Flipping channels last night, I stumbled upon the documentary, Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare, being aired on CNN.
It was one of the most powerful documentaries I’ve seen. And if I needed any motivation to keep sticking to my new health regime, that film provided it in spades.
The gist? The American healthcare system is broken. Prescription drugs and invasive surgical procedures are causing mounting health problems and tens of thousands of needless deaths each year. And diet and exercise—combined with acupuncture, meditation and other Eastern medicine principles—have been proven to reverse heart disease, effectively treat PTSD, and combat cancer and numerous other chronic illnesses and diseases.
If you’ve not seen the documentary, I highly recommend watching it. In the meantime, I’m continuing with daily acupressure, eye exercises, meditation and Chinese herbs. I’m also green juicing twice a day, avoiding processed foods, and eating plenty of blueberries and salads. I’ve even eliminated red meat from my diet and am one chicken pot pie away from becoming a fishing-eating vegetarian.
And I’m counting down the days (eighteen) until my treatment begins with Dr. Yu at the Wellspring Clinic.
Wow, I’ll have to check that out. Though I’m a little scared to. Sounds like you’re on a very promising path!
You should check it out. It’s powerful – and it will make you take a serious look at your diet and lifestyle… (particularly if you are struggling with a health issue).
Hello, Ingrid!
I’m a fellow Seattleite who just found your blog while searching for “seattle retinitis pigmentosa”. I’m a dad, an educator, a mathematician, someone who loves books and music… and I have RP too. I was diagnosed in 1994, gave up driving in 2005, and am now specializing in my own tunnel-focused personality (just this morning I “accidentally” got peanut butter on one of my cabinet doors. Lovely. 🙂
I’m super curious about your “determination to see” (I’m totally rooting for you!) I’m especially interested in learning about your experience with Dr. Yu. There’s so much to think about and consider. I love your aggressive stance on pursuing all possible paths.
Thanks for sharing your writing. Your words are inspirational, real, and–ultimately–hopeful. Thank you!
Peter
P.S. I’d love to compare notes on working, parenting, living in Seattle with RP. If you’re interested (and have the time), send me an email. It would be nice to have a conversation with a fellow traveler!
Thanks for sharing this documentary. It makes me so anxious and upset to think about my friends and family in the US who don’t have access to good insurance – or any insurance at all – or who are limited by what coverage they have, in terms of treatment options. It’s just awful. On the up-side, I’m so glad you’re continuing your regimen and I can’t believe your first session with Dr. Yu is coming so soon! I can’t wait to hear about it!