10/15/2026
This picture of Mom and I was taken many years ago, during a time when she was doing very well. Little did I know how much her health journey would eventually influence my own life and the work I do today.
I lost my mom primarily due to congestive heart disease. She also had spina bifida, which brought additional challenges throughout her life.
But one thing about my mom was that she understood the importance of movement. Even toward the end of her life, she continued trying to get out and walk. She knew moving her body was a must, and I thank God for that.
One of the hardest things for me was sitting in the hospital or at another doctorโs appointment, listening to the same conversations over and over.
Another medication. Increase this medication. Adjust that medication.
And then watching her continue to decline.
It was incredibly depressing and frustrating to sit there feeling so helpless.
I understand that medications have their place, especially with heart disease. But I kept wondering why werenโt they talking about anything else.
What about nutrition? Blood flow? Lymphatic congestion? Her nervous system?
What about looking at her as a whole person instead of addressing one problem at a time?
I watched the stress, worry, frustration, anxiety, and eventually what seemed like a loss of hope take a toll on her. I could see how much her health challenges were affecting her emotionally and physically.
Our bodies are not made up of separate systems working independently. Everything is connected.
And hereโs something I wish more people understood.
Your body can compensate for changes and dysfunction for a long time before you notice obvious symptoms.
Then one day, something happens, and you wonder, โWhy did this happen? I felt fine yesterday!โ
But sometimes those changes have been developing for years.
And just because youโre experiencing pain or symptoms in one area doesnโt necessarily mean thatโs where the problem originates. Sometimes the contributing factors are coming from a completely different part of the body.
Since heart disease runs in my family, Iโve spent years researching ways to support my own health and hopefully prevent going down that same road.
One area Iโve been studying extensively is the lymphatic system and its connection to blood flow and the nervous system.
The circulatory and lymphatic systems work together to manage fluid throughout the body. With congestive heart failure, fluid can accumulate, and the lymphatic system may struggle to keep up with the increased demand.
This connection has become another important piece of the puzzle for me.
Through my research, I discovered Dr. Perry Nickelston, also known as the Lymph Doc.
This Saturday, Iโm taking his lymph and blood flow class, and I canโt wait!
Iโm excited to continue learning more about how circulation, lymphatic function, and the nervous system influence one another.
I wish I had understood more of these connections when my mom was alive. I wish someone had talked to her about nutrition, movement, lymphatic health, and other ways to support her whole body alongside the medical care she needed.
That experience is a big part of why I approach health differently today. I donโt believe we can focus on one symptom without considering what else might be contributing to it.
And I donโt ever want to stop learning.
I canโt change my momโs story, but I can continue learning and use that knowledge to help others rewrite theirs. โค๏ธ
