Which Program is right for you?

Which Beachbody Program Is Best For YOU? 

If you are reading this it's because you have interest in one or more of Beachbody's amazing programs!! That's incredible! I love them and they have made a tremendous impact on my health and fitness journey! You'll find descriptions of some of our most popular workouts to help you make the decision of which one is best for you!

Getting a challenge pack is seriously your best value because you get so much more for your money. (I'm all about $avings) You get Shakeology which is like the best stuff ever, and that statement is coming from one of the most skeptical people EVER to try it! I thought it was bull! Honestly.. How on earth could a shake have all these bells and whistles, The people telling me all about it act like unicorns fly out of the bag and rainbows shoot across the sky while confetti floats down to earth!

Yeah right!?!? Well.. I decided one day to try it, there is a money back guarantee and I absolutely thought I would be taking advantage of that because nothing could hold up to the hype. I was wrong. Cue the Unicorns!! I loved it and I could tell pretty quickly that my body was feeling and performing better. I had more energy, skin was clear, I just felt better overall! No unicorns, rainbows, or confetti but that would be kind of scary if it actually were to happen. Awesome but freaking scary! I have been drinking it since. I had my husband try it just to get another unbiased opinion, YEP he loved it too!

So, after trying this and having incredible results with my program, and overcoming some incredible challenges in my health and life, I decided to become a coach. I have learned so much and my heart is in this!!! What is better than helping people live healthy and happy lives?!? I just want you to know that I am a pretty straight forward tell it like it is person, so I'm not here to fool you or take your money! I look at it like this,  If you were to find the most comfortable jeans ever and they looked freaking amazing, wouldn't you tell others?  Wouldn't you say, HEY  YOU!   Yes you! You should check out these amazing jeans, they fit and feel good, plus my booty is popping!! hahahaha I would, I'm that girl!!!This is is part of my every day routine and it is amazing, so why wouldn't I share and help others?!

Anyway, so on to the programs. (Can you tell I also love to talk?!!?)

 The 21 Day Fix!

Simple Fitness. Simple Eating. Fast Results.

It's not another diet. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. 21 Day Fix lets you eat! Only in just the right portions, so you don't feel miserable and deprived! You'll lose weight and feel satisfied!

What's the secret? A clean eating meal plan and portion control containers!!  Each one is color-coded for a different kind of food, (Protein, Vegetables, Fruit, Carbs, Healthy fats, Seeds, Dressings) and pre-measured for the precise portion. You'll never have to 'eyeball' your measurements again, it takes away all the guesswork! If it fits in it, you can eat it!!

Combine this eating plan with one 30-minute workout a day. That's all. It's that simple! 

I love this program, I lost 40 pounds doing this, I would finish one round and start on the next! I also did this as soon as I was released for physical activity following a total hysterectomy! The odds were against me and I still saw incredible results. Other than weight loss, I just felt so much better and began to see muscle definition/tone.  

 

21 Day Fix Extreme!

This program takes up the intensity. If you are beginner, I recommened starting with The 21 day fix, if you are active, this is a great workout!! If you need to get seriously shredded in the shortest time possible, this can help you! See how simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme 30-minute workouts will help you get the toned body you've always wanted. Extreme Fitness. Simple Eating. Serious Results. When you absolutely, positively need to get lean and defined in the shortest time possible...21 Day Fix EXTREME is the way to do it. Give it all the guts, intensity, and drive you've got for 21 days-and you WILL get that body!! The workouts are short, but they're extreme. The eating plan is simple, but there's no room for treats or cheating. It's a serious 21 days. But stick with it, and you'll walk away with serious results. 

This is an incredible workout but is no joke!! It is serious business. 

Country Heat!

This workout is incredibly fun! Even those who aren't crazy about country music are loving it! It is so much fun especially for cardio, the kids love to join in which makes it fun for the whole family! This is seriously changing fitness!! You can be at any fitness level!

