Over the course of the past few weeks, I haven't slept very much. Not that I'm a good sleeper anyway, as you all well know. But it seems to have been more restless than normal. (Here is where I save you the trouble of telling me which meds to try... Melatonin doesn't work for me. Ambien puts me to sleep, but then I'm wide awake 2-3 hours later. The other one (Lunesta? I can't remember), including the OTC sleeping aids, makes me feel groggy too long the next day. Xanax I LOVE, and it works, but I take sparingly because I only get so many refills for so few pills per month.)
Anyway -- I am a tosser and a turner. And probably will be until my life settles down (will it ever settle down?). I just can't seem to turn my mind off, or get comfortable long enough to turn my mind off. I've got all sorts of things going on, which I know all of you already know about. Being a mom to kids, working a full-time job, being a 3/4-time student, actively involved in my church and the local "mid-singles" group (aka, my "social life"), and the gym, when I can squeeze it in. So, needless to say, I'm always go-go-gadget-going.
Also over the course of the past two weeks, my body feels like it's falling apart a little. My right knee is always achy. But then my left knee decided to join in. I threw my shoulder out and could barely move it for days. Then I got a kink in my left shoulder causing tension in the base of my neck, leading to a migraine. And then I woke up yesterday with a stiff neck on the right side!
I'm not writing all of this as if to say, "Wo is me... poor me... feel sorry for me!" I realized yesterday that my body is trying to keep up with my mind and due to my malnourished sleep-life, it can't do it anymore. I need to find ways to relax, and more often. I thought about the last time I slept really well, and it was when I was getting weekly massages.
Because of the whole cost factor, I probably won't go back to weekly massages. However, just like when I bought my new mattress set last year, I think I need to look at massages as an investment to my health. For reals... I started visiting my chiropractor again last week and while he's been putting me back together, I really do think I need regular massages to keep me going.
I think there is something very healing about massages, and not just because it relaxes the body. But for me, it helps me clear my mind, and slow my thoughts down so I can actually process them at a pace that makes sense. Wouldn't you agree that's worth it?
If only insurance companies would agree.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!
To make a very long story short, I joined a gym. Not just a typical gym - this is like a gym on steroids. I've never seen so many ways you can work out with tires before!
The first time I went was Saturday. I knew I'd be sore afterwards. But it was worse than I expected. I spent the entire weekend stretching, icing and Aleving, eventually adding heat therapy too.
They say 48 hours after is the peak of pain. It's true. The second day was much worse than the first. My quads were killing me, especially while going from a standing or sitting position to the other. I had to laugh when I could barely sit down on the toilet. Then I panicked, realizing that somehow I'd have to get back up!
By today, I felt much better and went for my 2nd workout session. Luckily, it was easier on the legs today but totally harder on the upper body. I have never lifted free weights before, let alone while laying across an exercise ball or leaning against a punching bag. By the time my hour was up my arms felt shaky. I knew that once I left the parking lot, I'd have to drive straight to the gas station because tomorrow I might be too sore to even work the pump! And once I got home I headed straight for the shower, for fear the longer I waited the more painful it would be to lather, rinse, and repeat. Do Not Stop. Do Not Pass Go!
I can feel the pain starting already. Forget about pumping my own gas or washing my hair, I think the simple act of brushing my teeth will seem like an impossible, strenuous chore tomorrow.
I was told that the pain will begin to fade and after about 2 weeks I will stop feeling like I will throw up or pass out, or throw up and then pass out. In the meantime if you call and I don't answer, you'll know why. I've probably fallen and I can't get up and I am in so much pain the mere act of texting is burdensome.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Like One Pig Waits for Another...
...as my mother sometimes says.
It's true. I start my new 28-day "food plan" tomorrow. It's supposed to jump-start my metabolism and in the meantime regulate things such as my thyroid and hormones. It will include a prescription and some daily vitamins. But along with this "jump-start" plan, I have to stick to a certain food diet for the rest of the month, mostly including lean proteins and fruits & veggies.
Yep. Tomorrow. I said, I am starting tomorrow. (Which is actually in a minute or two from now.) So, what does that mean I did today?
I ate. Crap loads of sugar too. I had Mexican food for lunch, loaded with cheese and guacamole and sour cream. And now? Well, now it's midnight, and I have the worse acid reflux ever and totally feel like hurling. Bleh. On the bright side, I don't think I'll be craving marble chocolate chip cupcakes or Little Debbie Star Crunches or Caramel Banana sheet cake any time soon....
I know -- I'm a pig. Haha!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wash Your Hands!!!
In honor of the cold & flu season I thought I'd share some funny "wash your hands" signs that have been found posted in various companies.
Ummm... why the Quotations around "Wash Hands". Is this like one of those "winks"?
What ELSE were they intending to wash?!?!
This is too funny! Either a prank or someone really trying to drive the point home!
REALLY?
Ok -- to me, it isn't the graffiti on the wall that makes this funny. It's that someone wrote "ROSE" across the top. Like, "Rose -- This means YOU!!!" hahahahaha!
HAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, if you're gonna do the job, do it right!
UMMMM..... I am not sure how YOU wash your hands, but I usually leave my top on!Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Aspartame: Fact or Fiction?
Ok, in case you haven't heard by now, there is much controversy over the concept of "Aspartame Poisoning". If you read my post from Saturday, you know that a friend of mine had some similar symptoms as I did and her nutritionist told her to stop drinking sodas/Crystal Light, etc. with Aspartame (aka "NutraSweet"). My friend told me that after she stopped drinking her diet soda she felt better. She even gave me a few links to check out. One of the links claimed that Aspartame was the cause of over 92 symptoms.
So, I had my Dr. Appointment today and I decided to ask her about this. Could it be that I had Aspartame Poisoning??? Do you know what she told me? "That's a load of crap. There is no such thing as Aspartame Poisoning." Wow. But there are soooo many websites that claim otherwise... hmmm.
