What Happens Next?

I saw Dr. Patrick Flynn that week. After the 2nd adjustment I left his office with no headache. I had not been headache free in over a month at this point. I was amazed. I no longer needed to take Vicodin to numb the pain. The only medication I continued on was Synthroid.

Within the first few weeks of treatment with Dr. Flynn, I started to ask more questions. He provided me with some information regarding whole wellness. I read a couple of books & started to research more information online by myself. I have many of my nursing text books yet as well. Those provided me with some medical facts that supported the “alternative” treatments to illness like dietary changes.

One of the assignments Dr. Flynn has all patients do is write down everything that touches your mouth for 2 to 3 days. I was amazed at what I was eating . . . and what I wasn’t eating. I thought I was a fairly healthy eater. I was wrong. I had already been avoiding some food additives due to my own research on things to avoid to attempt to reduce migraines (i.e. MSG, alcohol, caffeine). I didn’t have a clue as to how many food products out there actually contain some of these harmful ingredients.

Some of the biggest changes happened for me during my first month of treatment. Dr. Flynn suggested that I begin to drink more water, but not tap water. In fact, I should avoid tap water given the harmful affects of chlorine & fluoride on the body. I also decided that it was past time for me to give up Soda of any kind. While this took me about 3 weeks to do by weaning myself off of soda (I drank 2-3 Regular Cokes a day), I did it. I increased my water intake to half of my body weight in ounces of water a day. My attempts in the past to eliminate soda from my diet were unsuccessful because of the rebound headaches I would experience from caffeine withdrawal. I suffered no headaches while being adjusted & weaning from the caffeine.

Also during the first month or so, I really began to read labels. I virtually eliminated MSG from my diet. What a difference that made! I thought MSG triggered just my migraines. What I wasn’t aware of was how sensitive my digestive system was to it. By accident, while at a get together in December of 2004, I consumed some salad that had been dressed with a dressing containing MSG. Within 20 minutes I was bloated & seeking the nearest restroom with diarrhea. I was baffled. Then I realized what I had consumed & connected the dots.

I’ve read the book, “The Maker’s Diet.” This is an incredible story of a young man who suffered from Crohn’s disease. Medicine could not help him. In fact, he remained ill while on the medication & the doctors wanted to increase them. He sought help from many alternative doctors & made some improvements albeit more slowly. He finally found a dietary plan that helped to bolster his immune system while not subjecting him to the harmful side effects of the medications commonly used for this disease. There is a misconception out there that Crohn’s Disease is a lifetime sentence to medications with exacerbations & remissions much like those of cancer. While it is true that those that have been diagnosed with Crohn’s need to make lifestyle changes, most can live normal lives off of medications. It is merely the opinions of medical doctors, medical specialists & the drug companies who reap the benefits of those doctors prescribing said drug regimens that rule how we are supposed to treat this disease. We should not be so narrow minded to assume there is no other way. It is opinion based. If you look at the facts of the alternative treatments, they also can work. Are there setbacks? Sure there are. Are there cases that might need to combine medicine with alternative treatments? Sure there are. Who has the right to determine which is better? Are there setbacks for those on the medications? YES. In fact, the side effects alone could be considered setbacks. One medication will cause side effects that create another problem. Would you say a doctor is neglectful when a patient is put on a steroid & as a result of this prescription contracted a potentially deadly virus or infection? (Steroids reduce your body’s ability to fight off infections & the symptoms may not be as noticeable at first because of the infection) I don’t think anyone would. The reason? This is acceptable medical practice.

There are countless people harmed everyday by medications prescribed by licensed physicians. There are numerous prescription drugs taken off the market after serious side effects, including death, are reported.

If I were to have stayed on the medications prescribed to me for my numerous health issues I can pretty much guarantee that I would be battling far more serious battles right now. I am 30 years old. By my health history above, you may have assumed I was at least 50. I feel more vibrant today, being 37 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child, than I did one year ago today when I was not pregnant. I also am able to work part time as a registered nurse, care for my 2 very active boys & pretty much keep up with my housework. I also run a home based business. I am looking forward to continued vitality so that I can live longer & live healthier than I ever have before through my chiropractic care which includes lifestyle.

Following a chiropractic lifestyle is not easy. It’s anything but neglectful of your health or the health of your family. It involves dedication & discipline. It would be so much easier for me to give in to the social pressures that I am subjected to anytime we have a family get together. But I know the ramifications of breaking from my regime. If I eat sugary foods, artificial sweeteners or foods with MSG I am almost immediately ill. If my children eat these things they seem to act out more aggressively & tend to come home with the sniffles more frequently than when we are strict with their diets. Not everyone is the same. In fact, my 4 year old reacts much quicker to such food than does my 3 year old.

There are many influences out there: McDonalds, grandparents, friends. They are very influential on a developing child. This is probably my biggest challenge. It is my duty, my responsibility, as their parent & role model to show them healthy choices; to teach them what truly is healthy versus what the media & today’s society labels as healthy. I am continually frustrated with so called “health experts” who are hypocrites at best. A specialist that I just changed from was at least 100 pounds overweight. His specialty? Endocrinology. This means he treats patients with diabetes & other endocrine disorders. Do you think his patients are apt to take his advice on proper nutrition? I wouldn’t. I work at a hospital. When I walk out of the hospital & see health care professionals lighting up a cigarette it is very disappointing. How do you tell a patient who is suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or cancer that his or her smoking is making the problem worse & most likely the culprit of their problem when you are taking part in the very same thing?

I could go on about wellness & health for days. Please know that there are many alternatives to medications & surgery out there. Look at the statistics. The U.S. has one of the worst infant mortality rates in the world. We’re a developed country. Our healthcare ranks in the 30’s compared to Japan who is #1. Japan relies on medicine as their emergency method. They rely on alternative methods like chiropractic, diet, acupuncture & meditation as their health care – wellness care. I don’t go to a medical doctor to keep me well. They’re trained to help me when I’m ill. This isn’t necessarily their fault. I am responsible to take control for my wellness.

I am so excited about this field of study. I do know there may be some who strongly disagree with me. That is OK. We're all learning. People generally get defensive about issues that affect their lifestyles. We live in a society that "moderation" has become a rule. I don't think moderation is an appropriate way to deal with our health. Instead, it makes us feel better about doing something that we know isn't the best for us. The truth is not always fun to hear.

That just about wraps up my health history & some of my philosophy on health to this point. I know I have more to cover. I'd love to hear feedback. One thing I like to go by with many of the things I've tried & suggestions I make is "Prove me wrong." If you can provide substantial, fact based proof as to why I'm wrong, I'm so willing to read it:)


Thank you for your time.

Jennifer S Borley RN, BSN
Finding a better way