa from Canada landed her dream job in law enforcement and was newly engaged. Outwardly she was in peak health and strength in her 20s. Then she was hit by a unique pathogen and didn't recover (she'd later learn there was more to it). She had ups and downs, but over 7 years in ended up bed-bound in the hospital. And that is when she discovered a new approach.
I appreciate her genuine nature and her encouraging words, particularly those who are in a more severe state and/or who have tried neuroplasticity and have taken longer to heal. She is the real deal.
Friendly reminder:
Nothing is medical advice and nothing is meant to be "one-sized-fits-all." We are just sharing our stories.
TIMESTAMPS:
- 1:31 Intro
- 2:06 This is Vanessa's reason for sharing her story
- 3:15 Life before chronic illness
- 4:06 Where she was before the fall
- 5:23 The unique pathogen that triggered Vanessa's onset with chronic illness
- 7:53 How her loved ones came to her support
- 8:56 Her former symptoms and diagnoses - 9:06 I made a list
- 10:04 Experience with doctors
- 11:01 The chance encounter with her neurologist in the hospital that gave her an answer
- 12:43 Things she tried that didn't lead to lasting improvement
- 14:26 This popular diet gave her pancreatitis (and the list of things she tried)
- 15:20 Considering this was a deeper nervous system issue - and what she came across Googling from her hospital bed
- 16:13 Her lowest point
- 17:50 Overview of her functionality levels throughout her journey and the storm within the storm
- 19:33 How it took her longer than most -- some very encouraging words!
- 20:48 What coincided with her decision to try a neuroplasticity program (I love her compassionate and practical advice to others at 23:27)
- 25:08 The next phase of her journey: healing unresolved trauma
- 26:48 Why traditional talk therapy did NOT work for her
- 27:45 How Dr. Sarno's approach, the Curable neuroscience-based app for chronic pain, and a Flip N' Shift coach helped her
- 32:26 How Vanessa dealt with setbacks along the way
- 35:07 Being real - the myth of 100% and the reality
- 36:38 Listening to our bodies instead of doing THIS (I want to frame her quote at 37:02)
- 37:47 Vanessa's life on the other side and the most IMPORTANT thing she can now do (38:38 hit really close to home!!)
- 39:36 Final words of wisdom (love what she says at 41:04)
- 43:52 How Vanessa is now helping others on their healing journey (note: she is independent from any program)
- 47:50 We loop back and talk about how gratitude has played a role in her healing journey and continued wellbeing (her Instagram, after all, is @yourgratefulguide)
- 49:54 Aside 'real-talk' chat we had and goodbyes
Transcript coming soon: healwithliz.com
How to reach Vanessa (I have gotten to know her and have heard wonderful things about her coaching):
thegratefulv.com
/ yourgratefulguide
Links:
DNRS (the Dynamic Neural Retraining System - neuroplasticity program): retrainingtheb...
Curable mobile app: www.curablehea...
Flip N Shift: flipnshift.com
Dr. Sarno and TMS: www.docdoc.com... www.thecurefor...
For more health recovery inspiration:
/ healwithlizc
healwithliz.com
Please subscribe! More stories coming soon.
*New: CFS Recovery Programs Guide by Heal With Liz & Lindsay Vine*
healwithliz.co... (A detailed review of DNRS and 22 other lifestyle & nervous system regulation programs is included)
*****
Sidenote:
We actually recorded this interview August 3. I got busy with a new side job and the fundraiser I'm doing with my friend Raelan Agle.
We're getting closer to our target of raising $40,000 for an exciting and validating ME/CFS research project that could lead to a diagnostic test - please help us get there so the researchers can have their desired sample size - your gift will be matched! (deadline May 1, 2022):
kernls.com/pro...
Many thanks for your support!
I am so excited to finally share Vanessa's powerful and inspiring story. She is the real deal. I included Timestamps in the Video Description for easy viewing and links to some of the things she mentioned in our chat. Hope you appreciate our interview!
Thank you so much for this. Great insights in the interview. Love her personality. Liz, do you still include rounds in your daily routine? What’s your self care routine now? Thank you.
@@Nsh311 Thanks for the kind words! I'll include that in my upcoming video about life on the other side.
i would also like to say thank you for giving coverage of POTS as I think this often gets underrepresented in the chronic illness world in terms of people healing.
