Double Digits.

"Use your smile to change the world,

 Don't let the world change your smile."

          Where do I even begin? It's been a while. This is short, but at least an update....We have been busy bees over here! Since my last post we have finished building our home, moved in, and had another baby! We now have 2 boys and 2 girls, and we are loving life!!! Emma Kate is doing wonderful. She recently turned 10. TEN. My baby girl is growing up. Her health is fantastic, and she is excelling in all areas. Her routine hasn't changed much. I have found some new vitamins recently that I highly recommend. The web site is raisethemwell.com. The products are great quality and reasonably priced. Emma Kate still eats strictly gluten free, and little dairy. She takes a multi vitamin, probiotic, vitamin D, and apple cider vinegar regularly, but not daily. The probiotics are DoTerra, the other vitamins are from the site listed above. She is naturally not a big meat eater and chooses healthy foods without much prompting. If she does get under the weather, we always jump to essential oils first. We like DoTerra best, but I'm sure Young Living is good too. Just make sure to buy from an individual seller, not ebay or amazon for that due to possible quality compromise.

        If you are in the facebook world, a friend of mine has a wonderful group and blog you can follow. I highly trust all of her research! She has a farm and truly lives as natural as possible. Her name is Katie Branch, and the FB group is Living Whole, Healthy, & Healed 2018.

       On a completely different note, my latest area of study is looking into the dangers associated with wifi and microwave usage and proximity. If I have time Ill put some links!

 

Our Newest Addition,

Hudson Dean

                                                         Emma Kate, 10 years old.

Six years in full med free remission, eating gluten free.



2018 - 5 year remission anniversary

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” 

C.S. Lewis 

Have you ever read truer words? How badly we wish we could just go back! Do things differently. Maybe if I had eaten healthier during my pregnancy, or not given them as much sugar, or spread out her vaccines... the list could go on and on. But this is nothing more than a waste of time, and there’s no need to guilt yourself over something you could not control. What we a CAN do, is make changes now. We can learn from what we now know, and do better. The best day to make a life change is TODAY! 🙌🏼😁 

We are about to celebrate 5 years of COMPLETE REMISSION for Emma Kate. I can promise you we would not be here, celebrating this, if I have not decided to take action all those years ago. It starts as baby steps, and before you know it you are running and you can see the progress you’ve made. Diet change is hard. It just is. And time consuming, and at times very stressful. However, the diet changes we made years ago, turned my daughter’s health right side up. I just had to take the first step. And with God’s guidance, I took another, and another. Our path to good health is likely to be different than yours. However, I truly believe with every autoimmune condition the keys lies in healing the gut. Focus on that and the rest will begin to fall into place. I hope this is a encouragement to you all who are just embarking on this new journey. Don’t give up! If you are not seeing results with one thing (after time), scrap it and try something else. Just whatever you do, do it 100%!! 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for God not for men.” 

Col. 3:23  

“Do not put off for tomorrow what can be done today.” 

Proverbs 6:4 

Here Lately With Vaccines

Warning!! Touchy subject below-- 

I feel like I should tread carefully, however I also feel the need to share what's on my heart. So here we go...
I have spent countless hours researching vaccines lately. There is a LOT more information out than when I looked into it before. I have decided we will no longer vaccinate. My two oldest kids have all their childhood vaccines to date. Thankfully my baby does not. Vaccines are a very personal choice but I STRONGLY urge everyone to study up. Read what is in them. Pro life? Decide if you are okay with human DNA cells being injected into your child from an aborted fetus. Consider the additive and cumulative effects of  Polysorbate 80, which crosses the blood brain barrier, and monkey kidneys which are known to be a thriving host of cancer cells.  Research, research, research. Listen to the vaccine injury stories. Watch vaxxed. Do what you have a peace about. Just whatever you do, be informed doing it.
I've been open about the fact that the flu shot was the ultimate trigger for my daughter's NS. However, if you study it you will see that NS can result from many different vaccines. The kidneys simply can't handle it. Then there is the greed factor. So many vaccines are pushed so early in large because of the financial gain. That in itself makes me very nervous!! Vaccine companies cannot be sued, so there is very little reason for them to do much or any testing. Hep B given to every newborn on the first day of life, and HPV which is literally killing girls... These are just some of my reasons for the decision I made. There are many more including the potential effectiveness, and how they inflame the body... turning the T cells upside down so that we have an autoimmune epedimic. Autism, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac, Tourette's, childhood diabetes, NS, chrons... these have become our norm and they should not be. I do think food and environmental factors are also to blame, but the relentless injuries the babies immune system receives month after month- and so tiny... I believe vaccines play a huge role.
So, do not take my word for it or your pediatrician's word for it. Read up and decide for yourself. I would never look down on someone who had a difference of opinion from me. And hopefully most people have enough respect to do the same! Check out these links:

