A Memorable Valentine's Day

Yes, I am a Nutritionist but I always have had gut issues. By always, I mean since forever. So don't blame my degree. ;)

Me as a Kid

When I was a kid, I used to suffer from severe constipation. I don't exactly remember my eating habits but I was a bakery items lover. Which clearly means that my diet lacked fibers and exceeded refined carbs. A RED FLAG.

In Teenage

When I entered my teenage, I did not gain weight but my hormones got imbalanced. The reason was, again, my dietary habits and, of course, stress.

Our family's financial conditions were not good. And I have always been a person with big dreams. So, I used to overthink a lot.

My brain knew no circadian rhythm. I used to think 24/7 and my thoughts revolved around managing my finances (bills & fee).

It all resulted in hormonal imbalance and then, later on, in bulimia nervosa (binge eating and then purging voluntarily). This was my condition in intermediate.

After Entering University Life

My admission into the university is another story of "stress." Let's leave that. But entering this phase took another big toll on my mental and physical health.

Till that time, my eating disorder was almost controlled but I still had hormonal imbalance (hirsutism - excessive hair on my jawline and body).

Hostel Life

It was my first time living in the hostel, even no one closer to me ever lived in the hostel so I had no idea of how to survive.

My biggest problem was to ask for money from my parents.

I remember, I initially used to get 500 PKR pocket money per week. Later on, 500 PKR turned into 1000 PKR (Probably, in the 2nd year).

Before Starting Freelancing

I started freelancing in 4th year, so till the 3rd year, I stayed mentally and physically sick. I used to save my pocket money to get my facial hair laser session done every month. (It was for 2000 PKR)

But those sessions showed no results. In fact, I developed IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) as well. IBS is also caused by stress mainly. I used to get abdominal cramps after eating literally anything.

In those 3 years, I suffered THE MOST. Life used to feel like a disaster. I knew only one thing, and it was "I need to find my way to get out of it."

Freelancing (Blessing)

I would actually like to call freelancing as "blessing."

In the 4th year of my degree, I started freelancing (That's again another long story). After getting into it, I started earning enough that I could manage my expenses including my fees and rent. Finally, a sigh of relief.

4th year was a transitional year for my mental and physical health.

I restarted taking laser hair reduction sessions from somewhere else.

I started following a very minimal skincare routine.

I incorporated a seed cycling kit into my life.

I took Pre & Probiotics supplements.

I spent money on myself.

I dined out more often.

I became happier.

Life became much much much better after earning. I realized that the issues were not with me, they were with the circumstances I was in.

Ending My Undergraduate Degree

I ended my undergraduate degree as the most fortunate person.

I had only 3.22/4.00 CGPA at the end but what I had was rare in my batch. Everyone was worried about finding a job. But I was excited to become a full-time freelancer finally.

I came back home in April 2023. I planned to apply for a fully funded scholarship abroad and move away. But fate has something else to offer.

I freelanced full-time, scaled my online business, expanded my team, and started working to fulfil my parents' dream of building a house of their own.

2023 was the best year of my life, I would say! Alhamdulillah.

Recent Health Issues

At the end of 2023, I started having gut issues again. I went to the hospital with a presenting complaint of back pain, and upon ultrasound, I was told that I had a stone in my gallstone.

At that time, I had no plans to undergo surgery in the near future. So, I took some medicines and spent a few months.

2024 - No More Relief with Medicines

I started feeling bloated 24/7.

The pain was not unbearable but it was disturbing.

I used to have abdominal pressure even in my lower abdomen.

Due to the pressure, I would literally go and pee 20 times a night often.

Later on, the pain started radiating to my shoulders and I decided to undergo surgery.

14th Feb 2024

I was so excited on the day of my surgery that I went into the operation theatre after wearing my gown all alone. I greeted all the doctors and the nurses and asked them to insert a cannula. They experimented with my veins a lot. Lol.

I have forgiven them for this because they removed my gall bladder. I was in so much discomfort and they took it all away. ALHAMDULILLAH

After Anesthesia Reversal

They made me wake up right after the surgery to check my oxygen saturation and sense. I was fully awake and the pain (due to surgery) was UNBEARABLE.

I could not breathe.

And they wanted me to breathe deeply.

Uffffff, that one hour of dying every second.

Then, they shifted me to the ward and made me sleep again for almost 3 hours.

So grateful to them for all the pain killers and sedatives! I owe them all so many prayers.

I dressed up after waking up. Walked on my feet slowly. Got 2 surprises. (MY HEART) ??

I received a bouquet full of care, and warmth. And she (my heart-fav friend) surprised me at the hospital. ??DAY-MADE.

The First Night After Surgery

Only that night was hard. It was impossible for me to move my body and get up on my own. But with support and care, I went through it as well.

Oh how can I forget the first peeing experience, horrible!

Final Words

Life has never been a bed of roses to me too. Through my social media posts, many people judge me. They think I am the prettiest, smartest, and luckiest girl ever.

Don't judge anyone from their social media presence. You never know anyone's story of struggle.

After going through a lot, I am grateful for all the hardships.

They literally made me stronger and more resilient.

I would have never come here where I am.

All the issues and tests helped me.

I am thankful in abundance.

Your parents and siblings are your best wellwishers. They love you the most in this world. LIVE FOR THEM!

GRATEFUL to ALLAH swt for blessing me with better health, family, friends, and freelancing business!

ALHAMDULILLAHI RABIL ALAMIN. ??

- Wrote this after 10 days of my surgery, lying in my bed, feeling every bit of this slow life!

#rimshawrites