Between the diagnosis and the treatment, and for a while afterwards, I was very active in pursuing alternative treatments. Vitamin and Herbal Supplements, Flower Essences, Energy work, diet changes, etc. Only a few months later I found that it is hard to sustain that level of commitment. I still take some supplements, but not as many. I still do some energy work. I maintain some of the diet changes (trying to reduce animal products, reduce fat, eliminate hormones and agrochemicals in my food, as well as other chemical additives), but I am less diligent than I was at first.
I don't know if this is an acceptable "maintenance level", or if I am losing sight of the bigger picture and lapsing in my self-care. No one can be sure that the danger has entirely passed. My first two follow-up Pap smears were normal, but I know that I will be considered "at risk" for the rest of my life. I also know that I can't expect to sustain the intense level of effort and involvement that I experienced when I initially learned of this condition, especially as it seems to improve.
I think it's really important to support your body during the healing process after the
procedure. In addition to dietary and supplement support, I constantly gave myself Reiki
and received regular (every other week) body work, gentle modalities such as Polarity and
Craniosacral. Even massage would probably be great.
My point is just this: Take care of yourself. Nurture yourself. Make sure that you feel
good about your body. I don't think I can emphasize this enough. When I first had an
abnormal Pap, I felt like my body had betrayed me. I think that attitude is really
counterproductive. I soon came to see this condition as a "wake-up call," not a
punishment. I encourage everyone struggling with this to listen to your body and remember
that you are in this together.
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