I second this! I’ve had POTS for 11 years but still have hope for recovery. We need more people to open up about how they recovered from POTS.
One of my favorites from you:) she is so authentic and REAL. Loved how when she had dips this told her that her Limbic system was really pushing against the healing she was attaining- proof of her achievements. That was my favorite part:)
Ooh thanks Hadar 💖 Yes she is so real! I Love that part, too!! 💖💖💖
Thank you so much for watching. So glad you were able to take something helpful away from this 🥰
Sweet Liz, I enjoyed this so much!!! You are such a bright light in this community and it was an honor to do this with you. Keep shining!✨✨✨
Thank you for the interview, was really helpful. I’m struggling from chronic headaches too, would you say that the best thing to do is to teach my brain that the headache isn’t a threat? Thanks
your time stamp breakdowns are also legendary!
Thank you Victoria 🙌 I'm SO glad you noticed and appreciated my time stamp efforts!! ☺
Two beautiful open hearted ladies, thank you 💕
You are so welcome 💖💖💖
Liz can I please email you?
@@mariannesmiley300 Hi Marianne, please check out the Get in Touch part of my website (in the bottom menu) for how to reach me and the FAQs. 💖💖
Thank you so much for watching friend💗🙏🏻
@@yourgratefulguide hi v how r u? Can I email you for coaching?
Great interview! I love that Vanessa brought up Dr. Sarno and the emotional work as that has been huge for me on the journey and I don't think that I would be where I am without it.
Thanks Eveline! Glad you liked it. I am really glad to hear his approach also helped you! 💖 Need to learn more, but I keep hearing his name!
Thank you for watching Eveline! So half that you also found TMS and Sarno helpful! ☺️
Tms and dr sarno and david burns are key in cfs and psycjosomatic recovery
Wonderful interview Liz!! Keep them coming, your page is becoming a place of comfort and safety for all of us ✨
So glad this brought you some comfort today. Liz is amazing and such a gift to this community!
Thanks Andy 💖💖 Really glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the sweet words! 💖
What a beautiful inspiring interview!!! It gives me more hope and faith in my healing journey. It helps tremendously to know I'm not alone, that others have been where I'm at and are now thriving!! Both of you are amazing, strong and incredible women!! I admire both of you. Thank you, thank you!!
Thanks Sandi 💖 Your comment makes the work we do SO worth it! Thank you!!! You are not alone and I hope one day to share your story! 💖
You are not alone Sandi. We walk this together
Thank you for watching Sandi! We are on this journey together, you are never alone. 🥰
I've come back to relisten and wow still picking up gems from this! Didn't hear the first time the bit about taking videos and making an album to look at as a reference. Such a basic but great idea to keep positive that healing is happening . Thank you again Vanessa xx
I love this interview. What a beautiful soul Vanessa is and her transformation journey. Thank you Liz for this inspiring interview :)
Thank you for watching 🥰
I'm so glad to hear you found it inspiring Lucia! Yes, I agree - such a beautiful soul💖. Thank you so much for your comment and sending you good vibes for your transformation! 💖
I am mind blown by this interview and filled with hope because I have battled afib since 2002. Actually prior to that, i had some afib but that was when it started to become an issue. And in 2004 it became chronic. In 2010 in had two afib strokes. I was fortunate in that they were transient and didn't cause permanent damage. But during the stroke there was moments of forgetting how to walk etc. After the hospital stay and tests from the strokes, the Flecainide and coumadin did a number on my nervous system and depleted my GABA which was already low. That brain neurotransmitter that keeps one calm. This caused the afib to skyrocket worse and led to angina and edema in my feet. In 2015 in had a series of minor heart attacks that didn't cease till I got much better at an anti inflammatory diet, consuming only omega 3s in the form of chia seeds, avocado, walnuts ect. But heated fats, roasted nuts, and blood thickening or platlet clumping fats were out of the question or I'd have these artery spasms at 2 am. Nitric oxide became my life saver in the form of beets, raw in the vitamix blender. With a pithy lemon [lots of the white part left on to heal damage to the heart] bioflavanoids are powerful at strengthening vascular walls. The beets fill the endothelial cells that line the arteries with nitric oxide which opens the arteries, supplies oxygen and helps blood flow. Throughout my afib journey I have had POTS symptoms many times. The intense pain in the heart when I would go to stand up, then the rush of blood to my head and so intense it felt like I was in danger of an aneurysm or stroke and at the same instant being lightheaded, short of breath and seeing stars. This happened often during afib episodes. Then the worst came last October when I suffered a dementia like stroke at 2 am. I was in great confusion and like my brain was not my own. It was what doctors call a low oxygen or silent stroke because there is no numbness. Then two weeks later I had another. It was shorter but that time I woke up not knowing who I was. I just screamed and it lifted. Another parallel to my story is that for years I have resonated with the turtle or tortous and the rabbit allegory. Because if I ever forgot to pace myself physically or socially my nervous system and electrical system would crash and I'd have a very long and dehibilitating afib episode. I'm 52 now and my first afib episode was at age 27 so I guess I've been going at a turtles pace figuring this healing journey out. So grateful for finding you today and your message is exactly what I need and so many others. Thank you!