Shaping, toning, and tightening your entire body takes the right combination of fitness and nutrition. And with the Country Heat and Shakeology Challenge Pack, you'll get a high-energy, low-impact, country dance-inspired workout that's fun, simple, and designed to help you melt off the weight.

 

Cize!

The End of Exercize

CIZE is a dance program for everyone and makes exercise something to look forward to! Professional choreographer and trainer Shaun T breaks down dance courses step-by-step, move-by-move, so that anyone can dance their way to fit in just four weeks.

CIZE may be the end of exercise—but it’s not the end of hard work. CIZE keeps you moving the whole time by constantly introducing new moves that give you cardio training, strengthen your core, and tone every muscle—all at once. You’ll be so in the zone mastering the moves, you’ll forget you’re working out—and getting in the best shape of your life. The more you get into it, the more you get out of it.

Plus, as the courses progress, they get more challenging. And that means more moving, more sweating, and more calories burned. 

 22 Minute Hard Corps

Get Boot Camp Fit in only 8 weeks!

Legendary trainer Tony Horton has created a challenging but simple-to-follow workout program inspired by training techniques used by the military. Each workout in 22 Minute Hard Corps is a quick—and intense—calorie-blasting drill designed to get you 'boot camp fit' in just 8 weeks. You just show up, keep up, and get in shape!

What makes 22 Minute Hard Corps effective?

You get eight short workouts, 6 days a week—so your mind never gets bored, and your body never adapts. The workouts feature a unique blend of cardio and resistance training that targets multiple major muscle groups in your body and can help you get shredded fast.

 Piyo! 

PiYo isn't like standard Pilates and yoga classes that make you hold long, intense poses, or lead you through dozens of repetitive, microscopic core movements. PiYo speeds everything up—including your results—by introducing you to dynamic, flowing sequences that can burn serious calories at the same time as they lengthen and tone your muscles and increase your flexibility.
With every action-packed PiYo session, you can burn excess fat and sculpt and define your whole body, as you minimize the aches and pains that can come along with high-impact workouts. No matter your age, no matter your body type, PiYo will help give you dramatically visible, incredibly beautiful results.

Hammer and Chisel!

  

Sculpt your ultimate physique in 60 days

For the very first time, trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have teamed up to create an expert program designed to help you craft a powerful, perfectly defined body. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is an innovative resistance- training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phases—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—or SSP Training. This is how Sagi and Autumn help you efficiently build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days. 

 

Body Beast!

 

Body Beast is a powerful fat-burning, muscle-defining, weight-training program that can help you get completely ripped and chiseled in just 90 days. Created by Sagi Kalev, world-renowned trainer and former two-time Mr. Israel, Body Beast combines extreme workouts, groundbreaking nutrition, and scientifically advanced supplementation. Whether you’re new to lifting weights or are a certified gym rat, Body Beast will deliver results beyond what you imagined possible.

Body Beast is the first training regimen designed to get you a head-turning physique—in the comfort of your home. You don’t need to join a gym, hire a spotter, or have an Olympic weight-lifting set. With dumbbells, the correct nutrition, and the desire to work hard, Body Beast will help you get completely shredded and help you carve sexy, contoured muscles, without spending thousands on a personal trainer or an expensive gym membership.

And the best part is, Sagi Kalev will motivate and inspire you, as he has done for countless professional bodybuilders over the last few decades.

 

 

If you are interested in one of the programs feel free to check out my page to purchase your challenge pack. In my own experience I have had much better results using Shakeology along with my fitness routines.

www.beachbodycoach.com/krystalagic

You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/krystalagic

Giveaway!!!

Hi Everyone!

Since I have received multiple bonuses since starting my business I thought I would be fun to offer a giveaway!  You may enter on the post at www.facebook.com/skinnyinfinity The prize is a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Rules and Entry are located in the post! Good Luck! 

Check out my May challenge while you're there! 

My newest endeavour and I love it!