She went on to further explain. She stated that the whole Aspartame "issue" began around 1995 as internet hoaxes and email scams began to surge. She stated that the only thing medical science proves is that for people with OTHER conditions, Aspartame may exacerbate certain symptoms, but in and of itself does not cause those symptoms or illnesses. She went on to say that unfortunately, many dietitians, nutritionists and herbologists (?) have hopped on the bandwagon and they are making all sorts of money on this. She also stated that the sad thing is, people often are misguided to think they have Aspartame Poisoning, so they stop the diet drinks and all of a sudden feel better. Unfortunately, it isn't lasting, because really, the illness they do have is still there, festering inside their body, and eventually, will still manifest itself later down the road. Finally, she said that "aspartame poisoning" is a "catch-all"-- a "band-aid" if you will; when they don't know what else it could be, they say it is Aspartame.
Oh, and here's another thing. My Dr. stated that many of those "92 symptoms" are also a result of dehydration. And when people replace their diet sodas with WATER, they HYDRATE the body, so of COURSE they are going to feel BETTER. Then she actually said, "Duh!" Tee hee.
Wow. Very interesting, I thought. So, Aspartame "poisoning" is currently not recognized by the medical field nor the FDA.
What do you think? What have you heard?
Cuz, I don't know about you... but I really dig my Crystal Light Lemonade in the summer. :)
So, I had my Dr. Appointment today and I decided to ask her about this. Could it be that I had Aspartame Poisoning??? Do you know what she told me? "That's a load of crap. There is no such thing as Aspartame Poisoning." Wow. But there are soooo many websites that claim otherwise... hmmm.
She went on to further explain. She stated that the whole Aspartame "issue" began around 1995 as internet hoaxes and email scams began to surge. She stated that the only thing medical science proves is that for people with OTHER conditions, Aspartame may exacerbate certain symptoms, but in and of itself does not cause those symptoms or illnesses. She went on to say that unfortunately, many dietitians, nutritionists and herbologists (?) have hopped on the bandwagon and they are making all sorts of money on this. She also stated that the sad thing is, people often are misguided to think they have Aspartame Poisoning, so they stop the diet drinks and all of a sudden feel better. Unfortunately, it isn't lasting, because really, the illness they do have is still there, festering inside their body, and eventually, will still manifest itself later down the road. Finally, she said that "aspartame poisoning" is a "catch-all"-- a "band-aid" if you will; when they don't know what else it could be, they say it is Aspartame.
Oh, and here's another thing. My Dr. stated that many of those "92 symptoms" are also a result of dehydration. And when people replace their diet sodas with WATER, they HYDRATE the body, so of COURSE they are going to feel BETTER. Then she actually said, "Duh!" Tee hee.
Wow. Very interesting, I thought. So, Aspartame "poisoning" is currently not recognized by the medical field nor the FDA.
What do you think? What have you heard?
Cuz, I don't know about you... but I really dig my Crystal Light Lemonade in the summer. :)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
So, Now What?
There is a bit too much in my head to leave it at a "Six Word Saturday" today.
About 6 weeks ago, I was sitting at my desk at work, and all of a sudden my right breast and underarm went completely numb. It lasted about 5 minutes and then everything was fine. I thought it was extremely strange and figured perhaps I was leaning on my elbow too much, or had a pinched nerve or something. Then, the next morning, all started up again. Only this time my lips would start to go numb as well. This occurred sporadically several times throughout the day. It also sort of felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I thought for sure I must have a rib out and pressing on a nerve or something. I was also just extremely tired. Like, majorly fatigued.
I had my usual monthly chiropractor appointment and thought for sure things would be better after that. They were the same, although it didn't feel like someone was sitting on my chest anymore. I called the Dr's office to get an appointment, and when the gal on the phone asked me for my symptoms, she then put me on hold and a nurse came on the line. She told me to go to the instacare or ER. She said that when things happen on the right side of the chest it often times is related to the heart. I was like... hmmm. Did not know that. But, okay.
So, off I go to the insta care. And I think the nurse on the phone probably freaked me out a little, so I probably was a little more anxious than normal. My blood pressure was abnormally high. And it is usually sooo low, they often joke that they are surprised I am alive. Anyway, they did an EKG, but all was normal. They advised me to go ahead and make an appointment with my regular Dr. Wow. $45 co-pay to tell me what I was planning on doing anyway. Great.
My appointment with my Dr. was set for 1 week later. Every day, I still had the the numbness on my right side and I began to notice that any day it was warm, I felt extreme fatigue. I had heat exhaustion once, almost to the point of heat stroke. It felt similar to the onset of that. Also, little things like going to the grocery store would wear me out. At my appointment my Dr. ordered a full blood panel and also wanted me to get a "stress echo" (stress echocardiogram) on my heart, just to be sure. I've had one of these before so I knew what it entailed. It is an ultrasound on the heart, which is really painful by the way, and then they throw you on the treadmill to stress your heart out, and then do more ultrasound.
The blood lab was scheduled for the next morning at 8 am. Had to fast beforehand. Fine. The stress-echo was scheduled for 10 days later, and I was also suppose to go in fasting. Not fine. THAT appointment was set for 12:30pm... Which meant I was gonna be HUNGRY by the time it was all over.
The blood work came back and everything was great. Thyroid, liver, glucose, cholesterol -- all fine. No signs of any infections either. Each day, I was still having numbness in the same places. Except now my tongue started going numb too. So, right underarm, chest, lips and tongue are randomly going numb at any given time throughout the day. I am so exhausted that I am actually getting more sleep than what I am used to too. (Like 6 hours instead of 4!) I tried to chart when I would get the parasthesia thinking there might be a common link. But I could not find a pattern. It happened when I sit, stood, was walking, lying down, working, eating... it just didn't seem to matter. It was all very sporadic.
Went and did the stress-echo and after doing that rigamarol, they then had me meet with the cardiologist right away. I mean, it was nice that I didn't have to wait for a week to get results, but it was after 2pm by this point and I was really hungry! The Cardio said everything looked great. She actually said, "better than normal". She went through the charts and everytime she said, "we like to see normal in this range", my little valves rated better. Good valves. :)
So, now it has been almost 6 weeks since this all began and the other day, in addition to the sporadic parasthesia of my right underarm, chest, tongue and lips, my entire right arm from shoulder to finger tips was numb for an entire 9 hour period. It was a constant numbness for 9 hrs straight. Weird!
