Parents, If You Feel Like a Failure, Don't Become a Martyr.

I'm a happy healthy home-schooling mom of five under twelve. My husband, Eric, is a professor at a wonderful Catholic university. We have always enjoyed our little blessings and our good health to keep up with our children. Three years ago I suffered an unexpected placental abruption with my fifth child and nearly lost my life. The battle to regain my health was brutal. I found amazing Catholic friends that taught me how to nourish my body properly with healthy food and supplemental nutrition. I was back! I checked back in after a year of suffering and was grateful for better health. In January of 2016, I started experiencing symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, skin lesions, yeast infections and sugar cravings. I began natural remedies not really knowing what I was treating. I began drinking more red wine and craving it. I actually began to believe that I was developing a drinking problem and I blamed it on the sleepless nights, the all consuming itching, headaches and lack of energy to take care of my family. This time, I became a self proclaimed martyr.

I made an appointment with a rheumatologist and as I sat in her office I remember thinking, what if this is bad..... She took one look at my swollen cheeks, infected eyes, scalp infection, shin lesions, scabbed over armpits and said, "I can't make a medical claim without tests, but my professional opinion is Lupus or Lymphoma." I was scared to call my husband to tell him that I was on my way to have blood panels drawn to test Lymphocyte levels." $1,000 later, we had to wait 5 days for the results. A very long 5 days.

Eric and I had started a 30 day Novena to Our Lady of Prompt Succor because just as Our Lady works, she beckoned us. On the 30th day of the Novena, I received a phone call from my doctor. Tests were normal. We were relieved and overwhelmed at the power of prayer! There is nothing that Mary does not take to the foot of the cross.

Our Rheumatologist scratched her head and recommended a dermatologist that recommend cortisone cream. We were back to square one. I should mention that this was taking a toll on our marriage. I was a mess, consumed with finding a cure, no sleep, stress, the guilt of not being at my best for my children, a filthy house, school work never finished, and no answer.

A friend was visiting and mentioned that I may have candida overgrowth. This was something new and I got excited! The cure was a food detox. The candida diet made me cry a solid hour when I read it, but I was ready! The diet came with a warning: die off symptoms and liver damage. I spent several days researching, getting all the natural remedies to protect my liver and then I began.

REALLY??? The die off began immediately! Body aches, headaches, nausea, burn crusty rashes from head to toe, stiff joints, brain fog and full on fatigue. My dear husband followed the diet with me to make it easier. After a couple of months the die off continued and I felt like I was spinning my wheels. As if the candida wanted to die, but something was keeping it maintained.

We decided to take a family get away for a couple of days and I was praying that I would feel good enough for my kids. As I was sitting in the hotel, I had began a text convo with a friend. I mentioned that I was feeling better that normal and I was thankful. She immediately threw up a red flag and asked how long it had been since I had been away from home since I had been ill. I had to think for a second (brain frog), and realized that I hadn't been away since we moved into our home a year earlier. She didn't waist anytime telling me to have our house checked for mold and toxins. That's crazy! That can't be why I'm not healing!

One week later, we had the official mold report in our hands and an answer. The house and garage were riddled in mold. We could not renovate because we were renting and the landlord had no intention of performing a mold remediation. We packed up what we could, which was a few clothes, dishes and pictures. We had to leave our furniture. We lived in a one room extended stay for 30 days until we could find another home. God blessed us with wonderful family that never questioned , only loved us where we were and trusted our decision. It felt like a Hail Mary (the kind you throw),not knowing if I would heal. That scared me like crazy.

Within 24 hours of being out of the home, the headaches became worse and Eric started experiencing them as well. What I didn't know was over 800 different toxins were trying to exit my bloodstream at once! Two weeks later, I felt like a fog had lifted, the itching started to subside, my skin began to heal, my hair began to grow back and my energy returned. I felt like a new person.

It took 6 months of ups and downs, trial and error, but I am grateful for the knowledge that I've acquired. Thankful for another home for my family. Happy to feel great again. And blessed to be able to pass my story on to help others looking for answers.

I am now a gut health specialist. God could have just told me that's what he wanted, but I am too stubborn to listen! God permits suffering. It can lead to personal and spiritual growth if we allow it. And most importantly, don't do it alone. Use the Body of Christ that He has given you.