I am 38 years old, and I have had digestive issues throughout my life. I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t sick to my stomach after eating. Nausea was joined by frequent diarrhea, gas and bloating as I got older. I was always thin, and my diet was generally healthy, but I constantly craved sugar and carbs, and I was hungry all the time. I made the connection that there were a few foods that I couldn’t eat and tried to avoid those, but that was never enough to keep me well.

I first saw doctors for my daily diarrhea in my early twenties. A food allergy test (done on my skin), showed many probably causes, but the suggested elimination diet seemed too overwhelming for me to try at the time. I was somewhat stable in my mid-to-late twenties – I still had an upset tummy every morning, but I was I was otherwise healthy and managed what I considered just an unpleasant part of my life. Pregnancy and nursing brought some relief – I could eat whatever I wanted without getting sick, but that ended in my mid-thirties when I weaned my youngest child and the stomach problems returned with a vengeance. In addition to feeling bad, I was stressed; I never knew how I would feel each day.

I decided to seek medical help again – I went to see my internist, OBGYN, and a recommended gastroenterologist in hopes of finding a solution. I had high hopes, but the advice and prescriptions did nothing to help. There was no discussion of my diet with any of these professionals. On the bright side, I was becoming more in tune with my body and I started to notice more foods that made me sick. I told my gastro I needed to see a nutritionist, because I didn’t know what to eat anymore. He gave me Elizabeth’s card and that’s when my life began to change for the better.

Here’s where I breathe a sigh of relief – my body is now healing and Elizabeth is responsible for the plan to get me healthy. From my first appointment Elizabeth immediately understood what I said and was familiar with what I described. It was such a relief to be truly heard – she validated my symptoms and experiences in ways no doctor ever had. And she got me to turn a lifetime of habits, tastes, and patterns into a new way of living. She made many suggestions at that first appointment that I was not prepared to hear, but over time I adopted every single one.

The last piece of my puzzle was just recently found through allergy (done by blood sample) and stool tests that Elizabeth suggested, but I had resisted, from the start. I was incredibly surprised, and frankly, ecstatic to find that there were real underlying causes to my problems – I don’t produce enough digestive acid and the lining of my stomach isn’t thick enough to keep foods from passing directly into my bloodstream. Elizabeth prescribed several supplements to treat these conditions and I immediately began to feel better. The allergy test identified some additional foods that I removed from my diet.

While I needed several tries to truly accept a life “without”, all those attempts were an important part of my journey to wellness and today I don’t feel deprived. Throughout it all Elizabeth was patient, non-judgmental, and supportive. While I would ultimately have to figure out how to make and live with these changes, I am I sure she knew I could do this and she saw a healthy me, even when I couldn’t.

I no longer have to worry about whether I’ll feel well enough to participate in my own life and for that I am thankful. Despite years of not feeling well, I wouldn’t change any part of this journey. I am fortunate that I know how to feed and nourish my body. I am lucky that I know what to eat to feel my best. I am hopeful that my body will remain healthy for a long time to come. And I am so glad that Elizabeth is in my life. I recommend her all the time, as I know literally everyone, no matter the state of their health, can benefit from her advice and experience.

I am so appreciative of your efforts to help me on my journey. Thank you for your wisdom, patience, empathy, and kindness. I am finally on the right path. I feel great both mentally and physically! It’s so empowering to have a plan and to reap the rewards of working the plan. I really can’t thank you enough. I am forever your fan!