I have been doing "research" on the internet. I have been talking to peeps on Facebook. And here is what I have found out:
I know 2 people that have MS; one man and one woman. Both stated that their symptoms started with parasthesia of extremities. Both said that they often felt fatigued and that heat made it much worse; like they just felt "achy". Both stated that their MS was detected early and therefore they have been able to treat it and live happy, normal, active lives. I know this part is true, because to look at them, you'd never even know they are "sick".
Another girl I know stated that she had similar symptoms. (Although, her tingling was just in her hands.) After a myriad of tests, her Dr. informed her it was aspartame poisoning. Apparently, among a plethora of other things it can do to you, parasthesia of the limbs is one of them. (By the way, are tongue, lips, chest and underarm considered "limbs"?)
I googled Aspartame Poisoning. One medical site said the best way to rule this out or to test the theory is to "de-tox" for 30 days. No diet sodas or anything with aspartame ("NutraSweet") in it for 30 days. If you do have it, it takes 30 days to detox and after 30 days you will feel better and your symptoms will be gone. Interesting.
I was going to stop drinking Diet Coke anyway. I had already started replacing it was water and orange juice. I was down to 1-2 per day, and some days none. So, this is a good reason to quit completely anyway. You can read more about Aspartame Poisoning {{HERE}}
So, my next follow-up is Monday. Those are the 2 things I am going to ask about.
About 6 weeks ago, I was sitting at my desk at work, and all of a sudden my right breast and underarm went completely numb. It lasted about 5 minutes and then everything was fine. I thought it was extremely strange and figured perhaps I was leaning on my elbow too much, or had a pinched nerve or something. Then, the next morning, all started up again. Only this time my lips would start to go numb as well. This occurred sporadically several times throughout the day. It also sort of felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I thought for sure I must have a rib out and pressing on a nerve or something. I was also just extremely tired. Like, majorly fatigued.
I had my usual monthly chiropractor appointment and thought for sure things would be better after that. They were the same, although it didn't feel like someone was sitting on my chest anymore. I called the Dr's office to get an appointment, and when the gal on the phone asked me for my symptoms, she then put me on hold and a nurse came on the line. She told me to go to the instacare or ER. She said that when things happen on the right side of the chest it often times is related to the heart. I was like... hmmm. Did not know that. But, okay.
So, off I go to the insta care. And I think the nurse on the phone probably freaked me out a little, so I probably was a little more anxious than normal. My blood pressure was abnormally high. And it is usually sooo low, they often joke that they are surprised I am alive. Anyway, they did an EKG, but all was normal. They advised me to go ahead and make an appointment with my regular Dr. Wow. $45 co-pay to tell me what I was planning on doing anyway. Great.
My appointment with my Dr. was set for 1 week later. Every day, I still had the the numbness on my right side and I began to notice that any day it was warm, I felt extreme fatigue. I had heat exhaustion once, almost to the point of heat stroke. It felt similar to the onset of that. Also, little things like going to the grocery store would wear me out. At my appointment my Dr. ordered a full blood panel and also wanted me to get a "stress echo" (stress echocardiogram) on my heart, just to be sure. I've had one of these before so I knew what it entailed. It is an ultrasound on the heart, which is really painful by the way, and then they throw you on the treadmill to stress your heart out, and then do more ultrasound.
The blood lab was scheduled for the next morning at 8 am. Had to fast beforehand. Fine. The stress-echo was scheduled for 10 days later, and I was also suppose to go in fasting. Not fine. THAT appointment was set for 12:30pm... Which meant I was gonna be HUNGRY by the time it was all over.
The blood work came back and everything was great. Thyroid, liver, glucose, cholesterol -- all fine. No signs of any infections either. Each day, I was still having numbness in the same places. Except now my tongue started going numb too. So, right underarm, chest, lips and tongue are randomly going numb at any given time throughout the day. I am so exhausted that I am actually getting more sleep than what I am used to too. (Like 6 hours instead of 4!) I tried to chart when I would get the parasthesia thinking there might be a common link. But I could not find a pattern. It happened when I sit, stood, was walking, lying down, working, eating... it just didn't seem to matter. It was all very sporadic.
Went and did the stress-echo and after doing that rigamarol, they then had me meet with the cardiologist right away. I mean, it was nice that I didn't have to wait for a week to get results, but it was after 2pm by this point and I was really hungry! The Cardio said everything looked great. She actually said, "better than normal". She went through the charts and everytime she said, "we like to see normal in this range", my little valves rated better. Good valves. :)
So, now it has been almost 6 weeks since this all began and the other day, in addition to the sporadic parasthesia of my right underarm, chest, tongue and lips, my entire right arm from shoulder to finger tips was numb for an entire 9 hour period. It was a constant numbness for 9 hrs straight. Weird!
I have been doing "research" on the internet. I have been talking to peeps on Facebook. And here is what I have found out:
I know 2 people that have MS; one man and one woman. Both stated that their symptoms started with parasthesia of extremities. Both said that they often felt fatigued and that heat made it much worse; like they just felt "achy". Both stated that their MS was detected early and therefore they have been able to treat it and live happy, normal, active lives. I know this part is true, because to look at them, you'd never even know they are "sick".
Another girl I know stated that she had similar symptoms. (Although, her tingling was just in her hands.) After a myriad of tests, her Dr. informed her it was aspartame poisoning. Apparently, among a plethora of other things it can do to you, parasthesia of the limbs is one of them. (By the way, are tongue, lips, chest and underarm considered "limbs"?)
I googled Aspartame Poisoning. One medical site said the best way to rule this out or to test the theory is to "de-tox" for 30 days. No diet sodas or anything with aspartame ("NutraSweet") in it for 30 days. If you do have it, it takes 30 days to detox and after 30 days you will feel better and your symptoms will be gone. Interesting.
