Overcoming a Rare Autoimmune Disease With a Careful Diet and Self-Improvement

Hello! Who are you?

Hey there! I’m Noelle, a human being who has been navigating this beautiful planet for 45 years. Sometimes it feels like life is moving fast, and other times it feels like a long journey. I live in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, with my husband of 10 years and our rescue animals. We have five dogs and three of the cutest house bunnies.

I’m also a proud stepmom to two amazing young adults who keep me inspired and motivated. Wellness and fitness are my passions, and I absolutely love staying active. Movement is a huge priority for me, especially for keeping my mind clear and energized. In this season of life, I find happiness in hiking the Arizona trails, lifting weights, practicing yoga, and taking long walks. Staying active throughout the day keeps me balanced, but I also listen to my body and rest when needed.

I’m also an autoimmune thriver. My journey with a serious autoimmune condition called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis became the catalyst for my newest venture, co-founding BrightlyThrive, The Autoimmunity Community™. Our community-based app and platform are dedicated to those navigating the often wild rollercoaster of autoimmune conditions or health challenges. It’s a space where members can connect with each other, get support from health experts and practitioners, share their stories, and learn new strategies to help them overcome their conditions and bring their bodies back into a state of ease.

As it pertains to “feeling happy”, well, I don’t consider happiness a perpetual state; it definitely ebbs and flows. Life has its ups and downs, and that’s perfectly normal! But generally, most days, I am pretty happy. I believe happiness really is an inside job, and it’s something I work on daily. It’s not about having a perfect life but about finding joy in the small moments and maintaining a positive outlook, even when things get tough.

What is your struggle and when did it start?

My struggle began in 2018 when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, a rare form of vasculitis. The symptoms came on suddenly and were both bewildering and alarming. I experienced severe sinus issues, unexpected hearing loss, frequent nosebleeds, night sweats, pain, and overwhelming fatigue.

It was a whirlwind of confusion and fear, and I found myself asking, “Why me?”

This diagnosis didn’t just affect me physically; it took a significant emotional toll as well. People often don’t realize how deeply autoimmune diseases can impact someone on an emotional level. I struggled with anxiety and the fear of the unknown, grieving for my old life and the ways I used to do things. The anxiety extended to worries about my job, my future, and the medications I needed to take. Depression also crept in, making me feel isolated and sometimes hopeless.

There was a lot of shame around my symptoms because they weren’t exactly “sexy.” Hearing loss, nosebleeds, fatigue, and night sweats aren’t easy to talk about. I also developed a “saddle nose” which is a perforated nasal septum from my condition. It made me feel super self-conscious and embarrassed. I also felt guilty for needing help and overwhelmed by not knowing where to start. The emotional struggle was as intense as the physical one, and it required a lot of inner work to start overcoming it.

Over time, I’ve learned to take on these challenges much better. I dove head first into holistic health and lifestyle medicine, going back to school to become Board Certified in Health and Wellness. I started applying these changes to my life right away and saw massive improvements, not only physically but emotionally as well. These positive changes motivated me, making me more resilient and empowered. I now focus on maintaining a positive growth mindset, seeking support when needed, and staying informed about my condition. It’s been a journey and I am still learning new things every day.

How did this struggle make you feel at your worst moments?

At my worst moments, this struggle severely impacted my emotional well-being. There were weeks when I wouldn’t leave my house, feeling too overwhelmed and exhausted to face the world. I tend to isolate myself rather than reaching out to others, which only compounded my feelings of loneliness and despair. I had to repattern my behavior and learn to ask for help or talk about my feelings, but it wasn’t easy. I internalized a lot of my pain and frustration, which made me feel even more isolated.

During those dark times, I felt like a total loser, like my body was betraying me for no reason. It was hard to understand why this was happening to me, and I struggled with feelings of anger and sadness. My happiness was deeply affected, and it felt like a constant battle just to get through the day. The emotional toll was heavy, and it often felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It was definitely clear to those closest to me that something was up! My family and friends noticed the changes in me, and they were incredibly supportive. Their concern and care were a lifeline during those tough times, reminding me that I wasn’t alone and that it was okay to lean on others for support.

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Was there a moment when you started to turn things around?

Yes, the changes started to come once I began applying what I was learning and shifting my habits significantly. I am a “quick starter,” meaning when I put my mind to something, I go all in and follow it all the way through. The turning point came when I decided to overhaul my lifestyle completely.

I started with nutrition, completely revamping my diet to an anti-inflammatory one. I removed alcohol, refined sugar, gluten, and grains from my meals. This dietary shift made a noticeable difference in how I felt physically and mentally. I also took up yoga and became a registered teacher, which dramatically helped reduce my stress levels. Incorporating meditation into my routine further enhanced my mental clarity and calmness.

Setting boundaries to protect my energy levels was another crucial step. I began tracking my sleep to ensure I was getting adequate rest, which is vital for overall health. I detoxed and cleaned up my home environment to reduce any potential toxins that could affect my well-being. Lastly, I focused on my emotional well-being and worked on clearing my trauma through coaching, plant-based medicines, and therapy.

