No two journeys are alike—and this is particularly true in the world of Nephrotic Syndrome. Despite being put on several commonly used medications, Nicki did not find hope or healing until she had a mental shift and started working with a team of doctors that looked at all aspects of her health. In this episode, Nicki shares her story about the connectedness of health and lifestyle and the incredible power of a supportive community.
(2:30) How Nicki got connected to the NSF Peer Team and the power of a community…
(5:11) Nicki’s nephrotic syndrome journey begins…
(9:57) A Google search reveals scary possibilities…
(11:32) A trip that revealed so much…
(14:07) “So I was wearing these compression socks, and I was in the middle of a crowded subway with all of my master's program students, and I started feeling faint.”
(17:37) Shock and then grieving sets in…
(19:48) “Nephrotic syndrome was a wake-up call to healing from that persona and that lifestyle of thinking I always needed to achieve, always needed to be perfect, always needed to be president of everything and working on something and never take a break. And I think that's what stressed my body out a lot in the first place.”
(20:46) The year after graduation and the experience with Prednisone…
(24:52) No formal diagnosis…
(26:27) An autoimmune component and a glimmer of hope…
(29:47) Several medications, side effects, and a strong desire to reach remission…
(30:44) A link between gut health and nephrotic syndrome…
(33:25) Finding an incredible nephrologist who is willing to look at all options…
(35:40) It takes the right team effort…
(38:16) “I went from sitting on the couch all day to now functioning, like a normal person, having energy to go above and beyond during my days and achieve so many things that I never thought I could do.”
(40:33) Mushrooms, coffee, and lifestyle…
(46:34) “What else can be addressed to lessen inflammation, to make me have energy and feel better and have a good quality of life through this diagnosis?”
(50:20) A trifecta for healing…
(51:48) The personal side of things…
(56:39) “It's an easy thing to do to let your life become nephrotic syndrome for a little while.” Andi, Jeremy, and Nicki comparing experiences…
(59:45) Family support, trust, and rebirth…
(1:02:52) Future goals and a piece of advice...
To reach out to Nicki:
Instagram @nephnicki
Blog nephnicki.com
Other resources mentioned by Nicki
My root cause practitioner is Emily Morrow: @emilymorrow on Insta
Her website is theemilymorrow.com
She is currently filled with individual clients but works with women in her group program called Root Cause Formula that accepts applications.
She also offers courses in blood chemistry and lots of free resources to guide one’s journey. She is certified as an FNTP (Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner) and IHP (Integrative Health Practitioner).
My life coach is Elise Dean, and she coaches with Blush Life Coaching: @joinblush on Insta and joinblush.com
The service was created by Kali Rogers, Founder & CEO and a life coach, and Elise works alongside Kali as Creative Director and Senior Life Coach. While the team is comprised of women, I believe they will coach anyone! Part of their mission is to promote affordable coaching/mental health options (I could see it as a great resource for the Moms out there, in addition to patients!)