Been sick

Came down with a cold / cough / sinus infection Thanksgiving day, been pretty miserable. On top of that, started spotting and then full-blown cycle at the same time. Very short (16 day) cycle this month. :-( It wasn't too bad as far as sciatica pain, but the endo spot on my nose did flare up and bleed the last day of menses as usual. Not sure if the sciatica wasn't as bad because I was already in bed and not moving around on it or what. I have been taking my supplements this past week, but not my smoothies (just no energy to make them and keep forgetting to ask Heather to) and I have been eating poorly (whatever Tom brought home / felt like warming up). So... not feeling great still, but feel like it's improving slowly. I hope to get back to my good diet and all the supplements by this weekend at the latest, I will weigh on Monday and survey the damage.

I am contemplating starting the GAPS diet in the New Year. Any thought or experiences anyone?

New Supplements

Ordering some new supplements today:

Ashwagandha - 570 mg daily (T3 and T4 thyroid hormone booster)

Pycnogenol - 100 mg daily (menstrual disorders / endo)

EPO - 250 mg daily

Milk Thistle - 300 mg daily

Free form aminos - 1,000 mg daily

Licorice Root - 1 dropper full daily

Red Clover tincture - 1 dropper full daily

Vitex tincture - 60 drops daily

Magnesium - 500 mg daily

Reordering these that I was almost out of:

Selenium

B Complex

Vitamin A

Decided not to re-order:

Trace Mineral Maintenance

More endo info

Endometriosis develops when endometrial-like tissue starts growing in places where it shouldn’t be, away from the lining of the uterus, often in the abdominal cavity or pelvic region, but sometimes in lungs or arms, and elsewhere. These tissue growths respond to hormonal signals in the menstrual cycle in the same way that uterine lining does, building up and breaking down each month. But while the uterine lining can be flushed out of the body during menstruation, the tissue remains of endometrial growths have no place to go. Internal bleeding, inflammation and other problems result.

Conventional diagnosis is difficult because even using a technique such as laparoscopy, in which the abdominal cavity is inspected through a fibre-optic tube inserted through a small incision at the navel, in many cases the endometriosis cannot be seen. Often the first clue a doctor has, especially if there are no obvious symptoms, is when a woman complains of infertility.

But for most sufferers, the symptoms are obvious and painful. Since endometrial tissue responds to the same hormones as the uterus does at menstruation, the sufferer has the same cramping pains, bleeding and irritation that are a familiar part of a normal menstrual cycle. Imagine agonising period pains that spread throughout the abdominal cavity and you understand why some women with severe endometriosis faint with pain.

Orthodox treatment is with drugs that all have unpleasant side-effects. According to Merck Manual of Medical Information, danazol, one of the most common treatments, can lead to weight gain, acne, a lowered voice, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, muscle cramps, bleeding between periods, mood swings, hair growth, liver malfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some things I can do (many I am already doing):

• WATER - lots and lots of water!!! (see below post)
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Eat more salmon
• Magnesium
• Red and green veggies
• Berries (anti-inflammatory)

Some things I need to reduce or remove from my diet:

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Wheat
• Dairy

Endo

It looks like I can add endometriosis to my diagnosis', I've been suspecting it but last few months have experienced this...

----------------
The pain you're experiencing in your right hip and lower back is most likely due to endo pressing on the sciatic nerve and is most often aggravated by the back flow of menstrual blood and (clotting). This pain can continue for many years but can be relieved by reducing salt intake and by drinking more water prior to menstruation so as to thin and flush out clotting. Your doctor most likely won't tell you this as they are far less experienced in understanding endo pain than those who have and live with the disease. The pain in the lower hip and back can be relieved by flushing out the kidneys and bladder simply by drinking alot of water.Also when you're experiencing excruciating pain try this...Lie down and bring your knees to your chin and hold for at least 15 minutes. I find that this really helps.
---------------------

I really, really, really need to be drinking my water.... need some people to help me be accountable. If I know you'll ask when you see me / chat with me, it will help me. Please? Thanks! :-)

Update on last couple weeks

A quick update... my cycle started again this past Friday, 29 days since the previous one - that is improvement! I was pretty tense the night before and very tense the morning of, but once started I felt much better. I don't know how my family lives with me some days. It was only about 12 hours this time with the horrible pms - that is a bit of improvement too. This cycle has been very light so far, not sure what that is about. No migraine - woo hoo!

I have had some pain in my thyroid over this weekend, Fri - Sun. Not sure if it was hormonal due to the cycle starting or what, but it has gone away now.

Two weeks ago (Oct 7-12) I had some very bad sciatica pain. It started out the first day in both sides and I was taking it easy, but able to function - the next day was in my right side, horrible pain and pinching and tightness - I could not sit up at all and being upright made it spasm. I was bed-ridden. The next day I forced myself to take the kids to classes, I took tylenol and got through the morning (though near tears for most of it) but was back in bed all afternoon once I got home. It improved quite a bit by Sunday and Monday I was pretty close to normal. I remembered Friday night that a homeopathic blend had been a help to me in the past for relaxing the muscles and allowing the nerve to move out of it's pinched position. I think that helped get me on the mend.