I was going to stop drinking Diet Coke anyway. I had already started replacing it was water and orange juice. I was down to 1-2 per day, and some days none. So, this is a good reason to quit completely anyway. You can read more about Aspartame Poisoning {{HERE}}
So, my next follow-up is Monday. Those are the 2 things I am going to ask about.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The No-Uterus Club
Hahaha! Ok, Rhondalue suggested we start this "club" to which I laughed and then thought, what the heck?!?!?! Seriously, though, it did get me thinking that I could/should post about my experience qualifying me for "No-Uterus Club" Membership; especially if it helps someone else with similar stuff.
~PAUSE~
If you are my Father, you can totally opt out of reading this post. I mean I'M not embarrassed... I'm just saying. If you continue, you do so at your own risk. hehehe.
~RESUME~
I knew there was "something" wrong was shortly after my first child was born. My complaints were usually brushed aside or discounted, and at times I was even blamed as to having made it up to get out of certain activities. Hmmph. Fast forward about six years. During the last trimester of my 3rd pregnancy, the pains seemed to intensify. My OB/GYN advised me that it was probably a "tipped uterus" that is common with pregnancy and will almost always resolve itself after the baby was born.
Needless to say, the baby was born and I was still having horrendous pains. I resumed the Depo Provera birth control shots and then started hemorrhaging, for like 60-90 days at a time. They prescribed Premarin to help slow the bleeding. It never helped. A year later I was in for my annual. They took me off the shots and gave me the "new & improved" birth control patch. Another year goes by. Then the pains got worse.
My OB/GYN referred me to an Internist. She couldn't find anything wrong. She sent me to my family practitioner. She couldn't find anything wrong. She sent me to a gastro-enterologist (sp?). He ordered a CT Scan. Came back just fine. He sent me back to my OB/GYN. All of that was during the course of a year.
So, now I am three years into this; still being "blamed" for using it as an excuse to get out of certain intimate "chores" (yes... chore). It was suggested by *that* person that it was all IN.MY.HEAD.
I started to wonder... Perhaps it was in my head. Well, lemme just say that just THINKING you might be a little crazy is enough to mess with someone's Psyche. I ended up on Prozac for clinical depression.
Finally, they did exploratory surgery and found out I had Endometriosis. They burned off what they could see and told me that if I was still having problems in six months to come back. The pains came back in less than two months. I sought a new Dr. He said, "It's really hard to tell whether the Endo is back or if it's the other..."
I asked, "Other? What do you mean Other?"
Turns out not only did I have the Endo. But I also had Congestive Pelvic Disorder (varicose veins in the uterus) and ovarian cysts. My first Dr. NEVER told me that. I was placed on Lupron for 6 months. Two months later the pains were back with a vengeance. I tried to get in to see him, but he was booked. I went to one of his partners. Turns out we already knew each other. Our kids went to school together and were in the same class. We used to be neighbors and friends. I liked her. I named her as my NEW Dr. Then she revealed unto me the following truths:
Finally, they scheduled me for surgery... THE surgery. The surgery to remove my girly-plumbing. After surgery, they found I had ANOTHER disease...Adenomyosis.
I am grateful that they finally figured it all out. I am glad to have the confirmation that I did the right thing. And I am glad that I was able to bear children in spite of the diseases. Sometimes I get sad thinking that if I ever get remarried, I won't be able to give my future husband a baby of his own. And again, I know that I already have children to love and adore. But I don't think it matters if you have zero children or ten; when the choice to bear children is no longer yours, it just feels sad.
So how about it? Anyone else out there with credentials that allow you to be a part of the No-Uterus or Broken-Uterus Club?
~PAUSE~
If you are my Father, you can totally opt out of reading this post. I mean I'M not embarrassed... I'm just saying. If you continue, you do so at your own risk. hehehe.
~RESUME~
I knew there was "something" wrong was shortly after my first child was born. My complaints were usually brushed aside or discounted, and at times I was even blamed as to having made it up to get out of certain activities. Hmmph. Fast forward about six years. During the last trimester of my 3rd pregnancy, the pains seemed to intensify. My OB/GYN advised me that it was probably a "tipped uterus" that is common with pregnancy and will almost always resolve itself after the baby was born.
Needless to say, the baby was born and I was still having horrendous pains. I resumed the Depo Provera birth control shots and then started hemorrhaging, for like 60-90 days at a time. They prescribed Premarin to help slow the bleeding. It never helped. A year later I was in for my annual. They took me off the shots and gave me the "new & improved" birth control patch. Another year goes by. Then the pains got worse.
My OB/GYN referred me to an Internist. She couldn't find anything wrong. She sent me to my family practitioner. She couldn't find anything wrong. She sent me to a gastro-enterologist (sp?). He ordered a CT Scan. Came back just fine. He sent me back to my OB/GYN. All of that was during the course of a year.
So, now I am three years into this; still being "blamed" for using it as an excuse to get out of certain intimate "chores" (yes... chore). It was suggested by *that* person that it was all IN.MY.HEAD.
I started to wonder... Perhaps it was in my head. Well, lemme just say that just THINKING you might be a little crazy is enough to mess with someone's Psyche. I ended up on Prozac for clinical depression.
Finally, they did exploratory surgery and found out I had Endometriosis. They burned off what they could see and told me that if I was still having problems in six months to come back. The pains came back in less than two months. I sought a new Dr. He said, "It's really hard to tell whether the Endo is back or if it's the other..."
I asked, "Other? What do you mean Other?"
Turns out not only did I have the Endo. But I also had Congestive Pelvic Disorder (varicose veins in the uterus) and ovarian cysts. My first Dr. NEVER told me that. I was placed on Lupron for 6 months. Two months later the pains were back with a vengeance. I tried to get in to see him, but he was booked. I went to one of his partners. Turns out we already knew each other. Our kids went to school together and were in the same class. We used to be neighbors and friends. I liked her. I named her as my NEW Dr. Then she revealed unto me the following truths:
- Nearly 75% of all women who suffer from pelvic pain are eventually diagnosed with Endometriosis. (If it's so common, why does it take so long to figure out? Because they can only TRULY see it during exploratory surgery.)