Pediatrician of over 30 years
Herd immunity and more
Advocate for parent's choice
Result of vaccine ingredients in your body

1 Corinthians 10:31

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 

Gluten Free Dairy Free Potato Soup

Who Does Not Love a Yummy Comfort Food

 That Tastes Good??!

This soup is very easy and delicious! :)

You will need one bag of organic potatoes (I use russet), or 5 large potatoes (Organic potatoes are SUPER important.)
One carton of organic, gluten free chicken broth (or about 3 cups of your own fresh chicken stock) I use Pacific. You can add more water as needed to achieve the desired thickness of the soup.
One chicken gf bullion cube, "Not Chick'n" vegan brand
Sea salt, pepper
Hot sauce

 

 

Peel your potatoes, cut into 3 large sections. Put in Medium/large pot and cover with broth. Add the bullion cube and cook potatoes down, smashing them as you go. Cook approximately one- two hours.  Add sea salt, pepper, and hot sauce as needed. This with give it the appearance of a thick cheesy soup, and the bullion gives it a delicious taste! Add fresh bacon bits to the top and serve. Or for a diet with dairy, add shredded cheddar cheese as desired...while cooking, and on top!

Five Years Later

 

 

"Life is 10% what happens to you

and 90% how you react to it."

-Charles R. Swindoll

 

 

 

I know this is a LOOOOOOONG overdue post, so I'm just going to jump right in here. But first, an apology. I normally try to mix in a little humor or light heartedness...but today it just didn't happen. This is what was on my heart. I hope it makes you think, and encourages you. Here we go!

 

REACTION.  Reaction is "an action performed or a feeling experienced in response to a situation or event."  Reaction defines us on the outside. People categorize other people by the way they respond. When something does not go your way, do you react in anger or fear? When you have been pushed to the limit, what is your response? Do you turn to God? Do you give up? Do you make your mind up that you can make it through? 

 

 There are people in this world who have become known because their reaction set them apart (and I mean in a GOOD way). They did not let their circumstances define them. Instead, they used them as a platform to move forward. Our reaction has a strong influence on the end result. For some, that result is bitterness and anger. For others, it is joy and peace.

I heard Beth Moore tell a story about a man who had lost two of his children. He had grown old and had a big get together with the
family. He told his kids something like "I'm glad we didn't miss out on you, because we missed out on them." He put his time and energy into loving the kids that were still here, rather than letting bitterness overtake him and blind him from what he still had. I think that is a powerful lesson. In our human nature it's so easy to focus on the negative. We become controlled BY our reaction, rather than controlling HOW we react.

 

 In dealing with chronic sickness it can be the same way.  Don't be so consumed by your child's illness that it blinds you from living. Do not let the sad parts of their life take away your joy, and change your focus from what really matters. I know as moms we want to FIX the problem. I remember when I was fighting for Emma Kate's health and how all consuming that was! Mentally IT WAS HARD!!! But I was determined God would lead us through, and He did! Even in my brokenness, I did not give up. My reaction was never to quit, also, to never miss out. I did not want to miss out on Grant because I was so busy with her. Had my reaction been different, I feel quite certain we would be living a different life right now. Do not be so blind sided by the gravity of the problem, that you forget God is there to help. When you can't see, He can. What you don't know, He does. So when you feel like your 90% reaction is going into negativity and stealing your energy, allow God to take control. Our heart controls our reaction, and our heart should be given to God. When this is the case, our reaction to chaos and confusion can still be PEACE. The peace that passes understanding.