Hey y'all!
So many of you followed my journey through 2014. It was a very dark and miserable time for me. I was extremely ill and good health had not been on my side for quite sometime. I was actually sedentary by fall of 2014 on doctors orders. They were afraid that activity could cause multiple ruptures inside of me and could cause excruciating pain and in some cases death. It's an extremely scary way to walk around feeling as if you swallowed a bomb that could detonate at any time rendering you helpless if alive. Many of you reached out and helped me in a desperate time and I will forever be appreciative of that! You have no idea the blessing you were and how just your messages and concerns lifted my spirits.

Fast forward to now!
Ok, so I am certain that if we are friends on Facebook you have seen my fitness posts by now! I want you to understand that this isn't to make anyone feel bad or unhealthy. I am beyond excited about this new venture in my journey because a little over a year ago I was afraid of how my family would carry on or how they would heal if I didn't survive. Sounds awful, because it was. This "new" me is one that is grateful and so thankful. I look for the positive and try to overcome negativity with grace. I will not live this life and take it for granted. I am genuinely excited! I am thrilled each day to see the strength my body has established. It was not easy to get here and I had to overcome a lot. I'm here and I'm still going forward.

I want others to know that even when you feel there is no hope, no change that can happen, that your body is too sick or ruined, YOU CAN! I am proof that even in the most desperate and devastating place your physical body can be in, you can climb up, slowly. You take baby steps, you don't give up on yourself ever! One day you'll look back at yourself and you'll be proud and you'll respect that your body is capable of amazing things! You can overcome!

 

My body went through so much trauma and change it was insane. When I underwent my excision surgery for Stage IV endometriosis they had to repair my anatomy before they could even begin with the procedure. I had organs in places they shouldn't be and attached to places they shouldn't attach. (I have other posts regarding endometriosis if you would like more info.) During the process of fixing my anatomy it was described as if  I was peeled from the inside. They had to remove so many organs from my abdominal wall, then they began the procedure. I had a full hysterectomy, an appendectomy, excision of endometriosis, and several other procedures (over 15). This was my last resort, my last hope to get better.

Recovery was tough, it was long, but once I was released to exercise again I jumped on it. I was not going to live like this. I wanted good health, and happiness. My story would not end like that. This is one of the many ways life is amazing. My journey continues but now I am not a testimony of devastation and pain, but now I can tell you about health and life.  If I can come back from the place my body was in, you can too! You have it in you. If being healthy and active is something you long to be, then why not? Don't stand in your own way. You can start with tiny improvements and before you know it, you'll amaze yourself! You will be strong! You will be fit! You will be healthy!

 

I joined with Beachbody as a coach because these programs have helped me build a strong and healthy body and a great foundation.  I started with 21 day fix directly after my surgery, in my determination of being better and healthy. Healthy was something I could never describe myself as before. I wasn't, my body couldn't be. Every time I got started I got knocked of the horse! No more. I modified moves, I ate better, I began to realize I could do things I was never strong enough to do and before I knew it I was blowing myself away with the things I was capable of! Burpees, ha, how about burpees with an upright row! lol Yep, pretty amazing stuff!

 

If you're ready to change your story and your life, don't wait, just do it. There is never a perfect time, the time is now! The sooner you start the sooner you'll be there and you will never regret that decision. You will love yourself for it. The best project you will ever work on really is you!

 

Love yourself today!
Love,
Me

Feel free to friend me or message me!
https://www.facebook.com/krystalagic

PLEASE READ THIS POST!

I want everyone to read this post and I think it is imperative. 

If you knew there was a disease affecting millions of women, but no one would talk about it,

would you help???

There is a disease affecting 176 million women, but most people have never heard of it.

How does this happen?

It's because many find the topic of this disease uncomfortable.

For the sake of these women, please educate yourself so that you may be able to help them.

At the rate of 1 in 10 women suffering with this disease, you most likely know someone who suffers with it.

You may not even be aware of it because many women with this disease are embarrassed and feel misunderstood, so they don't discuss it openly.

