After many hugs and farewells we left Living Valley Springs to start this new life.
We were fortunate enough to be picked up by Kevin & Jill, Jo's uncle and aunty. We took a nice leisurely trip back to Brisbane stopping off in some love spots.
So we stopped at morning tea... hmmmm thats right I shouldn't be eating, we went into a nice little French Cafe...and pretty much nothing fell into a category that I would be allowed! That's fine, I'll keep drinking water...I did a very small coffee though with Soya milk.
We get to lunch at Sunshine plaza...We did some quick shopping and then looked for lunch by ourselves. That was an incredibly painful experience. Can't have that, no to that, what about...No. This happened for 10 minutes. We finally found a salad bar...of which I had some chicken salad plus chilli concarne...I like that.
Spent a lovely rest of day in the car, and we get dropped off at the airport. Must be dinner time. After looking at all the menus, chicken and salad was the only option...is this going to be my whole life?!!!
We finally sat down at another restaurant, that said it could deal with gluten free. Exciting! By the time the chap had explained what had dairy and gluten I had an increasing headache!!! All I could have was bacon and eggs, on a piece of gluten toast, again down it went and up it came!
This made me wonder how hard it must be for people who have real issues with dairy and gluten to ever eat with confidence in a public setting. I also understand better know why these people are so organised with their own foods! Not fair really...
Later on the plane, Jo drew up this weeks menu...looks good!
So back in Whangarei, about to see how I navigate the complexities of this new challenge. 3am NZ time now, so think I should be asleep...I've missed all my melatonin time!
Monday 11 May 2015
Saturday 9 May 2015
Graduation day
Today is by far the quietest day...tomorrow we have breakfast and leave...
We have a long day planned, Jo's Uncle Kevin and Aunty Jill are coming to pick us up and take us to Brisbane airport for a 6pm flight... so we have some time on our hands. We arrive back in NZ at 11pm...then a 2.5hour trip to home:)
In the morning Jo was up at 4:45 for a hike up this monster of a hill. Mount Cooroora, Jo got up the top first:)
I know that when I get back to NZ, the journey will involve partnership with both a healthier natural approach and with my public health as well. I'm complicated in either system but maybe if I keep working at it together, with all of your support, and with an incredible God I'll get there!
We had our graduation, many acknowledged that we are like a family, close and able to talk about so many private and complicated things...colonics and bowel motions are stuff openly talked about around the table! made sure I prayed for Gary to acknowledge and thank him for this wonderful place.
But time to pack...I will miss them, but my heart is set for home.
Some photos from today...
We have a long day planned, Jo's Uncle Kevin and Aunty Jill are coming to pick us up and take us to Brisbane airport for a 6pm flight... so we have some time on our hands. We arrive back in NZ at 11pm...then a 2.5hour trip to home:)
In the morning Jo was up at 4:45 for a hike up this monster of a hill. Mount Cooroora, Jo got up the top first:)
.jpg) |
| Half way up...Sun rise |
 |
| The view from the top |
.jpg) |
| Jo climbed that:) |
We had our graduation, many acknowledged that we are like a family, close and able to talk about so many private and complicated things...colonics and bowel motions are stuff openly talked about around the table! made sure I prayed for Gary to acknowledge and thank him for this wonderful place.
But time to pack...I will miss them, but my heart is set for home.
Some photos from today...
 |
| These little anthills are everywhere!!! |
 |
| Banquet Dinner |
 |
| Gary Martin the owner! |
 |
| A Honorary Degree |
Friday 8 May 2015
Out in the Real World
Back on food this morning...Breakfast is two eggs, on spinach, pumpkin and feta fritters, cooked tomatoes, asparagus and for those allowed dairy, Feta cheese.
I still struggle with the size and breakdown of this meal. I get the idea
that it is like fuelling a car before a long journey. I could only manage to eat half of this, and then sadly lost it half an hour lately... a typical day start for me...
Enjoyed going to the gym this morning, noticing how much pain I have in my stomach at the moment. Then we went to pick up my supplements, Jo had to go our Naturopath to slash this list because we just cant fit it in our luggage...what we are taking is 3.5kgs...can't wait for customs to pull us aside and feature on border patrol:) Jo will purchase the rest at home.
I have noticed an interesting phenomenon here...there are tiny ant hills all over the property...all over the property! Now I know Australians are proud of their country... but I reckon they live on an anthill! We asked why they don't have their own chickens for egg laying, the answer was that dingos, foxes and iguanas attack the chickens and the eggs...its just not safe out there!!! I have enjoyed reminding our Aussie friends here that barely anything wanting to kill us.
We also found this little spider today, it makes a cross on its web and where are the legs? There is a web behind this sorry about the shot.
My heart is starting to think of home, our kids, home, church, friends, school, commitments and life...so keen to get home and start putting this plan into place.
Some other goals I need to attend to:
1. Remove my Amalgam Filling, to remove the potential of Mercury
2. Sort out a possible timetable that can make sure I have a more structured timetable.
3. Biggest meal first, strong meal midday, small meal at night and no snacking. Stop thinking about what I can't have.
4. See through this dietary and supplementary change
5. Exercise, purchase some weights, bench and lose another 10kgs? Join the gym in time:)
6. Support this change with Jo in front of the children.
7. No dairy for the next 3 weeks, see if this causes me issues, it doesn't, but keeps Jo happy.
8. Don't stress it, if you make a mistake or treat yourself thats fine.
Jo and I were lucky enough to catch a ride with John, who has been with us for the fortnight. You really do form strong relationships. One of my weaknesses is getting to know people in a short time, but not here. I learn a lot from Jo about how to care, Jo was writing out recipes from last week for one of the ladies, just her gentle way of showing she cares:)
Anyway... we went to Noosa today, I sat on the phone trying to organise a Whangarei wide sports day on Tuesday...aint technology great:) Made me a tad car sick, I noticed that Aussie back roads are a bit like SH1 in the North, a little bit sad, but made it feel like home, bump bump...
We hunted out a healthy focused cafe and had this for lunch. I've never eaten so many greens in my life...tomato, avacado, tomato, cucumber, chicken, carrot, beetroot and more. It was a huge meal, and again I have learnt that you don't have to finish it to enjoy it. Embarrassingly and oh so regularly, I threw most of it up...
This was good food, I know I can enjoy this.
protein, high fat and good carbs in the vegetables and with healthy sauces:)
What saddened me was I was keen to sample some healthy muffins over my left shoulder... but decided to wait another day!
Had some lovely time enjoying the beach front and doing a bit of shopping. I needed this day, just to
get away look at the normal world and work out how you make this new lifestyle work. It was great to be tourists for the day:)
Last but not least check out this sculpture, some very talented people out there...
I still struggle with the size and breakdown of this meal. I get the idea
Enjoyed going to the gym this morning, noticing how much pain I have in my stomach at the moment. Then we went to pick up my supplements, Jo had to go our Naturopath to slash this list because we just cant fit it in our luggage...what we are taking is 3.5kgs...can't wait for customs to pull us aside and feature on border patrol:) Jo will purchase the rest at home.
