Turbulent Waters....

In April 2018, a gnawing discomfort took hold of the lower left side of my stomach, and worry began to seep in. Docked in Rhodes, Greece, I found myself considering an unusual step—I approached the Captain to request a doctor's appointment. This wasn't a routine for me onboard, mainly because of the anticipated repercussions. The thought of additional paperwork, such as medical claims, cash receipts, or credit card receipts, weighed on me. Compounding matters was the absence of a team, meaning any absence from work would result in a backlog of tasks.

Subsequently, I visited the doctor, detailing the pain in my lower left stomach that felt as if someone were pressing on the walls from within. It wasn't a sharp ache but rather a persistent discomfort, making sitting or lying down unbearable and disrupting my sleep. Alongside this, I experienced bloating, and my ability to eliminate waste was nearly nonexistent. The doctor diagnosed constipation, prescribed laxatives, and sent me on my way. Despite feeling somewhat embarrassed for seeking medical attention for what seemed like a minor issue, I took the prescribed medication, and as my ability to use the toilet returned, I assumed the pain had subsided. However, upon reaching the shipyard in early May 2018, the pain resurfaced even more intensely. Still, with a planned vacation on June 20th, I opted to overlook these warning signs and endure the discomfort for the remainder of my time onboard.

Depths of despair....

I recall standing on the quayside with a colleague, both of us smoking a cigarette, when a sudden light-headedness and the feeling of almost fainting overwhelmed me. Swiftly, I made my way down the shipyard gangway and rushed to my cabin. Once there, I urgently contacted my colleague who was on vacation and described my symptoms – a mix of feeling hot, cold, and sweating, uncertain if I was about to vomit, urinate, or experience digestive issues simultaneously. Attempting to gather myself, my colleague, still on the video call, pleaded with me to reach out to the captain and share the situation. Despite their insistence, I resisted, assuring them that I would be fine after some rest. While my colleague emphasized the importance of prioritizing my own well-being and seeking help, I hesitated to disturb the captain, who was out for dinner with the yacht manager. Nevertheless, I sent a message, and the captain advised me to contact the nurse, medical officer, and the 1st officer onboard for a thorough assessment. The medical team's late-night visit to my cabin added an additional layer of guilt to my already discomforting situation.

They all visited my cabin to assess my condition, and throughout, I couldn't help but feel sorry for disturbing their rest at 22:00 at night. Taking precautionary measures, the 1st officer decided to send me to the hospital since we were docked, ensuring a thorough medical evaluation. I took a taxi with the medical officer and reached the general hospital around 23:30 at night. After undergoing numerous tests and continuous monitoring, I was discharged at 04:30 am, with no indications of any issues. Although I was granted some time to rest, I had to be back in the office by 10:30 am.

Yawning and exhausted, I sat at my desk, yearning for an additional 12 hours of sleep. However, work demanded my attention, so I pressed on. A few days later, the sharp pain in my lower left side returned, prompting me to request a medical appointment from the captain. The agent swiftly booked the appointments, and within 10 days, while working full time, I underwent a series of rigorous tests – sigmoidoscopy, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and a CT scan of the colon. I adhered to a strict diet with a lack of fiber to prepare for each procedure, and my daily meals drew the curiosity of the crew. Special dishes of boiled chicken, a potato, and a couple of carrots, seasoned only with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, were my bland yet envy-free sustenance. When the test results arrived, it was suggested that I might have a lazy colon. I pondered whether this was something I was born with or if it could have developed overnight, given that the pains surfaced 30 years into my life.

Medical charts....

Upon returning home, armed with my medical reports, I navigated the bureaucratic challenges presented by differing healthcare systems within the NHS. Following another endoscopy, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) provided me with limited comfort. Despite the pain not being constant, its persistence dictated a strict diet and the elimination of gluten to alleviate bloating and blood in stools. Notably, I discovered that a more relaxed state diminished the prominence of the pain. A trip to Bali offered a temporary respite, exposing me to a healthier lifestyle and the soothing embrace of yoga.

The subsequent recall for an endoscopy with the NHS was emotionally charged. Results were inconclusive, leaving me with a vague diagnosis and a directive to increase fibre intake. My journey echoed with frustration, vulnerability, and a quest for understanding in the face of a mysterious ailment.

The search for answers persisted.......

Having explored every avenue with the Gastroenterologist, which yielded no substantial findings, I decided to pursue another path. Being aware of a family history of endometriosis, I sought an appointment with a gynaecologist. The extended waiting times within the NHS clashed with my 10-week-on, 10-week-off boat rotation, prompting the need for a private consultation.

After an internal pelvic examination by the private consultant, my hopes for clarity were dashed as she found no evidence of endometriosis. Equipped with prior research, I recognized that a laparoscopy was the definitive diagnostic step. Undeterred, I added myself to the waiting list, despite the anticipated wait extending to a daunting two years. Driven by the determination to find answers, I resolved to endure the prolonged wait.

Nevertheless, the journey turned into a sequence of setbacks. Frequent rescheduling became the norm, influenced by work commitments and consultations with the medical team. Seeking solace and prioritising my overall well-being, I made a deliberate choice to book a 10-day yoga retreat in Bali in December 2019. The goal was to rejuvenate my mind, body, and soul, with the added hope of cultivating a more functional digestive system.

The onset of the pandemic introduced unforeseen challenges. What originally began as a plan to set sail on the yacht in February 2020, with a planned disembarkation in May 2020, stretched unexpectedly into a prolonged period of 7.5 months. Amidst this extended timeline, my health investigation remained in limbo, shrouding me in uncertainty about when I would eventually receive answers.