In other news, I am feeling pretty good about the weight loss so far, but definitely need to step up and exercise to get it moving a little faster. I am having very little to none of the panic/anxiety and have started taking 400mg of the SAMe and 1 tsp of the maca. I do think both of these "new additions" are helping me.

Need a booster

Only lost one pound this past week, so time to start making some changes to speed things back up. Shall I drink more water and exercise or cut out beans and nuts from my diet? Hmmmm, think, think, think...

In other news, the SAM-e does seem to be helping my panic attacks/ breathless / heart palpitations. I am managing well currently.

My smoothies have been giving me a bit of nausea right after drinking. The maca seems to give me a headache when I started and when I upped my doseage - only for a day though and not a bad one.

Feeling pretty good overall, been a bit moody this week but starting the progesterone cream seems to have helped some.

Current smoothie recipe

coconut milk kefir, frozen bananas, powdered MSM, powdered Taurine, powdered Tyrosine, probiotics, iodine, maca, colloidal minerals, calcium drops, cod liver oil, flax oil... and a bit of cocoa powder and stevia to help get it all down!

Just ordered more supplements

From www.iherb.com

Twinlab, Stress B-Complex Caps, 100 Capsules
$9.24

Jarrow Formulas, Sam-e, 200 mg, 20 Enteric-Coated Tablets
$9.63

Source Naturals, L-Tyrosine, Free-Form Powder, 3.53 oz (100 g)
$13.01

Navitas Naturals, Maca Power, Gelatinized Maca Powder, 16 oz (454 g)
$22.46

Didn't realize I ordered 2 of the Maca - I hope I like it! Thank you to my MIL for recommending the Sam-E, after looking into it I decided it was definitely worth a try for the anxiety/depression. The B vits are always a necessity for lifting my moods. I read a lot about the Maca at Nourishing Gourmet and other areas and am excited about the possibilities there for hormone balancing. The L-Tyrosine has been on my list for a while to try and help my thyroid function properly.

Update

I have had a couple busy weeks, went to mom's for a few days last week and have had school, classes, soccer, etc... but wanted to update a bit here.

I have had quite a bit of improvement. In mood and coping abilities and weight loss mostly.

* Anxiety - still dealing with this a bit, depending on the day, usually worse in afternoons and evenings.
* Back Pain - not bad
* Cycle - a week overdue ???
* Exercise - not last week but back to it daily this week
* Food - doing very well with my food choices, digestion and bloating improved
* Migraine - none since Aug 5
* Sleep - when having a bad anxiety night it is hard to fall asleep lying down, but sleeping pretty well otherwise
* Supplements - Pretty consistent, feel like what I am taking is helping, considering adding a couple things soon
* Thyroid - swelling seems to be going down a bit, still wear down quickly but it will take time
* Tonsil stones - pretty much gone, not an issue right now - yeah!
* Yeast - detoxing with diet is causing some itchy skin/scalp, I need to do more brushing and salt water soaks.

I have been feeling better about my attention span, ability to have conversations without losing track of what I was saying/hearing, also doing better with patience with the children and hubby, I find I am able to manage my time better also - don't get stuck doing one thing without being able to see the other things that need attention and how to accomplish them.

Symptoms today

I had a frustrating day. Frustrated with myself because the week had been going so well but I woke up this morning and just didn't have any motivation. I laid in bed too long, I didn't stay on schedule with the kids, didn't stay on top of meals or clean-up, didn't take my supplements or exercise. So... just kinda down this evening. Not feeling horrible, but need to pick myself up and get back to it Monday. We will be gone much of the weekend and are having company Fri/Sat, so will start afresh on Monday.

Breathing is more difficult in the evening as usual, but not too bad. My heart was racing before I even woke this morning. Tom could feel it and asked me about it. I have no idea what I was thinking about or dreaming about, but it was pounding. Stopped after a bit. Other than that... not much else to report for now.

Symptoms today

Had another better day today. I was feeling really quite good this morning, didn't take my supplements until around 4pm though and I was feeling really, really tired by then. I think it was helping me to take them earlier in the day, to not get that exhausted 3pm thing. I woke up with a stiffness in my right shoulder and right side of my neck, not horrid but it's been there all day. I have a bit of discomfort in my throat, and am slightly constipated - and today I noticed that the patch of dry skin on my scalp seems to be returning. That is a yeast symptom for me and went away after my yeast detox diet over a year ago... it stayed away quite a while too. I am back on the diet now, so I hope it doesn't get bad. The evenings seem to be worse for me with the breathing issues. I need to do better with water still - need to get out a pitcher and fill it in the morning and pour from it through the day so I can see how much I am actually drinking and force myself to finish it. I did exercise today. I know that others are praying for me and I so appreciate it. Good night!