We also found this little spider today, it makes a cross on its web and where are the legs? There is a web behind this sorry about the shot.
My heart is starting to think of home, our kids, home, church, friends, school, commitments and life...so keen to get home and start putting this plan into place.
Some other goals I need to attend to:
1. Remove my Amalgam Filling, to remove the potential of Mercury
2. Sort out a possible timetable that can make sure I have a more structured timetable.
3. Biggest meal first, strong meal midday, small meal at night and no snacking. Stop thinking about what I can't have.
4. See through this dietary and supplementary change
5. Exercise, purchase some weights, bench and lose another 10kgs? Join the gym in time:)
6. Support this change with Jo in front of the children.
7. No dairy for the next 3 weeks, see if this causes me issues, it doesn't, but keeps Jo happy.
8. Don't stress it, if you make a mistake or treat yourself thats fine.
Jo and I were lucky enough to catch a ride with John, who has been with us for the fortnight. You really do form strong relationships. One of my weaknesses is getting to know people in a short time, but not here. I learn a lot from Jo about how to care, Jo was writing out recipes from last week for one of the ladies, just her gentle way of showing she cares:)
Anyway... we went to Noosa today, I sat on the phone trying to organise a Whangarei wide sports day on Tuesday...aint technology great:) Made me a tad car sick, I noticed that Aussie back roads are a bit like SH1 in the North, a little bit sad, but made it feel like home, bump bump...
This was good food, I know I can enjoy this.
protein, high fat and good carbs in the vegetables and with healthy sauces:)
What saddened me was I was keen to sample some healthy muffins over my left shoulder... but decided to wait another day!
Last but not least check out this sculpture, some very talented people out there...
Thursday 7 May 2015
The Final Assessment
"Scotty you are one of the most complex cases we have had, you are definitely the the most complex I've had, you've just got too much happening in your body"
Well at least I'm special!
My report today showed several things
1. My weight was around 107-8 just under 2 weeks ago... now I'm 101.4kgs. Pretty excited about that as I haven't cracked the 100 barrier in over 20 years. Ironically it isn't good news, as they wanted minimal loss and my system to be stable. But when I can block myself up again, I have a new weight to start at. Its all come off my muscles...and the truth is I don't have many of them!
2. My waist went from 111cms to 104cms
3. My blood quality has come along in leaps and bounds
4. My body has remained heavily dehydrated... no surprises with my continued visits to the toilet!
He has given me an 84 day programme to try to take back control. I will have so many supplements, I'm pretty sure the NZ Customs will think I'm a smuggler/druggie:)
Adrian is trying to target 3 aspects;
-Internal parasites
-Leaky Gut syndrome and the fact there will be so much damage in there.
-Bowel/nausea
Then I can start looking at the head issues.
They have a theory that my Vagus nerve is what is not working properly... What is the Vagus, not a clue from me:)
It extends from the brain stem to the abdomen, via various organs including the heart, esophagus and lungs. Also known as cranial nerve X, the vagus forms part of the involuntary nervous system and commands unconscious body procedures, such as keeping the heart rate constant and controlling food digestion.
So I'm very aware that this is still the start of the journey... and its going to take time by the look of it. But hey, I'm up for that...after all, its all in my head...and my stomach ....and butt at the moment!!!:)
I have a new plan and that means direction...yay!
On a different tack...Its an interesting thing, dynamics of groups. This group is very different from our last one, this place is great again for sharing in journey's. I'm surprised with what people always share during the day. It's always a humbling time to know others have it worse physically and even more importantly others are losing hope in the future. I always learn so much from others.
The biggest thing that is truly dawning on me is how committed Jo is to our whole family going into this diet... it will be huge for me and the children...lucky Gran has been preparing for this with all type of healthy foods...maybe????
Jo and I see the value in putting the 8 parts of the Acronym - "NEW START" as a poster to help remind us and the children why things might look different.
Nutrition
Exercise
Water
Sun
Temperance...abstain & be moderate in the choices we make
Air
Rest
Trust (For us in God) This can be different for others...
We still want people to know that we like to be invited out:) We won't come with a list of demands:) We would like to have more people over so Jo can show the magic of what she has been learning.
Tonight they covered the endocrine system again. It makes me realise even more how complex our bodies are. I am missing a lot with no Pituitary gland and having no Cortisol, Thyroxine and Testoserone. The Pituitary is supposed to send signals to the thyroid and Adrenal glands, so its all a bit humbling.
What many people are going through here is defined by the way we look at it.
Crisis or Challenge.
Lastly the coolest thing I saw today came from facebook... when I went to Hamilton in 1990 I was alone. In my last year of training I met this remarkable family, they are incredibly special to me and I love them and the entire family deeply...Love ya Barb, Thanks Sarah for writing this, all true!
They are one of the best examples I know of, Focused on God, and understanding a key point...to love people unconditionally!
and whats even cooler nowadays is that my wife and Kids all love Aunty Barb as well!!!
Completely off the topic I know...but hey Mothers Day is coming up!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/win-a-treat-for-a-deserving-mum-this-mothers-day/11706774/A-mother-whos-touched-my-life-and-heart-forever
Well at least I'm special!
My report today showed several things
1. My weight was around 107-8 just under 2 weeks ago... now I'm 101.4kgs. Pretty excited about that as I haven't cracked the 100 barrier in over 20 years. Ironically it isn't good news, as they wanted minimal loss and my system to be stable. But when I can block myself up again, I have a new weight to start at. Its all come off my muscles...and the truth is I don't have many of them!
2. My waist went from 111cms to 104cms
3. My blood quality has come along in leaps and bounds
4. My body has remained heavily dehydrated... no surprises with my continued visits to the toilet!
He has given me an 84 day programme to try to take back control. I will have so many supplements, I'm pretty sure the NZ Customs will think I'm a smuggler/druggie:)
Adrian is trying to target 3 aspects;
-Internal parasites
-Leaky Gut syndrome and the fact there will be so much damage in there.
-Bowel/nausea
Then I can start looking at the head issues.
They have a theory that my Vagus nerve is what is not working properly... What is the Vagus, not a clue from me:)
It extends from the brain stem to the abdomen, via various organs including the heart, esophagus and lungs. Also known as cranial nerve X, the vagus forms part of the involuntary nervous system and commands unconscious body procedures, such as keeping the heart rate constant and controlling food digestion.
So I'm very aware that this is still the start of the journey... and its going to take time by the look of it. But hey, I'm up for that...after all, its all in my head...and my stomach ....and butt at the moment!!!:)
I have a new plan and that means direction...yay!
On a different tack...Its an interesting thing, dynamics of groups. This group is very different from our last one, this place is great again for sharing in journey's. I'm surprised with what people always share during the day. It's always a humbling time to know others have it worse physically and even more importantly others are losing hope in the future. I always learn so much from others.
The biggest thing that is truly dawning on me is how committed Jo is to our whole family going into this diet... it will be huge for me and the children...lucky Gran has been preparing for this with all type of healthy foods...maybe????
Jo and I see the value in putting the 8 parts of the Acronym - "NEW START" as a poster to help remind us and the children why things might look different.