- Depo Provera has many side effects. Aside of the big one being weight gain of 5-10 lbs per year, Depo is also known to trigger anxiety or depression.
- Depo can trigger Endometriosis in women who are already prone to the disease.
- Depo Provera can cause break through bleeding in some women.
- Premarin can also cause anxiety and depression
- Premarin can also cause weight gain.
- Premarin can also cause break-through bleeding.
- Premarin is also now known to cause increased risks of endometrial carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
Finally, they scheduled me for surgery... THE surgery. The surgery to remove my girly-plumbing. After surgery, they found I had ANOTHER disease...Adenomyosis.
I am grateful that they finally figured it all out. I am glad to have the confirmation that I did the right thing. And I am glad that I was able to bear children in spite of the diseases. Sometimes I get sad thinking that if I ever get remarried, I won't be able to give my future husband a baby of his own. And again, I know that I already have children to love and adore. But I don't think it matters if you have zero children or ten; when the choice to bear children is no longer yours, it just feels sad.
So how about it? Anyone else out there with credentials that allow you to be a part of the No-Uterus or Broken-Uterus Club?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Kissing Burns Calories
It's true. Kissing Burns Calories. According to "studies" (y'know, tested, tried & proven studies), Hugging & Kissing burns about 68 calories.
I did the math. That means I would have to engage in kissing for nearly 4 hours to work off 1 regular size Snickers Bar. I laughed when I read that. I told Big-D that if he was really supportive of my goal, then...er...um... hehehe. No pain, no gain, right?
So, in my research of "activities that burn calories" here is just a sampling of what I have learned: [cph=calories per hour]
50 cph - Sleeping for 8 hours
68 cph - Hugging & Kissing
68 cph - Praying (while kneeling)
102 cph -Sitting while Talking on the phone
102 cph - Playing board/card games
102 cph - Typing (including Blogging, which means I am burning calories as we speak!)
136 cph - Casual/Slow Walking (less than 2 mph)
156 cph - Grocery Shopping
170 cph - Playing the piano (or organ)
238 cph - Vacuuming
258 cph - Walking at "brisk" pace (3.5 mph)
306 cph - Weeding
408 cph - Swimming (leisurely, for "fun")
544 cph - Synchronized Swimming (good reason to join the "team", right?)
748 cph - Fast, vigorous Swimming
918 cph - Running (8 mph)
To check out more activities Click Here - Activity Counter
So, I've reviewed all of the listed activities and decided that I definitely need to add more Kissing, more Talking on the phone, more blogging, and more piano practice. All of these things can only add to my work-out experience, right?
Oh - and I suppose it is true that running is the fastest way to burn calories. Guess I will keep working on that one too!
I did the math. That means I would have to engage in kissing for nearly 4 hours to work off 1 regular size Snickers Bar. I laughed when I read that. I told Big-D that if he was really supportive of my goal, then...er...um... hehehe. No pain, no gain, right?
So, in my research of "activities that burn calories" here is just a sampling of what I have learned: [cph=calories per hour]
50 cph - Sleeping for 8 hours
68 cph - Hugging & Kissing
68 cph - Praying (while kneeling)
102 cph -Sitting while Talking on the phone
102 cph - Playing board/card games
102 cph - Typing (including Blogging, which means I am burning calories as we speak!)
136 cph - Casual/Slow Walking (less than 2 mph)
156 cph - Grocery Shopping
170 cph - Playing the piano (or organ)
238 cph - Vacuuming
258 cph - Walking at "brisk" pace (3.5 mph)
306 cph - Weeding
408 cph - Swimming (leisurely, for "fun")
544 cph - Synchronized Swimming (good reason to join the "team", right?)
748 cph - Fast, vigorous Swimming
918 cph - Running (8 mph)
To check out more activities Click Here - Activity Counter
So, I've reviewed all of the listed activities and decided that I definitely need to add more Kissing, more Talking on the phone, more blogging, and more piano practice. All of these things can only add to my work-out experience, right?
Oh - and I suppose it is true that running is the fastest way to burn calories. Guess I will keep working on that one too!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Parasomnia, Insomnia & Migraines
Well - I went to my neurology appointment a few weeks ago. It only took me 2 1/2 mos to get it. Good thing it wasn't urgent. Anyway - here are the updates. Feel free to skip today's post as some of you might find this boring...
#1) I suffer from Parasomnia. Parasomnia, from what the Dr. explained, is when one talks, walks, or engages in other behavior while sleeping. The talking can be clear and enunciated, or it can be slurred or even sound like moaning and grunts. This behavior usually occurs when one is extremely exhausted or under a lot of stress. It can also be a side effect of other medications. I have never walked in my sleep, but I have been told that I occasionally talk in my sleep, sometimes even giggle out loud, and once last week, I woke my daughter up because I was yelling at someone. Anyway - makes sense. I do feel stressed a lot and I am always exhausted as I do not sleep very well.
When I explained my sleeping problems to the neurologist, she asked,
"How long have you been dealing with the insomnia?"
Me: Well, I wouldn't call it insomnia.
Dr: What would you call it?
Me: Well, I just have problems falling asleep, and then when I do, I can't manage to stay asleep.
Dr: On average, how many nights per week would you say you have trouble falling asleep?
Me: Five or six nights per week.
Dr: And what time would you say you tend to finally fall asleep
Me: Anytime between 2 am and 4 am.
Dr. And how often do you wake up during the night?
Me: Usually about once per hour.
Dr: What time do you usually go to bed, to attempt to go to sleep.
Me: I am usually in bed by midnight.
Dr: And you toss and turn and can't go to sleep until sometime between 2 and 4?
Me: Yes.
Dr: And what time do you get up in the morning?
Me: Between 6 and 7.
Dr: So on average you *might* get 2, maybe 4 hours of sleep, and then it is not restful sleep at that.
Me: Correct.
Dr: Yep. You have insomnia.