Symptoms today

I had a good day today. More relaxed and I am actually in a pretty upbeat mood tonight - yeah! I slept well last night thanks to a great relaxing massage from hubby. Up early again this morning and got school and chores done before heading out to a friends to babysit. I so enjoy all the children playing together, 9 kiddos for the afternoon and it was fun and relaxing! :-)

I had a bit more trouble with the tonsil stones, some mild breathing issues late afternoon and some pretty strong heart palpitations after dinner but didn't last long. I took all my supplements and ate well. I did not do my T-Tapp due to being gone all afternoon, but will get back to it tomorrow. I did not drink enough water and am having some mild constipation returning, need to work on that. I picked up a book from the library today to read at night... that may help me get to sleep without fretting. Off to bed now!

Symptoms today

Had a better day today. Tom agreed to take the phones in the mornings for me, the afternoons the kids did independent study/reading. I am tired, not used to being up so early, but it did help to get more accomplished during the day. Hoping I sleep better tonight.

Let's see, an update on symptoms...
*My anxiety/breathing was better during the morning, worsening through the afternoon and is pretty bad again tonight.
*Back pain is pretty much gone.
*Constipation has been much better for a couple weeks now.
*Cycle - felt a bit crampy in the belly and legs today, but nothing so far...
*Exercise - have been pretty consistent for 2 weeks now with some form of daily exercise, woo hoo!
*Food - vacation was pretty bad, just ate more frequently, though not horrible foods.
*Joint pain - not too bad right now.
*Migraine - none since last bout.
*Sleep - was doing pretty well until anxiety started, now tossing and turning but once I get to sleep I seem to do fine.
*Supplements - taking daily per list
*Throat - still get a bit hoarse and feel some tightness upon swallowing.
*Tonsil stones - greatly decreased, what has helped is more frequent brushing, including tongue and gargling with mouth was once a day.
*Water - working on drinking more, got down probably 48 oz today?
*Weight - uggh.... working on that, I started today with my strict diet again! :-)

There we go, a good run-down. Off to bed now.

Just want a deep breath!

I am struggling the last few days... to just breathe. Uggh! I think it is anxiety. Got much worse on Friday on our drive home from our vacation and has been an issue all weekend. I just canNOT get a good deep breath and I feel like I need to yawn all the time, but I can't. My heart is racing some too. I have to work hard not to focus on it, or I get panicky and it gets worse. I am better right when I wake up, but once my thoughts start racing, I start struggling. I feel like I am not getting enough oxygen - though I am sure I am, as I am not light-headed or turning blue or anything serious.

I am guessing that it stems from a big week coming up... and I am anxious about being able to handle it. Tom had a big meeting with the road assoc on Saturday at the same time that Will had his first soccer practice. Tomorrow morning I go back to running the office, and we start school for the year. We are implementing a new chore schedule, If/Then consequence chart, and daily routine with the beginning of school. Also working on healthy eating and exercise again. Tuesday I have to compile a food co-op order. Friday we start our co-op classes up again. Saturday my brother and his girl are in for brunch. All of this is great, fun stuff but I feel a lot of pressure to get things ready and be sure I have the energy to do it. I also feel myself dreading the migraine/depression that I anticipate in the next week or two with my cycle. I know I shouldn't expect it, should cover it in prayer and let go... but I just can't seem to do that. Please pray for/with me in the next couple weeks, that my health would dramatically improve and I would have better coping skills with that. Thank you!

A sad day

Word came today that a dear friend passed away. I am so sad. Nothing else seems important enough to say right now and I am completely wiped out, so that's all for now.

Symptoms today

Today was not a bad day. We went to church and stayed just for morning worship, came home and grilled out for lunch before Mom and Oscar left. It was so yummy! I laid down and slept on the couch for a while after they headed out - yep, it was close to 4 and I was beat. I got up at some point and moved to my bed and slept until about 7. The most bothersome symptoms are my lower back and the constipation right now. AF is still hanging around. I took my supplements before bed since I had forgotten earlier. My tonsil stones seem a tad better, though I still was clearing my throat due to the feeling that something was down there. I feel hoarse, and I remember during my nap waking and feeling like there was some stabbing pain around my thyroid. It didn't last long, maybe it was a dream, I don't know? I am looking forward to starting exercise tomorrow.

Symptoms today

Today we slept in until 9am - the whole house! Nice :) My mom and her hubby are visiting, so I have been eating things I shouldn't but I am enjoying the time with them. We had a brief outing to the library and local shop for a few groceries but otherwise were home. I was able to sit and close my eyes for a few moments when my 3pm slump hit. We did not stay up too late.