One of these people could be your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, or any loved one or friend.

This must stop, millions of women are suffering a pain many have never experienced, 

and they are ashamed. That doesn't seem right to me.

It doesn't seem okay to me that 176 million suffer with this disease and most people have never even heard of it or know what it is. How can this be?

I want this to end, so it is my request that you please educate yourselves so that if you are ever faced with this disease or know someone who is, you will have some understanding.

This also needs to happen so these women can receive the help and 

medical treatment they desperately need.

This disease is Endometriosis.

Here's the part no one wants to hear, I'll keep it brief and we will move on to how you can help.

Endometriosis is pronounced END-O-ME-TREE-OSIS

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells (cells from the lining of the uterus), exist outside of the uterus. They can be found on the outside of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or on surrounding organs in the abdomen such as the intestines, bladder, appendix, or rectum. 

In rare cases endometriosis has been found on the lungs and brain.

 Think of roots on a plant, how they reach out and grow, endometriosis is a lot like that. 

It causes lesions and scarring wherever it is located and with all of this comes severe pain.

There are four stages of Endometriosis

Stage I: Minimal

Stage II: Mild

Stage III:  Moderate

Stage IV: Severe

Symptoms of endometriosis vary but can be:

Fatigue

Pelvic Pain

Severe Cramps

Nausea &/or Vomiting

Chronic Lower Back Pain

Diarrhea &/or Constipation

Pain with Sexual Activity

Infertility or pregnancy loss

Headaches

There is no known definite cause of endometriosis and there is NO cure.

To confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis, a procedure called laproscopic surgery would need to be preformed so that a biopsy of the tissue could be tested.

This surgery is minimally invasive.

Treatments of endometriosis include:

Birth Control

Other horomonal therapies (use caution and research)

Diet and Exercise

Excision Surgery

The best known treatment as of now is excision surgery, not ablation. 

Excision surgery offers a low recurrence rate.

In the past, a hysterectomy was thought to cure endometriosis. This is one of the biggest misconceptions regarding this disease. This should not be considered a cure!

 Now you have an understanding of what Endometriosis is.

There are many misconceptions regarding this disease and this has to stop! If you do not have accurate knowledge of endometriosis, please do not suggest to others things that you may have heard.

This could lead a person in the wrong direction, and only continues the confusion regarding this disease.

My personal experience with this disease has led me to advocate for others and myself.

If you are a sufferer of this disease, you will have to educate yourself and stand up for your health.

Unfortunately, even many physicians are not well informed regarding this disease, again due to 

misconceptions and misinformation.

Let's all stop the misinformation and start educating ourselves and others.

176 million women are relying on it!

I was diagnosed as a teenager. I went into surgery because I knew something was not right.

I knew that I shouldn't hurt so badly. Please listen to your body.

I was diagnosed as stage IV.

Stage IV is severe and means that it is widespread.

I suffered endlessly with this disease, I tried birth control, injections of a medicine that was made to treat prostate cancer, very bad drug. In my opinion this is an unsafe drug and should not be on the market.

If you choose to use this treatment, please take caution and educate yourself.

I had multiple surgeries, all to no avail. 

The pain with endometriosis is like no other I have ever experienced, including childbirth. 

This pain is like what I would imagine being shot feels like. It feels like something is inside of you slicing you into pieces. The pain is ruthless and inhumane.

It is hard to get under control even with some of the strongest pain medications.

This disease stole many moments from my life, many special events, many memories that should have been made. It stole my well being, at times my emotional stability and finally it stole some of my organs.

This disease is serious and should be treated as such.

I recently was extremely fortunate to go to one of the few surgeons that are skilled enough to excise endometriosis, currently there are not very many at all. Less than a dozen in the USA.

I went to Atlanta, GA where I was operated on by the admirable, Dr. Ken Sinervo. 

I am in less pain recovering than I was going in, so I am very grateful. 

