I’ve had the same primary care physician for the past 22 years.  During my most recent annual physicians’ checkup, we talked about my health now compared to my late 20s and over half of my 30s.  I remember one of my 20-something appointments with him very clearly, for two reasons.  Everyone who was alive on 9/11/2001 has their own story for this day.  Those of us old enough to remember can vividly recall details around “what they were doing when it happened”.  As for me, I was in bad gut pain.  I had a mid-day doctor’s appointment scheduled which took place hours after the attacks occurred.  My gut pain was diagnosed as ulcers, and he prescribed medication to address.  What did I do?  Well, back then I considered all food as “food”, so I grabbed a cheeseburger and fries from Wendy’s while heading home.  (Seriously, I had issues).  I laid in the fetal position while watching news of the day’s events on television.

This was the beginning of 15 years of periodic gut pain (which would eventually turn to daily gut pain), in addition to existing allergy issues and other periodic illnesses.  I carried antacids everywhere I went in addition to my desk at work.  I would generally catch strep throat every 2-3 years and visit my doctor at least twice per year for gut pain.  Allergy season in Kansas was horrible and I’d feel sick for weeks at a time while taking up to 4 daily prescriptions at its peak.  

While I did lose 72 pounds in 2011-12 through healthier eating and exercise, I still ate too many processed foods, gluten and drank too much beer.  I was able to lose weight through exercise and fewer calories, but my food choices weren’t always the best.  The gut pain began to ramp up in 2015.  I went to my primary care physician 6 times that year while also visiting a specialist.  It was recommended that I have my gall bladder removed, which occurred towards the end of that year.

The gall bladder extraction provided some relief, but I continued to experience milder gut pain several days per week. After trying a few other medications with no impact, my doctor ordered a CT scan in May of 2016. I told no one of this appointment (not even my wife) because I was a bit terrified. Days later, I received a scary phone call at 5PM on Friday with the results. He informed me that something unusual was seen on the CT scan and I needed to get screened for colon cancer immediately. I was on pins and needles while waiting for the exam and results. I shared what was going on with only a few people. Praise God, the results came back negative. I was then prescribed Linzess, which reduced the pain (without eliminating). I was on another daily medication to provide relief that would go away if I quit taking it. I wasn’t thrilled, but I felt better.

One year later, my wife and I went on a Netflix “food documentary binge” and decided to try a vegan diet.  I went straight vegan for the next two months.  I immediately experienced a higher level of energy and less gut pain.  The gut pain would eventually disappear.  I added two servings of meat to my food selections each week because I love steak and barbeque too much.  I continued to believe that a “mostly-vegan” diet was better than my previous food choices.  I lost another 20 pounds while not really “dieting”.  This took me down to 145 pounds, my lowest ever.

I began consuming additional servings of meat without experiencing gut pain.  After two years of being “mostly vegan”, I included meat into every-day food choices and the gut pain never came back.  I concluded the vegan diet did not eliminate the gut pain.  I felt better because of nearly eliminating all processed food while significantly cutting down on gluten.  To this day I consume very little gluten.  I had reduced my beer drinking by 90% during the “vegan years” which also significantly reduced my gluten intake. 

I enjoy 2 cheat meals per week, which may include dessert, gluten and/or processed foods.  I feel gut pain when I begin to consume too many of these items.  Some people say dairy can cause inflammation as well.  Dairy may have been factor, but I cut most of it out prior to my vegan phase.

Since late 2016, I’ve only seen my doctor for my annual exam and labs (aside a few appointments related to my car accident injuries).  I’ve had two sinus infections (not requiring a doctor visit) while traveling between extremely different climates. I haven’t really been sick for 5 years and I’ve cut out all allergy and gut pain medications over that time.

My doctor and I reminisced during my most recent appointment over my progression of lifestyle changes.  He raved about how healthy I am now, almost like a proud parent or teacher.  This guy knows the whole story, he saw it first-hand.  He wrapped up our conversation by asking, “so is this Matt version 3.0 or 4.0”?  I giggled and responded, “at least version 4.0”. 

I was never motivated to drop the weight for appearance purposes; it was always about health.  I feel better and never get sick.  I’ve heard many people say, “it’s too expensive to eat healthy”.  I believe eating garbage is more expensive, but instead of food, you’re paying for prescriptions, extra co-pays and medical bills.  And you can’t put a dollar amount on quality of life, which is elevated with a healthier lifestyle.   

My doctor called a few days after the appointment to share my lab results.  He said everything looked fantastic.  I pray and give thanks for my health and that of my family.  I don’t feel invincible today, but I feel at peace knowing I am handling what I can control.  God will call me one day when it’s his time, but while I am here, I am committed to taking care of my body.  Poor lifestyle decisions caused self-induced stress in my life that has since been eradicated.  A major burden is lifted from your shoulders when you feel better and you’re not worried over your health.  I don’t do this just for me; it’s for my family.  I want my daughter to have her daddy around as long as possible.  If Rachel and I live into our 100’s, it still won’t be enough time together. 

Before hanging up the phone, I asked my doctor, “just curious, but do the labs indicate if I have the COVID-19 antibodies?”  (I am blessed and fortunate enough to have never tested positive or have symptoms).  His response was cheerfully toned while saying, “it doesn’t, but you’re so healthy you don’t have to worry about it”.

If you don’t make healthy food choices, I urge you to consider it.  I would love for you to feel better and worry less.  It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Go get it!