Cleaning House, Making Room For Babies

The short conversation below, is a snippet of my first consulation with my new doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).


Dr.  No babies?
Me: No, never been able to... after all these years of marriage (14 years).
Dr: No wonder! All these medications you on. All your germs. Your house is dirty! Must clean house first! Can't make baby!


What my doctor was telling me about my house (body) I knew had to be true. I have been a guinea pig to science for fifteen years. I'm on so many medications and taking the maximum dosage on most. Several of them carry high risks. Something that concerns my doctors and me. She wasn't just telling me that the medications could be harmful for the baby. She was saying that a baby couldn't develop in such a harsh atmosphere. Hearing her say this, gave me such hope. Hope that we (my Chinese doctor, my primary care physician, neurologist, asthma and allergy specialist, and me) can get my house clean by ridding my body of toxins, healing it through acupuncture, and slowly be able to reduce the medications.


As, I layed there having my acupuncture treatment, I was elated about the idea of being able to get my house clean. Anxious to prepare it for a baby. Lying there I remembered about articles I had read about a fertility specialist and accupunturist that worked as a team in VA. They were helping women who had never had children before become pregnant and carry their babies full term.


Today, my body began sweating spontaneously. The kind of clammy sweat one has when breaking a fever. I checked my temperature...normal. Then it occurred to me that my house was being cleaned. My body was continuing to expel toxins and germs. Is my body pure now? Not after one treatment. Someone, like myself, that has mulitple health issues and years of medication without end will need several more treatments. For now, I'm just happy knowing that some of the toxins and germs have been released.

Better Tomorrows? Become a Pin Cushion

Due to a recent move, I was in need of finding a new acupuncturist. I hadn't had a treatment in eight months and was very anxious to begin treatment but concerned about not knowing which acupuncturist to choose. After all, I was basing my selection on ads in the yellow pages. I finally decided to go with one who is considered a Chinese doctor (specializing in different aspects of Chinese medicine). I was concerned when I couldn't understand her on the phone. My worries soon escaped me once I went back for my initial consult/visit. I could sense she was very knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). I was determined that the language barrier wasn't going to keep me from obtaining better health.


Although having acupuncture treatments can end up being quite expensive due to needing to have several treatments in succession in the beginning, I have found that nothing compares with the way the acupuncture helps me. I will be adding more articles on my experiences of acupuncture. I'm keeping this one short because I'm in pain...my body is working on releasing toxins. Going to relax and drink lots of water to help the process.

The Importance of Correct Footwear

Early on, even before I knew something was wrong...before the profound weight gain...my feet would often ache at night; a side effect of teaching all day on linoleum floors. But now, I had to plan my shoes for work. No longer was the pain limited to my feet at night. I was beginning to feel pain radiate from my heels all the way up to my hips. I began carefully selecting shoes that would help absorb the shock of each step.

During one of my professional development days for a new school system, I hadn't walked far when my legs and feet began to ache. I made a mental note to myself...definitely need to buy some more shoes before school begins. These shoes had obviously had their day, losing all comfort and support. Through out the professional development meeting, I couldn't stop thinking about how badly I needed to buy some more shoes. After all, my feet were in pain. My new shoes would need provide comfort while walking around the classroom and standing on the hard floors. Multiple sclerosis has made shoes, the most imporant part of my career wardrobe.

Three hours after walking into the doors of the school where the professional development was occurring, I looked down at my feet while we were breaking between workshops. My shoes were on the wrong feet! They had been that way all morning! Before going to my next workshop, I swapped my shoes around. Walking to the next room, I felt like I was wearing new shoes. Funny how your stride is so much more pleasant when your shoes are on the correct feet!

Planning the Escape

This blog will hopefully be an inspiration to others to escape a prison that they may feel they too are in due to their health; whether it be physical, emotional, or mental. Writing has always helped me to learn more about myself...allowing me to take a step back to really analyze what is going on in my life. I no longer want to feel as though my only option in life is to take medicine for my symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other afflictions. There has to be more that I can do to help me. Not being a health professional or scientist, these posts are meant for encouragement not medical advice. However, as you follow me through my journey to freedom, I hope you are encouraged to live your life free from health restraints. I no longer want my fatigue, pain, or being ill to dictate my schedule.


When I first heard about MS, I didn't know anything about the disease. I devoured books, internet sites, and journals trying to find out as much as I could. I wanted to know more about the symptoms...know what to expect. Therefore, I will write about symptoms...not sure how often or how much I will say about them at this time. Don't want the symptoms to take over the excitement of the escape. Yet, I want to be realistic for others who are like me...who are looking for a true source that lets them honestly know what to expect. Finding the right balance will occur as my blog develops.