Author Archives: livelaughwanderlust4444

August of 2019 I was completely wiped out! I tested negative for my usual strep throat. After finally going to an ENT she asked if I had been tested for Mono. Turns out I had Mononucleosis!!! (If you have read my previous posts you will know the connection of EBV and Mono… if not research it.. it’s truly fascinating how common it is and so many people are unaware of EBV! I was until it became my life!)

The last time I had this I was 14 years old in my second semester of high school and was trying to process and navigate the passing of my sweet cousin. Fast forward many moons later and I find myself with this same life altering diagnosis. Until today… today I received the news that my EBV is negative (AKA dormant as there is no cure). You read that correctly…. I am NEGATIVE FOR EBV AFTER 3 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS LATER of fighting for my health… fighting FOR MY LIFE!!!!! I hope you are reading this and experiencing as much joy as I am feeling!!!!!!!!!!💚

It’s important to go back and recap all that I have tried in the last 3 years and 9 months. Starting off with the most important aspect FOOD! FOOD IS MEDICINE! Restricted diet: limited Gluten and limited sugar, No alcohol for 2 years now (personal choice), no meat (added chicken about 6 months ago), no dairy and paid attention to everything I ate to make sure I was not going to create a further flareup in my body! Accupunture, Acupressure, Emotion Code, Reiki, Therapy, Massages, Essential Oils, Herbs and Tinctures from my NMD and Tibetan Tinctures, IV Blood Ozone Therapy, Vitamin IV Therapy, Myers Cocktails IV, High Vitamin C, treatment for mold, worked with an Ayurvedic Practitioner, EMDR, Monolaurin and Lysine , yoga, meditation, mindfulness, Breathwork, sound bowl healing, journaling, petting my puppy, sitting in gratitude, “letting it go” -still working on this! Ha! HOCATT Sauna, Stem Cells down in Mexico, Biofeedback from Tucson Biofeedback and working with my holistic, intuitive Chiropractor (Dr. Evin) at The Source Tucson Chiropractor!!!!!

This has literally been my biggest challenge, largest mountain and by far the most painfully beautiful experience of my life! I never thought I would be thanking a Chronic Illness, but here I am! Epstein Barr Virus has taught me patience, pain, confusion, darkness and an entire new reality! EBV brought me to the Dark Night of my Soul! IYKYK! It has brought me through a spiritual journey in understanding my existence in this human suit! It has taught me that my tender heart takes on that of the world! It has shown me to speak up and that what I have to say is important! However, the most important lesson it taught me was to never give up on myself! I researched day and night. I combed through websites to find what works for people. I cried. Oh man did I cry! I felt like this was taking my life from me. Although…I never… NEVER gave up. I certainly felt defeated many times. Then it was onto the next treatment. It’s safe to say… I am stronger than I realize! If you’ve made it this far and you followed along my journey… thank you…thank you for your good energy… for your love!

I’m so honored to share that I have 7 month’s remaining of an 18 month journey to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner. I get to share from my personal experience and assist people on their own healing journey! LET’S GET AFTER IT! There is so much life left! 💚

ALL MY LOVE- Autumn💚

As I lay in bed with another EBV flareup I realized it’s been quite some time since I did a blog.

Upon returning home from Mexico after getting Stem Cells I walked into my house and immediately noticed a musty smell. At this point in my life I’m starting to realize that not many people understand chronic illness. So when I notice new things the response is typically a dismissive one. I decided I needed to make sure I wasn’t living in mold which can prolongate EBV. So I called a mold company and they came out a couple days later. They ran their tests and I had to wait a week for the tests to be sent to a third party to get results. Turns out I was living in mold😱. Working from home and living in mold nearly 24/7 for majority of the pandemic! It took about 2 more weeks to get an appointment for the mold remediation. So at this point I had been living in mold for 3 more weeks since my return from getting stem cells. I needed to move out for the mold remediation to take place and plus I wanted to physically detox as well as I had to take a Pekana mold detox prescribed by my naturalpathic Dr. Luckily my dad was able to find me a cute little cottage for rent nearby for a couple months.