Me: Oh. I guess I thought insomnia is when you never sleep.
Dr: Hon - you're NOT sleeping. You have insomnia.
#2) I have Insomnia (they say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right?)
Anyway I did a sleep test for sleep apnea... it's not back yet. Don't know what those results will be.
#3) I suffer from Migraines. The neurologist ran some tests and as it turns out what I thought were daily headaches are actually migraines. I did not think I had migraines other than occasionally. However, the Dr. said that people have migraines more than they even realize they do.
We tend to think of migraines as a splitting headache, making us nauseous and sensitive to light, etc. While those are definitely signs of a migraine, there is such a thing as a mild migraine which is not debilitating. Who knew?
Anyway, she told me that the migraine tends to be one-sided, and will manifest itself by pain in the temple or behind an eye, where as a regular headache could be across the entire forehead or a tension headache in the base of the neck and/or shoulders. A Migraine can also cause that dizzy "elevator" feeling, which is different than vertigo (room-spinning) feeling. This explained why I was having frequent "dizzy spells".
Her best diagnosis as the culprit for the migraines was a lack of sleep... ya think? So, for now, we are doing the following treatments and then I go back next month. If this doesn't work, we do more work-ups and more tests.
I take topomax each night before bed. This will prevent migraines the next day. The problem is that there are side-effects. The biggest two that seem to affect me are numbness and lack of focus. I get numbness and tingling in the tips of my fingers and occasionally in my lips and/or face. And During the day, I don't have the headaches, but I feel like I can't concentrate. She did warn me that it sort of induces like an ADHD effect. I have seen this to be true. I have a hard time focusing at work, and often can't remember what I was doing from one minute to the next, getting easily distracted, etc.
I take an Ambien before bed. The ambien helps me fall asleep. The problem is it doesn't KEEP me asleep. So, on the days I feel especially anxious, I take my Xanax, instead of the Ambien. But I can't take that every day as it is addicting.
So - there you have it... My recent medical adventure. Sorry, no horror stories on prodding or poking this time. Oh, and for those who are wondering, I have tried the "herbal remedies" such as the melatonin and chamomile, etc. They just don't work for me. Other people swear by herbs. For some reason, they have never really done anything except make me have to pee more frequently.
The exercising has helped in the sense that I get tired sooner and therefore try to get to bed before 11pm.
So, just don't be surprised if you come for a visit and you hear me laughing, screaming or crying in my sleep. My kids think it is funny, because when I am in my parasomnia stage, they can actually carry on a conversation and ask questions, to which I will answer. Ha ha... very funny!
oh...and I am in the clear for any type of tumors that they were looking for... whew! ;)
#1) I suffer from Parasomnia. Parasomnia, from what the Dr. explained, is when one talks, walks, or engages in other behavior while sleeping. The talking can be clear and enunciated, or it can be slurred or even sound like moaning and grunts. This behavior usually occurs when one is extremely exhausted or under a lot of stress. It can also be a side effect of other medications. I have never walked in my sleep, but I have been told that I occasionally talk in my sleep, sometimes even giggle out loud, and once last week, I woke my daughter up because I was yelling at someone. Anyway - makes sense. I do feel stressed a lot and I am always exhausted as I do not sleep very well.
When I explained my sleeping problems to the neurologist, she asked,
"How long have you been dealing with the insomnia?"
Me: Well, I wouldn't call it insomnia.
Dr: What would you call it?
Me: Well, I just have problems falling asleep, and then when I do, I can't manage to stay asleep.
Dr: On average, how many nights per week would you say you have trouble falling asleep?
Me: Five or six nights per week.
Dr: And what time would you say you tend to finally fall asleep
Me: Anytime between 2 am and 4 am.
Dr. And how often do you wake up during the night?
Me: Usually about once per hour.
Dr: What time do you usually go to bed, to attempt to go to sleep.
Me: I am usually in bed by midnight.
Dr: And you toss and turn and can't go to sleep until sometime between 2 and 4?
Me: Yes.
Dr: And what time do you get up in the morning?
Me: Between 6 and 7.
Dr: So on average you *might* get 2, maybe 4 hours of sleep, and then it is not restful sleep at that.
Me: Correct.
Dr: Yep. You have insomnia.
Me: Oh. I guess I thought insomnia is when you never sleep.
Dr: Hon - you're NOT sleeping. You have insomnia.
#2) I have Insomnia (they say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right?)
Anyway I did a sleep test for sleep apnea... it's not back yet. Don't know what those results will be.
#3) I suffer from Migraines. The neurologist ran some tests and as it turns out what I thought were daily headaches are actually migraines. I did not think I had migraines other than occasionally. However, the Dr. said that people have migraines more than they even realize they do.
We tend to think of migraines as a splitting headache, making us nauseous and sensitive to light, etc. While those are definitely signs of a migraine, there is such a thing as a mild migraine which is not debilitating. Who knew?
Anyway, she told me that the migraine tends to be one-sided, and will manifest itself by pain in the temple or behind an eye, where as a regular headache could be across the entire forehead or a tension headache in the base of the neck and/or shoulders. A Migraine can also cause that dizzy "elevator" feeling, which is different than vertigo (room-spinning) feeling. This explained why I was having frequent "dizzy spells".
Her best diagnosis as the culprit for the migraines was a lack of sleep... ya think? So, for now, we are doing the following treatments and then I go back next month. If this doesn't work, we do more work-ups and more tests.
I take topomax each night before bed. This will prevent migraines the next day. The problem is that there are side-effects. The biggest two that seem to affect me are numbness and lack of focus. I get numbness and tingling in the tips of my fingers and occasionally in my lips and/or face. And During the day, I don't have the headaches, but I feel like I can't concentrate. She did warn me that it sort of induces like an ADHD effect. I have seen this to be true. I have a hard time focusing at work, and often can't remember what I was doing from one minute to the next, getting easily distracted, etc.
I take an Ambien before bed. The ambien helps me fall asleep. The problem is it doesn't KEEP me asleep. So, on the days I feel especially anxious, I take my Xanax, instead of the Ambien. But I can't take that every day as it is addicting.
