I've said it before and I will say it again: Don't give up! There are solutions to Adrenal Fatigue. It's simply a matter of finding a health care provider who knows how to help you. Most of the valuable information I have learned has come from chiropractors and naturopathic doctors. These people are not afraid to step outside of the box and go above and beyond what "western medicine" has to offer. I have tried some very strange things in my efforts to combat what was a mysterious and troubling phenomenon in my life. I struggled with discouragement, disappointment and irritability.

No one understood and many people, even my own mother, used to believe that I was making all of this up in my head. What changed my mother was taking her to attend an Adrenal Fatigue seminar. It was just one evening, sponsored by a local pharmacy, but the place was packed! I remember my mom saying, "All of these people are having the same kind of problems you are!" The man was not a spectacular speaker and honestly, I could have done a better job. However, it was the eye-opener that my mom needed.

I share that story not to criticize my mom, because she is a wonderful person. However, if you are struggling with a spouse or sibling or parent or child who really does not take you seriously, do what you can to educate them. I sent my mom emails, web addresses, and portions of books that verified what I was feeling. However, it was the reality of seeing a classroom full of people who were asking questions about symptoms just like mine. My mother was shocked and yet I think relieved to learn that I really did have something wrong with my body.

Never give up the search for a good caregiver. I have tried to remember all the doctors that I have been to... I was diagnosed with BPPV, Meniere's disease, heavy metal poisoning, balance issues... and more. I went to Ohio State University - was seen by an ENT doctor there who specialized in balance disorders. He sent me for balance therapy. I saw a specialist who ran an MRI, found nothing and sent me to another place for balance therapy. At the recommendation of a friend, I visited a man who practiced Reams Biological Theory of Ionization. I tried this program for many years. It only help temporarily and my caretaker was an odd man with odd ideas.

I left there to go to a DO who diagnosed me with chronic fatigue. He sold me expensive vitamins and supplements and ran many different kinds of test - cortisol testing, heavy metal testing, and food allergy testing. He finally decided that I needed chelation - this is "a method of removing certain heavy metals from the bloodstream, used esp. in treating lead or mercury poisoning." Basically, chemicals are injected into your bloodstream that free the heavy metals from your body. Great concept, but not a great idea for me. In fact, I broke out, got a fever, was so weak I had to go to bed and I honestly thought I was going to die. It was a devastating experience. I called the doctor to get help and he would not call me back. I went back to him (can you say duh?) and he said, Let's try it again, but I'm going to give you another chemical that will make this easier on your body. Okay... nope, went through the same thing and he didn't call me again!

I learned my lesson; I didn't return. However, now I was left to figure out something else. In between all of these experiences, I would stop going to doctors or looking for advice, as I would get tired of it. However, once again I searched online and found a place where they will test you through lab tests and diagnose and treat you through phone calls and emails. Although it was pricey, I was desperate. I called and for the very first time in my life, I found someone who understood adrenal fatigue. The ND there was very kind and understanding. I began to follow his suggestions, but again, did not notice much change. The good thing about this experience, was I learned more about AF than ever before and I had a kind, listening ear, which I desperately needed. In the meantime, we had a new family visit our church. The man was a chiropractor who would adjust my family and I for nothing! He enjoyed it, as he was retired and we all needed the help. Of course, I was (and still am) the most needy. However, he began to help me in my quest for wholeness. He suggested supplements that helped me tremendously and he keep aligning my back, which was invaluable to me.

In May, I began to get very, very sick. Again, I didn't know what was wrong. I could eat nothing. The ER told me I had the flu... My chiropractor suggested a new doctor, who immediately said, "Has anyone checked your gallbladder?" No, no one had mentioned this, except for my chiropractor. I was diagnosed very quickly and had surgery right away. This helped, but the surgeon told me that things were really a mess in there. The stomach pain stopped temporarily, but started back up again. In the meantime, my chiropractor attended a seminar that was taught by a chiropractor in my state. They were making some major breakthroughs in people with chronic and adrenal fatigue. I decided to give it a try. I did the Standard Process Purification Cleanse. I got better, but still had some stomach issues. The ND suggested some new supplements, changes in my diet, and said, "I'll see you in two weeks." Since that time, my AF has improved 90% and I have no more stomach issues. I feel like a new person! Will this last?

Is this the end? Are my troubles over? I don't know. I only know that had I stopped looking, I would not be this far in my recovery. I have learned something new and important at each stop along the way. Oh and prayer helps too. I can't imagine going through this without the Lord to help me!