Before going into this surgery I knew that this disease had progressed and was doing so rapidly.  Things were never right, but I knew that it was far worse. I was so afraid because I thought it was getting the best of me. I honestly at times wondered if it was going to kill me. There were times I was even afraid to fall asleep.

During the surgery Dr. Sinervo found that many of my organs were bound to each other, several had to be dissected apart. They actually had to correct my anatomy before they could proceed with my surgery. My appendix was ruined, obliterated by endometriosis and had developed a tumor. I am so thankful that it wasn't cancerous. My ovaries were both mutilated, one with a mass the size of a babies head. It had been pressing on my other organs for a few months prior to surgery causing even more sever pain than I had already been experiencing. My urethra was attached to my abdominal wall and had to be dissected away so it would be able to function properly. This disease was on almost all of my abdominal and pelvic region wreaking havoc on my life. 

I am all better now with less than a 1% chance of a recurrence, I am blessed.

This disease is a serious condition!

When I say that those of you who were gracious enough to reach out and help me in any way saved me, 

I want you to know that you really did.

It wouldn't have been possible without you all and your support.

You made a difference, you changed my life.

I pray that God blesses each and every on of you and know that I am so grateful and that 

you mean the world to me! 

If you or someone you know has or suspects that they may have endometriosis and would like more information, please share my contact info with them.

If you have endometriosis and you need more information or need support, please reach out. There are support groups and many people who will help you.  If you need someone to talk to or just some support, please feel free to reach out to me. I completely understand, no judgement.

Thank you to all who took the time to read and educate yourselves! 

 

 

My life with Endometriosis

I have suffered with endometriosis for 20 years, unfortunately,

 I have lots of personal experience with this disease and this post is just a little about my experience.

How did I know I had Endometriosis?

I didn't know at first. I know that I had the most painful periods of anyone that I knew. Tylenol couldn't even begin to touch the pain. I tried all over the counter medicines, but none helped. I began spending hours in the doctors office each month, 
as well as the Emergency Room.

After a year of horrid periods, which began directly as soon as my first cycle, I went to Charlotte NC to meet with a doctor who mentioned that she thought that I had endometriosis.  I was scheduled for emergency surgery and was diagnosed the following week. I was one of the lucky ones as far as diagnosis goes because the average time for women to get a diagnosis is 6-10 years.

 

What did they find?

During my first "lap" (laproscopic surgery) the found lots of endometriosis implants. This is where endometriosis is somewhat rooted, for lack of a better word. It grows and feeds on estrogen. (think of little shop of horrors- you know, "feed me Seymour") . It feels like I have a monster with a chainsaw inside of me at times. 

  I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis which is when advanced endometrial tissue is not only on reproductive organs, but is also on other areas of the body. For more information regarding stages of endo, click here.

It spreads and reaches to other areas and attaches itself on other organs and/or parts of the body. (think of stepping in chewing gum on hot pavement, when you life your foot, it is stringy and attached to both your shoe and the pavement.)

During my procedure they found endometriosis on my ovaries, uterus, intestines, bladder, and a many other places. I was also told during my first lap that I would never be able to conceive a child due to the damage my reproductive organs had already incurred.  Following a test they do by running dye through your fallopian tubes to see how open they are, they discovered that mine were sealed shut with scar tissue. I did later conceive a child. I had two pregnancies actually. I had a beautiful red headed, blue eyed precious baby girl! She is 13 now. Don't give up, Miracle babies do happen! I had a miscarriage in 2007 

which we feel was due to endometriosis.

How I felt following my diagnosis?

Following my diagnosis, I was shocked and I didn't know what having endometriosis meant. I was somewhat sad, but mostly confused. I remember wondering if it could be fatal? My doctor told me that some women have it and it just causes painful periods and that I would need to take hormonal treatments to try to keep it under control. At 16 I began taking birth control. The doctor said that I would need more surgeries to "clean up" the endometriosis. Overall the doctor didn't act like it was much of a big deal at all. I left with little information, other than I would suffer with this and there is no cure. There were no support groups at this time, or at least none that I was aware of.  There was also little information about endometriosis. It was looked at as basically a cut and dry diagnosis. You have it, deal with it, no cure. 

