I was born with Spina Bifida – myleomeningocele form – the most severe form next to anencephaly. I was also hydrocephalic at birth. Back in 1971 little was known about Spina Bifida, and not much hope was given. My parents were told not to expect me to live, and if I did I would likely be a vegetable – not able to walk, likely not talk, certainly would not have children of my own. I was shunted at 2 days old. My spine was repaired as best it could be at 2 weeks old.
I am blessed.
I had one parent who believed in all things in the medical world, and one parent who believed in all things alternative. It created some tension, but it gave me the best of both worlds. I started going to a chiropractor when I was just 3 months old. In large part that is the reason I walk today. I do walk unassisted. Physical therapy, Occupational Therapy etc were also huge in my world. Other alternative therapies were practiced – color therapy and energy work. For the 70′s it was pretty “out there.” I was able to avoid 7 surgeries though that were originally recommended for me to have, common place surgeries for kids with my type of defect. I’ve had only 5 in my 39 years of life – my last one at 19 to remove my shunt. It was discovered when I was 13 that I was no longer dependant on the shunt.
I started studying nutriton and natural health on my own when I had my own children. Yes. I had my own children. Much to everyones surprise. I didn’t do much in the way of nutrition growing up for all the good alternative approaches that I did do. But my children were born sickly because of my health and necessary medical care while pregnant. Pregnancy taxed my body to the limit. By the time my first child was 4 it was evident we could not find our answers for her health with our pediatrician, and needed to educate ourselves on other approaches. I started studying nutrition myself. Its been one of my passions ever since. In that journey I learned how to better take care of myself. I have lots of head knowledge about detoxing, pH balancing, daily vitamin requirements, healthy eating, etc. My new education taught me alot. Almost too much. Dont get me wrong, it helped. It gave me the knowledge and experience to make some needed life altering decisions for the betterment of my children and myself – but I didn’t know there was hope that was much more simple. I was almost over educated and I lived that way for 10 years. We’ve done the “vitamin of the month club” lining up bottle after bottle of supplements, organic and raw eating, juicing and more. And there IS a time and a place for that. Absolutely. When I first learned of Reliv, I actually rejected it. For months. I clearly did not understand that this product is different – science is science but RESULTS speak for themselves.
I agreed to try Reliv just to get my personal fitness trainer “expert” friend off my back. The last thing I wanted was to add yet another supplement to my life or business. But I agreed to use it consistently and correctly for 30-90 days and give it an HONEST try. Me and my entire family.
I knew within one week I would take Reliv forever.
I’ve always had low energy because of my spina bifida. My body just works harder than the average person even on a good day. I noticed right away I had more energy. I’ve always been more anxious and can lose my temper quickly too. I describe it as my nerves feel “fried” most of the time. Many of my friends with spina bifida have expressed this common trait. My kids noticed within two weeks that mom was a nicer person. Now when they see me getting anxious, they bring me a shake. It helps.
My bladder and kidney infections are a thing of the past.By a few weeks in my lower back pain has improved and I can move with ease. I’ve had lower back pain since I got pregnant with my first child. Today I am living a quality of life I thought was impossible.
A few days later I noticed that going up the stairs had gotten easier and that I was beginning to use my leg muscles to do the work and not just pull myself up the stairs with my hand on the railing. My balance is better. Not perfect, but better. My weather and stress related migraines improved over the last months.
I’m experiencing changes in digestion and bowels and see definate improvements. This summer is the first summer I have to wear shoes on my feet because I feel the heat of the sidewalk in the summer sun, and I feel the rocks when I walk across a stoney path. I’ve never felt that before.
I often get parents who do not understand the importance of good nutrition who want to give up or who do not want to be consistent with nutrition in their kids because results are hard to see. I want to encourage each of those parents to pursue quality nutrition by sharing a few thoughts. I am a 39 year old adult, and I can adequately express what I feel and experience in my body when I give it what it needs. But I could not have done this as a child. I would not have had the thought process or ability to communicate this clearly as a child. But it doesnt mean it won’t help or isn’t working. Also I can say that, yes, sometimes I am MORE irritated when changes are happening in my body. Because often these changes are things I am not used to experiencing. Sometimes the changes bring temporary discomfort, but it is a positive thing overall and something to work through.
Our bodies can do some amazing things when given the proper nutrition.
Consistently. Over time, not overnight.
For more info Email me: angelaadockterharris@yahoo.com
