Written by Virk
"Along with a whole-food diet, emotional support and a positive mindset are crucial. Believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with encouraging people makes all the difference."
I’ll try to keep my story short and sweet.
My name is Virk. I received the COVID vaccine in June 2021, and in August of the same year, I woke up in the middle of the night with severe itching in my ears. Since there was no pain, I went back to sleep. However, when I woke up the next morning, my ear was swollen, red, hot, and still slightly itchy—but still, no pain. I assumed it was just a bug bite and that it would go away on its own.
After a week with no improvement, I went to a clinic, where the doctor diagnosed it as an infection and prescribed antibiotics. Within 24 hours, my ear returned to normal, and I was relieved. But the very next day, I suddenly felt a brief sensation, as if something had bitten my ear again. Shortly after, my other ear started swelling.
I couldn’t understand what was happening. When I returned to the doctor, he advised me to continue taking antibiotics, assuring me it would resolve. But this time, nothing changed, even after a full week of continuous antibiotic use.
Concerned, I went back and specifically asked the doctor if it could be polychondritis. His response was dismissive:
“If it is, then it is. Usually, polychondritis has multiple episodes throughout the year.”
It was clear to me that he had never encountered a case like mine before.
At the same time, I was extremely stressed, convinced that my time was limited. I kept thinking, What can I do in just five years? I’m only 28—I don’t want to die so young.
After extensive research, I came across the story of Sabrina Nelson, which gave me a glimmer of hope. That eventually led me to Dr. McDougall, and through him, I connected with Jitka.
I went to extreme lengths with my diet (which, in hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have done), but I lost 15 kilos in three months. I followed a strict oil-free diet, drank green smoothies every morning, and incorporated light exercise and yoga into my routine.
After six months without any symptoms, I began to wonder if my condition had been a reaction to the vaccine or the minoxidil I was using for hair growth. To this day, I’m still not sure. What I do know is that I found hope when I connected with Jitka.
I’m now trying to stay vegetarian, though I’ve started gaining some weight again after reintroducing small amounts of oily food. My weight went from 70 kg to 55 kg, and now I’m at 63 kg, which feels ideal for me. It has been over a year since my last ear swelling, and I feel like I’ve either healed or reset my body through diet. I’ve had no issues since then, and I’m doing well.
— Virk (April, 2023)
Added by Virk on February 25, 2025:
Looking back at my own story, it almost feels surreal. I was so worried and had such low hopes, but through a whole-food diet, I feel like I was able to reset my body.
During that period, I stopped consuming alcohol and eliminated processed foods like bread, chips, and fast food. My daily routine started with waking up and drinking turmeric tea, followed by a walk. Afterward, I would have a smoothie, which varied daily but was usually 50% vegetables, 50% fruits, with some chia or flaxseeds.
Most of my day revolved around cooking. I would bake sweet potatoes, make homemade fries (air-fried with no oil), and eat naturally fermented bread with avocado guacamole. In the evening, I had homemade roti with lentil soup, chickpea curry, or other improvised oil-free Indian dishes with minimal salt.
After following this strict diet for a long time, I gradually started eating out—but I stuck to vegan options. I hadn’t realized there were so many vegan restaurants, some of which barely use oil, salt, or sugar. As I became more comfortable, I began mixing homemade meals with restaurant food. Over time, I slowly transitioned back to my original diet, which included more fast food. However, I’ve learned my lesson.
Even though I eat restaurant food now, I ensure my grocery shopping is focused on whole, unprocessed foods. I prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, cold-pressed juices, and anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, berries, and cherries. I’ve gained some weight due to my sedentary job and weekend beer drinking, but I know how to adjust my diet when needed.
If I could go back in time, I would have been less extreme with my diet and given myself some breathing room with healthy fats and essential supplements like B12, D3, and vitamin C. Along with a whole-food diet, emotional support and a positive mindset are crucial. Believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with encouraging people makes all the difference.
— Virk (February, 2025)
Note from Jitka:
Virk first contacted me in November 2021 after his second ear swelling, about three months after his RP symptoms began. He immediately changed his diet and lifestyle, and since then, he has never had another episode.
It took about three months on a whole-food, plant-based diet for him to become completely symptom-free. While we don’t know for sure what triggered his RP flares, I believe his good health, young age, and strong determination played a significant role in his recovery.
Although the time it takes to put RP and other autoimmune or chronic diseases into remission varies from person to person, I have seen it happen many times before.
As Virk beautifully summarized, the key to success is not just diet and lifestyle changes but also a strong will to heal and emotional support.
I’m thrilled that Virk has discovered that dietary restrictions don’t have to be lifelong. Now, he knows exactly what to do if his symptoms ever return—adjust his lifestyle accordingly.
Good luck, Virk! Wishing you a happy and healthy future.
— Jitka (February, 2025)
If you or someone you know is dealing with this or another autoimmune condition, please share my website so they can learn how to manage their health and, ideally, put their disease into remission.
Thank you,
— Jitka