Payton’s health has not improved. She is having complications with her stomach. She has been vomiting and coughing. Her stomach will not digest properly. She had a G-tube placed and it has helped some. The CBD oil has helped with Payton’s pain and sleeping. I do believe her seizures have slowed down a bit since she has been on CBD.
Payton’s story
Overall, Raymond’s health has improved. His appetite has increased and he is starting to have better coordination allowing him to move around more freely. The progress is slow but still steady. He is also beginning to make more sounds and try and talk. He is able to enjoy life so much more than before and we are so thankful!
Raymond’s story
Written by mom Roberta
MY 25 YEAR JOURNEY:
My family and I have powered through and persevered over uncontrolled epilepsy for 25 years. I’ve been on over 25 different drugs none of which has controlled my seizures. I have had multiple hospital stays, countless trips to the emergency room, falls, hundreds of blood draws, and two Vagus Nerve Stimulator transplants. I’ve tried the ketogenic diet, neurofeedback, and numerous vitamins and herbal supplements.
While none of the combinations of medications worked to control my seizures, I did experience side effects including pancreatitis, lack of concentration, drowsiness, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, irritation, confusion—in short, a lot of my life I’ve been in a drug-induced haze! I’ve experienced bullying by peers and teachers and because my seizures were not under control I wasn’t able to socialize or join activities I really wanted to do.
My last six months of high school I was asked to complete my final credits privately because it was “unsafe” for me on campus. I managed to obtain an Associate Degree and I’m currently in my senior year of college majoring in Mass Media. It hasn’t been easy but as I said before we have persevered.
The past nine months of my life have been among the best ever. Nine months ago I started taking CBD oil. I have gone from having 1-3 major seizures a month before CBD oil to not having a seizure for periods as long as thirteen weeks! We have completely eliminated one medication, have reduced two by a third and I’m currently weaning off another medication.
I am learning to paddleboard and rock climb. As I keep telling my family and friends I feel like I’m “coming alive”.CBD oil has given me my life back. I can’t get back the days, weeks and months I’ve lost to seizures and the side effects of prescribed drugs but I’m going to make the most of each and every moment going forward thanks to CBD.
Have the winter blues hit you hard?
Are you feeling sluggish, tired and discouraged lately?
Join the Realm of Caring’s Live Education, SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD), Tuesday, January 29th, from 5 pm to 6 pm MST. Click here: https://www.theroc.us/orientation-series We will discuss how cannabinoid therapy can support “winter blue” type symptoms.
You have an opportunity to ask questions to a Realm of Caring representative about cannabinoid therapies and SAD. We encourage all individuals and their family to participate because the information is invaluable. Since we experience change on a daily basis it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on information related to cannabinoid therapies and SAD, a topic that many new and existing clients contact us about. The knowledge gained from this education should make you feel more confident in what is happening in cannabis. We hope to see you at the next education series!
You will need to sign in using your existing client account or create one for free.
WHEN IS IT? : January 29th from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Mountain Time
REGISTER HERE: https://www.theroc.us/orientation-series
What do you feel when you use or say the word busy? I have found the word and the act of being “busy” so jarring to my senses that I have taken it out from my vocabulary entirely. This blog is its written farewell.
Think about casual conversations with your friends: Hi! How are you? Oh, I am well; busy! How about you? Yea, I’ve been busy too.
It seems like the state of being “busy” has become a national phenomenon. A badge of honor, as we frenetically move mostly by momentum versus thoughtful purpose.
We don’t stop until we hit a wall. That wall could be a car accident, an illness, a divorce and even then, those moments serve as mere speed bumps before we accelerate into the fast lane once again.
Ask yourself what might be hiding behind the curtain of busy?
Could it be an uncomfortable conversation? An inevitable separation? A decision we are reluctant to make?
Let’s close our eyes for a moment and remember when was the last time we sat and did nothing at all. I mean absolutely NOTHING; what I call the art of BE-ing… a human BEing.
How did that feel? What did you attune yourself to that you might have missed otherwise? Too busy to try the exercise? Do it, you will not regret it, and I promise you have 30 seconds.
It is in those rare moments when we are moved by inspiration, revelation, restitution and a sense of self. For instance, ‘what is happening with me these days?’ Checking-in with oneself.
It is in these precious moments that we hear life whispering to us. Life can lead us gently by the hand because it knows that we are paying attention. In the moments when life stops; life actually begins. Does that make sense?
These moments of “BEing” show us why we are HERE and connects us to a greater perspective. It’s probably why we feel one with all when we look at the sunset or a gripping vista. Breathtaking beauty prompts us to STOP and for seconds, we just are. Ahh…
And, although, it is normal for life to hasten from time to time, the mindless state of “busy” becomes the thief of LIFE, which robs us of the vitality that comes from following our inner guidance, which leads to PEACE. Can we have one more… Ahh?
Therefore, it could be concluded that in the absence of the “B” word mentioned 9 times previously, the outcome could be PEACE.