Nutrition
Exercise
Water
Sun
Temperance...abstain & be moderate in the choices we make
Air
Rest
Trust (For us in God) This can be different for others...
We still want people to know that we like to be invited out:) We won't come with a list of demands:) We would like to have more people over so Jo can show the magic of what she has been learning.
Tonight they covered the endocrine system again. It makes me realise even more how complex our bodies are. I am missing a lot with no Pituitary gland and having no Cortisol, Thyroxine and Testoserone. The Pituitary is supposed to send signals to the thyroid and Adrenal glands, so its all a bit humbling.
What many people are going through here is defined by the way we look at it.
Crisis or Challenge.
Lastly the coolest thing I saw today came from facebook... when I went to Hamilton in 1990 I was alone. In my last year of training I met this remarkable family, they are incredibly special to me and I love them and the entire family deeply...Love ya Barb, Thanks Sarah for writing this, all true!
They are one of the best examples I know of, Focused on God, and understanding a key point...to love people unconditionally!
and whats even cooler nowadays is that my wife and Kids all love Aunty Barb as well!!!
Completely off the topic I know...but hey Mothers Day is coming up!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/win-a-treat-for-a-deserving-mum-this-mothers-day/11706774/A-mother-whos-touched-my-life-and-heart-forever
Wednesday 6 May 2015
Jo's Point of View...
Well, it looks like it's my turn to write the blog post....
Scotty has had a tough day today and is getting an early night (that never happens so he must be feeling pretty bad). I am feeling a little despondent because although I am feeling great and full of energy so far the detox hasn't done the same for the person we came here for! We still have a few days so still hoping. It's pretty rough seeing him struggling.
I've been waking up with the birds every morning- wide awake...no sleeping in happening here and don't feel the need for it really. Scotty probably mentioned they do a walk at 6:15 every morning and a rebound trampoline and stretch class after that. I have been doing the walk but this morning I went for a steam instead - what a nice way to start the day with some nice warmth and then some shock cold treatment! Meanwhile Scotty grabs a bit more sleep to try to recover from the usual bad night. We have been getting a fair bit more exercise this week as we moved to a bigger room which is further away...and up a hill! And did Scotty tell you I went to the gym with him yesterday? Rare event...feeling just a little sore today!
Not too much happening today, we each had a massage - very relaxed..I hung out at the shop and did a bit of reading. It was such a beautiful warm day today - like a summers day for us, spent a bit of time sunbathing and got my vitamin D :) Almost felt like a swim..but the water is a tad cold.
I'm really enjoying the experience - pretty excited that in all my last 6 months or more of reading and research I have come to the same conclusions about what we should be doing healthwise as what they are teaching us each evening. Keen to go home and keep putting it into practice :) anyone want to go to the markets for me on Saturday?? I need to stock the fridge! They've given us some great ideas for sugar free icecreams just using fruit/coconut cream and some other tasty treats that the kids will love like chocolate mousse using avocados (well hopefully they love what I make cos there won't be anything else on offer other than real food in our house!) Eat. Real. Food - the new motto...
There are certainly some things I need to change when we get home too - mainly around spending less time on phone/laptop and making sure I get more sleep. Hours asleep before midnight are worth twice the hours after! Plus drink more water...and I'll be joining Scotty with the exercises his PT gave him (anyone have spare dumbells they're not using??)
And lastly...Scotty bought some healthy chocolate from the shop the other day...and I'm feeling just a little bit cranky just now because he scoffed it without sharing! I *needed it....they forgot my meal tonight as everyone else is detoxing, I had broth along with everyone else! So I had a spoon of coconut oil instead...which is pretty yum actually. We've started oil pulling too - anyone know what that is?
Scotty has had a tough day today and is getting an early night (that never happens so he must be feeling pretty bad). I am feeling a little despondent because although I am feeling great and full of energy so far the detox hasn't done the same for the person we came here for! We still have a few days so still hoping. It's pretty rough seeing him struggling.
I've been waking up with the birds every morning- wide awake...no sleeping in happening here and don't feel the need for it really. Scotty probably mentioned they do a walk at 6:15 every morning and a rebound trampoline and stretch class after that. I have been doing the walk but this morning I went for a steam instead - what a nice way to start the day with some nice warmth and then some shock cold treatment! Meanwhile Scotty grabs a bit more sleep to try to recover from the usual bad night. We have been getting a fair bit more exercise this week as we moved to a bigger room which is further away...and up a hill! And did Scotty tell you I went to the gym with him yesterday? Rare event...feeling just a little sore today!
Not too much happening today, we each had a massage - very relaxed..I hung out at the shop and did a bit of reading. It was such a beautiful warm day today - like a summers day for us, spent a bit of time sunbathing and got my vitamin D :) Almost felt like a swim..but the water is a tad cold.
I'm really enjoying the experience - pretty excited that in all my last 6 months or more of reading and research I have come to the same conclusions about what we should be doing healthwise as what they are teaching us each evening. Keen to go home and keep putting it into practice :) anyone want to go to the markets for me on Saturday?? I need to stock the fridge! They've given us some great ideas for sugar free icecreams just using fruit/coconut cream and some other tasty treats that the kids will love like chocolate mousse using avocados (well hopefully they love what I make cos there won't be anything else on offer other than real food in our house!) Eat. Real. Food - the new motto...
There are certainly some things I need to change when we get home too - mainly around spending less time on phone/laptop and making sure I get more sleep. Hours asleep before midnight are worth twice the hours after! Plus drink more water...and I'll be joining Scotty with the exercises his PT gave him (anyone have spare dumbells they're not using??)
And lastly...Scotty bought some healthy chocolate from the shop the other day...and I'm feeling just a little bit cranky just now because he scoffed it without sharing! I *needed it....they forgot my meal tonight as everyone else is detoxing, I had broth along with everyone else! So I had a spoon of coconut oil instead...which is pretty yum actually. We've started oil pulling too - anyone know what that is?
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Have to get going...
Sad to say, still as sick as yesterday, but a lot of people here are trying incredibly hard to alleviate the pain and symptoms.
So a lot of focus on diet today, what should we eat... I am so not an expert in this area, Jo likes the
concept and it does seem to work here.
I grew up happily on the concept of this type of food pyramid.(On right) Seemed fine to me...
The argument is that Fats must be bad for us when in fact it is being argued that good fats and protein e.g meats/dairy should be the key part of our pyramid.
Carbohydrates in the form of vegetables, the next level, and fruits at the top. Fruit can spike our insulin if we consume too much.
And forget sugar...a rare treat
Am I a "convert" to this, I don't know, but will certainly give this a go...
Two other things stood out, Margarine is not good for us, no matter what properties it has.
We need to be primarily be eating foods in their whole form.
Oh and Coconuts are an amazing food!
One of our focus areas today was about teeth, amalgam fillings have Mercury in them. This can affect you subtly in so many ways if not attended to. So I'm off to the dentist...to remove my one amalgam filling.
Also today, I forced myself to go to the trainer, as I must start to get fit again...small baby steps. He has a really neat programme I can do at home, now all I need are some weights:) Jo came as well and it was the first time she wasn't looking fully confident...