I am still very constipated, af is still here, tonsil stones were bothersome, joints achey - esp wrist, no headache, lots of lower back pain. I did take my supplements and drank a couple glasses of water.

Symptoms today

Today I could not get out of bed - E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D... so, finally got moving and left the house for some groceries. I was on the verge of a headache all day and found my sunglasses to be a necessity. At lunch I felt like I was going to throw up - I mean seriously, not just a little nauseous - I was looking for a bag. Ends up, the reason I am so tired and was nauseous was that AF decided to stop by again. Uggh, uggh, uggh... only been 2 weeks? Visited with our friends for the afternoon and that was nice as always. Got home from a long day and am heading for bed now. My mom and Oscar are visiting over the weekend and I hope to enjoy some time relaxing. My back is very, very sore and it's hard to walk. Some heart palpitations this evening. I also feel quite hoarse and my tongue is enlarged. Tonsil stones continue. Eyes are burning, time to go close them.

Symptoms today

Feeling a lot better than yesterday, mind more clear, headache lingered a bit and then left by the end of the day. My throat is bothering me - harder to swallow, feels like the tonsil stones are gathering and I am coughing up a good bit. I feel hoarse, my tongue feels very fat. I have some shoulder pain. No heart palpitations. I only took 1 of the thyro-complex tablets instead of 2, going to experiment with that. Still constipated though stomach pain is better. Spotting a little?

Calendar above

I am adding a calendar which will show details about how I am feeling.

Here I will record my...
- supplements
- how I slept
- foods I ate
- how much water I drank
- exercise
- how I was feeling/ changes in symptoms

Hoping if I track symptoms and other details that more of a pattern will emerge and help me with figuring out changes I should make, what is and is not helping, etc...

Symptoms today

Horrible migraine started suddenly mid-day. Very constipated and some stomach pains. I had flashy lights in my vision, mostly left eye - almost completely obstructed vision on that side. Pain was quite bad and after some sleep seemed relieved but returned due to a short trip out of bedroom into the lights. I did a water enema, skin brushing and salt water bath, felt some better but not completely. I was nauseous and finally gave in and took some tylenol. It took at least a good hour until I could sit up and then was able to eat dinner and visit as long as it was dark in the room. Around 11pm, I got up and turned off most of the lights around the house and then worked on office work until around 4am when I went back to bed and slept until 7:30. Another symptom I had was my heart was racing and I was jumpy all day. I was wondering if it was too much of the glandular support, but it started before that.

Food Considerations

From the book Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health

Things to Avoid
- caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar / impair conversion of T3 from T4
- large quantities of walnuts, almonds, sorghum, peanuts, pine nuts, millet, and cassava (tapioca) / contain goitrogens
- high intake of (esp uncooked) brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, mustard greens, spinach, and rutabaga / contain goitrogens
- soy products / estrogenic and goitrogens
- flouridated water and toothpaste
- iodine from fast food, canned food, prepackaged food ****
- aspartame

**** Iodine controversy: According to this book, "...most people believe that (iodine) is good for thyroid function. Iodine is indeed a major constituent of thyroid hormone. In fact, worldwide, the enormous problem of low thyroid is basically one of iodine deficiency, though this is hardly the case in the United States. ... "

"Iodine is a double-edged sword for throid sufferers. More than adequate amounts (i.e. anything more than the standard 150 micrograms in a multivitamin mineral combination), may further irritate and inflame an already ailing thyroid gland. ..."

"How does excess iodine harm the thyroid system? A high amount of iodine in the body becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland, in the hormone precursor protein called thyroglobulin. A high amount of iodinated thryglobulin triggers the autoimmune response. ...

"In fact, some scientists suggest that part of the reason for the present epidemic of low thyroid in the United States may be the high amount of iodine in many people's diets. Not surprisingly, we may have gone too far in attempting to eliminate goiters in small regions by adding iodine to the entire country's salt."

They recommend avoiding iodized table salt, fast food, canned food, prepackaged foods. I already do most of that and we love our Redmond's Real Salt, but I am confused by which way is the right way to go on this. Angstrom's Iodine is supposed to be good for hypothyroid, and I have taken it in the past. I will research it some more and decide whether to try small doses and see how I feel.

Recommended Supplements

From the book Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health

VITAMINS
- Vit A, 10,000-20,000 IU (never take more than 25,000 IU daily) / antioxidant
- Vit C, at least 1,000 mg daily / antioxidant
- Vit E, 400 IU daily / antioxidant
- B Complex, 50mg of each, but make B6 100 mg
- The Bioflavonoids quercitin((250-500mg) and pygnogenol (100-150mg) / reduce inflammation

MINERALS
- Copper (1mg), Zinc (25mg) and Selenium (100 mcg) / especially crucial to formation and utlization of thyroid hormone
- Chromium, 100-200 mcg / carb metabolism, normalize blood sugar fluctuations
- Manganese, 10-20 mg
- Calcium, 1200 mg
- Magnesium, 400 mg
* adding sea vegetables is a great way to get these essential minerals in. Kelp, dulse, nori, etc...

