While in the hospital prior to surgery, my kidneys failed and they were discussing dialysis. The kidneys began to function and they scheduled surgery. Three days after discharge, I developed cellulitis. I went back in the hospital for another week.  Cellulitis is treated with IV Vancomycin. Some of the needles infiltrated, which meant I had large doses under my skin which needed to be absorbed.  All of my veins were blown with the durg and it took some areas up to a year to absorb.  What they do not tell you is that all of your good bacteria and any other beneficial bug in your body will be overcome with this drug and you will have an exacerbation of candida and yeast infections like nothing you've ever experienced.  Two weeks after discharge my vision started failing.  The cartlage in my shoulder was gone. Both issues were said to be a form of arthritls.  Since that time, I have been battling candida effects without having a true understanding of how I got it and how to treat it - LFI is showing me the way - clean food as medince.  When I showed up for class the first day, I was ill: extreme nausea and other very unpleasant symptoms.  I would not have given you two cents for my ability to make it through the class, but I knew I had to be here. I had taken ill about 3 weeks before.  I felt overwhelmed.  Once we started detoxing the symptoms worsened and I felt absolutely awful.  Detoxing is a very necessary part of healing.  This ten day journey has been gratifying in unexpected ways.  Many of my physical symptoms are still with me, but as we say, this too shall pass.  I had allowed myself to get very toxic, so I am not complaining, just explaining.  The gratification I speak of has to do with my classmates, the learning experiences in the kitchen and the "I've been where you are" and "I persevered and healed" staff at LFI.  The human touch when expressed with love is very, very, very healing. Hugs abound at LFI.  The last couple of days have reaped countless benefits from staff and fellow students alike.  I thank you!  Our strengths (yes we do have them) and our weaknesses (which I focused on way too much) are shown to us in the classes and we are loved into overcoming with techniques and teachings that make us feel accepted for who we are and who we will become. I applaud myself for completing this portion of my journey to wellness and look forward with joy to complete healing. I applaud my fellow students, many whom I truly feel connected to, for their success in this life changing life event.  And I must thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for pointing the way and using Brenda Cobb to help us all.