Rod the massage guy, attacked my headaches today full force, interestingly when I started with him I had a 9/10, all over the front to top of my head headache. After some interesting pain... he moved the headache back to to a front right position and dropped it around a 7.5-8...its a start!
I had my first lymphatic massage today, its a very light pressure point type massage, can't say I noticed anything different!
Also I'm drinking charcoal to see if that can slow my bowel down...funny it made my whole mouth black...horrible to drink!
Getting to know the second group of people here really well. one of the guys here is staying here for 6 weeks, starting at 140kgs...wow he has a long road ahead...
So a lot of focus on diet today, what should we eat... I am so not an expert in this area, Jo likes the
I grew up happily on the concept of this type of food pyramid.(On right) Seemed fine to me...
The argument is that Fats must be bad for us when in fact it is being argued that good fats and protein e.g meats/dairy should be the key part of our pyramid.
Carbohydrates in the form of vegetables, the next level, and fruits at the top. Fruit can spike our insulin if we consume too much.
And forget sugar...a rare treat
Am I a "convert" to this, I don't know, but will certainly give this a go...
Two other things stood out, Margarine is not good for us, no matter what properties it has.
We need to be primarily be eating foods in their whole form.
Oh and Coconuts are an amazing food!
One of our focus areas today was about teeth, amalgam fillings have Mercury in them. This can affect you subtly in so many ways if not attended to. So I'm off to the dentist...to remove my one amalgam filling.
Also today, I forced myself to go to the trainer, as I must start to get fit again...small baby steps. He has a really neat programme I can do at home, now all I need are some weights:) Jo came as well and it was the first time she wasn't looking fully confident...
Rod the massage guy, attacked my headaches today full force, interestingly when I started with him I had a 9/10, all over the front to top of my head headache. After some interesting pain... he moved the headache back to to a front right position and dropped it around a 7.5-8...its a start!
I had my first lymphatic massage today, its a very light pressure point type massage, can't say I noticed anything different!
Also I'm drinking charcoal to see if that can slow my bowel down...funny it made my whole mouth black...horrible to drink!
Getting to know the second group of people here really well. one of the guys here is staying here for 6 weeks, starting at 140kgs...wow he has a long road ahead...
Monday 4 May 2015
My lowest day... yay for a great wife
I'm over here, and I'm supported by a hugely supportive team and I'm in pain...a lot of pain...head, bowel, stomach are all at war, no energy, even looking at a beautiful lunch meal is sending me to the toilet...and I had a self pity moment!
When I have self pity:), its rare... so I'm letting off steam to Jo about why the naturopath isn't sorting out a cure for me quicker...I must admit they have been good to me, making a lot more time for me than others...
Jo looks at me, wise lady she is, and says these lovely words - "You've been in the health system for ten years, has anyone ever told you what's wrong, they just medicate the symptoms.".... quietly, gently as she usually does... and that was that:) self pity shelved deep down:)
Love my Wife!
So back to the start of the day...smoothy for breakfast, after a bad night.
I visited a guy who I swear has a gift. He can look at you and all he sees is bone and muscle and how each of them is connected and related. He has worked on me twice and managed to take a way some long standing lower back issues...yay...and has now begun to work on my stomach and head...looking to see if he can bring some respite. He is expensive to go to...and is fully booked till Sept 2016 but I'd plan a holiday around his special ability.
Then a had a facial...yes a facial, not a fan, didn't feel comfortable about the idea. However the radiation left two patches of irritable skin on either side of my head. I was pleased by the fact that my friendly therapist John who after 2 colonics, a massage and a claywrap, 2nd on my all time list of awkward I'm almost naked and you need to treat me again people, did not to my facial!
It was ok, but not likely to go there again!
Then things got worse... sick after steam room, sick after lunch and slept all afternoon, except for more visits to the toilet!
Tonight we had a lecture again on looking at life properly
What is my goal in life?
I think I would answer that by being the best person/husband/father/elder/teacher/friend...that I can be in Christ... in fact "best" is the wrong word, I think I mean "sincere" ... I want to be the most sincere person/husband/father/elder teacher & friend that I can be in Christ... if you get all that.
This will different for everyone I know.
But I have had a lot of time thinking about the fact that I can't give up on my health for the sake of my wife & children... I want to be old and active, and be a role model they can be proud of! This is probably one of my lowest self areas at the moment...easy to not have the energy to be with them...
This is all a work in progress...
A good quote today;
Don't live in the past, that can cause depression.
Don't live in the future, that can cause anxiety
Treat today like its a gift, that's why we call it the present!
Guilt and shame are no way to change a behaviour.
When I have self pity:), its rare... so I'm letting off steam to Jo about why the naturopath isn't sorting out a cure for me quicker...I must admit they have been good to me, making a lot more time for me than others...
Jo looks at me, wise lady she is, and says these lovely words - "You've been in the health system for ten years, has anyone ever told you what's wrong, they just medicate the symptoms.".... quietly, gently as she usually does... and that was that:) self pity shelved deep down:)
Love my Wife!
So back to the start of the day...smoothy for breakfast, after a bad night.
I visited a guy who I swear has a gift. He can look at you and all he sees is bone and muscle and how each of them is connected and related. He has worked on me twice and managed to take a way some long standing lower back issues...yay...and has now begun to work on my stomach and head...looking to see if he can bring some respite. He is expensive to go to...and is fully booked till Sept 2016 but I'd plan a holiday around his special ability.
Then a had a facial...yes a facial, not a fan, didn't feel comfortable about the idea. However the radiation left two patches of irritable skin on either side of my head. I was pleased by the fact that my friendly therapist John who after 2 colonics, a massage and a claywrap, 2nd on my all time list of awkward I'm almost naked and you need to treat me again people, did not to my facial!
It was ok, but not likely to go there again!
Then things got worse... sick after steam room, sick after lunch and slept all afternoon, except for more visits to the toilet!
Tonight we had a lecture again on looking at life properly
What is my goal in life?
I think I would answer that by being the best person/husband/father/elder/teacher/friend...that I can be in Christ... in fact "best" is the wrong word, I think I mean "sincere" ... I want to be the most sincere person/husband/father/elder teacher & friend that I can be in Christ... if you get all that.
This will different for everyone I know.
But I have had a lot of time thinking about the fact that I can't give up on my health for the sake of my wife & children... I want to be old and active, and be a role model they can be proud of! This is probably one of my lowest self areas at the moment...easy to not have the energy to be with them...
This is all a work in progress...
A good quote today;
Don't live in the past, that can cause depression.
Don't live in the future, that can cause anxiety
Treat today like its a gift, that's why we call it the present!
Guilt and shame are no way to change a behaviour.
Sunday 3 May 2015
The quietest day yet
Today was all about the oldies leaving and the newbies coming in.
A very quiet day... gym, steam room and meeting the new folk:)
The only key thing to report was that John and I went to the local pub, drunk 10 soda waters between us and watched a seriously emotional game of league.
Its not often I get to watch in Australia, NZ pound the Aussies in a very satisfying match. Proud to be a Kiwi! Now if only we could win netball games...
