Latest news with #healthJourney
WebMD
4 days ago
- General
- WebMD
The Myth of the Perfect Patient
Nearly three years after my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, I've gone through more lifestyle changes than most people experience in a decade. I've been the health fanatic, the carefree spirit, and everything in between. Leading up to my diagnosis, I had already cut out gluten and dairy and was working with a nutritionist. But once I was hospitalized for my MS, I took things to an extreme. I fueled all my despair and anxiety into an obsessive focus on my health. I dove headfirst into the highest level of the Wahl's protocol with some additions: no carbs, no legumes, no nightshade vegetables, no cruciferous vegetables, no garlic, no onion, no sugar, no alcohol, low glycemic index fruits only, no vegetable oils, no coffee, no added sugars, no eggs, and only grass-fed and antibiotic-free proteins. My daily nutrition consisted of 9 cups of vegetables with high-quality protein and healthy fats at each meal. My only "treats" were berries, herbal tea, and kombucha. I lived like this for over a year while doing 18-hour fasts daily. The lifestyle changes were just as stark. I was in bed by 8 p.m. every day. I stopped going out, avoided restaurants, and stayed away from crowds out of fear of my new immunosuppressed status. I did acupuncture weekly, breath work, meditation, yoga, and consistently met with a nutritionist, health coach, and therapist. I was also on an elaborate vitamin regimen, taking multiple supplements with each meal: omega-3, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, turmeric, ashwagandha, vitamin B, probiotics, sea moss, iron, magnesium, and many more. Living like this was a full-time job. The only way I could really pull it off was short-term disability and working remotely. I worked with multiple functional medicine providers and spent an obscene amount of money on this lifestyle. Looking back, I don't even want to calculate how much it all cost. I genuinely thought that would be my life forever. It felt like my old life had ended with this diagnosis, and I'd spend my remaining days isolated from society, eating mostly vegetables, and spending all my money on organic foods. But about a year and a half later, after all my repeat MRIs came back clear, I started to loosen up. I began to travel again, which forced me to accept that I was going to eat foods that didn't adhere to my strict guidelines. I moved to a new city and realized creating a social life wouldn't be possible if I refused to go out. I started to feel safe in my disease's stability. Slowly, I began to live more like an average 25-year-old would. I went out on weekends, took trips, stayed up too late to hang out with friends, ordered food without checking if the meat was grass-fed, and most importantly, started enjoying the simple things again. People noticed the change. When I once needed 20 minutes to approve a menu before we went to a restaurant, I was now easy-going and spontaneous. I was having fun and so grateful to have a sense of normalcy back. Comparing my diet and lifestyle now to when I was first diagnosed, it would be safe to say I've completely "gone off the rails." But looking back, I was too hard on myself. I was scared and tried to control every aspect of my diet and lifestyle to prevent more flares. Once I was able to trust the medicines, adjust to immunosuppression, and feel better, I realized how lucky I was for this second chance at life. The pendulum had swung from one extreme to another. From hyper-vigilance to something resembling freedom. And neither extreme felt quite right for long. What I've learned is that there's no perfect way to manage MS. I have to find an approach that balances health with actually living a life worth the effort of staying healthy. Some days, that has to mean green smoothies and resting. On other days, it can mean staying out late with friends to drink all the sugary drinks we can find. In truth, I'm still figuring out where the middle ground is. But I know one thing for certain: The perfect patient doesn't exist. And pretending otherwise just adds unnecessary suffering to an already challenging journey. Having MS does come with its responsibilities, but expecting myself to be the perfect patient all the time has led to burnout. Instead of focusing on being the perfect patient, I've decided to focus on getting my spark and spirit back after a hard diagnosis and journey to stability. And lately, it truly does feel like I've found a part of myself again that I had lost in my journey.
