Antibiotics, Gut Health & Taking My Power Back

From November 18th to December 31st, I was on IV antibiotics.
Then oral antibiotics… right up until yesterday.
That is a long time.
But it was imperative.

Bacterial meningitis is not something you "lightly treat." It is aggressive. It is dangerous. And because I do not have a spleen, my immune system doesn't have one of its key defenders. That changes everything. The treatment had to be thorough. Relentless. Non-negotiable.
The antibiotics weren't optional. They were lifesaving.

And I am profoundly grateful for them.

But here's the honest part.
When you're on antibiotics that long, they don't just fight harmful bacteria — they wipe out the good bacteria too. The delicate ecosystem in your gut takes a hit. And your gut isn't just about digestion. It plays a massive role in immunity, inflammation, mood, and overall health.

So now?
Now the rebuilding begins.
And I'm genuinely excited about it.
What Comes Next: Rebuilding Stronger
This next chapter is about restoration.

Here's how I'm approaching it:
1. Intentional Nutrition
Whole foods. Colourful plates. Anti-inflammatory choices. Fermented foods. Fiber. Hydration. Food that supports my microbiome instead of stressing it.
2. Movement (Within My Recovery Limits)
Gentle exercise to stimulate circulation, lymphatic flow, and immune resilience. Nothing extreme. Just consistent, loving movement.
3. Mindfulness & Nervous System Care
Stress impacts immunity. Period. Breathwork. Gratitude. Slowing down. Supporting my nervous system is not indulgent — it's strategic.
4. An Amazing Care Team
Doctors. Therapists. Support professionals. I am not doing this alone. Healing is collaborative.
5. Research & Advocacy
This part matters to me deeply. When you've been through something serious, you learn quickly: no one will advocate for you harder than you. I ask questions. I read. I take notes. I participate in my recovery.

Taking control of your health — even in small ways — is a confidence booster.
There is something incredibly empowering about saying: "I may not have chosen what happened to me. But I choose how I move forward."

The Truth?
I'm happy.
Not in a naïve, everything-is-perfect way.
But in a grounded, grateful, forward-moving way.
Antibiotics saved my life. Now I get to rebuild it — stronger, smarter, more intentionally and that feels powerful.

If you're starting your own health journey — whether it's gut health, strength building, stress reduction, or a complete reset —
I'd love for you to follow along.
We don't have to overhaul everything overnight.
We just have to begin.
Let's rebuild together

Rebuild with Lizzie 💗

🌿 Resilience in Action
Resilience in Action: Empowered Self-Advocacy & Intentional Restoration
Resilience isn't just enduring treatment.
It's choosing to actively participate in your healing once the crisis is over.
It's asking questions.
It's researching.
It's nourishing your body on purpose.
It's deciding you deserve to feel strong again.

For all things Lizzie👇
Linktr.ee/thelizzieexperience