A very quiet day... gym, steam room and meeting the new folk:)
The only key thing to report was that John and I went to the local pub, drunk 10 soda waters between us and watched a seriously emotional game of league.
Its not often I get to watch in Australia, NZ pound the Aussies in a very satisfying match. Proud to be a Kiwi! Now if only we could win netball games...
The End of Week One... Blessings
Today was very laid back and relaxing, no programmes, no Colonics!!!
We had one teaching session relating to the power of the mind to release chemicals in the body. We looked at the importance of positive or negative thinking on the way chemicals such as endorphin's, testosterone, serotonin and others.
Today was a day to reflect on people, the first group we came with are leaving, we will miss them dearly...there is something about journeying together which brings you together, even though you don't really know each other... you learn to respect everyones journey.
Tomorrow they leave, there are 3 of us staying and another 14 people come in, another chance to journey.
Today we had a small service on Hope. Hope is what all people are looking for when they come here. Hope that there is a cure, relief from pain, a better way, a second chance, a time out to think. Hope there is something that gives them value. Hope that tomorrow can be better.
In my love for Jesus Christ, I have many of this answered. Health wise I have hope in a better future and I am learning a lot from the staff here.
We have been blessed by the presence of 12 Aboriginal ladies who have been here for two weeks.
this is their last day. They have been on their own journey of hope that they can change their community in the way they view food, exercise and so on. They sang for us this morning. Can they sing. Not only did they sing but they danced for us, a beautiful way to worship with heart, soul, mind and BODY. they seem to be a very a kin-aesthetic people. What they read, when sung and put to actions hits the mark.
Jo and I in our own small way have tried to help these ladies, but I really think the blessing has come back the other way. These ladies have also made me see the similarities and bonds in Maori, many more than I had realised. Tomorrow they leave and I would love the opportunity to pray with them and thank them for the special gift they have given us. Very heart warming.
I was very sick today and I couldn't thinking back to what Adrian, Naturopath, had been sharing with me. I have been so sick this this week, yesterdays stats that I have lost body weight, but a lot of that has come off muscle. Today I resolved that I must be more active, perhaps more slow and steady at the moment. Losing muscle from what little I had is not a good idea!
Jo went out shopping and I took the challenge quietly of starting to push myself again with exercise.
Tonight we had the weekly prizegiving feast...I received a Diploma in Healthy Living...lol you'll all
start having to listen to me now...
What a feast it was... fantastic meats, veges, cheeses!!!, fruit.
It really tested me though...
A palm-sized meat portion
2 handfuls of salad
...being controlled over fruit and cheese.
...remembering to chew 32 times:)
and not seem to obvious on seconds...
They make this into a real celebration event. What is even cooler is that Adrian, my Naturopath came with his family. I think his wife and Jo have a lot in common. How awesome is it when your key medical person comes in for a dinner with you!
They asked us all to make speeches on receiving our certificates, I may have made the longest speech on receiving my certificate. Jo did pretty well as well. The great thing is that this happens next Saturday night... I can fast again with that in mind.
The rest of the evening was speeches, singing, dancing(Yes I danced to an Aboriginal dance) and farewells. Jo and I were blown away when we got a special mention from their team, so humbling.We were also moved to hear one of the Aboriginal ladies 'wail' as a farewell to the people and friends they were leaving behind. The wailing is so emotional and from the heart, that is was another special blessing that we didn't know we had in store. So many hugs, you really do feel like you are part of a family.
We had one teaching session relating to the power of the mind to release chemicals in the body. We looked at the importance of positive or negative thinking on the way chemicals such as endorphin's, testosterone, serotonin and others.
Today was a day to reflect on people, the first group we came with are leaving, we will miss them dearly...there is something about journeying together which brings you together, even though you don't really know each other... you learn to respect everyones journey.
Tomorrow they leave, there are 3 of us staying and another 14 people come in, another chance to journey.
Today we had a small service on Hope. Hope is what all people are looking for when they come here. Hope that there is a cure, relief from pain, a better way, a second chance, a time out to think. Hope there is something that gives them value. Hope that tomorrow can be better.
In my love for Jesus Christ, I have many of this answered. Health wise I have hope in a better future and I am learning a lot from the staff here.
We have been blessed by the presence of 12 Aboriginal ladies who have been here for two weeks.
Jo and I in our own small way have tried to help these ladies, but I really think the blessing has come back the other way. These ladies have also made me see the similarities and bonds in Maori, many more than I had realised. Tomorrow they leave and I would love the opportunity to pray with them and thank them for the special gift they have given us. Very heart warming.
I was very sick today and I couldn't thinking back to what Adrian, Naturopath, had been sharing with me. I have been so sick this this week, yesterdays stats that I have lost body weight, but a lot of that has come off muscle. Today I resolved that I must be more active, perhaps more slow and steady at the moment. Losing muscle from what little I had is not a good idea!
Jo went out shopping and I took the challenge quietly of starting to push myself again with exercise.
Tonight we had the weekly prizegiving feast...I received a Diploma in Healthy Living...lol you'll all
What a feast it was... fantastic meats, veges, cheeses!!!, fruit.
It really tested me though...
A palm-sized meat portion
2 handfuls of salad
...being controlled over fruit and cheese.
...remembering to chew 32 times:)
and not seem to obvious on seconds...
They make this into a real celebration event. What is even cooler is that Adrian, my Naturopath came with his family. I think his wife and Jo have a lot in common. How awesome is it when your key medical person comes in for a dinner with you!
They asked us all to make speeches on receiving our certificates, I may have made the longest speech on receiving my certificate. Jo did pretty well as well. The great thing is that this happens next Saturday night... I can fast again with that in mind.
The rest of the evening was speeches, singing, dancing(Yes I danced to an Aboriginal dance) and farewells. Jo and I were blown away when we got a special mention from their team, so humbling.We were also moved to hear one of the Aboriginal ladies 'wail' as a farewell to the people and friends they were leaving behind. The wailing is so emotional and from the heart, that is was another special blessing that we didn't know we had in store. So many hugs, you really do feel like you are part of a family.
Friday 1 May 2015
Day 6 - Some thoughts about my progress
I've lost 4 kgs and 5 cm off the waist in my first 6 days...success huh...but alas I wasn't supposed to lose any weight. The plan was that I would have a stable week of digesting and holding my foods, and liquids and that I would detox well. Sadly with the level of sickness I've had, this has thrown out his plans at this stage and he is re-evaluating what to do.
Food, glorious food! My first meal since Monday...What a glorious meal it was. They push the idea
that breakfast should be a strong meal, with fats, veges, proteins and no sugar. they also suggest we should not drink water 1/2 hour before eating and to 1.5 hours after eating, allowing the bodies digestive system to kick in full... and to bite each mouthful around 32 times, this breaks up the food more, makes us feel fuller and allows the saliva enzymes to get a decent crack. This is something I'm terrible at... and it would allow a family to enjoy time together.
Lunch should be the second largest, dinner should be a soup or something light.
I think I'm happier today! This was a huge meal though!!!