While I was at my new place I decided to bring my mom up for the night. Watching my mom deteriorate with Dementia is incredibly devastating and there simply are not enough words to describe the pain that this has caused my family. So much so that I am not speaking to some family members. I still love them endlessly, but sometimes in this journey of life we must put up boundaries. It’s healthy for everyone as we all try to process this in our own way. In any case, I hear my mom get up to use the restroom in the middle of the night and instead she was headed out the front door. She didn’t know this and I redirected her to the bathroom. She has unknowingly left before in the middle of the night and was caught on a ring camera prior to being placed in a memory care home. Needless to say I couldn’t sleep worried my mom was going to walk out the front door. After I got her settled back into bed about 5 minutes later I was stung by a scorpion. That was sting #16! I was also stung by a wasp about a week later. I chalk these up as the universe trying to keep things entertaining. 🤣 I took my mom back to the memory care place and while I definitely do not think this is the best place for her(I dream of a place full of healthy food and activities that help the brain), she is safe and they love her and bottom line is I have to take care of myself. 🥹

The mold remediation was a success. 2 months later I was able to move back home. I should mention when I got back from Mexico, I was working with my naturalpath as I was feeling pretty crummy and in another EBV flareup and she referred me to Biofeedback and Neurofeedback as people with mold and EBV have seen success with this alternative treatment. So, I signed up for a 6 month program of LENS, FSM, SET and HALO treatments. (I will explain these treatments in a separate post) I have about 2 months of treatment remaining. The Biofeedback Dr also connected me with an amazing spiritual chiropractor. That is my name for him (lol) as he is very in tune with energy and releasing stagnant energy.

I had 3 months off of work and I returned to work in July. So, I have been juggling working and going to Biofeedback (1.5 hour drive each way) Thursday’s and Fridays and on Wednesdays I go to the chiropractor. The drive three times a week after work has been challenging, but the Biofeedback treatment and the Chiropractor have been life changing. Talk about truly getting to the root of my illness. Seeing people who understand what’s going on with me has been the most validating experience in my now 3 year journey to wellness. The kindness and acknowledgment they have shown me has made me feel like I will get through this! 💪🏼 Meeting supportive healers along the way has been the brightest light to all of this! I have also been working with a therapist/biz coach (details on this later in the post.) 💚

I have noticed that I have been feeling better for longer periods of time. I made it 3 weeks with feeling rather normal and it feels weird to feel normal. Like, I broke down and cried to my Dr that I almost feel like my brain came back online after being offline for so long. I feel like I’ve missed out on so much life. Many people stop inviting me to do things and I certainly don’t blame them. My life consists of all things healing and I know this is exactly where I’m meant to be. For now. Unexpectedly, I have gained so many people in my life that are also healing and on a spiritual path which is aligning with the new Aut. 💫 🧘‍♀️

Unfortunately, a week ago I had requested a pumpkin pie and I have not really ate anything with sugar in years. 🥧 I couldn’t stop myself. I nearly ate the whole thing in one sitting! Lol! You guys….I was beside myself with how delicious it was! Little did I know this would set me back tremendously. I have had massive brain fog and have barely slept all week. (Yes, I’m that friend that I was referring to for insomnia avoidance tips). Another flareup 🤦‍♀️😩! It really got me emotional this time because I thought for some reason I was able to just eat anything I wanted because I started feeling so good. Nope. Hard lesson learned. Couple that with seeing my mom at my nephews baseball game and feeling overwhelmed that I can’t help her and only to watch her progress with her state of being … I could literally feel how this emotional stress is affecting every cell in my body!! I will need to work on not allowing my moms illness to take a toll on me. (This is very hard!) Also, I will probably be on a rather restricted diet for the remainder of my earth experience. Speaking of a restricted diet…The only thing I had not removed was coffee. Let me have my coffee. ☕️ Well, turns out coffee has been wreaking havoc on my body and I am now 6 weeks sans coffee and doing better than expected without it. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Red raspberry leaf non caffeinated tea for the win! 🫖