WebMD
22-05-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Personal Milestone: Regaining My Full Strength After PsA
This is a post I've wanted to write for a long time. Not because I needed to prove anything, but because I knew how much this moment would mean to me when it finally came. After four years of navigating life with psoriatic arthritis, I can finally say: I've regained my full strength. It still feels strange to put that into words. There was a time when that version of me felt completely out of reach – like she was part of a past life I'd never get back. But here I am. When I first got sick, I had no idea what was happening to me. The fatigue was relentless. Not the kind of tired you feel after a long day, but the kind that sinks in and doesn't go away no matter how much you rest. Everything became hard. Just getting out of bed took effort. Moving around the house felt like a workout. And over time, my muscles started to atrophy. I became so weak I could hardly recognize myself. I spent about six months in bed before I got on the right treatment plan. That half-year stripped me down in so many ways. Physically, I was barely functioning. Emotionally, I was overwhelmed. I grieved the version of myself who could do things without having to plan every movement. The one who could walk, lift, carry, stretch – without pain, without hesitation. During that time, I remember staring at my old workout clothes hanging in the closet, wondering if I'd ever be able to wear them again. Not just because they represented fitness, but because they symbolized a version of myself I missed deeply: capable, energized, free. I missed feeling strong not just in my body, but in my spirit. Back then, I wasn't sure I'd ever feel strong again. And honestly, there were many moments where I stopped trying to hope. It felt safer not to. Setting expectations too high only led to more disappointment, and I was already carrying enough grief. But slowly, piece by piece, I started rebuilding. Not in some cinematic, dramatic way. Just one day at a time. It started with sitting up more often. Then stretching. Then walking a little. Then lifting light weights – much lighter than what I was used to, but still a start. It was hard. It was humbling. It was slow. And sometimes it felt like nothing was happening. But over the years, with patience and consistency, I've worked my way back. There were so many moments when I had to celebrate the smallest wins: being able to unload the dishwasher without sitting down halfway through. Taking a shower and drying my hair without needing a nap afterward. Doing five bodyweight squats without my joints screaming at me. None of these things would be impressive to the average person – but to me, they were everything. Now, I'm lifting the same weights I could before all of this started. I'm doing the workouts I used to do, with modifications as needed. I'm moving with confidence again. That's not to say everything is easy now. I still need more rest. I still have to plan ahead. I still deal with symptoms. But I can do what I love again. And for me, that's huge. Strength has taken on a new meaning for me. It's no longer about what I look like or how many reps I can do. It's about what I've overcome. It's about continuing to show up for myself even when I'm tired or discouraged or flaring. It's about listening to my body and adjusting when I need to. It's about the resilience I've built by starting over again and again. What most people don't see is how much effort it takes behind the scenes. Planning workouts around medication timing. Making sure I recover properly. Accepting that some days I'll need to scale back. Giving myself grace when my body needs more than I want to give it. This isn't the same kind of strength I had before. But in many ways, it's more powerful now. Because it's hard-earned. Because I had to fight for it. And it wasn't just the physical effort; it was mental, emotional, and spiritual too. Rebuilding strength meant rebuilding trust with my body. After so many months of feeling like my body was betraying me, it took time to believe that we could be on the same team again. That my body wasn't the enemy – it was the place where healing could still happen, even if it didn't look like I expected it to. Looking back on those early days of diagnosis, it's hard to recognize myself. Not just because I was physically weaker, but because I felt so disconnected from the life I knew. I felt like I had lost so much of who I was. And it wasn't just about not being able to lift weights; it was about losing independence, confidence, even identity. Chronic illness can do that to you. It strips things away until you're forced to rebuild from the ground up. But that rebuilding process has changed me. It's made me slower, yes – but more intentional. Softer in some ways, but stronger in others. More aware of what actually matters. More grateful for the things I used to overlook. Now, every time I lift something heavy or go for a long walk or push through a workout, it feels like a small act of reclamation. Like I'm getting more of myself back. Not the exact same version I was before, but a version that's rooted, steady, and a lot more compassionate. There's also something incredibly grounding about knowing what it took to get here. When I see myself in the mirror or hit a new personal best at the gym, I don't just see muscle.I see perseverance. I see every bad day I moved through, every flare I didn't let define me, every painful step that led me back to movement. My strength isn't measured in pounds or performance anymore. It's measured in presence. In resilience. In grace. If you're in the thick of it right now – whether you're newly diagnosed, flaring, or just completely worn out – I hope this gives you a little hope. Not the kind that tells you everything will magically get better, but the kind that reminds you healing is possible in its own way, in its own time. Progress might be slow. It might feel invisible for a while. You might take two steps forward and one step back. But your body is still yours. Your strength is still there, even if it's buried under layers of pain and fatigue and frustration. You don't have to rush it. You don't have to force it. You just have to keep showing up when you can. And rest when you can't. You're not weak for needing more time. You're not failing because your recovery doesn't look like someone else's. Healing is not linear, and it definitely doesn't care about timelines. But it does happen. I'm proof of that. Four years ago, I couldn't walk across my house without getting winded. I couldn't lift 5 pounds. I couldn't imagine doing a full-body workout again. But now, I'm doing it. Not perfectly. Not always easily. But I'm doing it. And more than anything, I'm proud of that. Not proud in a 'look at me' way, but proud in a quiet, grounded way. The kind that comes from knowing what it took to get here. From remembering how hard it was. From honoring the version of me who didn't give up, even when she wanted to. So yeah, this is a milestone worth marking. Not because I'm 'back to normal,' but because I found my strength again. Because I now understand that strength can look different at different points in life, and that doesn't make it any less real.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Davina McCall shows off her toned figure in a crop top and shorts for Women's Health cover shoot after receiving all clear from brain tumour
