“I came to Shift after I had three grand-mal seizures over three years. I had no family history of epilepsy and had not experienced anything like this before. All my test results were normal (CT, EEG, MRI, ECG and blood tests) While the neurologists I saw were not able to confidently diagnose me with epilepsy, they all recommended I take anti-epileptic medication. I left these appointments feeling like I had wasted my time and money. I felt completely out of control and lived in fear of the next time I would have a seizure, but the side effects of the medication were so extreme I didn’t want to take it, and the idea of having a seizure once a year was better to me then taking that medication for life. I read a book called Treating Epilepsy Naturally and one of the chapters recommended giving up gluten.
After 1.5 years gluten-free and seizure free I decided to re-introduce gluten, I had a seizure two weeks later. I then realised the power of food and the direct correlation between what I put into my body and how that affected my brain. I told this to the neurologist but they assured me this would have nothing to do with why I was having seizures and again recommended medication. He told me “Call it what you want” but recommended I start taking two intense medications with numerous side effects. Again I left their office feeling depressed, lost and completely out of control of what was happening to me. I decided to start my own research and believed the best way I could do this was under the care of a naturopath. My goal wasn’t to never have a seizure again (which I haven’t!) but just to ensure that I was doing everything possible to limit these events and regain control and confidence over my health and life.
My membership experience has been amazing. After my initial appointment I had three areas identified to focus on, adrenal fatigue, gut repair and detox. I was quite shocked to learnt my gut was so inflamed as my bowel issues I had before I gave up gluten seemed to be rectified. Even after two weeks of taking the herbs I felt so much better. Giving up coffee for me was a huge challenge, the headache I had for two days was insane, and I think I was also constipated for two weeks as I would usually use coffee to assist me to go to the toilet. This was challenging because my supplement dosage had to increase and I really had to trust in the process and be patient. I am so glad I persisted because my changes in energy, mood and bowel habits are incredible. I didn’t realise anything was wrong with my bowels or energy because I was just used to feeling that way.
I’ve lost 5kg since starting my membership without really actively trying to lose weight or restrict my food intake, instead i’ve just focused on the detox principles and tried to eat as much nutrient dense food I can daily. I also used to suffer severe brain fog which has now also completely disappeared. I think one thing my membership has also helped with is that if I eat something that disagrees with me I can really feel those effects on my body (because I feel so great all the time) now and will avoid it. I also havent had another seizure so that is obviously really amazing. I feel in control of my body and my health. I really wasn’t expecting to feel so good. I have been a member since December and I am very excited to see how much further my health will progress.
Another great part of the membership is the free workshop for friends, my sister was able to attend the Endometriosis workshop and has now incorporated such healthy dietary and lifestyles changes into her everyday life. I think for years my body was suffering, my first complaints of bowel and gut issues were when I was 13 and GP’s told me nothing was wrong. After learning more about the gut brain connection through the naturopath teams it makes complete sense to me that years of eating the wrong things could wreak havoc on the brain. I think the educative parts of the membership are so important and I try dedicate time every week to research a little more into gut health, seizure control or natural medicine. I feel like my knowledge has grown so much under the care of the naturopathic team and Shift.
I saw both Katherine and Sheila and they have both been fantastic. I saw Katherine at the start of my membership and when I got home from my initial consultation I cried tears of happiness because I felt someone was finally listening to me and working with me. It sounds dramatic but after three years of complete frustration, anxiety and being told by neurologists my only option was medication, it was just so relieving to work with someone who was really listening to my story and coming up with a comprehensive and holistic plan. I now see Sheila and she is also amazing. She has such a great knowledge and is always able to alter my supplement dosages around my needs and what I’m doing. She has also taught me emotional wellbeing is a huge factor in health. I leave each appointment feeling totally supported. The reason I came to Shift in the first place was to regain control and confidence over my health, and I have gained that and more.”