So we got to see our results...wow, my blood test comes out at the age of a 52 year old!!!. The good news is Jo's comes out at 33 year old...I am encouraging Jo to aim for the 20's and then I'll never need a mid life crisis!!! Jokes!!!
Jo has turned out yet again to have results that they don't normally see. They are asking her to increase weight, fat and muscle. She knows all that. Very proud of her!
My results also reflect what all of you would guess, too much weight, too much fat, dehydrated and a long road ahead! A good reminder if that I am to cure one thing, I need to look at my body as a whole! He classes me as concerning, not just that stuff, but the fact that I am not responding to treatment. He is concerned about how my cortisol will be responding and has asked if I will start to consider planning my life more around a structured day...I know I need to be open to that but can't see how that will help me measure and respond to my rhythm of life. The good news is though...that is what this year is all about, trialing new things!
I've done well with the detox...coped better than thought. Have started to think more about choices in food and the rest has been considerable...not much else to do:)
The rain certainly hasn't backed off today...and you know we've had a lot when the League test was cancelled.
We have been journeying this week with 5 other people who started at the same time as we did. We have come to enjoy their company a lot, even though we are all at different ages and stages and are here for so many different things. We're like a class of kids, some cheeky, some funny, some hard working, some strong willed, and even a teachers pet(Jo). We can learn a lot for each other as we journey and its good to do that... What have I learnt from them...
Food, glorious food! My first meal since Monday...What a glorious meal it was. They push the idea
Lunch should be the second largest, dinner should be a soup or something light.
I think I'm happier today! This was a huge meal though!!!
So we got to see our results...wow, my blood test comes out at the age of a 52 year old!!!. The good news is Jo's comes out at 33 year old...I am encouraging Jo to aim for the 20's and then I'll never need a mid life crisis!!! Jokes!!!
Jo has turned out yet again to have results that they don't normally see. They are asking her to increase weight, fat and muscle. She knows all that. Very proud of her!
My results also reflect what all of you would guess, too much weight, too much fat, dehydrated and a long road ahead! A good reminder if that I am to cure one thing, I need to look at my body as a whole! He classes me as concerning, not just that stuff, but the fact that I am not responding to treatment. He is concerned about how my cortisol will be responding and has asked if I will start to consider planning my life more around a structured day...I know I need to be open to that but can't see how that will help me measure and respond to my rhythm of life. The good news is though...that is what this year is all about, trialing new things!
I've done well with the detox...coped better than thought. Have started to think more about choices in food and the rest has been considerable...not much else to do:)
The rain certainly hasn't backed off today...and you know we've had a lot when the League test was cancelled.
We have been journeying this week with 5 other people who started at the same time as we did. We have come to enjoy their company a lot, even though we are all at different ages and stages and are here for so many different things. We're like a class of kids, some cheeky, some funny, some hard working, some strong willed, and even a teachers pet(Jo). We can learn a lot for each other as we journey and its good to do that... What have I learnt from them...
- Its always important to find the lighter side...laughter is a great medicine.
- Fitness is better if you are accountable to someone... share the challenge.
- Never allow yourself to give up on the possibility of success.
- Always question whats happening, know and be critical about what the next step is.
- Its brave to step out to seek help, journey with someone.
- It doesn't matter how long you been sick, change can make a difference.
- Sorting out the smaller things can fix the big things.
- Be open with people about what you're going through, if they're having a bad day, care.
So to B, J, S, J, J & E...thanks you so much for your help and support. Jo playing pictionary with the girls...have tried to make sure no one could do a facial recognition...man they made a lot of noise!
Thursday 30 April 2015
Day 5 Wet and Forget
Wow... so packed the wrong clothing... it is like a NZ mid winter day here today...cold wet and windy. Very cold for the Aussies, right in our zone.
Days like this make you hibernate a bit more... all in rooms, meet for meals and then away for our workshops and appointments.
Tomorrow is a big day for me, the team here have been all working on a programme for me that I will find out about tomorrow, it always fun to know you fall into the complex band...I'm kind of surprised that I have to wait to Friday to get a programme, effectively a whole week passing but they have been cleaning me up I suppose:)
The last 2 days have been tremendously unwell for me... but if we're talking detox...vomit and diarrhea levels that I have must be excellent for the system.
Tonight we learnt about the Endocrine system, this is very relevant to me. I decided that God must be with me every day in how this works in my body. Not having a pituitary gland to regulate hormones like Cortisol, Thyroxine and Testoterone and needing to self medicate in these areas...often seeming to be low. One of the key command and control centres in the body. All very humbling things.
The one thing I have incredibly challenging about this place is that they offer services like massage(that was okay), colonic hydrotherapy(pipe up butt...not that okay with that). Today I had another way outside my comfort zone experience... a clay wrap, clay all over you. The interesting thing is all these services have been done by the same guy...After my wife, he has seen more of me than even my mother would have. To his credit he does this job because he believes it will make a difference.
A friend of mine thinks all of this talk is making me sound more like a hippy...lol, I'm still coming to grips with what this all means for me, do I believe it all, not sure...after 10 years of public system health maybe I do have to change something, I still believe in medicine but maybe there are better ways we can look after ourselves.
The constant theme coming through is the danger of sugar. The World Health Organisation talks about dropping down to 6 teaspoons a day... pretty sure my coke would be around 10? This is an area I need to try to better at, Jo wants me to to go to 0 processed sugars...hmmm but I must try.
They did a special cooking session tonight where we learnt how you can make some yummy stuff just using natural products...that gives me hope:)
Days like this make you hibernate a bit more... all in rooms, meet for meals and then away for our workshops and appointments.
Tomorrow is a big day for me, the team here have been all working on a programme for me that I will find out about tomorrow, it always fun to know you fall into the complex band...I'm kind of surprised that I have to wait to Friday to get a programme, effectively a whole week passing but they have been cleaning me up I suppose:)
The last 2 days have been tremendously unwell for me... but if we're talking detox...vomit and diarrhea levels that I have must be excellent for the system.
Tonight we learnt about the Endocrine system, this is very relevant to me. I decided that God must be with me every day in how this works in my body. Not having a pituitary gland to regulate hormones like Cortisol, Thyroxine and Testoterone and needing to self medicate in these areas...often seeming to be low. One of the key command and control centres in the body. All very humbling things.
The one thing I have incredibly challenging about this place is that they offer services like massage(that was okay), colonic hydrotherapy(pipe up butt...not that okay with that). Today I had another way outside my comfort zone experience... a clay wrap, clay all over you. The interesting thing is all these services have been done by the same guy...After my wife, he has seen more of me than even my mother would have. To his credit he does this job because he believes it will make a difference.
A friend of mine thinks all of this talk is making me sound more like a hippy...lol, I'm still coming to grips with what this all means for me, do I believe it all, not sure...after 10 years of public system health maybe I do have to change something, I still believe in medicine but maybe there are better ways we can look after ourselves.
The constant theme coming through is the danger of sugar. The World Health Organisation talks about dropping down to 6 teaspoons a day... pretty sure my coke would be around 10? This is an area I need to try to better at, Jo wants me to to go to 0 processed sugars...hmmm but I must try.