FATS
- EFAs from fish, flaxseed, primrose, or borage
- avoid transfats
- easy way to get both GLA and EPA is in 2 tsp flaxseed oil daily, or grind up 2 Tbsp flaxseeds and sprinkle in food

AMINO ACIDS
- Tyrosine is the basis for both kids of thyroid hormone,a s well as for adrenaline and noradrenaline
- Glutamine is also recommended for brain function and better digestion

** A morning shake can be a good way to get many of these minerals, fats and amino acids... milk, protein powder, tyrosine, kelp, flaxseed oil with some cocoa powder would be a good idea.

NATURAL GLANDULAR SUPPORT
- freeze dried, purified animal glands, with associated hormones removed, nutritional over-the-counter products that border on medicinal
- if it makes you feel "speedy" it is due to both cortisone and adrenaline being present and you may need only one, in which case pregnenolone or DHEA may be better choices
- Licorice root stimulates production and utilization of adrenal hormones
- Low thyroid sufferers who also need female hormone balance should consider glandular ovary or mexican yam products

HERBS
- Ashwagandha Withania somnifera can stimulate both T3 and T4
- Milk thistle, 300 mg daily / antioxidant

Snippets from reading

From Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health by Richard L. Shames, M.D. and Karilee Halo Shames, R.N., PhD

From chapter entitled "Reestablish Balance in Your Reproductive System"...
- too much estrogen opposes thyroid function, while natural progesterone is supportive of it
- natural progesterone cream can augment the benefits of thyroid replacement therapy
- proper diagnosis and treatment of low thyroid can generally improve the health of reproductive organs and sexual function
- specific problems with menstruation, libido, fertility, and miscarriage are frequently thyroid related
- rebalancing hormonal systems can frequently improve one's overall thyroid recovery

From the chapter entitled "Determine If Low Adrenal Should Also Be Treated"...
- major connection exists between low thyroid and low adrenal
- low adrenal can actually cause low thyroid to be much worse than it would be otherwise
- low doses of natural adrenal hormone (hydrocortisone) can bring adrenal function back to it's normal range (not to be confused with high-dose synthetic adrenal supplements, i.e. steroids)
- three stages of adrenal response are adaptation, alarm, and exhaustion
- in exhaustion the bodies ability to cope with stress is now depleted, adrenal hormones plummet from excessively high (alarm) to excessively low
- this exhaustion phase sometimes accompanies or is confused with low thyroid
- suggested dose of 5 mg of natural hydrocortisone 1-4 times per day
- symptoms of too much adrenal hormone are puffy face, weakened bones and skin, high blood pressure, water retention

Evaluation - Part 2, Diagnosis

Based on symptoms and past tests, I know that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I also am Hypothyroid and have Adrenal Insufficiency/Exhaustion.

When I was 9-10 years old I was hospitalized for about a week with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (an autoimmune disorder with low platelets). I was treated with steroids. When I was in high school I developed asthma for a time and used an inhaler that also contained steroids. The use of steroids has been cited as a cause of hypothyroidism, as have the hormones in oral birth control pills (I took them for a month when we were first married, before we knew of the abortifacient effects). The hormonal imbalances and hypothyroid, kidney problems, adrenal issues all go hand-in-hand. It has been interesting to find some connections and sources for the problems.

A book that I am currently reading and finding helpful is Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health. A self-assessment from that book and others showed that I have a vast majority of symptoms (see earlier post), and the basal temp and iodine patch test further confirm my suspicions. I have long suspected sluggish thyroid and after researching the various panels of testing done by doctors I have not been convinced that it would be helpful at this time (especially considering our threatened health care system reform) to go that route.

I will post further on some of the interesting things found in my reading and also the treatments I do plan to explore.

Evaluation, part 1 - Symptoms

Alright, I've been doing pretty poorly the last few weeks and so am re-evaluating where I am and what I should be doing to take care of myself.

Here are my current symptoms:
- achy joints, esp in the morning
- very difficult to wake up - can't think or speak for a while after rising
- bloating, constipation and stomach discomfort
- swollen tongue
- hoarseness
- tonsil stones (ick!)
- occasional hypoglycemic "sugar crash" feeling
- light-headed upon standing up
- scant, painful, irregular menses with no ovulation
- dry skin on face, elbows, feet
- rapid re-gain of all the weight I lost
- always feel tired, can fall asleep sitting esp around 3pm
- difficulty falling asleep, tired but "wired", time when I have most energy
- heart palpitations, hard thumping in chest
- frequent headaches and light sensitivity
- sensitivity to noise
- cold hands and feet
- depression, moodiness esp mid-cycle
- thirsty, but nauseous when drinking water
- kidney pain in lower back
- dark, sweet-smelling urine
- dry, coarse hair that falls out easily
- increased facial hair
- dry feet
- difficulty remembering facts, names, dates
- inability to concentrate/focus
- stressed and overwhelmed very easily
- puffy face, bags under eyes
- slow movement and slow/slurred speech
- difficulty in drawing a full breath
- dry/burning eyes
- low body temperature in the AM
- itchy face at times

Acupuncture article

First article published from the acupuncture/PCOS study that I took part in at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Go here to read, it is just about the recruitment procedures so far but there will be more and I will post them as I get them.