So - there you have it... My recent medical adventure. Sorry, no horror stories on prodding or poking this time. Oh, and for those who are wondering, I have tried the "herbal remedies" such as the melatonin and chamomile, etc. They just don't work for me. Other people swear by herbs. For some reason, they have never really done anything except make me have to pee more frequently.
The exercising has helped in the sense that I get tired sooner and therefore try to get to bed before 11pm.
So, just don't be surprised if you come for a visit and you hear me laughing, screaming or crying in my sleep. My kids think it is funny, because when I am in my parasomnia stage, they can actually carry on a conversation and ask questions, to which I will answer. Ha ha... very funny!
oh...and I am in the clear for any type of tumors that they were looking for... whew! ;)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Bruising Easily
I don't know if I bruised easily as a kid or not, but I do know that I have noticed more and more bruises as an adult. I get bruises all over my body what seems like all of the time. Most of the time they are about the size of a penny, a dime, or perhaps even a quarter. Other times they are like this:
Since I am already mortified that I just showed you some of my very own cellulite... I will not tell you exactly where the bruise was. Suffice it to say that I had 2 bruises like this last week. It made it hard to sleep. But it got me thinking... Why do I bruise easily? Perhaps I lack a certain type of vitamin or protien?
I did what I always do when I have a burning question... I googled it. Here is what I found...
wisegeek had the following to say on the matter: The amount of fat covering your body may be a contributing factor if you tend to bruise easily. If you do not have an adequate layer of body fat, then bruises will sometimes appear with the slightest knock.
Yeah - I don't think not having enough body fat is my problem.
webmd reported this: As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases. These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs. Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.
A little more probable... I mean I am getting older, and I am a woman.
the Mayo Clinic had the most complete information. They said the same as the other two, but added this: Medications and Supplements can also cause easy bruising. Blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) or medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) reduce your blood's ability to clot. Because of this, bleeding from capillary damage that would normally stop quickly may take longer to stop, allowing enough blood to leak out to cause a bruise.
This makes the most sense as over the past 14 years I have had several pain meds, plus anti-inflammatories, which have also been known to thin blood.
All three sites did indicate that abnormal bruising, especially accompanied by painful swelling or bleeding elsewhere may indicate more serious problems and to seek medical attention.
However, I found the Mayo Clinic also added this as their final note on the topic...
If the sight of your bruises bothers you, try covering them with makeup until they've healed.
Helpful, aren't they?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
You Don't See That At the Gym!
Lately, I've had this eerie feeling; like I'm being followed. And it was happening everywhere. Home. Work. Church. You name it and I've sensed it happening. Pretty much the only time I didn't feel that way was when I was driving or sleeping!
Anyway - it creeped me out so much, the hairs on the back of my neck started to stand up. My pulse would race. I could feel my heart pounding through my chest. Finally, I had enough. I wanted to try to catch this so-called prowler and tell him to knock it off. Quit Following me!
So, just the other day, I was walking around the grocery store, picking up this and that. Just as I turned the corner into the frozen food section, I felt it. Like a cold breath on the back of my neck. It felt like someone was walking right on my heels! They/he/she/it was SO CLOSE. I turn around. No one. I turn back the other way. Nothing. Finally, I do a 360 while catching a glimpse of my reflection in the glass freezer doors!
You won't believe what I discovered! In all actuality, no one was following me at all. Fact is - It was my butt! It had gotten bigger! Can you believe that? When the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks did that happen?
I decided to tell this "thing" to get off my butt - literally. Last year I waited till spring to start my outdoor hikes/walks/runs. Not this year. I could not put it off another day.
I decided to get my ear warmers on, my long running pants, jacket and gloves and hit the hills. So I did. As usual, my boyfriend, John Mayer came with me via the iPod. He's a great work-out buddy. Also, I can sing all of his heart-ache, dealing-with-break-up songs in my head... Gosh, he just gets me! I digress.
Anyway, never mind the fact that I get Bronchitis every year as soon as the inversion hits. Never mind that I haven't slept for days and should instead be napping. Never mind that it is COLD!!! I don't care whether or not Punxatawney Phil saw his freakin' shadow or not. I had to get out there.
My friend asked me why I just don't join a gym; then I could run all year long. I have belonged to gyms in the past. I really love the machines, free weights and classes. I don't really know if I am working the right stuff to the right capacity or weights, but I enjoy it. However for cardio - I do NOT enjoy treadmills and the like. Why? I dunno... let me muse that over for a sec. [dee dee doo da, dee dee dum. dee dee do da, dee! dee, dee-dee dee-dee...] Ok, I think I've figured it out.
If I run on a treadmill, I get bored. Sure I can bring my iPod. I could watch the wall mounted TVs. I could even people-watch. But the point is, I'm not going anywhere. I know - that is the whole point of "stationary". I realized tonight on my run that I love running out doors for many reasons.
I love the fresh air. And where I run - I love the view. Plus, at the gym on a treadmill, I give up too easily. About 10 minutes shy of my goal, I think, "Ah! That's good enough!" and I get off the machine. On the contrary, when I run outdoors, I park at one end of my route or trail. I walk/run to my halfway point. Then I turn around and come back. See - there is no bailing out ten minutes early. I HAVE to go back to my car. Otherwise, I can't get home. So - for me, this works.
Tonight's run was good for me, especially for a winter run. First of all, I only did 3 miles. Secondly, I actually only ran about 1 of the 3 miles and walked the other 2. Oh well... baby steps, right? Besides, I didn't get fat overnight, so I shouldn't expect to lose it all over night either, right?
Here are some pics from my run. Like, tell me you're ever gonna see these at the gym! (sorry for the graininess...these are from my phone, and with the inversion they are not that clear.)
The Bountiful Temple. This is close to where I park. So, I start off seeing this and it's what I come back to at the end.
Something about being in the mountains makes me feel empowered.