 

So my question is, what do your kids see when they watch you? Do they see parents who are so unsure of their future that they cannot even focus on today? Do they learn to worry because they see you do it? Or are you showing them that NO MATTER WHAT you TRUST GOD, and react with the best calm spirit you know how? I encourage you to let your reaction be one that you want them to copy. Do you want them to live in fear because of their health? Do you want them to have a "life's not fair" mentality? All we can do is take the circumstances we are dealing with and make the best of them. Worry changes nothing, and unquenched anger breeds bitterness.

 

 We are getting ready to do an addition on our house. Now, every time I pull up and look at my house I do not see it as what is currently standing. I SEE my future house! I have a vision and a plan to get there. It's no different with your children. When you look at them, do not see them as a child with a chronic illness...even though that may be your current reality. See them for what they CAN do! See how bright their future CAN be! When we finish our house, it may turn out different than my initial vision. We could love it, we could hate it. Either way, we will embrace it and choose joy because that is where our journey took us and it was a purposeful path. Just like with your kids. Make a plan for better health, take action, but don't be alarmed if things turn out a little different than you had expected. And no matter what, choose joy!  I speak with complete honesty and understanding when I say I know it's NOT EASY. However difficult it is, change your thoughts minute by minute if you have to! When you see limitations, ask God to help you see the positive! Do not think that just because I'm writing this, this was easy for me. I had to take thoughts captive daily!!

 

 

 

Where We Are Now...And Commonly Asked Q's

😊😊😊😊

 

Right now Emma Kate is 8 years old and in the second grade. She excels in school and has a very disciplined, perfectionistic personality = ) . She is now the big sister of a brother AND sister, and is a wonderful one! She is still a very healthy eater by nature, but I'm pretty sure she take's pride in that now! ;)  I am overjoyed to say nephrotic syndrome is a thing of the past for her. It's been so long since she had it that she really doesn't remember a whole lot. However, I will never allow us to become so far removed that we lose sight of what God did for us! I made a book that we like to look through from time to time that shows her journey. I highly recommend doing that. Even if you are still in the middle of it. It's good to help them understand, help friends and family understand, and hopefully look back on little victories along the way.

This blog has AMAZED me!! I really never expected many people to come across it. However, God had a greater plan. I get email and facebook messages regularly from people going through the same thing. People thankful they found some hope and ENCOURAGEMENT through this site. Others with success stories where they did some or all of the same steps we took and also achieved complete remission. And of course lots of questions! So, I will try to answer some of those here:

 

1. Is Emma Kate still in remission? Yes

2. Has she ever had another spill over the years? No, with one exception when she had some gluten by mistake.

3. Does she still take all the vitamins and supplements? Yes, however not regularly. I have really slacked off but I'm trying to do better!

4. Do we still stick to the same diet? Yes, she is 100% gluten free and will be forever. She also eats very little dairy. It does not make her spill protein but I know it does not really agree with her so I don't over do it.

5. Does she get vaccines? Yes, very spread out. We took a two year break though when she was sick and recovering. I strongly recommend do your research and do not get the flu shot.

6. The PRP spray and powder seem to have dairy...technically yes, however my NP explained it to me that the form it's in the body does not recognize it as dairy and even the MOST dairy reactive people have been perfectly fine with it. It will not interfere with a dairy free diet.

7. Do you still test her urine? Only when she is sick, about 1x a year. It's always negative so I just don't.

 

CONTACT: I do not get notified when people comment on here. I am happy to talk with anyone. You can find me on facebook as Meredith Cook, or you can email me at mkcook07@yahoo.com

 

 

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge,

while the fool feeds on trash.

 For the despondent everyday brings trouble;

for the happy heart, life is a continual feast."