To exacerbate the situation, the doctors in the UK conveyed that my crucial gynaecologist appointment, integral to the ongoing investigation, was scheduled to occur via a video call while I was still aboard the yacht. The incredulity struck me deeply: "How? Seriously?" The idea of tackling such a substantial health concern remotely felt surreal and prompted genuine questions about the efficacy of a virtual consultation in this context.

The relentless fear of the unknown.....

dragged me into the abyss of a near mental breakdown. Beneath a façade of composure, I struggled to keep myself together while also shouldering the responsibility of holding the team together onboard. Fatigue, exhaustion, and the constant fight-or-flight response had left me emotionally vulnerable, feeling weak and utterly broken. The weight of these emotions ultimately pushed me to the point of resigning from my position. In that moment, I found myself unrecognisable, completely lost in the shadows of uncertainty and despair.

Desperate to return to my safe space “Bali”, the place I found solace but unable to due to the pandemic restrictions and my lack of vaccination. My world as I knew it had crumbled.

Embarking on a journey away from the tumultuous waters of health challenges in September 2021, I rediscovered solace and rejuvenation on the tranquil shores of Bali. Intent on reclaiming lost time, I dedicated myself to an immersive month-long stay, wholeheartedly embracing the transformative rituals of "Panchakarma" — a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy rooted in the ancient wisdom of India.

In the heart of Bali, nestled within the therapeutic rituals of Panchakarma, I embarked on a holistic journey to eliminate toxins, balance doshas (bioenergies), and nurture overall well-being. This profound treatment unfolded through a series of cleansing therapies, dietary adjustments, and personalised herbal remedies, carefully tailored to my unique constitution.

Unleashing my dominant Prakruti....

It was within this sacred sanctuary that I delved into the depths of "Prakruti" - the inherent and relatively constant nature of an individual, determined at the time of conception. Prakruti, a unique fusion of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - intricately shapes our physiological and psychological makeup. Understanding this intrinsic constitution became a guiding compass in Ayurveda, essential for tailoring lifestyle, diet, and therapeutic approaches to maintain balance and foster overall health.

As I navigated this healing odyssey, a revelation emerged – a dominant Vata/Pitta constitution often manifests side effects in the colon, leading to lower left stomach pain due to Vata dosha imbalance. Rooted in factors such as dietary choices, erratic lifestyles, stress, dehydration, excessive physical activity, and seasonal changes, this imbalance required a nuanced approach.

Addressing the Vata imbalance became a journey of adopting a Vata-pacifying lifestyle – embracing warm foods, establishing routine, mastering stress management, prioritising hydration, and avoiding excessive activity. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system, became a beacon of insights, offering preventative and healing practices to navigate the intricate seas of health and well-being.

The Panchakarma Retreat...

During the Panchakarma retreat, the doctor conducted a comprehensive assessment of my diet, administered a questionnaire, measured my pulse in a unique manner, checked my weight, and provided a personalized diet plan based on my dosha. Additionally, after a couple of days, a cleanse was initiated involving the consumption of Ghee and tea in the morning, serving as a natural laxative.

Two treatments were administered each day, consisting of massages tailored to address specific concerns. Special medicated oils were created specifically for me, and application included a technique called Shahdara on the third eye. Daily routines involved body scrubs and washing the face seven times to stimulate the digestive system. In cases of no hunger, chewing on ginger with rock salt and lime was recommended to awaken the digestive fire before eating. Morning yoga or movement at sunrise followed by breakfast around 9 am was encouraged.

Self-abhyanga, or self-massage with dosha-appropriate oil, played a significant role in the morning routine. This massage aimed at promoting lymphatic drainage and colon function. Consuming lukewarm water before brushing teeth was advised to help the body excrete waste first thing in the morning. Bowel movements were suggested before having breakfast at 9 am, followed by two treatments in the morning and evening.

A conscious decision not to indulge in afternoon naps was made, considering the body's detoxification process during Panchakarma. A digital detox was also emphasised to provide peace to the mind, body, and soul. I encouraged myself to maintain a daily journal documenting my feelings and the effects of different essential oils. Silent days were incorporated into the schedule, with all meals being vegetarian. The day concluded with lights out at 9 pm, and participants were awakened by a gong 30 minutes before the morning yoga session. Additional offerings during the retreat included sound baths, private yoga sessions, and excursions.

Results...

The Panchakarma experience was transformative. I became the least bloated I've ever had, and there was no sign of water retention. The sensation of feeling lighter was profound, almost like floating. My mind felt exceptionally clear, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

During the process, I encountered a sense of heightened health and vitality. The presence of a butterfly friend added a symbolic touch to the journey, signifying positive transformation and renewal. Notably, my skin exhibited a remarkable transformation – it was glowing, clear, and clean, devoid of the dryness that may have been present before the Panchakarma retreat.

In summary, the results were not only physical but extended to mental and emotional well-being, creating a harmonious and rejuvenated state.

Now, as I share this tale of resilience and self-discovery, I invite fellow seafarers to explore the profound wisdom of Ayurveda and consider the transformative power it holds in fostering a life of balance and vitality.

Brace yourself for a nautical odyssey!

Just like every ship has its own keel, giving it structural support – let me help you navigate your personal sea of self-discovery, charting the course to unveil your distinct constitution.

Together, we'll make lifestyle changes that align with your unique maritime style, steering you toward becoming the finest version of yourself.

Ready to set sail on this Ayurvedic journey?

Cast off the lines, and let's navigate the waters of personalised transformation!

Lots of love,

Samantha x

PS: If you are interested in experiencing the magic of Ayurveda in your daily life? Book a FREE discovery call to explore how we can sail this transformative journey together.

PPS: For more tips and insights on maintaining your well-being, especially in maritime life, follow me on Instagram: HERE