Monday Update

Well.... okay, so missed an update last week and obviously haven't done so well sticking to my healthy eating and exercise. I am gearing up to get back to it though. Our life has turned topsy-turvy and I have been living in "survival/crisis mode" lately. I have gained 3lbs in the last 2 weeks and also gained some inches. However, that bloating should be going away very soon thanks to AF and I am not too discouraged. I hope to give a much better report next week! :-)

Monday check-in

Alright, so we had a real rough week and my birthday was today, and my little sister is here visiting with her boys, and so I just couldn't control myself - I cheated all weekend. :-( I am back to being good tomorrow - especially since stepping on the scale and having gained 2lbs as of this AM. Oh well, back to it... and starting my 16 weeks over again. I didn't measure my waist, but I am feeling quite bloated and didn't want to know, LOL...

I don't have a recipe to share - but I will say that Kroger has Quaker rice cakes for FREE this week with coupons - woo hoo!!!

Weekly check-in!

Hello! Happy Monday. It has been a very snowy one here! We have had a great time playing and making a snowman and taking pictures, of course. :-)

I did my weigh-in this morning and lost 1 pound and 1/2" from my waist. I had a pretty good week, though still slacking in some areas - I am eating right and that makes a big difference!

I wanted to share a recipe with you for mayonnaise - that's right, completely legal mayonnaise!!! I was craving deviled eggs, so found this one on-line. I made a batch twice this week and we have enjoyed it in egg salad, chicken salad, and deviled eggs... yummy!

Mayonnaise
1 whole eg
2 egg yolks
1 T mustard powder (to taste)
1 T fresh lemon juice (I left this out)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup olive oil

*I don't like the taste of olive oil in my mayo, and have not liked other recipes I have tried that had the olive oil in it - so I used a whole cup of coconut oil and liked it very much.

Directions:
Put eggs, mustard powder, lemon, salt and pepper into food processor or blender. With processor on/blender running on low speed, start adding oil very slowly. Start out with drops and then work up to about 1/16" stream. It should take about 2 min to add the oil. Continue blending until there is no free standing oil. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Week 4 update

I lost 2 lbs this week and an inch from my waist. I am surprised, since I have been pretty much laying/sitting around all week trying to recover from illness. I was hoping to just maintain - so hooray!

I ate well, no cheats. I still have not been able to start my exercise routine, and only did maybe 2 hot baths this week? Been horrible with my water drinking.

I don't have a new recipe to share, if you have one, please send it to me! I did pick up a new kitchen toy from Target this week. It is a chopper that works fabulously! We eat lots and lots of fresh fruit salads, so this makes the chopping fruit a breeze. My sister-in-law Kerry has one and I got to use it while we were at her house, and I loved it, so spent the $ on one. :-) The kids can do this safely and easily too!

Send me a note and tell me how you are doing. :-)

Monday Check-in

My week went pretty well. My husband was very sweet and caring bring home a boquet of tulips and some steaks instead of chocolate! :-)

I was pretty sick with bronchitis much of the week, but feel almost brand new today! I got in 4 steamy hot baths and ate well all week. I was not able to exercise due to the coughing but plan to get started today. I lost 2 lbs and my waist stayed the same. I need to do better with my water still. I know that if I add exercise and water - next week will show more loss in lbs and inches.

One of our fav meals this week (besides the delicious steaks) was burgers with homemade french fries. Here is how I made them (see attached pics): Using a knife (or wavy chopper is extra fun), slice raw potatoes into thin strips. Spread onto ungreased cookie sheet. Get out your coconut oil and place "pats" of oil (using a butter knife) randomly on top of fries - probably 8 or so "pats" for a large cookie sheet. Sprinkle seasonings on top of fries... we like salt, garlic, paprika, oregano and a bit of cayenne. Place under broiler in oven with rack in highest position... do NOT walk away. Watch and listen, once the oil has melted and fries are sizzling a bit - stir on pan with a flat spatula, put back in oven and again stay close... you will want to stir once more and watch for the doneness you desire. We like them to get soft and then crispy and golden. It doesn't take long, so don't leave the kitchen or they will burn! These are yummy with burgers (grilled with liquid aminos, salt and garlic) and a veggie - we had carrot sticks and grapes. Enjoy, and I'd love to hear how you are doing!!

