In case you have been following my story and wondering, “Can this girl ever catch a break?”– The answer apparently is no. LOL.

The past couple weeks have been turmoil as my wrists broke out in a raised, red rash one Friday morning. Initially suspecting hives, I called my holistic practice to report it and seek advice on what I should do to remedy it. We agreed that I would swing by the office later that afternoon so that the practitioner could inspect it and determine steps to be taken.

Upon my visit, it was determined most likely that my body was experiencing a detox reaction (AKA Herxheimer reaction) in which my skin was expelling the toxins that were being released as the candida and parasites were dying off. I was advised to stop my cleanse andall of its components immediately and restart on the following Monday to give my body a slight break.

However, over the weekend, the small red rash began to burst into boils that were breaking out and leaking oils (GROSS… I know) and spread up my arms, onto my neck, legs, and stomach. Before I knew it, my rash had gotten much, much worse.

By Sunday, I had about lost my mind trying to cope with the constant itching, pain, and discomfort it brought. My husband and I discussed the potential causes when we noticed our dog, Juneau, scratching his body. His belly had broken out into a similar rash and it was then we realized the culprit–poison ivy! We had completely forgotten we had taken him to a local preserve and gone off-trail.

I called into a Teladoc appointment Monday morning so that I could get a prescription as soon as possible. I ended up having to take a 6-day dose pack of oral steroids to fight the poison ivy (or sumac, I’m still not sure). As a result, I was advised by my NP that I would need to take another week off of my cleanse and restart the entire program again.

So, I’ve been a hot mess these past two weeks as I was dealing with the rash itself and the consequences of stopping my cleanse, which involved the relapse of neuropathic pain. I found myself once again back to laying on the couch all day in pain and waiting hopelessly for the time to pass so that I could get back in my groove and be a person again.

I will admit, it was very disappointing and frustrating as I had done everything on this detox journey with my very best efforts and a discipline that even I am suprised I am capable of. I was able to do so much during the start my cleanse, and had almost made it halfway through! But this setback also inspired me to stay strong and proved just how important this treatment is to me, because at this point it’s the choice between prioritzing my health and following through or living in misery.

Fast forward to now, though. I am currently on Day 10 (again) of my detox journey and am feeling like myself. I’ve been able to do workouts at home, go on walks with Juneau and my sister, socialize with friends and coworkers, complete some clerical work from home, and so much more. Despite it all, I am Painfully Empowered.

Stay tuned for more updates and subscribe to follow my journey!

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