Proverbs 15: 14-15

Despondent = low in spirit from loss of hope or courage.

 

 





Two Years Now, Full Remission!

"Broken Crayons Still Color...Live in the Present & Make it BEAUTIFUL!"

As I sit outside on this beautiful day, I am reminded of God's grace. Grace, "the free and unmerited favor or help of God." To see my daughter ride her bike with no care in the world. To be able to buy her clothes and know they will fit because swelling is not a concern. To be able to eat food and not worry if it has salt in it. To not panic each time her nose gets sniffly. These things are all blessings to us, blessings most people would never even think to thank God for, that is, unless your child was told they had nephrotic syndrome. And you were told they may never be off steroids and their childhood could easily consist of multiple hospital visits, along with daily concerns about blood pressure, clots, swelling, and scarring.

 So today, I sit here soaking in God's grace and mercy with overflowing thankfulness for Emma Kate's good health. A day I remember longing for a couple years ago. I watched her stroll across the drive way on her bike, looking less like herself because she was swelling and we were fighting a protein spill. However hard those days were, God was still there, leading me. The tears streaming down my face, He saw every one. God's mercy can show itself in a number of ways, and during that time God's mercy was given to me in the form of guidance. I could not see it at the time, but I knew God was there and I just kept trusting. After all, what other choice did I have? So to sit where I am today is such an amazing place to be...it is hard to even put it into words. It has now been TWO full years of remission and ZERO meds! Emma Kate recently celebrated her sixth birthday, and is as healthy as ever! We are truly blessed, but most importantly we know it and humbly give ALL the glory to God.

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

One thing that is very clear to me now, is that God had a plan for our journey. His plan was to use us to encourage others and give hope that maybe steroids are not the only solution. Doctors can be so negative and the internet is even worse. After her diagnosis I remember searching the web for hours at a time to find ONE story of HOPE. Everything was so sad and negative. And understandably so. But I craved to find just one story I could cling to that people found an alternative solution. Now, by the grace of God, that is exactly what this blog has turned into.  I am reminded of the verse "For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jer. 29:11 It is so hard for us sometimes because we live in the moment. It's easy to forget God knows exactly where you will be 10 years from now. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He has a plan for us, and if we trust Him, each step by step He will be faithful to lead us. Though it may not always be in the way we anticipated.

In the past 8 months I have been through some personal trials that have reminded me, that when we do not understand, we still have to trust in God's greater plan. And God has been gracious to give me verses to cling to as I wait on Him. And He reminds me of how He has brought me through time and time again. We can't always see it with our human eyes, but GOD IS FAITHFUL.

When we were in those dark days I never allowed my self to think in terms of "why" or "this is not fair", and I still don't. My dad taught me a hard truth early on that "life's not fair." It stinks, but some times that unfairness works out in your favor! Just like this blog. The changes we have made will not work for everyone, some kids will still end up needing a transplant. However, it just may change a life. And more importantly, it may help someone to find peace and learn to trust God. All I do know is this is what God wants me to be doing, so I am.

I am daily amazed how many people this blog has reached. I remember when I first started it, I thought maybe 5 people would come across it. Well, over 130,000 people have come across it! Considering the specifics of this blog, that number blows my mind! I have gotten personal email from people in Jamaica, India, England, Canada, U.K. and the U.S. I love being able to encourage others and answer questions about diet. It is truly the work of God and I feel blessed to be His vessel!

Emma Kate:

The only recent news with her is that for the first time in two years (that I am aware ) she actually did have some protein show up in her urine. She is getting older and approaching the age that she goes to play with friends with out me there. Well, at a friend's house she accidentally ate something she thought was gluten free. She is generally very cautious about her diet, so we had to have a talk about that! She ended up having about a 30 on the dipstick the next day. The day after that it was trace, and a day later it was back to negative. I was disappointed that so little did cause some spilling, however, it did confirm that we are certainly doing the right thing by keeping her on a strict gluten free diet!