showed off her toned figure in a crop top and shorts as she covered Women's Health after receiving the all clear from her brain tumour. The presenter, 57, was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare type of benign brain tumour in November and underwent a six-hour operation. In the accompanying interview, she reflected on one of 'the greatest thing that's ever happened' to her after surviving the surgery. As she returns to 'normal life' Davina, looked happier than ever while posing for a series of photos for the magazine. In one, she wore a white, high neck bodysuit before layering over a matching jacket that was cinched in at her waist. Discussing her recent health battle, Davina explained: 'When I got this brain tumour I said to [my partner] Michael, "If I make it, this will be the greatest thing that's ever happened to me."' She continued: 'Because of the learnings, yes – and because of the places I've had to go to deal with it...I'm sort of going through a slightly mind-blowing phase of my life where I'm just asking questions about everything. 'I keep thinking: I've survived this thing, but I don't know how that happened or why it happened. 'The whole start back into life again after the operation was amazing – mega. And [in the midst of] that feeling of anxiety and institutionalisation – of your house being the only safe place, of forgetting how to function in a normal way – everything felt like a massive win.' Last month Davina appeared in a video with her partner Michael Douglas, where she gave a health update after undergoing an MRI scan. The TV personality also shared unseen before and after snaps from her scan revealing that the tumour has completely disappeared from her brain. Accompanying the video, Davina wrote: 'So here it is. Our final brain surgery update. Had the final MRI this week. @ got everything out during surgery, it's not coming back. 'Thanks so so much to everyone at @onewelbeck and @clevelandclinic . To my mum and @mdlondon for taking such good care of me . To Sarah for being my BFF to my amazing kids. To @ for being the GOAT. 'I am so so grateful particularly because I know a lot of people have inoperable tumours and and I know I'm lucky to be able to draw a line under this and move on with my life when so many people can't. And I'm just gonna say this one more time. Benign does not mean fine.' The clip saw the Masked Singer judge and her celebrity hairdresser beau sitting in the sunshine, with Davina telling the camera: 'We thought's we'd post a final brain operation update', with Michael chiming in: 'It's good news!' She told how she had her final MRI last week and admitted that she was nervous' as if any of the tumour was left that it would grow back and she'd have to 'go through the whole thing again'. She noted that she'd 'mentally prepared herself' for that scenario, while Michael added that he too was nervous as it had been 'a huge journey'. Laughing with joy and relief, Davina then added: 'but it was clear!' The pair then held up two scan pictures, the first showing the tumour in her brain and the second showing that it had completely gone post-surgery. Davina went on: 'I want to say a massive thank you to everybody that looked after me so well. A special heartfelt thank you from both of us to Kevin for being such an absolute legend.' The couple also thanked the supportive fans and also their own families and friends, with Davina concluding by blowing a kiss to the camera.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wayne Dawson shares update on cancer journey
CLEVELAND (WJW) – FOX 8 News Anchor Wayne Dawson is sharing an update on his fight with cancer. 'It is a journey. Ups and downs and turnarounds,' Wayne said in a video to FOX 8 News viewers Saturday evening. Visitation, funeral service scheduled to honor life of Bay Village lacrosse player Wayne Dawson has been fighting oral cancer since 2024. He's been sharing updates since he was diagnosed, and FOX 8 News has followed his surgery and treatment. According to the video, Wayne had a PET scan earlier this week and is still waiting on the results. 'So you can imagine the emotional rollercoaster that's going on inside me right now, not knowing what the future holds,' he said. 'But I'm holding onto God's unchanging hand. I know that whatever happens, he is in control.' According to Wayne, he assumes he will find out the results of the PET scan early next week. Man shot multiple times outside Garfield Heights bar 'Keep me in prayer. Prayers that the PET scan will come back negative, no evidence of cancer,' he asked in the video. 'But I understand that God is in control.' He said that although the fight continues and he is going through emotional ups and downs, 'I'm going to win the fight, no doubt about that.' 'Thank you so much for your support, it is much appreciated. You guys give me the strength to keep on going,' he said. If you'd like to make a donation in Wayne's name in the fight against cancer, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TLC's '1000-Lb Roomies' Bursts on the Scene With Besties Jaz & Nesha's Weight Loss Journeys
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. TLC just announced a brand new show, 1000-Lb Roomies, starring sassy best friends Jaz and Nesha and their weight loss journeys. On May 8, the network unveiled a trailer and premiere date for the upcoming series, describing it as "unfiltered and heart-filled." Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 In the series, viewers will witness "two vibrant personalities who went from online strangers to inseparable friends and roommates, as they embark on a mission to reclaim their health." After Jaz's doctor tells her that her life is at risk if she doesn't lose weight soon, she commits to losing nearly 200 pounds so she can be there for her daughter. Nesha, however, isn't quite ready to undergo weight loss surgery. "The decision to change their lives and embark on this endeavor will test their commitment, willpower and unbreakable bond in unimaginable ways," TLC teased in a news release shared with Parade. "But through it all, they will always have each other's backs." Check out the trailer, below! The new series is similar in concept to the ever-popular 1000-Lb Sisters featuring and and 1000-Best Friends starring and Meghan Crumpler. On Instagram, fans reacted to the 1000-Lb Roomies trailer. One wrote, "You know what? We have Tammy and Amy and their family a chance when they first appeared so yeah I'm going to give this one a chance too! What time we tuning in lol." Another commented, "I just love their personalities," as someone else echoed, "They personalities are so dope I'm a check it out ❤️." "Can't wait to watch," another declared. Catch the premiere of 1000-Lb Roomies on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC and streaming the next day on Max. Next:
