I have lived my personal life supporting a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy running, yoga, seasonal outdoor sports (tennis, skiing, hiking, rock climbing, etc…), and maintaining a healthy diet mostly consisting of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Professionally, I have a dedicated passion for health, wellness, and fitness that has spanned 17 years now.
In 2001, I closed my business, a salon and day spa, to follow my dreams of working with others through health. I returned to
In 2002 (while still in college), after a routine blood test, I was given the devastating news that I had contracted the Hepatitis C virus. My first reaction was panic that I was going to lose my health; my health being one of the things I always counted on as I have never been on medication or seriously ill. My doctor once stated that he had never seen cholesterol levels as low as mine in all his years of practice! I was now faced with a decision to make…was I going to go the medical route to address the Hepatitis C? After numerous consultations with my physician, I decided to start the 48-week treatment.
In January 2003, six weeks after being diagnosed I scheduled my first doctor’s appointment to be trained in giving myself injections of the Interferon. Emotionally and physically, this was a tremendous risk for me at this time of my life. After the first injection, I waited for the brutal side effects that included trouble breathing, chest pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, high fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, horrible rashes and itching, sleeplessness, extreme depression, and even fatal infections. I was also put on an oral medication called Ribavirin during this time, designed to work with the Interferon to fight Hepatitis C. The combination of these medications is the most aggressive treatment that medical science has to offer, and presents the most serious side effect imaginable: death. It’s a regime so intense and difficult that most patients on this program need to take a break from the treatment after just a few weeks to give their bodies time to heal. I, however, was able to endure the full 48-week treatment with no breaks. Nurses and medical staff would constantly question me about the side effects, and were puzzled as to why I didn’t experience the severity that most patients did, and how I could function the way I did.
During the 48 weeks of treatment, I had continued my healthy lifestyle (which included running everyday, yoga three times a week, and a healthy diet), working as a waitress and bartender, and attending college classes full time. I continued to excel, making the Dean’s List during the Spring Semester. I realized that I had not lost my health as I first thought after being diagnosed; my health was standing beside me all the way! My attending physician was so impressed by my physical and emotional state that he encouraged me to take a comprehensive stress test (
Perhaps the most beneficial factor for me was that I had begun my healthy habits well before my diagnosis. I already laid the groundwork for the physical and mental strength needed to face this disease head on. I wasn’t completely immune – I felt the side effects. At one point my anemia was so bad that the doctors thought they might have to hospitalize me. There were times that, for no reason, I would become uncontrollably weepy and fall into despair. And I can recall once, while moving, noticing purple blotches appearing on my legs and being told by a nurse friend of mine that I was bleeding internally. But whenever these symptoms became intense or overwhelming, I would focus on my yoga practice, and my dedication to good nutrition. As a result, the symptoms never once got the best of me. My intention as a whole held me together spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
In January 2004 (winter break from classes) I was hospitalized for pains in my chest. At first, after numerous tests, the doctors couldn’t find anything that was contributing to the agonizing pain. The hospital staff was beginning to have concerns about my recovery, and on two occasions sent a pastor in to pray for a blessing. After three days on morphine, they found a virus surrounding my heart and began to medicate me with an anti-inflammatory medication. Two days later, I was released from the hospital with a regime of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. After being home for two days and not happy with the severe side effects of the medication, I decided to take my health and wellbeing into my own hands!
With an “easy does it” attitude, I began to drag myself down onto my yoga mat and started to use nutritional supplementation to restore my body. Within one week, I was back to full time college classes, working as a bartender 5 nights a week, and attending my full yoga practice! My recovery and intention was so impressive that “Yoga Magazine” featured my story in their international magazine.
In continuing with my original goal of helping others in their quest of wellness and health, in 2008 I opened Wellness Innovations, a facility that offers natural approaches to wellbeing. Along with Nutrition Response Testing, Colon Hydrotherapy(Colonic), Aromatherapy, Detoxification Seaweed Body Wraps, Heart Rate Variability Assesment, Hyperthermic Chamber, and Oxygen and Ozone therapy, I am also a spokesperson and educator, giving lectures and seminars on health and wellbeing across the country.
Yours in Health,
Sandra