Wow, what a powerful message from Vanessa. Thank you ladies! Needed to hear symptoms are not a sign of failure but can be a sign of healing. I will be listening again. So much info here.
This is a fantastically powerful video. I'm really sorry about the abuse you experienced and so glad you healed. I'm still on my journey using the ANS Rewire. Hopeful to hear that it can take longer than expected. Edit: Watching the end of the video now and realising that there is no rush to the finish line. This is the journey I needed.
💖💖💖
Yess... the turtles win the race 💖!!
So happy your enjoyed it. Keep going friend. There is no rush, it’s not a race, it’s a marathon. Go at your own pace 🙌🏻
@@yourgratefulguide Thank you so much Vanessa. I really got so much wisdom out of this recovery story (and I've watched a lot of them). I shall be watching and practicing your videos on Instagram. You've strengthened my path and belief in recovery.
I loved this, Liz. I follow Vanessa and she’s amazing. I love that she talked about trusting the program you’re doing but if needed, there are other modalities that are also beneficial to healing (um, yeah…). Appreciated all the honesty. Loved that. Yeah, life changing and very hard stuff but these conversations remind you what could be on the other side. And that self care continues. Honestly, if I’d known that I would not be here for the 2.0 version. I didn’t know. Thanks, Liz. -Anne
Aye, the self care continues. 💖 Thank you so much for your comment Anne! 💖💖💖Much appreciated.
Thank you so much! So glad we are all on this journey together! And that self care piece is HUGE! So glad that it became so important for you too and that you are also finding healing 💗
Wauw, thank you both ❤️❤️ gives me (and others) so much hope 🙏
Thank you telling your story Vanessa 💖
Lots of blessings ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words Janna, I'm so glad you found this interview hopeful! Sending you encouragement 💖 and support! 💖
@@HealwithLiz 💞
So glad this brought you some hope today! 🙏🏻☺️
Wow, what a lovely way to spend an hour. Helpful, hopeful, thanks to you both :)
Thank you for watching 🥰
Thanks Jane!! 💖💖💖 Lots of love from California! 💖
Thank you both. I'm greatly re-inspired by your video. I've suffered ME since a virus in 2013 and have tried all sorts of physical, mental and nutritional approaches, leaning heavily towards approaching 'recovery' in a holistic physical/mental/nutritional way. The Gupta Program having previously really helped and got my beloved cycling back, I am onboard with NLP. Your story has been a timely reminded that recovery is possible and we just need to keep trying. Thank you.
Your story sounds like an amazing one too! I’m so happy I was able to re-inspire you today. 🥰
Thanks Tim for your comment and glad to hear it Re-inspired you! Sending you my support and encouragement!!
Tim, I was knocked down by a virus in 2015. I developed one problem after another, including POTS in 2020. I'm currently being tested for a parasite I may have picked up on a trip to a tropical area, but so far, I've cured my POTS with daily high dose B12 injections even though none of my bloodwork said I has a B12 deficiency. B12 is safe, so it's worth trying to see if it helps you to feel better. My symptoms started to improve after the 2nd week of injections. I'm still improving and it's been 10 weeks of daily B12 injections so far.