They did a special cooking session tonight where we learnt how you can make some yummy stuff just using natural products...that gives me hope:)
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Day 3&4 - Fasting
An apology... missed a day and working through being quite unwell. I don't think it had anything to do with detox but was a day I get every now and then...but I will watch and see if it stays like this:)
So Scotty and detoxing... no solid foods. As a group we have to spend Tue, Wed, Thur finishing Friday lunch. So the goal of this is to allow the body an opportunity to give major organs a break, but also to allow the body to detox it self of everything...
The sad thing for me is that I am losing a lot of this food through vomiting and diarrhea. I wonder how I'll be by the end of this.
Have to admit being here is interesting and the same time relaxing but with huge parts of the day where you don't do anything.
On a side note, we have the privilege of spending some time here with a group of Aboriginal ladies...12 in all, who are being empowered to go back to a more natural way of living. It is a fantastic experience to see these 12 ladies preparing to go back into their community to transform the way they eat. They are currently caught in a trap of high carbohydrate and sugar diet... sounds like we could also benefit...lol coming from me:)
My biggest takeaway points today were
Meal sizes...palm size meat, 2 handfuls of veges and a thumb size of oils...
Our food pyramid is upside down... carbs, breads and grains...little of those. Veges great, protein is important
No snacking, the body needs a rest...kids are different though at a early growing age...
Fruit, a handful a day is enough, because of the sugar it contains
Coconut oil is fantastic in a diet
A funny illustration was to keep the barcodes to a minimum... e.g fruits, veges, meats are good to eat, foods in tins and packets...
Foods we eat can affect the ph level in our bodies.
So below are some photos of a normal days food for Jo and I...it turns out they agree, with Jo's Father that she needs a bit of meat put on her bones. The below photos plus water and herbal teas are all we eat and consume...very different for me... going okay so far. Jo is a box of birds, loving what she is eating.
So Scotty and detoxing... no solid foods. As a group we have to spend Tue, Wed, Thur finishing Friday lunch. So the goal of this is to allow the body an opportunity to give major organs a break, but also to allow the body to detox it self of everything...
The sad thing for me is that I am losing a lot of this food through vomiting and diarrhea. I wonder how I'll be by the end of this.
Have to admit being here is interesting and the same time relaxing but with huge parts of the day where you don't do anything.
On a side note, we have the privilege of spending some time here with a group of Aboriginal ladies...12 in all, who are being empowered to go back to a more natural way of living. It is a fantastic experience to see these 12 ladies preparing to go back into their community to transform the way they eat. They are currently caught in a trap of high carbohydrate and sugar diet... sounds like we could also benefit...lol coming from me:)
My biggest takeaway points today were
Meal sizes...palm size meat, 2 handfuls of veges and a thumb size of oils...
Our food pyramid is upside down... carbs, breads and grains...little of those. Veges great, protein is important
No snacking, the body needs a rest...kids are different though at a early growing age...
Fruit, a handful a day is enough, because of the sugar it contains
Coconut oil is fantastic in a diet
A funny illustration was to keep the barcodes to a minimum... e.g fruits, veges, meats are good to eat, foods in tins and packets...
Foods we eat can affect the ph level in our bodies.
So below are some photos of a normal days food for Jo and I...it turns out they agree, with Jo's Father that she needs a bit of meat put on her bones. The below photos plus water and herbal teas are all we eat and consume...very different for me... going okay so far. Jo is a box of birds, loving what she is eating.
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| Jo"s Breakfast |
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| Jo's lunch |
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| Jo's dinner |
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| Breakfast protein shake |
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| Mid morning Juice |
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| Dinner Broth...not my favourite |
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| Lunch Smoothy |
Monday 27 April 2015
Day 2: A day of ponderings...
Kia ora...
After a 6:15 start for a morning walk and a 7am stretching and bouncing on rebounders session, which apparently is an excellent form of low impact fitness, we went for breakfast.
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Now you may look at this and think Wow...Simone would... but this is very different for me, completely different. My wife gobbled this up in pure joy. I have to admit nutritionally this is an excellent breakfast. But I am a guy who love cereals or would have loved a bit of bacon... this is a change I know I need to make.
We had the hydrotherapy session today...first ever for those. Warm water goes in your butt and then at a point it sucks out everything... This keep going for 45 min. I don't know how to describe this experience...a lot of good jokes come to mind...and I have definitely identified this is not a career option for me. Funnily enough it made me feel worse and vomited... but Jo also was a wreck... she doesn't do headache pain well:)
I have been challenged today to start thinking about the way I do a lot of things.
The challenge for me is the triangle of a healthy body...
At the moment i'm trapped in a vicious cycle...
I struggle to sleep because of the pain...and I need to be sleeping before midnight
I struggle to exercise enough because of the head pain and nausea, which makes me vomit.
The nutrition, which Jo does a great job of is wasted because of a stomach and bowel system that are up the wazoo!
So a good starting point above. So today chatted to a naturopath who thinks my wife should become a naturopath! He listened well and our life stories have many great connections. He is consulting with his team before making a decision, apparently I am complex (have heard that before)
Some takeaways from today...
After a 6:15 start for a morning walk and a 7am stretching and bouncing on rebounders session, which apparently is an excellent form of low impact fitness, we went for breakfast.
We had the hydrotherapy session today...first ever for those. Warm water goes in your butt and then at a point it sucks out everything... This keep going for 45 min. I don't know how to describe this experience...a lot of good jokes come to mind...and I have definitely identified this is not a career option for me. Funnily enough it made me feel worse and vomited... but Jo also was a wreck... she doesn't do headache pain well:)
I have been challenged today to start thinking about the way I do a lot of things.
The challenge for me is the triangle of a healthy body...
At the moment i'm trapped in a vicious cycle...
I struggle to sleep because of the pain...and I need to be sleeping before midnight
I struggle to exercise enough because of the head pain and nausea, which makes me vomit.
The nutrition, which Jo does a great job of is wasted because of a stomach and bowel system that are up the wazoo!
So a good starting point above. So today chatted to a naturopath who thinks my wife should become a naturopath! He listened well and our life stories have many great connections. He is consulting with his team before making a decision, apparently I am complex (have heard that before)
Some takeaways from today...
- Drink 1 litre a day for every 25kgs of weight... yikes 4 litres. Drink more if you do a lot of exertion.
- The body only allows a teaspoon of sugar in the blood stream, if you're not active the rest goes to fat.
- Faith and attitude to your sickness are key weapons in fighting the feeling/pain and a growing sense of depression and despair...yay I have those in abundance.
and lastly the steam baths...hot steamy room then out under a cold shower...hmmm today I witnessed the fact that my lovely wife...as thin as she is, deals with cold water much better than I do... not one of my finer man moments!
Sunday 26 April 2015
Living Valley Springs Day 1
Hey hey... we're here:)
I was so sensible and committed that I even turned down my free lolly on the Air NZ flight:)
Living Valley Springs is a 2 hour drive from Brisbane and we had to wind the clock back a couple of hours:)
So what learning have I made today... my first big moment was reading my personal programme and finding out I have 2 of these booked this week...