I KNOW that I will get through this flareup. The important thing for me is that when I saw my chiropractor he was able to identify that my lymph nodes in my neck were completely swollen. He always reassures me that I am healing!! Then the next day at the Neurofeedback appointment it showed that 6 parts of my brain were “sleeping.” (see LENS treatment below). For years I have been telling Drs, NMDs, friends and family members that what I feel is horrible and now I have actual evidence that shows I’m in a flareup and that everything I’m feeling is real. Oddly enough, this in of itself makes me feel better.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Lol! In fact while I’m rather bummed I’m in the midst of yet another flareup… that pumpkin pie came with a big lesson. I must remain mindful of everything I put in my body! This includes my emotional well being as well! I can do this! Additionally, all of this is bringing me to my life purpose. My Dharma. To help others who have had to deal with the absolute broken western medicine system. America’s slogan for healthcare should be: We strive for mediocre healthcare and blood pressure meds, antidepressants and removing body parts are the norm! 🤣 I digress. Navigating this failing system and in the process finding so many beautiful alternative treatments is bringing to my calling of becoming a Chronic Illness Coach. In addition to getting Reiki 1 & 11 certified, I have also become a certified Yoga Vinyasa teacher, Akashic records and completing my breathwork certification very soon!! I have completed level 1 Ayurvedic cert and all of 2023 I will attend school to become an Ayurvedic practitioner. So I can honestly say I’m incredibly thankful for this illness as I can’t wait to utilize my teaching background to help others obtain wellness in their own journey. Follow me on Instagram: CoachAutumnAZ

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to get the raw, unfiltered version of what it’s like to live with a chronic illness. I am sure if you are reading this you or someone you know is also experiencing living with a chronic illness. It’s so incredibly common and I just appreciate you allowing me to share my story as it has its own therapeutic healing and through my journey I hope to be able to help others! 💚

Eat. Meditate. HEALth.

Okay, the day before I leave and I can’t think of a better way to reflect on my journey to wellness: An appreciation blog.

Dad… AKA KLESCH! Thank you for being there for me even though some days have been totally rough. 😬 Through the dark days of depression and anxiety and feeling like absolute 💩! I truly feel the dark clouds clearing and the future is bright. ☁️ Thank you for trusting in my research when I said I wanted to hop on a plane and head down to Mexico to get Stem Cells! 🤩🤣 Love you!

Sunny bunny! You came into my life mid pandemic and have cuddled with me when I was feeling pretty crummy! I can’t wait to play fetch and take you on some well deserved long walks! 🐾 💚

To my wonderful friends and family! The ones who stood beside me even when they didn’t quite understand what I’ve been going through! I love you dearly! 🥰 (we need new pics!!)

To my boss at my job! Thank you for your endless support! Lookout.. the return will be epic! 🤣💚

To my Naturopathic Dr (who probably won’t see this) for understanding my chronic illness and making feel understood! 💚 EBV and Long Covid are no joke! Here’s an article of some research taking place at the University of Arizona ❤️ 💙

https://www.azcentral.com/in-depth/news/local/arizona-science/2022/05/05/researchers-linked-epstein-barr-virus-and-multiple-sclerosis-now-examining-long-covid-other-viruses/6900178001/?fbclid=IwAR1SD1D4VqYDri6YmAqlOagKUFAQxEYSWI76Eu8qqPa0E-l8dUnUECYlsLk

To the donors who I will never get to meet, but are the real heroes! If I could hug you… I would! To the Drs and Scientists studying how Stem Cells is the ultimate healing … you are outstanding humans! 💪🏼💫

To this wonderful hotel in Lake Chapala, Mexico! I met the most caring and loving people both the staff and future expats staying at the hotel as well. While we didn’t get pictures together (future expats and newly expats) I can’t wait to follow along in your journey of retirement in Lake Chapala! They were so supportive in my healing journey! 💚 The staff at this hotel-La Casona Chapala feels like familia! They even joined me for breakfast on my last day. Tears are coming! So healing! 😭

To the small lake town in Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico! I never knew I needed you. The slow pace, the kindness of the locals, the restaurants, the constant festivities (ha!), the taxis…. It was all apart of the journey!