Adrenal Burnout Info

A link with good information on Adrenal Burnout and the symptoms that I experience. My friend Mary recommended this to me. Recommends DHEA and others.

End of Week 1 Update

I was very surprised this AM to step on the scale and calculate a total loss of 11 lbs this week - woo hoo! I didn't expect that. I know it won't all go off that quickly, but it certainly helps. I also lost an inch from my waist too.

I have done very well with my eating plan, following that easily. Confession time: I have not done well with getting the sweating baths in. I just am not making it the priority it should be! I took ONE this week - uggh. I can feel the negative effects of not doing it, itchy skin and tense, achey, heavy shoulders (I have come to recognize that as toxin build-up). [To qualify this, I am showering regularly - it is the 30 minute HOT bath for detox that I am doing poorly taking the time for.] I also have done very badly with my water drinking... I should be doing at least a gallon a day, and I am doing well to get a quart down lately. Also... as if that wasn't enough... I am not exercising. So, those are areas I am working to improve this week.

***I changed my ticker to reflect my total lost, including the last time I did the Plan. I lost 50 lbs in 2008, and regained 25 because I did not stick to any kind of plan for food choices and exercise. I have 15 more to go to get down to where I was at the end of that cycle and start working on the next 50. So, that is why the ticker changed. :-)***

Day 5

We are still fighting off colds, coughs, earaches... ick!!!

I was sick in bed all day. Slept for 4 hours this afternoon and am doing a bit better.

I managed to eat well and get a hot tub soak and dry brushing this evening. I had grits and a fruit smoothie for b'fast, a rice cake and an apple for lunch, and 2 chicken thighs with a baked potato and corn for dinner.

I resisted the urge to have pizza rolls that Tom made the kids for lunch and biscuits with the chicken he brought home for dinner - I also picked off all the breading from the chicken. Pretty good considering I was in bed instead of the kitchen all day.

That's it for now.

Day 3

Hello! I am doing well with my eating still and have lost 6lbs in the last 3 days - woo hoo!!! I have not gotten back to my routine of exercise, brushing and sweating. I really need to though, had a detox headache last night and very itchy skin tonight - need to give my body a way to get rid of the yeasties safely.

Day 1 - Again

I started back today on the yeast detox plan. After vacation I have gained back what I lost plus some. :( I think it will come off quickly again - but kinda dissapointed in myself. Oh well, new day!

Back from vacation,but...

we've been sick with colds and it is taking longer to settle in than I had hoped, new goal is Monday, February 2 to start the 16 week yeast detox "McComb's Plan" (see link in sidebar).

Taking a vacation

Leaving for vacation tomorrow and will be gone for almost 2 weeks. Will resume the diet when we return and I get groceries and settled back in. Goal is Wednesday, Jan 28.

Day 8

Much better today, thank you! :-)

I ate well. Cream of Rice (yum!) for b'fast with coffee, rice cake and tuna with grated cucumber for lunch, salmon and rice and butternut squash and fruit salad for dinner - delicious!

I drank almost a full gallon of water, exercised, brushed and took a hot bath.

Read my Bible.

Took melatonin and was alseep before midnight.

Day 7

Not such a great day.

I woke up and felt fine, but as I moved about through the morning my lower back started to really hurt. I felt a bit crampy and my legs began to ache. I was concerned it was PMS, which would be bad since it had only been 2 weeks. I think now that it was my kidneys again. I went to church but the drive was pretty uncomfortable and so I went down and laid on the nursery floor and listened on the speaker. We had a fellowship meal after worship, I sat with the children and ate but was not able to stay for afternoon worship. We came home and I stayed in bed most of the afternoon. :(

At the meal, I ate okay. Did the best I could considering. I had taken some chicken and a bowl of veggies, I also grabbed some salad with roasted onion in it, some other veggies and couldn't resist a bowl of bear stew. I avoided the dessert table entirely and brought my water jug so just drank that.

After our naps, we enjoyed a roast and veggies from the crockpot. Tom and the kids played games in the evening and I sat in our room doing Bible reading, reading blogs and enjoying the uninterrupted time. I got struck with lots of sadness though and ended up crying on Tom's shoulder after he got kids to bed. Poor guy, so bewildered, I very rarely cry. I will go into more of my feelings in a different post, different page. Anyway... here is where the night went wrong. I ate 6 cashew turtles!!!! Waaaah ;( Frustrated with myself for turning to chocolate instead of going to God in prayer.

On the bright side, I DID drink an entire gallon of water!

Day 6

I had a small cheat today. Tom wanted to buy some beef jerky, and wanted us all to taste it so that he knew we would like it before he bought a few pkgs... so he got the teriyaki kind and it had sugar, and MSG and I think even corn syrup solids. Now, I did have only 3-4 small crumbs, not even really a piece... but had to fess up anyway.

Okay, that feels better...

B'fast - my darling husband made chopped burgers, fried potatos and fried eggs combined with some fresh salsa I had made a few days ago... sooo yummy!

