Now what?

After being told by more than three doctors that I was a medical mystery, it was up to me to find a way to not only sleep through the night, but also stay sleeping through the night without my stomach getting upset. After

Two years ago I decided to try Badgers Stress Soother. It comes in a tin and you use it similar to Chapstick. Before I went to bed I rubbed a little bit on my hands, my temples, and above my top lip. This allowed me to breath in the Tangerine and Rosemary as I went to bed. Not expecting it to work, I tried it a few times and then realized that this allowed me to fall asleep faster and relieve unneeded stress. Granted it doesn't magically get rid of my stress but it calmed me down before bed.  Badger products range from $7 a tin to $15 depending on size. I got the 1 oz tin and I am still on my original tin. That is another bonus.

Now that I knew how to get to sleep, I needed to find a way to stay asleep through the night. I thought Essentials Oils were a joke and truly didn't believe they worked. In June, after doing research on my own, I decided to try peppermint oil. I would a few drops on my lower stomach (where I typically hurt/cramp before I get sick). Magically, it started working. I also learned that it can help with headaches. I tried it, and now I no longer need ibuprofen.  The awesome thing about peppermint oil is that you can get bottles of it for $4 instead of $32. I highly suggest this to anyone who suffers from daily headaches. 

I have also been very impressed with Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy products. The first time I tried them, they were on clearance and I should have bought the whole shelf. The one I use now is their Night Time Tea lotion. It essentially does what tea is supposed to do for you. It is supposed to calm and comfort you while relaxing before you go to sleep. My favorite scent is the Cedarwood and Orange lotion. I normally lotion my hands before bed or right before I start a long day at work or school.

A few days ago, I received a care package from a close family I love from home. They sent me the Badger Sleep Balm. This is a mixture of Lavender and Bergamot with a hint of ginger (ginger also helps with upset stomachs). I decided to put a little bit on my temples and lips, and sure enough, it worked. When a product works after only using it two times, I am always impressed.

I now keep my stress soother in my backpack and bring it wherever I go and my peppermint oil, sleep balm, and lotion stay on my head board. In the last 8 months, I have only had 1 stomach episode. That is the longest I have gone in the last 5 years without getting sick.  I never imagined being a medical mystery but I'm so thankful I've found little ways to fall asleep and stay asleep without getting sick.