What is life like right now?

Click here to read my other blog post that explains "my now".

If you have endometriosis, suspect you may have endometriosis, know someone with endometriosis, need support or have questions, please feel free to contact me.

You can find contact information in the right column. 

I would be thrilled to help you. 

  Symptoms of Endometriosis  

• Severe Pain and Cramps 
• Backache                        
• Painful intercourse            
• Painful bowel movements 
• Fatigue                            
•  Constipation or Diarrhea 

For a more detailed list of symptoms click here.

About Endo...what?

Endometriosis

What? What did you say?,

What is that?,

Endometriosis is a word that most people either 
reply or respond 
seemingly creep-ed out &/or uncomfortable.
 I hope to help change that.

Some of those who are aware of it, are unfortunately usually misinformed, which leads to misunderstanding.
Misunderstanding leads to the spread of misinformation. This isn't helping anyone. 

This is why awareness of Endometriosis is so important. More important than you probably realize, but I'm going to try my best to change that! Please hang in there, don't close the window. You really do need to know this information. Endometriosis can affect any female. It could be your mother, sister, aunt, daughter, cousin, girlfriend, your wife, or simply someone you know.. Upon this occurrence, I hope that you would want to be correctly informed and hopefully understanding.

   

The confusion of the topic or lack of knowledge of endometriosis is due to the lack of awareness and part of that is because it isn't a comfortable conversation to have. We must all inform ourselves so those who suffer, they can be understood and not suffer alone.

Let's start with defining Endometriosis,
 Endo (Endometriosis) as defined by the Center for Endometriosis Care, is when tissue similar to (but different from) the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found thriving elsewhere in the body - usually in the pelvis, but sometimes even in 
remote locations (even the brain, though this is extremely rare). 
There are great answers to FAQ as well as lots of other information about endo on the CEC's (Center for Endometriosis Care) website.
Click here!

There are four stages of endometriosis 
This chart explains how the characteristics of each stage. 

Stages of Endometriosis

 

 Symptoms of Endometriosis  

• Severe Pain and Cramps   
• Backache                              
• Painful intercourse             
• Painful bowel movements 
• Fatigue                                 
•  Constipation or Diarrhea  

For a more detailed list of symptoms click here.

I hope that we all can educate ourselves and others about Endometriosis.

Even though we live in such an advanced society, people still get uncomfortable speaking of something that we are all aware of and is perfectly natural to occur. 

Some people are more uncomfortable discussing periods than they would be arriving to the scene of a horrific accident. 

So sad, but very true.  People get very squeamish and most do not want to discuss it.

We as women are taught that it is to be discreet and at times almost as if we should be ashamed or embarrassed by this monthly occurrence of being a female.

I find this ridiculous, ignorant, and taboo. 

If you aren't aware, which I'm certain you are, every female experiences menstruation. This includes people you love and if it weren't for this "disgusting" topic, you wouldn't exist. 

It's ok for it not to be an exciting topic or one that we feel like shouting about, but it has to become more acceptable and somewhat of a comfortable topic, and I'll be happy to explain why that is. 

There are many issues including endometriosis that people suffer with, and because of this stigma, many girls and women find it difficult to discuss therefore, illnesses remain unknown and/or do not find treatment soon enough, this is unacceptable and is occurring because many are ashamed. It's ridiculous.

You can find many resources and information on The Center for Endometriosis Care's website.
Click here for resources and articles!
 

Endometriosis Myths
Unfortunately, there are many myths about endometriosis. The one I hear the most is "A hysterectomy will cure you".  This is just misinformation.  If you have heard this, please inform yourself so you do not spread misinformation. 
PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE SO WE DON'T CONTINUE TO MISINFORM.
 Here is a great article called, 
Myths and misconceptions in endometriosis, 
written by  Ros Wood, Heather Guidone, and Lone HUmmelshoj

The Current Happenings of Me...