I was so sensible and committed that I even turned down my free lolly on the Air NZ flight:)
Living Valley Springs is a 2 hour drive from Brisbane and we had to wind the clock back a couple of hours:)
So what learning have I made today... my first big moment was reading my personal programme and finding out I have 2 of these booked this week...
Colonic Hydrotherapy
The health of the body is greatly determined by the cleanliness of the colon and the practise of Colonic Hydrotherapy is the fastest way to clean and detoxify the colon.
At Living Valley Springs you will experience the Chevallum method of colonic hydrotherapy that involves a qualified therapist flushing the colon with water a number of times while the therapist applies gentle external massage over the stomach area above the colon to help extradite trapped toxins.
The wash not only helps to break up any old fecal matter, which can be trapped for significant time, but it also aids in strengthening and toning the bowel. The colon also has an incredible ability to absorb water as well as herbs and so you may also enjoy a special herbal mixture to stimulate and strengthen organs in the body.
So yikes...
We have also learned some interesting points about the way we should eat and drink.
No drink a half hour before and up to an hour and a half after dinner, this is to allow the digestive system to do its thing.
Big breakfast, medium lunch and a smaller dinner.
LVS operates around the 8 laws of health using the acronym NEW START
Nutrition
Exercise
Water
Sunshine
Temperance
Air
Rest
Trust in a purpose for you in life... I would call this Faith.
My other favourite moment was our steam bath...
We went up to the steam room... hope in this incredibly hot room for 10min, out for a cold shower, back in the heat for 7, under the cold, back in the heat for 5, and back under the cold...
Now this helps to draw out toxins...I was not much of a man, the heat I can cope with (but vomited twice afterwards) but cold water on me...yikes! If I ever have a heart attack, chuck cold water on me!
Tomorrow I'm off to see the head Naturopath to discuss a programme for me, as well as someone who is excellent on back issues.
Jo is excited about the 6:15am walk tomorrow...hmmm must have a positive attitude!
So very excited:) good group of people...I have wifi:) My only complaint would be our tiny room:) Not a biggy...Had some great feedback today from yesterdays blog...thanks!
Before I leave
So what am I hoping from this?
To start with I few stats
This does scare me to bits... I like my food... to be told to go to no sugar, no dairy, no wheats or grains... well that means no fun foods. Food has always been a treat, reward, stress reliever and bad habit!
Living family Springs have discussed with us that they can help with...
To start with I few stats
- I'm 42 years old... not getting younger!
- Married, and 3 fantastic children...10,8 & 5... I need energy for the future!
- I weigh 107kgs... which puts me in an obese category I have never enjoyed
- My fitness is non existent...if I push myself, I end up nauseous and vomiting...
- Dietary... I love Coke, steak and most things sweet... Greens...hmmmmm
- My Wife Jo, loves a green, no sugar diet! Once of us needs to change... guess who?:)
- My concentration is poor, it spikes my headaches,
- I have huge issues with a poorly performing stomach and bowel system
- I have had my fair share of concussions.
- My kidneys have been under a lot of stress.
- I can be quite stubborn and not like change!
- I love life and refuse to be defined by this.
- I possibly have sleep apnoea, but am relearning breathing patterns...strange eh!
- I get tired more quickly.
- I'm working a day a week at school. Trying a year of a different pace.
This does scare me to bits... I like my food... to be told to go to no sugar, no dairy, no wheats or grains... well that means no fun foods. Food has always been a treat, reward, stress reliever and bad habit!
Living family Springs have discussed with us that they can help with...
- recovery from radiation therapy
- Exploration of my many medical issues from a naturopath angle.
- Looking at how diet and supplements can help the body naturally heal.
- 14 quality days of walking and talking with wife:)
- and many more things I haven't even clicked to!
So we will be flying out at 9am...
Saturday 25 April 2015
A New Journey
Kia Ora,
Thanks for taking the time to share in a journey that has been many years in the making about some health issues I have been facing.
Why am I doing this? I have the staff of Matarau School(especially Kevin Trewhella), my Church Family and a remarkable group of people who have supported me through Give-a-little. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Maybe this is a way of saying Thankyou and I will commit to this!
I need to also thank my lovely wife who has been on this journey for the 8 years. Jo is a nurse by trade and is possibly the worlds leading expert in me. She has spent an incredible amount researching all my little issues. Jo is incredibly excited by this next chapter
So where do I start? This type of writing about my personal situation is not really something I like doing... its opening up the hidden life I work through every day, presenting the best I can on the outside but feeling rotten on the inside. the worst question I get is "How are you?" Hmmm do I lie or not? My favourite answer is " Same old, just a typical day" Not lying:)
I love life, my God, my family and people, people, people... For me I am most happy when I am serving or helping others...it just feel right:)
For the last 8 years. and especially the last 3, my health has become an issue which has hindered me a little bit in enjoying all the above.
Some of my symptoms are...
Just maybe... I need to try something different!
Thanks for taking the time to share in a journey that has been many years in the making about some health issues I have been facing.
Why am I doing this? I have the staff of Matarau School(especially Kevin Trewhella), my Church Family and a remarkable group of people who have supported me through Give-a-little. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Maybe this is a way of saying Thankyou and I will commit to this!
I need to also thank my lovely wife who has been on this journey for the 8 years. Jo is a nurse by trade and is possibly the worlds leading expert in me. She has spent an incredible amount researching all my little issues. Jo is incredibly excited by this next chapter
So where do I start? This type of writing about my personal situation is not really something I like doing... its opening up the hidden life I work through every day, presenting the best I can on the outside but feeling rotten on the inside. the worst question I get is "How are you?" Hmmm do I lie or not? My favourite answer is " Same old, just a typical day" Not lying:)
I love life, my God, my family and people, people, people... For me I am most happy when I am serving or helping others...it just feel right:)
For the last 8 years. and especially the last 3, my health has become an issue which has hindered me a little bit in enjoying all the above.
Some of my symptoms are...
- A nasty little tumour(benign) that keeps coming back... operated on 3 times.
- Eyesight that is very sensitive to bright light.
- A couple of serious hospitalisations that involved infections that gave the kidneys a couple of scares.
- A bit of sleep Apnea? - My wife says I sometimes stop breathing for 10-20 seconds
- My Pituitary gland is not functioning that much... so I'm missing out on chemicals like cortisol, thyroxine and testoserone. I use pills and injections to replace.
- A little bit of hypertension:)
- Headaches... for the last 3 years, I can't tell you I have ever had a day without them... they average between a 7-10 in intensity... I have learnt to live with these to the best of my ability.
- Lacking in sleep...3-4 hours on average... I just wake up a lot from the headaches!
- Vomiting, the headaches make me nauseous and vomiting follows. Proudly my wife has taught me that men can can vomit quietly. Nights are the worse. I can vomit anywhere between 1-4 times a night and a couple more times through the day.
- Stomach issues - vomit, diarrhea, soreness, pain... never really explored this properly.
- There are probably others:)
Just maybe... I need to try something different!
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