10 Steps to Wellness/Treat a Protein Spill

AUTOIMMUNE

Our Step by Step, All In One Place

"The best six doctors anywhere

 and no one can deny it

 are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet"

 -Wayne Fields

 

I have been so blessed by all the email I have received letting us know how inspiring our story is, and questions about what to do. I have to admit, this blog has become far more than I ever imagined, but I am so thankful for that! Sometimes all you need is a little *glimmer* of HOPE and then you are able to relax and see things in a new way. With all the email I have been responding to, I find myself writing the same things over and over, to different people. So I decided it is time to put together a list of what "we did" and what I "recommend", just so it's easy for people to see.

 I want to reiterate that I am not a doctor, and this is no guarantee to perfect health. This is simply what we did, and what worked for us. There is a good chance that if you follow it step by step you too will see improvement, or total healing. However, all results vary and no one can know until they try!

Everything listed below has more detail in a different place on my blog. So if you are wanting more details on the "WHY" factor, just search through older posts. :)

 

STEPS:

 

The First 12 months- *CONSISTENCY IS KEY!!!

 

1. Immediately eliminate allergenic foods.

What I recommend: completely 100% CUT OUT GLUTEN/WHEAT, DAIRY, PORK, SHELLFISH and PEANUTS. As much as possible cut out SOY, UNORGANIC FOODS, DYES, PRESERVATIVES, EGGS (only organic when you do eat them) and SUGAR.

 

Why? Wheat has been altered and is heavily processed to the point it is even hard for "healthy" people to digest it. Dairy is the same. Peanuts are highly allergenic in nature. Sugar is an inflammatory and is also heavily treated. Soy protein is very similar to dairy, but being dairy free sometimes you have to eat a soy alternative. This is okay on occasion so long as it's not in a strong form like milk or ice cream. The other things are just really bad for you. Read up on gluten to understand it, and to know what ingredients to avoid.

 

2.  Order and start taking supplements.

All on amazon:

-Immuno PRP powder (1/2 scoop every other day/ use hand mixer to blend into almond milk).

-PRP spray by NuMedica (take one spray each night under tongue, work up to 3 sprays daily. If sick, take 5 sprays.)

-Micellized vitamin D drops (mine are in a blue glass bottle/MUST be micellized/ one drop daily)

-Culturelle kids POWDER probiotic. (give one pack on alternating days with the PRP powder/every other day).

-Animal parade multi vitamin for kids (give as directed)

-Animal parade kids Zinc (one a day)

-All natural vitamin C (we use Target gummy/every other day)

-Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Gummies (every other day)

-Bragg Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (add 1 tsp to morning juice/ a couple days a week)

-Fiber gummies (Target brand- if needed to help soften stools. 1/2 to 1 daily or as needed).

 

3.  Switch to NATURAL shampoos and soaps. We use "Just Natural" shampoo and Baby Ganics and we love them! The key is to recognize all the ingredients.

 

4.  Make a natural cleaner (I may have a recipe somewhere on my blog, EASY) and use it in the kitchen on all cooking and eating surfaces. I use other cleaners in certain areas of my house, but ONLY natural in my kitchen.

 

5.  Have blood allergy testing done to determine what hidden allergies (food and other) are going on, then cut them as much as you can also. At least for six months. We ordered a kit online and took it to a local clinic to have the blood drawn, then mailed it off.

*DO not be alarmed if the test shows no reaction to wheat. This was the case with us, and more specific testing showed gluten as Emma Kate's main problem. Either way, the gluten/wheat needs to be cut, so it doesn't really matter. These tests are not strongly accurate, but they certainly give insight you would not other wise have. Also, I think it's important because you may find what a main trigger is that you would not have suspected.

 

6. *ROTATE FOODS*! This is important because autoimmune bodies can build allergy to things so easily. If you eat the same thing all the time your body could start reacting to it, and you wouldn't suspect the food. This includes fruit, veggies, everything. I try to buy different meats, fruits, and cereals each week.