Today's entry is a bit of a tough one for me, but needs to be discussed so it can be more comfortable for the person(s) who may experience a similar situation at some point, that person could even be you. I certainly hope not, but you never know. 

I'll begin with what is my "Now".  

The current happenings of me are not pretty, it's actually really just awful.
It is seriously one of the darkest times in my life. We've all experienced a hard time, but this so much more.

I'm not seeking pity, just stating how things are, It is what it is, right!?!
There is a silver lining, I'll get to that soon.

I suffer from stage IV Endometriosis, which needless to say is nothing short of terrible to say the least.

If you are uncertain of what Endometriosis is or would like more information

Click here!

So currently I am dealing with severe endometriosis, which causes a multitude of symptoms which include: fatigue, severe pain, lower back pain, bowel issues, and many more.

Not only am I dealing with Endo (Endometriosis), but I am dealing with so many other things and details.
In mid 2014 in early summer I found out that I have a huge cyst on my right ovary that will most likely need to be surgically removed. This causes me tremendous pain, and puts a huge strain on that organ. This isn't the awful pain like when you stump your toe, it's actually 100 times worse. Sounds unbelievable I know. This pain will take your breathe, take your balance, and make your body bend in ways that are not normal.  I have fallen to my knees, unable to move, vomited, and passed out due to this. Somewhere around this time is when I began needing heavy pain medicine just to function and be able to get up and do daily activities.
I knew at this time that I could no longer fight this horrid disease. It was taking it's toll on my body and is now claiming my organs.

I knew it would happen one day...
It is time to schedule a very serious surgery and reclaim my life. My body is losing the fight.
I have so many issues with this. I am unsure of why, but I will admit that I am having a very difficult time.
I know women have hysterectomies all the time. I'm sure some of it has to do with losing parts of my body.  It is just so unfair. I am not only having a hysterectomy because a hyst alone will not "cure" or help very much, because I have widespread endo. I have Endo on my ovaries, uterus, bladder, bowels, and in many other locations in my abdominal and pelvic area. All of these areas would need to be addressed to prevent growth of endo later down the road.  *Endometriosis lives off of estrogen, many believe by taking ovaries, they take estrogen away and endo will die.  This is not the case in severe cases.  Endometriosis creates it's own estrogen. It's not the amount the ovaries produced but estrogen is still present, therefore there is still growth and complications.  Estrogen is also found in many foods*  To properly be treated in my case, I need excision surgery to remove the Endometriosis so that my other organs can be freed of the disease.

I spoke with the surgeon.
That was very exciting, after all he will be one of my heroes. He is extremely skilled and only specializes with endometriosis. His name is Dr. Ken Sinervo. He practices at the Center for Endometriosis Care. There are only a handful or two of surgeons currently in the US that are skilled enough to perform this type of operation successfully. He explained to me from my medical records and symptoms what types of procedures we will begin with, and once inside he will address other areas as needed. Currently there are 5 known procedures ahead of me. He tells me that my surgery will last at least 6 hours, but be longer. This makes me extremely nervous. I also learned that I suffer most likely, with adenomyosis, this causes sever pain involving the uterus. FYI- My husband, Jacob will keep everyone informed until I am able to post.

Over the past few months I have had numerous ER and doctor visits due to unbearable pain.
After several visits, I find out that I now have another huge cyst on my left ovary.
This revelation was so disheartening, as I was in high hopes of being able to salvage my left ovary if possible to balance hormones.  This was it, I would have to lose it as well. 

My feelings are so unlike me. I'm not a resentful or angry person. I try to be upbeat and positive, but currently I am having such a terrible time. I have never felt so helpless in my life, so fragile and vulnerable.
I do not like it one little bit. My hormones are raging due to the strain that both ovaries are now experiencing. I'm in constant pain and on medications, this makes me irritable at times.  So put that with a hormonal imbalance and that is a dangerous concoction.  I am saddened that my body is so broken. I hate that despite the fact that I knew it would happen one day, it hasn't made it any easier. I am devastated. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but I feel so jaded. I don't want to lose organs. I feel that I have failed, I've lost the battle. I know that truly isn't the case, but I can't seem to help the emotions regarding it. This is hard. This is sad.

