For Ella Woodward and for much of her life she was a total sugar addict: with a diet consisting primarily chocolate, cookies, peanut butter and jelly with ice cream for desert. That changed suddenly in June 2011 when she became suddenly ill and for the next four months toured London Hospitals. Visiting countless specialists having every conceivable test her symptoms worsen as the doctors became confused.
Symptoms present themselves in a wide variety of ways, however orthostatic intolerance (difficultly maintaining a steady heart rate when upright) is the defining feature – my heart rate normally jumps from around 60 to 130 within 30 seconds of standing! I think 194 is my record though!
Please NOTE: Heart palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, pre syncope (blackouts), constant headaches, severe digestive issues, nausea, abdominal cramps and food intolerances also unfortunately occur on a daily basis!
The illness predominantly …affects women… and usually develops in your late teens and early twenties. Whilst medications are amazingly helpful in controlling symptoms there is no cure. This isn’t helped by the fact that most doctors have never heard of the syndrome since the condition gets so little attention in the medical community.
As a result of this lack of understanding, even the experts do not fully understand why it occurs and what the prognosis is. All they can estimate is that in about 50% of patients the syndrome disappears at some point, although they really cannot predict when, whilst for the remaining 50% it is something they will have to manage for life.
If you want to find out more about PoTS then this link may be useful – PoTS: An Overview.
As she began taking an array of drugs and steroids to manage the symptoms nothing seemingly worked. She responded by living in denial instead of facing up to how ill and depressed she had become. She became a shut in — away from everyone – laying in bed watching terrible T.v. shows and eating candy. And it wasn’t until a disastrous romantic getaway to Marrakesh – which also ended with her being brought home in a wheel chair hooked to an IV that she took responsibility for her own health.
As she started researching natural healing, she discovered American Kris Carr whom begin to manage her own cancer through a plant base, whole food diet that began her new way of life. Changing her diet and going cold turkey on the comfort foods she loved wasn’t easy. It took her 18 months to gain her new lease on life. Everyday she finds herself trying to manage her new life style or her symptoms will return. But she is so grateful how much better she feels eating this way 🙂 http://deliciouslyella.com/philosophy/about/
Preview YouTube video Ella Woodward – Full Q&A
Preview Deliciously Ella | How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle and Feel Great
Preview YouTube video Ella Woodward Full Interview
