About Melinda
|
My journey to become a naturopath began after my own experience with a chronic disease. It was 2006 when I was first diagnosed with Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune condition causing my thyroid to become overactive.
A drug called Neo-Mercazole was prescribed, an antithyroid medication reducing my thyroid function to decrease the amount of thyroid hormone used in my body. The next 4 years was a roller coaster ride between being very ill and going into remission several times. Each time Graves Disease became active, my thyroid was more overactive than previous and my symptoms were worse, causing doctors to increase the medication. The symptoms became so unmanageable in 2010 that I was unable to work. The quantity of medication given was outside the researched range and was not having an effect. At this point my endocrinologist suggested the medication was no longer working for me and I was given the option to either have surgery to remove my thyroid or have radioactive iodine therapy, to ablate part of the thyroid. Neither option was very appealing but I was not aware of any other choices. Something deep within me did not want to lose my whole thyroid so I chose to have the radioactive iodine therapy. An experience I would not wish on anyone! Two and a half months later I ended up under a neurosurgeons knife at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for an urgent discectomy for a herniated disc between L3/4 compressing the L3 nerve. The nerve compression from the herniation decreased my left leg function within weeks. With only my lower calf and foot working leaving me unable to walk normally and in an incredible amount of pain. The surgery was a great success and with consistent rehabilitation, physiotherapy, massage and strengthening exercises I now have full function of my left leg and back. In January 2011 the autoimmune disease came back with a vengeance. How could this be as I only had half a thyroid left? But it did, and like all previous episodes it came back even worse. I truly couldn’t believe it. How could this be happening again? The medication didn’t work anymore and the ablation didn’t stop it becoming overactive. Something had to change. I was desperate! It was my father who recommended a naturopath. She specialised in endocrinology and thyroid disorders. I am forever grateful to my father as this changed my life. Within 1½ years I was off all medication and my life was back on track. I hadn’t felt so healthy, energetic and fit in such a long time. The naturopaths holistic approach to my treatment through diet and lifestyle changes, counselling, herbal preparations and supplementation rebalanced my body and got to the core of what was happening beyond the thyroid disorder. My journey to recovery sparked an interest in me and I wanted to know so much more. I was hungry for information about the intricacies of the human body and how it all works. So I took the plunge and completed a Bachelor Health Science in Naturopathy at Endeavour College of Natural Health. Five years later and I have learned the benefits of combining naturopathy with body, mind and spirit work. So I completed Reiki Level 2 from Usui Sensi lineage, and a year later have completed a Certificate IV in relaxation massage, and am on my way to finishing the Diploma of Remedial Massage in early August 2025. If my story resonates and you're seeking support with your health, book in for an appointment and let's see how I can help you restore balance in your mind, body and spirit. Love always, Melinda xo |