On to more feelings, lucky you ;)
I have had to set up a crowdfunding account. Regardless of how wonderful that opportunity is, it is still so humiliating to some degree to expose yourself, the parts of yourself that you aren't happy or proud of.   How awful it is to not be able to take care of yourself. I do not want anyone's pity, I only want understanding and awareness. I have insurance, but because I am going out of state and to a specialist, there is a lot of expense up front.  This isn't even counting the expense of travel and needing to be in Atlanta for several days. It's quite costly.  I will also get smacked with the remainder of bills after the insurance does their thing.

 Over the last year, my medical bills are nothing short of ridiculous, but that is nothing new with this dreadful disease. I've had issues with medical bills as longs as I can remember. 
This disease is expensive.

I am a nervous wreck and I am so scared. I am told by my doctor to avoid stress at all costs. I've been prescribed two types of anti depressants, one is supposed to help me rest. I know we can all use some help sometimes but I truly hate having to medicate myself with chemicals and drugs. It is helping some, I suppose but I would really hate to see me right now without them. Between nerves, hormones, and severe pain, I honestly feel like I just can't cope at times.  I am not this person.

It is critically important for people to recognize endometriosis as the serious disease that it is. Endometriosis will steal me of my organs, it has caused me to have multiple surgeries, and I'm awaiting a huge one. It has stolen birthday parties, holidays, and lots of special occasions that I should have been a part of. It has stolen memories and so many days of my life. It has taken jobs and opportunities. I plan my life around a calendar that I know without a doubt 7-10 days of each month will be a living hell inside of me.
Endometriosis will try to take my life. Slowly it will attach itself to my organs and insides, where it has made it's home. It will invade areas of my body and implant itself as if it has found a new land.  It will squeeze my organs, it will cut of blood flow. My body will scream for relief but that is so hard to find. Heating pads, medications, narcotics, and scalding hot baths/showers
help, but still the pain will remain.
 Any relief is temporary and short lived.

The current happenings of me are not pretty, it's actually really just awful.
BUT SOON THAT WILL CHANGE.
You will read a post before long about one happy lady. 
 She will be free and She is Me.
I will have a life changing surgery, in just a short number of days (12 to be exact) It will be thanks to so many people who cared enough about me to help. I had to go out of my comfort zone, and when I did I found the most amazing people. They are the people who truly care about the being of my life, my existence. There are still wonderful people in the world who care. I was beyond touched by you all, a place in my heart is reserved for each of you. Complete strangers reached out to help me. My heart is so full of thanks and joy.
The thing that I most dreaded to have to do, to ask others to help me in ways that I couldn't help myself, turned into so much love. Humiliation was turned to an outpouring of love and support. I am honored to know you all. There are not enough words to express my gratitude.  Soon I will return to a time before pain, I'll feel 14, ;) I will again be able to exercise, I will be able to exert myself and not have to rest for days. Overdoing it won't be so easy! Get ready everyone, positive and upbeat Krystal is coming back!

Endometriosis awareness will forever be very important to me, This disease needs awareness so that young girls and women don't have to suffer unnecessarily as many others and myself have. If you or someone you know may be experiencing anything similar to Endo, you are concerned, or would just like more info, Please feel free to contact me. If you have endometriosis, I know of many support groups and other women who would love to be there to support you through your journey, me included. It isn't easy and you are not alone.

The Silver Lining...
The silver lining for me is you, the one's of you who have cared enough to follow my story and support me. You have no idea how amazing you are, I never imagined that I could experience this wonderful feeling of an outpouring of support and love.  I know that I am loved and I want you to know that I love you!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!