Wonderful as usual!! Thank YOU both for sharing !!
Thanks Cecilia 💖💖💖!!
Thank you so much. I loved this interview!!!
Thank you! I started brain retraining last September and it's slow progress...but there is progress. Some good advice on this interview.
Awesome. Glory to God!!
Lovely interview. Thanks a lot, Liz.
Just wanted to point out something that is pretty much the "elephant in the room" in the process of recovering.
We all know how resource consuming is to be ill.
Now, the point is that everybody who I know of that recovered, drop their job for an undefined period of time. There must be a few, but I don´t know anyone who recovered while holding a regular job.
Because work is such a stimulus, a big load of stress.
Certainly I cannot embrace a recovery process while holding a job.
But, at the end of the day, money is essential; our needs, as sufferers of this dysfunction, are not cheap, in addition.
First, for those who have the resources to face a recovery process, I think they must be very grateful for their circumstances and show it.
Secondly, I think we must show kindness and recognition to so many people chronically ill who don´t have resources, and do not forget them. And tell them they need to figure out their way through, they certainly will.
I think this is essential.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Jon and glad you appreciated our interview! 💖 I appreciated how Vanessa talked about how her family really stepped up for her. I try my best to highlight this on my page, in my case having the support of my now husband, which allowed me to eventually quit my job -- and him taking on most of the chores. I actually list him in the article on my blog on the second page - 10 things that helped me heal - in its own section. I wish there were more funds to support people with this condition. I am doing a fundraiser for research that could lead to a diagnostic test (if you saw my last video) - which hopefully will ultimately make it easier for people in the future to qualify for benefits, so they don't have to cling on at work barely hanging on. I don't want to suggest though that it's impossible for people to improve though if they are still working. My friend Pamela Rose is an expert pacing coach (lovely person, very professional, compassionate and full of wisdom) - she helps people at all functionality levels -- and that includes clients with moderate to mild ME/CFS who still are working because they have to -- and she helps them pace their energy throughout the day. For me I definitely got a big boost quitting my job, but I have learned from others there are still ways to optimize and improve. Check out Jim's interview on Raelan's channel - he mentions some of her tips, if you haven't seen it (which I myself have learned from). Sending you and everyone reading this my support! 💖
What a beautiful interview! Thank you for this!
This is giving me hope ! 🙏
35:07 - great point - when I first got sick anything
I’m so happy that this helped shift to it perspective 🙌🏻🥰
Thanks Eliana for your comment. Aye - definitely a perspective shift. Sending you my support! I've learned a lot from the latest content on your channel btw... good stuff!
Are you retraining your brain?
Loved this interview. I also found that being stuck in my old 'story' wasn't helping my recovery from alot of things.... New me now, and has helped energy alot 💫 healing old issues and moving forward. Thank you ladies x
Thank you define! And yes, being stuck in the old story or victim mentality keeps us from moving toward. Congratulations on the new you!
So much great insight. Thank you!!!!!!!!! Love to you both.
Great interview!
Thanks Dianne 💖 appreciate it!
Thank you so much. 💗
Thank you so much ❤️ you are both such amazing women. 🌈
Thank you for this. I needed reminding of this message 🙏🏼
It makes me so freaking mad to hear about so many doctors who dismiss symptoms as being in your head instead of believing the patient.
Consider writing out your anger by hand in your journal. Then writing a note to yourself from a place of love, reassuring yourself (your inner child / wounded ego) about your valid feelings and how deserving you are and read it aloud in the mirror. Check out Nicole Sach's journalspeak. Also check out Karden Rabin on Instagram for processing anger and showing up for yourself as your true self. Dr. Cat (Primal Trust) has good material too on this. The idea of letting yourself feel your feelings somatically (vs just thinking them in your head and imaginary arguments) and showing up for yourself with a loving presence.
This is a fabulous interview & so relatable!!
This is the first recovery story I have listened to when I am feeling well & energised & listened as I cooked.
I love the “pace of grace” & the authentic telling of the recovery story
Thanks for sharing
Xx @ienergise
Hi Liza...from where I can learn neuroplasticity n DNRS? Plz help
Why DVDs in this day and age though...?