To my wonderful new healing and lifelong friends -Wes, Rene and Heidi!!!! Kandi, who I somehow found on a support group and allowed me to watch her journey over the last several months. I could not have done this journey without all of you! I arrived in Chapala dazed and confused (with a large dose of brain fog) and having all of you as my support system when I felt a bit overwhelmed, was such a significant part of my healing process! I love you! 💚🌺🌸😭🥰

To Elizabethlyn and Jeff… you are so incredibly special. There are no words. I am forever grateful that you had the time to listen to me as I shared my journey. You are changing the world of health. I can’t wait to watch as all of your hard work just absolutely blows up! I love you both so much! When you’re in Phoenix… I would love to be apart of it all! I see your vision! Stay tuned people.. these two are changing the world! 🌎💚

To all of you who have taken time out of your life to read my blog. I have felt your love and support!! You are all gems! 💎💚

Finally…to myself! I am learning that self love is the most important! I find it easy to love on others and so taking this time to love on myself has been very life changing. Healing is a process and of course it doesn’t end here simply because I’m feeling really freaking healthy right now. It’s an ongoing process. I will utilize this journey to know that I have the tools to love on myself and make ME a priority! This will help me as I look forward to helping others in their own journey to wellness! We are in this together. 💚💃

Okay… lots of love. I appreciate all of you. I will post a blog update in a month or so as my goal is to be transparent in the healing process from these beautiful “stemmies!” That’s a wrap.

Eat. Meditate. HEALth. 💚💃🥑🌺🌎🥰

Okay last night I had another Stem Cell treatment. I had exosomes which essentially guide the Stem Cells, 100 MSC Stem Cells and a placental implant. I had a total of 250 MSC Stem Cells throughout this treatment in Mexico. I was pretty anxious going into this treatment because I know there is the potential to feel crummy as it it working on removing all the things. Also, I was nervous about the placental implant in the 🍑 as last time it was like 2 mins of a Charlie horse type feeling. It wasn’t as bad this time. 🎉 I have felt pretty achy all night and up until about an hour ago. So it was a full 24 hours of feeling crummy. I kept saying, “Get out of me Rona!” The healing process oddly feels like going through Covid again. I just imagined the Covid leaving my body!! I spent the day with a new Stem Cell buddy. It really feels like a family! 💚 Jeff and Lyn (the owners) spent the day with us and we drank these salt water drinks that were delicious and all apart of the healing process. I will rest tomorrow and head home Monday! There will be a couple more blogs and then perhaps in a month or so I want to share my progress! For now…its time to rest.

Eat. Meditate. HEALth. 🌺💃🥑💚

The other day I had a very relaxing day at the Spa. The owner of the Clinic highly recommended the Thermal Spa as apart of the overall healing process. I’m so incredibly lucky as she drove me there as she is on her own healing journey and I got to spend the day learning just how special she is! She is truly a gift and healer and I am grateful that could come here and be under her care! 💚 (I cannot guarantee she will be able to do this with everyone as they have dedicated their life to helping others! It is a husband and wife team and they are opening up a second location in Puerto Vallarta in the coming months!!!

There are 5 different Thermal Spas, a Temezcal Sweat room, an area for steam facials, oxygen room and of course a massage! I will break it down by each of the areas with pictures.

The Spa is located around 20 minutes from my hotel in San Juan. The name of the Spa is Spa Termal Tialocan and I recommend going during the weekdays.

Healing is not just physical. It’s emotional. It’s an overall mental and spiritual process as well! Eat. Meditate. HEALth 💚🥰

Alright, I have received some questions on where I’m getting my treatment. I think it’s very important to always do your due diligence when working on your health in any capacity. I certainly did! I have followed this group for many months watching videos of testimonials and asking an abundance of questions. So, I share this info from my experience.

