Prior to my hip replacement surgeries I experienced an unexplained case of jaundice leading to both heart and liver failure. The swelling and inflammation I experienced in my left leg during this frightening time was nearly impossible for me to manage. As Dr. John McDougall describes, Inflammation is the consequence of injury, such as from a cut, burn, or infection. The pain, redness, swelling, and heat that follow are natural, necessary processes for healing. These symptoms and signs of inflammation resolve after the single event. However, with repetitive injury, inflammation can become long-standing, referred to as "chronic inflammation." This nonresolving inflammation is a major driver of disease.
Outside of injury and chronic conditions such as arthritis, I learned that a considerable amount of the inflammation I experienced was due to my diet. Eating foods that created more inflammation perpetuated my condition and prevented me from getting well. By shifting to a whole food plant-based oil free diet I began to consume meals designed to heal, decrease inflammation, and promote good health. Aside from food, there are a number of resources and practices that I follow to manage inflammation…
Receiving regular massage, acupuncture, and Reiki
Weekly Epsom salt soaks
Using ice packs to decrease swelling and manage pain
Elevating my legs to support circulation
Regular exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight
The consequences of a poor diet significantly changed my life. I experienced life-threatening illness, survived, recovered, and have returned to an active lifestyle. I believe that everyone and everything we encounter arrives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. My illness and surgeries led me to watching the film Forks Over Knives and reading The Starch Solution. Both provided me with cures and a solution. In 2017 my resource guide was published offering recovery tips that apply to nearly every type of surgery. Butternut to Bionic is my story and was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize and 2018 Health Literacy Award for good reason. Written from the patient perspective, I share guidance, support, and encouragement to help patient’s achieve a successful outcome and return to a high quality of life.
Be Well!