And PEACE… comes to us when we are PRESENT.
What are some ways you have found to slow down and just BE? Let us know in the comments to be eligible to win a year’s free Calm subscription, the number one app for meditation and mindfulness.
Written by Ayren’s mom
Ayren is now in the full phases of potty training, since he had kidney cancer it’s expected to be delays. He has learned to count to 20, is learning his colors, his ABC’s plus he is able to keep a short conversation, say his name, and now tell how old he is.
The financial assistance has helped immensely. Often times you hear of families that go through hard times and some marriages make while other do not. The strain of Ayren’s diagnosis has sadly tore my family apart and I am now doing it as a single mother. Having the financial aid has given me one less worry on how I’ll manage my son’s aftercare. Of course beyond the grant I have no clue what I will do, but Ayren has been blessed thus far in healing and having a somewhat normal life.
This therapy has allowed Ayren to resume a new normal. His anxiety has subsided, he has progressed immensely in his speech and ability to communicate. He is able to sleep through the night and allow mommy to be able to rest as well. I anticipate he being able to begin school, with the assistance of a school teacher’s aid. We are entering his 2 year remission mark and with the continuance of his oils I expect him to progress even farther. He has some areas of pain in his joints and limbs but I know his body is growing. Ayren has an older brother that he is now able able to communicate with and play with more as well.
Written by mom Denise
My beautiful and joyful 12-year-old daughter, Lily, is autistic. Her brain-wiring provides her with many strengths, like an extraordinarily deep level of empathy and caring for others, a “steel trap” memory, a wonderful ability to think “out-of-the-box” and an imagination and abilities that are artistic and creative, among many others. Her brain-wiring also makes her very sensitive and vulnerable to a deep level of anxiety because her brain doesn’t regulate “good” brain chemicals consistently well and she is prone to inflammation.
Since Lily was diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2, our family’s journey has been one focused on newer brain science/developmental therapeutic methods that support Lily’s development–working from the inside out to feel regulated and help her to enjoy connecting with others, develop self-love and self-awareness, an understanding that we all have differences in challenges and strengths, and embracing others’ differences, too. Inside-out has also meant showing her how to take care of her body with healthy foods, moderation when it comes to less healthy “treat foods,” and awareness of the kind of physical exercises that support her emotional and physical regulation. Another important part of inside-out has been finding out what Lily’s body is missing nutritionally, and supplementation. Prior to supplementing Charlotte’s Web, we addressed Lily’s anxiety in different ways, which include all of the above. She made progress, but nothing close to what Charlotte’s Web has provided for her.
No words can paint a clear picture of how Lily has benefited from Charlotte’s Web. She is less fearful about many of the day-to-day things she was before, her social anxiety has been reduced dramatically. Before Charlotte’s Web, Lily had an easier time connecting with adults than peers, even though she wanted so much to engage with peers, she often didn’t have the courage and she said her mind wasn’t, “clear enough to know what to say.” She has gained the confidence and joy of joining peers. Her independence is growing in day-to-day life and activities at home, and even in her confidence and willingness in academic learning.
It’s very easy for non-autistics to take our brains for granted, including our ability to manage feeling calm through all of the transitions we make each and every day, or navigate stressful moments and situations. Being able to do that is vital to our mental health. Because of CBD oil, Lily now has that.
Written by mom Tammy
Scotlyn had her 1st seizure at 4 months old in September 2016. After an EEG and MRI she was diagnosed with epilepsy and put on Keppra. She continued to have seizures which got progressively worse with every pharmaceutical added and was constantly in and out of the hospital. By 5 months old in October 2016, she was on 7 AED meds at once, in the PICU of Children’s Hospital in status (constant seizing), and she was having 17 + seizures an hour around the clock. The medicines she was on at one time at 5 months old is sickening. Keppra, Trileptal, Vimpat , Topamax, Klonopin, Ativan, IV Versed (and still seizing on all of that).
The doctors had nothing left but a medically induced coma so asked if I could please try CBD oil and they said yes. Her condition improved rapidly after just the first dose. She was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy and probable cortical dysplasia. In November she developed infantile spasms so the doctors tried a powerful steroid called ACTH.
So out of desperation I contacted Realm of Caring to see if they had any advice. I spoke with Lacie (who is amazing by the way), she gave me dosing instructions and once I got Scotlyn to 1.75 mg in 3 days her spasms stopped – never to be seen again!! Today, Scotlyn is 2 1/2 years old, she is down to 2 seizure meds (we tried a total of 12 AED’s and failed before trying CBD oil) She is walking, running, eating, playing, and a pretty typical 2 year old. She is finally starting to talk. She couldn’t even sit up supported at 1 year old so these milestones are so very amazing to us and she continues to amaze us everyday.
She has not been admitted to the hospital since November 2016!! We are so thankful for Realm of Caring and Lacie, CBD oil – epilepsy’s arch nemesis. God Bless all of you. Sometimes it truly does take a village. You all contributed to giving me my daughter back and giving her quality of life. Thank you so very much.
