Earlier this week, I walked an entire mile in the rain—which is a huge deal considering storms used to send my body into non-epileptic seizures and significantly affect/limit my walking ability. The walk was definitely very difficult, but I was so excited I could do it!
Barometric pressure drops from rain storms (and elevation) has been one of the biggest triggers for me during my chronic illness journey. This is due to a condition that I'm currently healing from called intracranial hypertension, which causes elevated pressure surrounding the brain.
Recently, I started a program called DNRS (which stands for Dynamic Neural Retraining System). The program works with concepts of neuroplasticity, meaning the brains ability to change, to help people heal from chronic illness. Our brains get stuck in a constant "survival state" which makes it near impossible to heal.
We can create new pathways in the brain that signal safety and allow our bodies to heal. I strongly believe that rewiring the brain is an important piece that is missing for many looking to heal from severe illness. I've seen a lot of progress since starting DNRS.
One of the big areas of progress has been with my walking ability. Just a month ago, I walked to the end of my driveway and back for the first time (its about 1/16th of a mile), and that was a big accomplishment for me. About 2-3 weeks ago, I walked a full mile for the first time in 5 years. Now I'm walking a mile almost every day, and its getting easier and easier! There are many other aspects of my life that I'm seeing progress, too.
Going for a walk in a thunderstorm
When I could hear the rain coming down outside the house a few days ago, I knew I wanted to challenge myself to do my daily walk in the middle of the storm. I pulled out a rain jacket, some rain boots, and Jake and I went on our walk!
Because of DNRS, I'm avoiding talking about specific symptoms, but I'll just say my body was less than comfortable because of the storms. It's something I have made progress with, but haven't overcome (yet). It was quite challenging for me, but I was focusing on how happy I was about the progress I've made and that I made it a full mile while it was raining.
Before becoming sick, I loved the rain and thunderstorms. I used to like sitting out on my front porch swing during storms, listening to the rain. I also enjoyed going for runs in the rain. So for a long time, I've had this vision of me running in the rain again, feeling healthy and strong.
I can't wait for that day! I know I'm going to get there. For now, I'm going to celebrate the progress I've made and the miracles we've seen. A mile long walk in the rain for a girl that used to be bed bound during storms is a huge step in the right direction.
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