Anyway - it creeped me out so much, the hairs on the back of my neck started to stand up. My pulse would race. I could feel my heart pounding through my chest. Finally, I had enough. I wanted to try to catch this so-called prowler and tell him to knock it off. Quit Following me!
So, just the other day, I was walking around the grocery store, picking up this and that. Just as I turned the corner into the frozen food section, I felt it. Like a cold breath on the back of my neck. It felt like someone was walking right on my heels! They/he/she/it was SO CLOSE. I turn around. No one. I turn back the other way. Nothing. Finally, I do a 360 while catching a glimpse of my reflection in the glass freezer doors!
You won't believe what I discovered! In all actuality, no one was following me at all. Fact is - It was my butt! It had gotten bigger! Can you believe that? When the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks did that happen?
I decided to tell this "thing" to get off my butt - literally. Last year I waited till spring to start my outdoor hikes/walks/runs. Not this year. I could not put it off another day.
I decided to get my ear warmers on, my long running pants, jacket and gloves and hit the hills. So I did. As usual, my boyfriend, John Mayer came with me via the iPod. He's a great work-out buddy. Also, I can sing all of his heart-ache, dealing-with-break-up songs in my head... Gosh, he just gets me! I digress.
Anyway, never mind the fact that I get Bronchitis every year as soon as the inversion hits. Never mind that I haven't slept for days and should instead be napping. Never mind that it is COLD!!! I don't care whether or not Punxatawney Phil saw his freakin' shadow or not. I had to get out there.
My friend asked me why I just don't join a gym; then I could run all year long. I have belonged to gyms in the past. I really love the machines, free weights and classes. I don't really know if I am working the right stuff to the right capacity or weights, but I enjoy it. However for cardio - I do NOT enjoy treadmills and the like. Why? I dunno... let me muse that over for a sec. [dee dee doo da, dee dee dum. dee dee do da, dee! dee, dee-dee dee-dee...] Ok, I think I've figured it out.
If I run on a treadmill, I get bored. Sure I can bring my iPod. I could watch the wall mounted TVs. I could even people-watch. But the point is, I'm not going anywhere. I know - that is the whole point of "stationary". I realized tonight on my run that I love running out doors for many reasons.
I love the fresh air. And where I run - I love the view. Plus, at the gym on a treadmill, I give up too easily. About 10 minutes shy of my goal, I think, "Ah! That's good enough!" and I get off the machine. On the contrary, when I run outdoors, I park at one end of my route or trail. I walk/run to my halfway point. Then I turn around and come back. See - there is no bailing out ten minutes early. I HAVE to go back to my car. Otherwise, I can't get home. So - for me, this works.
Tonight's run was good for me, especially for a winter run. First of all, I only did 3 miles. Secondly, I actually only ran about 1 of the 3 miles and walked the other 2. Oh well... baby steps, right? Besides, I didn't get fat overnight, so I shouldn't expect to lose it all over night either, right?
Here are some pics from my run. Like, tell me you're ever gonna see these at the gym! (sorry for the graininess...these are from my phone, and with the inversion they are not that clear.)
The Bountiful Temple. This is close to where I park. So, I start off seeing this and it's what I come back to at the end.
Something about being in the mountains makes me feel empowered. Like, literally, I am "on top" of the world.
Then, when I near the top, I can see practically the entire valley below.
But the highlight of this particular run... was the family of deer.
Then, when I near the top, I can see practically the entire valley below.
But the highlight of this particular run... was the family of deer.
I'm never gonna see these types of "young bucks" at the gym. And trust me... comparatively speaking, I'd rather see these some days!
What about you? What motivates you to exercise? What type of exercise do you enjoy most and why?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Out of Hiding
Yes. I am ok. No. I wasn't really in hiding. I will say I appreciate the concern. I have had emails, phone calls and comments referencing my latest "disappearance" from the blogging scene. "It isn't like you to go more than a day or two without blogging." "Hope you're ok." "Is everything ok? Hadn't seen any new posts lately." and my favorite. "Are we gonna have to send out a search party?"
It's true. I haven't blogged in days! Here's why:
I've been super-busy. It's just that time of year. I had the family holiday party at my house last weekend, and I am in charge of the church Christmas party tonight. Throw in a little "I don't feel very well" mixed with a few "I didn't sleep very well" days and nights, and well, you just don't get any blogging done.
Actually, the ONLY reason there was blogging last week is because I had my whole Blogging week ready to go and scheduled to publish like a week in advance. It's true. I usually spend a few hours Saturday mornings or Sunday nights working on blogs. Some make the cut, some don't, and some are saved as drafts for another week. Then, I just get to read all week. It's quite a good system. The problem? I ran out of material! Scheduled material that is. With the way my life goes, there is ALWAYS bloggy material. ha!
Anyway, as soon as tonight is over, I promise there will be more blogging to come. I am already working on telling you all about the par-tay (NurseMom met Big-D), game night and playing "BOB", the update on my health, and all about Graduation Open Houses. I'll try to throw some fun stuff in there too.
So, thanks to all who noticed - and cared. Just know that I am still alive.
It's true. I haven't blogged in days! Here's why:
I've been super-busy. It's just that time of year. I had the family holiday party at my house last weekend, and I am in charge of the church Christmas party tonight. Throw in a little "I don't feel very well" mixed with a few "I didn't sleep very well" days and nights, and well, you just don't get any blogging done.
Actually, the ONLY reason there was blogging last week is because I had my whole Blogging week ready to go and scheduled to publish like a week in advance. It's true. I usually spend a few hours Saturday mornings or Sunday nights working on blogs. Some make the cut, some don't, and some are saved as drafts for another week. Then, I just get to read all week. It's quite a good system. The problem? I ran out of material! Scheduled material that is. With the way my life goes, there is ALWAYS bloggy material. ha!
Anyway, as soon as tonight is over, I promise there will be more blogging to come. I am already working on telling you all about the par-tay (NurseMom met Big-D), game night and playing "BOB", the update on my health, and all about Graduation Open Houses. I'll try to throw some fun stuff in there too.
So, thanks to all who noticed - and cared. Just know that I am still alive.
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