I think the main thing to research is what type of stem cells you will be getting. This is my own research and of course speak with a Dr about your journey. My stems cells are Mesenchymal Stem cells from an adult. It’s imperative that you do NOT use Embryonic Stem Cells. Aside from not only the ethical issues, but they do not serve a purpose in getting you well! Another thing to consider is if the Stem Cells are cryogenically frozen or fresh. The process of fresh Stem cells ensures of the viability of the Stem Cells. I actually get a full certified print out of my Stem Cells which I’m thankful to know exactly what I’m putting into my body.

The way it works is you ask to join the Ophelia Rising-Mesenchymal Stem Cell Facebook group. There is a Wednesday Free ZOOM call that is informative and also you have a chance to ask general questions. If there are specific medical questions you can schedule a consultation for $250 US to speak with the Dr, representative from the Lab and someone from Ophelia Rising.

I was baffled to find out that some people have not been doing their research and they have been getting Stem Cells from other organizations and they have been getting: shark, pig, sheep and cow Stem cells. Ummm just NO! 😱👀

I would be happy to share where I stayed or options for you. Exchanging money for pesos. Where to eat. All the things … just let me know! Be well! 💚 Eat. Meditate. HEALth.

Okay, so I do realize it’s been a couple days since I’ve given an update and I’ve received some concerned messages. I’m totally okay.. I just felt the need to separate myself from my phone and that of social media. This is not just a physical healing. There is a mental, emotional and spiritual healing going on as well. I’ve always considered myself very lucky in that I don’t have an “addicted personality,” but that’s not so true. I’ve identified that I’ve spent majority of my life “being busy.” Perhaps working multiple jobs, working overtime, doing lesson plans on the weekend (which is a normal teacher thanggg). Just always so busy! Why!? I think as a humans staying busy is a way to avoid sitting with our thoughts….which can be incredibly overwhelming! Especially as an empath!

I truly believe that sometimes in this human suit you are given an illness, disease or something drastic happens so that you can slow down. I’ve been shifting towards the wellness industry for quite sometime and just not wanting to fully let go of the societal norm of a “job with benefits!” We are taught by society that if you go to college, get the job, find the love, build the house…YOU WILL BE HAPPY! I call BS! Hey… it does work for some, but there is no book on how to do life… we are all here doing a trial and error and doing our best in our own journey. Why am I going off on a tangent… because the journey to wellness is intertwined and multifaceted. I cannot keep doing things that keep me unwell. It’s a whole mind shift. Popping onto social media and seeing the latest in America is just devastating! Like do I even want to go home!?

This is all I will say on this… for now.

As for me and my health… I’ve been doing pretty good. I feel that I have more energy and the brain fog is dissipating. I have another Stem Cell treatment on Friday. I was incredibly lucky to be taken to a local thermal spa with the owner of the clinic that I’m working with. I’m literally being taken care of like a queen 👸 here! Can you imagine a place in America that does this!? That Spa day deserves its own blog! 💚 Anyways, lots of food, meditation and being present with all of the emotions that are coming up about a solo health journey to wellness. 💪🏼I’m not really solo. We are never really solo! I can’t wait to tell you about the wonderful people that I’ve met along the way! 🥰. Eat. Meditate. HEALth.

Okay, I said I would be fully transparent. The IV with Exosomes and 150 million MSC Stem Cells was peaceful. The shot in my 🍑 with the placental implant was very painful for 2 minutes!! Like a Charlie horse! OUCH!! A couple hours later and I started to feel very achy. They said I would have flu like symptoms and they weren’t kidding. I felt horrible. I started feeling like I was having Covid! I felt very feverish, massive headache and overall crummy. Being alone my anxiety crept up like what have I done!? I ended up chatting with someone who has previously had Stem cells for a couple hours and she calmed me down. At 3 AM my fever broke and I instantly fell asleep. I woke up at 9 AM and felt like a new person!!! I imagine my body was working overtime to work on all the areas affected from Long Covid and EBV. As it turns out my lab work indicates that I have Long Covid and it has affected my liver and kidneys. As of now, there is nothing concerning as I’m clearly here to heal and work on what has not been functioning properly in my body and immune system. Healing is a process. Lots of positive affirmations. Deep breaths. Surrendering to the process. Even though I have this burst of energy, I am going to rest today. Advocate for yourself…for your health! If you’re reading this and you have been following along. Thank you! I love you! Eat. Meditate. HEALth. 💚