Now that we have said good-bye to busy, let’s turn our attention to a worthy replacement. The word I have in mind – when spoken softly – will create a rounded wave in your mouth, as it brings your lips to a sweet pucker, only to release into an ever so slight of a smile. This word in all of its meanings and connotations will bring back a sense of balance to a more present, healthier YOU!
Without further ado ladies and gents, let’s welcome the word….. Boundaries!
Woot woot!
And in welcoming the word, let’s also accept it’s meaning! This is where we might break off into two categories and I would be interested in hearing which one resonates with you.
Boundaries will either make you:
Depending on which camp you fall in – and we will address both – speaks directly to how familiar you are with the implementation of boundaries in your life.
It makes you cringe, does it?
You are not alone. And not to stress the gender gap, but I think that women might have a tougher time with boundaries than men do for the simple reason we feel it’s impolite. The people pleasers in us reject, and often suffer, with the word, “No”. Ouch! A hard “no” is harsh! Succinct in its two-letter delivery, there is no bend! None. It’s hard to hear it too. Our childhood was littered in “No, no, NOOOOO’s!” I get it, I have vacillated in both camps, mostly this one, though, until my physical health began to pay the price and I was forced to make changes. Therefore, if you are here, we are learning together.
How many of you feel, empowered?
If you are in this camp, Bravo! People who set boundaries with ease are less stressed, more effective, clear communicators, more compassionate (believe it or not) and for a lack of a better word, happier. This means you know yourself well. Setting boundaries in your personal relationships, at work and as you transit through life means you respect yourself and therefore you recognize and appreciate these qualities in others.
Think about a time when you have felt overextended, overcommitted and underappreciated. In such times it is easy to blame your boss, your significant other, or even your friends for your frazzled nerves, and yet…. (read this with all of your attention twice!)… NO ONE can betray us as deeply as we betray ourselves.
Go ahead… That merits a second go ‘round. NOBODY CAN BETRAY US AS DEEPLY AS WE BETRAY OURSELVES.
Part of setting and communicating boundaries is knowing them! This entails honing the most important relationship of all; the grandest love affair you will ever have; the one that builds the foundation for all other relationships… AND the one that will never end!!
Yep, baby! That’s the one with YOUR beautiful self! This is the most worthwhile personal investment, as well as the most neglected.
Let’s regroup, shall we?
Self-love + self-respect = Boundaries!
Low-self esteem + people pleasing = betrayal of self (no boundaries) 🙁
Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.
– Brené Brown
I recently reached out to an acquaintance regarding a topic I wanted to discuss with her and she responded by saying, “..I’m feeling wiped and sleepy after my day, but let me check in with my energy and tell you tomorrow if we can chat..”
I was impressed by her response because it was so honest and it motivated me to want to do the same! We make so many excuses and apologies when honesty is so well received. This simple exchange taught me so much. Setting boundaries is a way of showing mutual respect and kindness.
Are you lacking in boundaries? What are some ways that you set boundaries in your life? How has it made a difference? When you share, we all learn! Comment below and if you know someone who needs to hear this message, will you share it with them?
By: Lisa Lopez, Content Creator – Realm of Caring
Have a question for Lisa? Or want to suggest a topic? Email Lisa@theroc.us
Written by Christine
I had been in two rear end collisions and then hit in the head at work. I have herniated discs in my neck and now in my lower back. My pain was all about getting around it so I could support my family. Taking pills was just a part my life. Finally it was too much to bear and I had to go on a leave of absence.
I have been on the big pharma rollercoaster. They do not tell you that you will indeed become dependent and you will not know why you feel the way you feel. A person has no clue that pills only mask what your body is telling you and that you will get an entirely new set of issues by taking synthetic pain relief.
I was at my rapidly fraying rope. The darkness was unbearable. Anxiety and physical pain ruled my life. I got on my knees and kept asking the Lord to help me or just take me home to Heaven. I had spent a few thousand dollars on other alternatives, nothing helped and I was ready to try one last time. So I ordered a high CBD oil online.
The first day taking the CBD I noticed I was not anxious. I had stopped taking Xanax. Then at the end of the first day I noticed I did not reach for the pain meds. I was shocked to say the least. This was a historical event that I never thought possible. Then came the second day, the third day…and now I am on my 20th day and I only had to take my pain meds once in the last 20 days and that is only because I sat on a sidewalk to watch a parade at Disneyland!
CBD is a truly amazing alternative to healing one’s body and or just changing the way the pain feels, if that makes any sense. I still have pain but it’s different and I can tolerate it now. The Realm Of Caring opened a door I did not think was accessible.
I hope my story will help others to understand the healing properties of CBD and also help cut the stigma. CBD does not get you high. I am not able to tolerate THC. Plus I am in the medical field so I need to be up on my game. Thank you.
