Dear You,
I have been thinking a lot about illness this week. You might think, “Well, that makes sense. People are calling you all week talking about illness.”
While this is true, it’s not the reason I am writing you.
When we think of illness, we think of the physical pain we go through. That is what we are seeking treatment for, and that is what the focus is on. But what about the emotional trials it takes on us?
I have been in remission from my cancer for going on seven years. I am here to talk about it because most don’t come back from a stage 4 diagnosis. Yet, here I am.
I think I’m here because I was very healthy before my diagnosis. I had no other medical conditions and was not overweight, so I had the strength and tenacity to fight with every cell in my torn and worn body. I also think I am just lucky, and that is why I have a horseshoe tattoo on my wrist to acknowledge this fact.
Although I am incredibly grateful, I do have many consequences from all the intestinal surgeries I have had. I understand what it’s like to deal with chronic illness. I understand the hell we patients can live in.
So, how does my illness have anything to do with your kidney stones?
Because illness is illness and it can be isolating, anxiety-producing, and lonely. I am thinking about you specifically because there has been and still is a disconnect between having kidney stones and getting the correct information that will help you.
I must acknowledge that it has gotten better. More and more doctors understand that kidney stones can be prevented. Also, others have taken my model and opened their own internet shop. For a long time, I was out here by myself, so it is nice to see that more help is available now.
But I know many of you don’t have the funds to access private services.
This is why we at the Kidney Stone Diet® create so much free content for you. Please take advantage of hundreds of articles and videos on the blog and YouTube channel. I recently organized the YouTube channel videos into playlists so you can binge all the oxalate, calcium, etc., videos without searching for stuff.
Join the 20,000-plus people on my private Facebook page, where you can get clinically correct information and live guest appearances from me every few weeks to discuss various topics. I monitor the page closely to ensure the information is clinically correct, kind, and supportive.
I understand how you feel and I want you to feel better. Being your own health advocate, especially in the kidney stone world, is critical. Kidney stones can be prevented, and when you are educated, you can have meaningful discussions with your doctors and health care team to get on the very best treatment plan for you (this can only be done AFTER getting a 24-hour urine collection completed).
The Kidney Stone Diet® will always be part of that treatment plan. The goals of the diet will help lower your stone risk and can also help with:
- Lower A1C
- Lower blood pressure
- Lose weight (if needed)
Hear from actual patients I have worked with here. Go to this page and scroll to see pics of weight loss transformations while following the Kidney Stone Diet®.
I have seen it in countless patients. Miraculous? No. When you go through the pain of a kidney stone, you will do anything never to have that happen again. People who work with me now have an important reason “why” they want to lose weight and are committed. I have watched thousands and thousands of people change their whole lifestyle around and maintain it. For good this time.
You don’t have to suffer alone. There is a community here for you. I am here for you. Besides being a mom to my son and Finn, this work is the most important thing in my life. And now that I have been ill, my passion and empathy have only grown.
You got this.
And I got you.
Thanks for being here!
Your friend and advocate,
Jill
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