The day I’ve been anxiously awaiting is here. I will attempt to put into my own words exactly what these Stem Cells are and how important it is to do your research as to what type of stem cells you may be receiving and the process to obtain the Stem cells. I will be getting Mesenchymal (MSC’s) multi-potent, umbilical Stem Cells. These stem cells come from a donor who is monitored throughout her pregnancy who is healthy and under the age of 30 years old. The stem cells come directly from an umbilical cord and are sent immediately to a lab and then shortly after arrive at the clinic. This is extremely important as most places freeze the stem cells and in the thawing process it changes the viability of the stem cell. The process begins with injecting exosomes via IV. The exosomes act as a messenger for the stem cells and essentially guide them to the damaged areas. It is important to point out that these exosomes do cross the blood brain barrier. Next, the fresh MSC’s are then inserted in the same IV. The final process is a placental injection into either the stomach or the butt. I’m opting for the rear end. Lol! 🍑 It is important to point out that these are NOT embryonic stem cells and they come directly from what is considered “birth waste” the umbilical cord and the placenta. The whole process is less than an hour and minimal side effects. I will be transparent about any side effects as I’ve been through this entire process. I truly feel blessed and grateful that I was able to research and find this organization. I will share about my wonderful experience and the company I’m utilizing in another post. They are apart of my healing family!!! 💚

I did get my bloodwork back and was a bit in shock to find several markers out of range. Typically, it is just the EBV. To relax my anxiety I emailed the results over to my NMD in America and she indicated that the results are “okay and that my system is depleted.” Makes sense. So, today is the day. EVERYTHING changes. I will take all of the healing vibes, good thoughts and energy, prayers… whatever form… it’s all healing! Eat, meditate, HEALth! 💚💃💫

Here is a link on MSC’s if you’re interested in finding out more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719501/

Okay… first treatment of Natural Killer Cells in the book. The most interesting thing was about 30 minutes after my first treatment I was feeling the brain fog lift. I truly felt this was impossible, but it was happening! Later last night my tummy was feeling strange. Of course everything is gut related and this process is working on healing my gut as well. I slept! That in of itself is a victory. 🎉 I slept with my patio doors open and apparently there was a storm last night. No rain, but lots of wind. I actually slept through that! I’m amazed! Waking up I’ve had a headache and my eyes are puffy. All very minor, but I really want to work on hydration today. I may take a stroll to the lake… I may not. There is something be said for not having anything to do or worry about anything aside from hydrating and healing. Rest is something that is just NOT apart of the American culture. I sat for 2 hours this morning at my hotel chatting with some new expats that just moved here from Oklahoma. They sold all of their belongings and did not have a place and just found one that they will move into on Monday. I’m inspired by their move and their journey. They are retired and they want to remove the stress that has been hardwired within us! We talked all things health and the American diet. It’s so fast paced and stressful. The food that is readily available is unhealthy… unless you truly make a conscious effort which is totally possible, but hopefully you’re picking up what I’m putting down. The stress is unreal and I felt it the moment I touched down after living a year in Thailand. It’s the constant need for more! More things, more work… more, more, more. I’ve felt it many times… always trying to subconsciously compete. Working long hours and then working overtime. Needing the newest and the greatest. Collecting “things” that only bring a sense of joy for the immediate moment. None of this resonates with me. It’s only been 4 days and I feel at peace. I crave this peace in my life. I could truly see myself living somewhere else. I have zero desire to live in a pile of stress. It’s kept me unwell. The wheels are turning. The ideas are happening. I can easily make trips to visit Arizona. Hmmm. Of course nothing set in stone, but there is a shift within me. Eat, meditate, HEALth. 🧘‍♀️💫💚