Lol this was 4 years ago, and the online version wasn’t set up. I had to ask my parents for their DVD player to watch 😂
I’m just dipping my toes into some of the nervous system work, but I’m a skeptical person by nature so I think that kinda works against me at times. One thing I struggle with is wondering is “how can rewiring my brain actually heal me?” It almost feels like, if I can heal myself with my mind, then the physical illness wasn’t real to begin with. Almost like it invalidates the illness. Struggling to understand how that works together. Does that make sense?
What I see also is a woman who is aware she has some limiting beliefs, but is curious and open enough to consider something new.
This is a good question, and you're not alone! The programs and modalities listed were created by people who actually do a great job at explaining exactly that -- how these are serious conditions with usually physiological triggers. The DNRS program explains a lot of the science (the creator had a very real environmental trigger similar to mine), so does the Gupta program on how the brain's limbic system works, and so does ANS Rewire in detailed extent. They explain that while these debilitating conditions weren't caused by thoughts, we can use our brain to generate calmness, thriving, and feel good chemicals to return the nervous system to homeostasis. After all CFS is classified as a neurological disorder. Carly and Rebecca Tolin also explain some of the science for the mind body connection (you can read their interviews on my blog which contain direct links to resources and scientific explanations they found helpful).
I also wrote a blogpost called "Read this before considering a neuroplasticity program" which goes over the validation aspect in one section.
Note: As Vanessa describes brain retraining / neuroplasticity (which is about using the imagination to redirect unhelpful thought patterns and also generate feel good chemicals and new neural connections) and TMS work (which teaches somatic experiencing to go into the body and be with symptoms and trauma in a safe and loving way, so it can begin to shift) are two different modalities, but are often complementary. While brain retraining is more led by the mind, I observe people who find benefits from brain retraining discover how to embody the things they are imagining with their felt sense (instead of just seeing it like a movie, tapping into the feelings of the visualization.)
@@HealwithLiz thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to give such thoughtful and informative replies! (I recently “met” you on Instagram by the way. Love your content, you are making a difference!)
@@HealthyChristianHome 💕💕💕Oh yes!! You're welcome and thank you so much for your kind words!
I am 70 and sick for 15 years. Can I heal? I feel hopeless right now.
I believe in you Lisa and your body's ability to heal! I fully believe all of us can heal and it's never too late. It's also okay to feel hopeless and need support, you aren't alone. Did you by chance see Irene's story on Raelan's channel - she healed in her 70's after many years. Don't let the voice in your head that says "it's not going to happen for me" win, but you can acknowledge that voice with compassion and love. I believe miracles happen every day, they've happened for other people, they've happened to me, and they will happen to you. I believe you will find all your layers of healing, trusting that it will happen for you, and that you can inspire others one day, too. And I also know your life has value right now where you are at. You've got this Lisa!!!
@@HealwithLiz Thank you Liz! This is such a kind, thoughtful reply. So nice of you to take so much time to reply to me.❤ (I have not seen that video but I will go watch it. Thank you)
When you talk about watching the videos for neuroplasticity , which are you referring to?
I assume you're talking about the part where she recommends watching the instructional videos for any neuroplasticity program at your own pace for people with limited stamina and other challenges (like she once had). DNRS was the program she was referring to in that section, which used to be 14 hours total (and she took 2 weeks to go through it). I believe they released an updated version that is 20 hours. I believe other popular neuroplasticity programs (online/dvd ones) are similar length.
What program did Vanessa watch?
Does anyone on hear know how the DNRS program differs from the ANS Rewire program ?
I'm going to do a video about this soon!
Did you ever have pots ?
Vanessa recovered from severe POTS (for others reading - she lists her multiple former key health challenges in our interview - I mark where in the Timestamps in the Video Description). I myself had concerning cardiac symptoms and alarming episodes in the first 1.5 years of my own 3 year journey, though Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia was more minor comparatively for me.
@@HealwithLiz what are her symptoms of pots?how long did she suffered?
Did your heart issues resolve with the brain retraining?
Though neuroplasticity helped me significantly like Vanessa, I personally took an all of the above approach to heal my symptoms and share more on my blog. There is an article I wrote on the second page of my blog - 10 things that helped me heal - that provides a good overview, in case it might be useful. ❤