Lunch - a banana and a rice cake on the run (church mtg this afternoon).

Dinner - burger, baked potato, corn

Not great on my water, but I did drink a few glasses. I also pulled out my half-gallon jug from behind all the canned goods in the cabinet this evening, so should start to get at least one of those down daily now.

We (except Tom who is sore, wimper, wimper) all did T-Tapp Ladybug first part. I took a SUPER hot bath, really sweat in there and feel good now. I forgot to brush before I got in though, oh well.

I read my Bible reading this AM. All in all, not a bad day.

Day 5

Today was a busy day, but I did fine. Meals were a little boring... we had cold rice for b'fast, leftover cold chicken with cucumber slices and rice cakes for lunch (packed), and taco salad for dinner. I made a dessert while we were watching a family movie, took the leftover rice and added a can of coconut milk and some cinnamon and a dropper of stevia - warmed in oven for "rice pudding"... everyone seemed to enjoy it.

The whole family did the first segment of the T-Tapp Ladybug routine tonight. I was going to take a hot bath, but am falling asleep (before 10pm!!!), so will skip tonight. I drank several glasses of water today, but not as many as yesterday.

I did complete my Bible reading today also. G'night!

Day 4

I did well today. Scrambled eggs for b'fast with my coffee, baked potato with coconut oil for lunch, chicken leg quarters with brown rice and broccoli/carrots for dinner. I had a banana for snack at some point, don't remember when. I did much better with my water today! I drank probably 72 oz, not quite what it needs to be, but better!

The whole family did the ladybug standing routine tonight. Rose pushed me to do a litte more, we had been stopping after the first segment. Tonight she and I got up to the "thread the needle" and then I was done. My muscles feel much better and I am so glad we have been consistent so far.

I got my skin brushing and hot salt bath in tonight, ready to climb into bed... oh, noticing that I am getting tired a wee bit earlier, and my mood is improving -hooray!!!

I also have started a plan to read through the Bible chronologically this year - got caught up on that while in the tub. :-)

Day 3

I am super sore today. I did T-Tapp Ladybug workout (designed to help with hormones, primarily menopausal women, but should help me too). It felt great, but afterwards I had trouble walking - my thighs are super sore while everywhere else feels just a bit stretched.

I have done great with my eating, my energy is up a bit still. I needed a little motivation today, so stepped on the scale - down 2 pounds so far! I still really, really need to dig out my water bottles and start drinking at least a half gallon a day to start. I know I would start to feel better and be less hungry.

I dry brushed and took a hot salt water bath last night, felt fabulous and my skin still feels good today. I woke up with a headache and shoulder/neck tension - a sure sign that I am detoxing. Got better early afternoon.

That's it for today!

Day 2

I have started back on the yeast detox diet - now called the "McCombs Plan". Today is day 2, the whole family is doing it for the most part, though I am stricter by far. I am feeling better already, seriously! It is amazing. I went for groceries last night and we are now well-stocked on meat, rice, potatoes, fruits and veggies. I stopped by to tell dad Happy Birthday last night and was able to resist the Cold Stone Creamery cake and the offer of Sloppy Joe's. I ate when I got home, meatloaf, baked potato and corn. I had eggs for b'fast and meatloaf, rice and peas for lunch. Today we had fruit salad for b'fast with coffee (tea for kids), and burgers and rice for lunch. Tonight we will have chicken and rice and broccoli.

Oh, the kids and I T-Tapped yesterday also. My legs are sore, amazing what that little workout can do for my muscles, strength and energy. I am getting ready to go load the DVD up again today.

I need to get better about my water intake!!! I added a ticker up top - more motivating to see it in my face! :-) I feel like a wimp, not putting my actual weight there - but NOBODY knows that, not even dh. Last year this time, the number of pounds to lose said 99. I am glad that it is less, though not as much less as I had hoped. I pray I can make great strides in this.

A New Year

I have been stuffing down my dealing with dissapointment this New Year and finally allowing myself to feel it this morning. Very emotional as my cycle began last week and was hard and painful, landing me in bed for several days with extreme back and kidney pain, and now getting hit with a cold - yuck!

I know that my goals for myself this year were not what God is waiting on - His timing is perfect and His Will will be, whether I reach my goals for myself or not. However, I want to be a vessel that is ready and the best I can be - a healthy me that is ready for whatever God calls me to, physically AND spiritually fit. Right now I am so NOT either of these, been very neglectful these past 6 months.

So, new resolutions with more understanding, slightly different outlook, growth and stretching happening always. As I reflect on this year, it has been a major one for us - not in ways I anticipated (is it ever?) but lots of positive growth especially with the two men (one grown, 1 little) in my life. Time to move on and look forward to 2009 and the plans God has for us... promises to be an interesting year for sure in many arenas.

Starting again, same goals...