These changes were primarily a result of my actions. I would say that about 75% of the improvement came from the proactive steps I took to transform my lifestyle, while the remaining 25% was due to the support and encouragement from my family and friends. Once I committed to making these changes, I began to see and feel significant progress. This journey taught me the importance of taking control of my health and well-being and the power of a holistic approach to healing.

What steps did you take to overcome your struggle?

The steps I took to overcome my struggle were multifaceted and required a comprehensive approach to both physical and emotional well-being.

What really helped me the most on an emotional level were three key things: a dietary overhaul, tracking and improving my sleep, and addressing deep-seated trauma through plant-based psychedelic therapy.

First, I followed the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet for about nine months before I could reintroduce some foods like eggs and certain dairy products. This strict elimination diet focuses on reducing inflammation by removing potential trigger foods.

The AIP diet significantly reduced my anxiety, stopped my migraines, and drastically alleviated my physical symptoms. It was challenging at first, but seeing the improvements in my health kept me motivated. I would recommend anyone struggling with autoimmune conditions to consider dietary changes, as they can have a profound impact on overall well-being.

Another crucial step was using the Oura ring to track my sleep and pinpoint my triggers. By really dialing in on my sleep patterns, I was able to understand what affected my rest and make necessary adjustments. Improving my sleep helped me feel more grounded, less reactive, and more centered and focused throughout the day. Quality sleep is essential for emotional and physical health, and I can’t stress enough how much it has helped me. If you’re struggling, I suggest finding a reliable way to monitor your sleep and make it a priority to improve it.

Lastly, I used plant-based psychedelic medicine and participated in a few retreats to help me unpack my trauma. I was dealing with a core, primal wound that had been a significant emotional burden. I learned that trauma can be a huge trigger for autoimmune disease.

Working with trained facilitators, I engaged in MDMA therapy, psilocybin therapy, and ketamine therapy. These therapies are not magic bullets, but they helped “unlock” the subconscious parts of my mind and allowed me to process my pain. These experiences helped me view life through a different lens and begin to heal.

I recommend anyone considering these therapies to do thorough research and work with experienced professionals. It’s crucial to approach this journey with an open mind and a willingness to confront deep-seated issues. The combination of these steps has been instrumental in my healing journey, and I hope they can provide guidance and inspiration to others facing similar struggles.

Have you shared any of this with people around you in real life?

Yes, I am definitely an open book when it comes to my journey! Reconnecting with my mother’s side of the family was a large part of my integration and emotional work. I felt comfortable sharing my experiences with them, and their support was hugely validating.

Being able to talk openly about my struggles and the steps I took to overcome them has been incredibly healing. My family’s understanding and encouragement made a significant difference in my emotional recovery.

I also feel comfortable sharing my story with others in my community, especially within the BrightlyThrive platform. Turning my pain into purpose has been a driving force behind my work. By sharing my journey, I hope to make a massive impact on the world and help others dealing with autoimmune conditions and the mental health challenges they bring.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my experiences can inspire and support others in their own healing processes. I’ve learned the importance of being vulnerable and honest. It’s a journey that requires patience and self-compassion!

If you could give a single piece of advice to someone else that struggles, what would that be?

If I could give a single piece of advice to someone struggling with an autoimmune condition or any significant health challenge, it would be to embrace a holistic approach to your healing journey. What I know now, which I wish I had known earlier, is that true healing goes beyond just addressing physical symptoms. It’s about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit in harmony.

Start by educating yourself about your condition and the various ways it can be managed. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches, whether it’s through nutrition, lifestyle changes, or alternative therapies.

But most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself. Healing is not linear, and there will be ups and downs. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek professional guidance, and listen to your body’s needs.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and every small step you take towards better health is a victory worth celebrating.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or other resources for you?

Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel: This book helped me realize that many of my emotional struggles were rooted in unmet needs from childhood. It provided a deep understanding of how the absence of maternal nurturance can affect adult relationships and self-perception. This awareness was crucial for me in addressing my emotional wounds and finding ways to heal.

The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne: This book was a game-changer in terms of understanding the connection between diet and autoimmune conditions. Dr. Ballantyne’s comprehensive guide to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet provided me with the knowledge and tools to overhaul my nutrition. Following the AIP diet significantly reduced my symptoms and improved my overall well-being.

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook by Mickey Trescott: This cookbook was a practical companion to my journey with the AIP diet. Mickey Trescott’s recipes made it easier to adhere to the dietary changes without feeling deprived. The delicious and healing recipes helped me stay committed to my new lifestyle and see real improvements in my health.

YouTube Channel: Yoga with Adriene: Adriene Mishler’s approachable and inclusive yoga videos were instrumental in my journey to incorporate yoga into my daily routine. Her emphasis on listening to your body and practicing self-love helped me reduce stress and improve my physical and emotional well-being.

Lewis Howes’s podcast, School of Greatness: This podcast has been incredibly influential in my personal development. I love listening to interviews with successful individuals from various fields because it provides me with actionable advice and inspiration. I really appreciate Lewis’s transparency in sharing his own healing journey, which adds a relatable and authentic dimension to the podcast. This podcast has been a consistent source of motivation, encouraging me to keep learning and growing in all aspects of my life and health.

Where can we go to learn more about you?

You can read more about me on our website or LinkedIn

💡 By the way: If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I’ve condensed the information of 100’s of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here. 👇

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