 

7. Think 1900's. Try to simplify, everything. Think about how people ate back then, the exercise they got, the sun they got, the amount of FRESH organic foods they ate, the lack of detergents and chemicals they breathed in, the lack of technology they were immersed in. Cover your pillowcase with a hypoallergenic case. Be aware of everything that goes on your child's body. Some kids relapse due to sunscreen...because of the chemicals of course. Try coconut oil instead! Wear a hat....do what you can to not have to use it.

 

8. Test urine DAILY, in the morning.

*WHAT TO DO IF PROTEIN GOES UP:

 If you notice a little spike,

- Immediately add Raw Apple Cider Vinegar to every drink you can (best in orange or apple juice)-Give a full scoop of the PRP powder, combined with the probiotic

- Increase the spray at night to 5

-Avoid all the occasionally okay foods

-*Get the bowels clear (100% prune juice/ suppository if needed, if they are constipated and prune juice is not doing the trick).

- Have a diet including organic cucumber, asparagus, garlic, and fresh lemon (diuretic/non-inflammatory).

- Drink the herbal tea from my blog at night.

- If the child is old enough and can tolerate it, do a netty pot.

- If you suspect an ear infection, do ear candles.

- Keep this up until the protein is back to trace/negative for at least one day.

-And keep the diet at ALMOST NO SODIUM, as much as you can.

-Doing this helps keep the kidneys going, flushing toxins, allows the immune system to fight off what it may be fighting, and gives the body it's best chance at allowing the protein to come back down naturally.

-After day 4 at 300+ spilling in a row, or on/off spilling for 2 weeks, that's when we went ahead with prednisone.

-Make sure they stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, but also get at least 30 min of fresh air each day. Walking is ideal.

 

9. Keep a journal. It can be as detailed as you like. Make a note of everything the child ate for the 2-3 days leading up to a relapse. Put a star by things you think may have contributed to the spill. Keep up with strange symptoms like constipation, runny nose, headache, rash, sneezing....try to see if any of the symptoms correlate with a particular food. Also, note swimming pools, sunscreen, fast food...anything out of the ordinary.

 

10. These are not exactly in order of most important to least, because this really should be at the top of the list. Surround yourself with people who support you, who understand your goal, and who are willing to do what you need when it concerns your child. Join a church, have people put your child on a prayer list. Believe God for wisdom and direction in everything regarding your child. And DON'T GIVE UP!!!

 

-The point in doing all of this is to CALM the body, since the system is over reacting and attacking itself. And by eliminating foods that can be taxing on the system, you allow the body to fight off things it needs to, like germs and bacteria that make you sick.

 

 

Emma Kate often gets more concerned about making sure a food is "safe" than I do. It's amazing what kids can understand if we just let them try. I tell her certain foods are not good for her body, but they are okay for other people. Just like someone with a severe peanut allergy avoids peanuts, we avoid gluten, and that is that.

 

After the First 12 months:

 

Asses your child's health. How has the year gone? No relapse? Were they able to come off meds? If you can see a change in your child and KNOW they are much healthier, then it's time you can add back some of the forbidden foods! Cheers! You have to be careful doing this, but you can try to add a little baked in dairy. If their protein is fine the next day, let they try a small piece of cheese. If the urine is still fine, then they are probably fine to have small amounts of cheese or baked in dairy on occasion. Same with peanuts, pork, and shell fish. As for the other "occasional" foods, you just have to see if their body can tolerate them on a regular basis. Eggs always need to be organic and GLUTEN/WHEAT still is NEVER AN OPTION. You have spent one year allowing the gut to heal at this point. Things that used to enter the blood stream and cause a problem, probably don't anymore. However, gluten is so harsh, it would likely tear down that healthy wall you spent so long healing.

 

As for supplements, you can cut back on the PRP powder and probiotic. Take a one week break from the PRP spray (just to let your system get a break) and then continue it every day for another year, and so on. You can save the Raw Apple Cider Vinegar for when the child is sick, or starting to spill protein. The V D can be given a few days a week, rather than every day.

 

So there you have it, our not so condensed 10 steps to wellness! Give it a GO!

 

 

Then God said

 "I give you every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole earth

and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food."

Gen 1:29