My Journey With Adrenal Fatigue
My story begins with a genetic predisposition to weak adrenals, a lifelong compulsion to over-achieve, and both interest and talent in MANY areas. Add to that an extremely strong will, MANY years of working on my feet in physically demanding jobs, some pretty dysfunctional relationships, and being a full time, single “super” mom, and you begin to get the picture…
Still, I was aware of all of that and even wrote my final research paper in Nutrition School on Adrenal Health. I ate well, took good quality supplements, exercised regularly, got massages, and managed to stay physically healthy - even though I was stressed most of the time. Then, in 2003, my son became critically ill for 6 months. During that time I was terrified and constantly functioning on over-drive seeing to his needs while continuing to work to pay the bills. When he finally stabilized, I was beyond exhausted.
On top of all that, I entered menopause!!! I limped along doing the best I could to eat healthy but often reached for sugar and caffeine for energy and comfort. Over the years, in addition to tremendous fatigue, I developed digestion problems, and gained 30 pounds. I would go through periods of being committed and obsessively strict with my diet — only to get frustrated in not seeing any results and fall “off the wagon” AGAIN!
In 2008, upon completion of a 4 year education program and passing my board panels to become a Licensed Spiritual Counselor (in addition to working full time and helping to care for my elderly mother, of course), I was in bad shape! I spent most of my time laying down - getting up only to work and fulfill my other commitments - and then laying down again. And, probably the most tell-tale sign of all, there was very little joy in my life.
FINALLY, my dear friend and nutrition mentor insisted that I get my adrenals tested. When I saw my lab test results in black and white — with a “total cortisol burden” of 11 (when the reference range is 23-42) and a diagnosis of “severe adrenal deterioration” or ADRENAL FATIGUE — I sobbed and sobbed! THAT'S what I had been dealing with for years! Somehow, it was oddly comforting to see that what I was experiencing was really REAL!
So that’s what it took for me to get REALLY serious about turning my health around. It didn’t happen overnight and it wasn't easy! But through reconnecting with my nutrition training, additional extensive research, eating an excellent diet, a therapeutic supplement program, and BIG lifestyle changes, I finally lost those 30 pounds — not because of “dieting”, but by balancing and healing my body.
I continued to do well for many years. Most days I woke up energized, and felt happy and enthusiastic about life. I became an avid hiker and, in 2017, I completed a 5 day hiking trip in the Sierras to celebrate my 65th birthday. However, in 2018, I took on the role of sole caregiver of my then 97 year mother - in addition to still seeing massage and nutrition clients and leading online nutritional cleanse programs. Over the course of the next two years, with mom in and out of the hospital and the increasing care that she needed, it didn’t take long before ALL the same symptoms showed up again - exhaustion, digestive challenges, and gaining 20 pounds. I was at the end of my rope… and then Covid hit! In response to a complete emotional meltdown on my part, my family FINALLY got on board with placing mom in an assisted living facility. As a result of that move and not being able to work for 4 months due to the "shelter in place" order, I was able to rest and begin to recover. It took many months, but my body finally stopped being in the fight-or-flight mode and I began to heal AGAIN!
Thanks again to a healthy diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices, I lost the excess weight and began feeling good again. I continued to see clients part time, help with my mom, and enjoy hiking regularly, nature photography, and tending my yard. I still had to be mindful of “living in balance — “body, mind & spirit”, but I was committed to it and it definitely worked! During a scary time with the Covid virus taking it’s toll on so many (especially seniors), I thrived. While I did eventually get Covid (from a double vaccinated/double boosted client), I only felt really sick 1 day followed by a few days of feeling like I had a slight head cold.
And then 2024 happened. I injured my back and dealt with ongoing sciatica for 6 months - especially challenging for a massage therapist! As soon as that resolved my mom went into hospice care for 3 months and passed away just after her 102nd birthday. While I’m grateful that she finally is at peace, there are NO words to describe the sense of loss and overwhelming grief that I feel. With all of that along with everything that’s going on in our country right now and it being winter time as well (never a good time for me), it’s been a struggle and those same symptoms have appeared again - although not nearly as severe thankfully.
And so, at 72 years of age, Spring is here and I’ve begun again to focus on a super healthy diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices to regain my radiant health - and I feel so much better already. These days, self-care is my #1 priority! Balance, peace, and ease is my mantra and way of life - with much gratitude and joy I look forward to what this next life stage brings!
As a result of this journey, I have created the 23 DAYS TO A HEALTHIER YOU Nutritional Cleanse Program. For more information and/or to register, click HERE: