Engine 2 Challenge

I am thinking about starting the Engine 2 Diet Challenge. I watched Knives over Forks a couple of years ago. For the most part, I have been semi-vegetarian. I really do not like meat, never had. I just do not like the texture. However, I do like a nice burger. I also like chicken and fish.

Right now, I probably eat red meat once every two or three months and chicken two or three times a month. Well, I take that back, I eat turkey sausage almost every day for breakfast. Other than that, I get most of my protein from beans and protein powder.
Today I felt like crying. I’m sick and tired of being tired. I know a lot of it has to do with my consistent running. The other part is my thyroid. I am convinced this increased dosage is doing nothing for me. If I go back, she’s only test me again and probably give me another increase.

So, I have been researching thyroid function to see if making any nutritional changes might help. This is one of the reasons I am thinking about doing the challenge. I have already tried a few of the recipes. I especially liked the Raise the Roof Sweet Potato Lasagna. I think it will be challenging and interesting to see if I can get more sustained energy from eating a plant-based diet.

Well see….

February Update

I am ending this month on a very shaking note. I had a doctor's appointment this morning. My thyroid is still not stabilized. My doctor wants to give me yet another increase on my Synthroid dosage. I think it is about time I get serious and look into alternative therapies.

Everything else is fine. I forgot to ask for a copy of my labs. My blood pressure was 102/64 -- fantastic! She also said my cholesterol is still on the low side. She wants me to have some cholesterol. My vitamin D level is great. My A1c is 6.1.

The awful news is that I have gained seven more pounds! Between being sick, bingeing here and there, and skipping workouts, the pounds are piling back on. Not good at all!

I have a little over 100 days to give my butt in shape to cross that Peachtree Road Race finish line. I need to stay healthy and focused on achieving my goal.

This is going to take some discipline. My Dad is starting chemotherapy and radiation treatments in a couple of weeks. This means I will be going to Michigan. I am still going to have to stay on top of my training. In fact, the training will be a great stress reliever.

I know I can do the training. Right now nutrition and sticking to my food plan is my biggest hurdle.

I haven't registered for the Run the River 5k because I am not sure I will be in town for it. Come to think of it, with my Dad being ill, there is no guarantee I will be in town for the Peachtree Road Race. Come what may. I'm still training for both events!

Trust the Process Revisted

Whoa! It’s not even noon and I’ve had a full day. I have so many thoughts racing in my head right now. After writing, I’m going to do some meditating….

I had my quarter doctor’s visit this morning. I was really nervous. My workouts have been inconsistent. I haven’t been feeling my best. My food has been okay but I feel I could have done better. I was so nervous about seeing those numbers I almost cancelled my appointment.

Results: I’m two pounds down since my last appointment. I admit I was disappointed. I was also shocked. I was convinced I had gained weight. My blood pressure was the lowest it’s been in years – 102/68! I can’t believe it! Next, my A1c – 6.0. My doctor is pleased. It’s been pretty steady – as far as she is concerned, my diet is on point. Of course, in my dis-eased mind, I want the number to be below 6.0. My cholesterol is good. I can’t remember the numbers and I forgot to ask for a copy of my results. I plan to stop by the office later today or tomorrow to get them.

Finally, my TSH – it has gone up from 2.3 to 3.8. Whoa! So this is what has been going on with my fatigue and inability to drop some pounds. I have no idea what’s going on with my thyroid. My doctor is increasing my Synthroid. Hopefully we can get my thyroid level back where it needs to be. This is going to help my energy level and improve my workout performance and results. My doctor was quick to remind me that when I started on this journey my TSH was over 4. It will be okay. Trust the process.
So, on the way home I really had to take a hard look at myself. How many times am I going to have to relearn the lesson of trusting the process? My doctor has no complaints about my health. She isn’t even worried about my weight. She said I am obviously doing something right because my lab results give her an accurate picture of how I have been eating and exercising. She advised me to just keep doing what I am doing. I am the healthiest I have been in years. Why can’t I just accept this? Sigh....

**
After my doctor’s appointment, I headed straight for the Greenway. Since I had to cut my run short on Monday, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to run the entire 3.1 miles. Yesterday I spent time stretching and making sure I drank enough water. I felt pretty good today. In fact, when I did my body checks, I realized I felt better than thought. I really have to do my best to listen to my body instead of my thoughts.

This is my lesson for today: My thoughts can be very deceptive. I cannot always trust what I am thinking. I have an eating plan. I have a training plan. If I can just stay focused on my plans, the results will take care of themselves. Trust the process!

Kneeling Psoas Lunge

I went to the chiropractor today for an adjustment and a massage. Boy, did it hurt so good! He kneaded my left glute like it was hardening Playdough. I could feel the release right away. He gave me some exercises to stretch the Psoas. He also recommended I start doing lunges. I am always afraid of lunges because I am afraid I am going to hurt my knees. Then again, I felt the same way about squats and I can do them now without any problems. He looked at my chart. Besides the time I hurt my knee trying to avoid not tripping over Rascal, I haven’t been to see him about my knees since September 2011. Now if I can get rid pesky tight glutes. I showed him the hip flexor stretch I’ve been doing. The stretch I was doing was static. He said it is fine but wants me to start lunging forward. I will eventually work up to a standing lunge.

Anyhow, this is what I will be working on for the next couple of months:

Happy Birthday!

I did it! I ran 3.1 miles. It was my birthday present to me. I almost gave up before trying. I was so nervous. One of the things I noticed was that I had to hold back on my pace. I was worried that I was going to run out of steam. Whenever I started getting a little weary, I told myself…”you can take a walk break once you get to that cone, just make it to that tree…” Before I knew it, I was done!

I am still in disbelief. I can't believe I did it! I ran three miles nonstop! I’ve recently accomplished two of my fitness goals:

Completing the Couch to 5K plan
Running 3.1 miles on my birthday

Now my goal is to continue running three times a week (I’ll run another personal 5K in two weeks) and consistently doing strength training at least twice a week. Both my GYN and Endocrinologist keep telling me strength training will really help improve my health. I need to stick with it. Thank God tomorrow is a rest day. My arms are still sore from Tuesday's workout.

This has been one of the best birthdays. This afternoon I treated myself to a pedicure. Tomorrow I am getting an adjustment and massage.

Wellness Wednesday

Today I saw my GYN for my annual exam. I am still amazed that my blood pressure continues to be in the normal range. Today it was 113/71. I also discussed with her that I have noticed that for the past month my hot flashes have increased. I was thinking I need a dosage adjustment on my HRT patch. She said, since my thyroid levels are okay, it probably has to do with the running. My body is making adjustment for the more intense exercise.

As far as she is concerned, I should just ride it out. She suggests I keep up the running and make sure I keep lifting the weights. It never occurred to me that running would affect my menopausal symptoms. I have been so concerned with my blood pressure, diabetes, and weight. The sweating has been pretty bad. I even had to switch to one of those clinical deodorants.

The Good, The Bad, The Encouraging

I just returned from my doctor's appointment. I like my new doctor. I think Dr. G did a great job in choosing her to take over her patients. She has the same approach about prescribing as little medication as possible. Well, according to her scale, I've gained five pounds since my visit three months ago. The encouraging news is that she thinks it may be due to the results of my thyroid test. My TSH is 4.21. I think that's the highest it's been. Anyhow, she wants it to be around 2.0. So, she's going to work on tweaking the dosage on my Synthroid. This gives me encouraging hope that my efforts have not been in vain. I truly believe I've been giving it my all during my workouts. Hopefully, getting my thyroid regulated will help kick my metabolism in gear. The bad news is that my A1c went it. Last visit it was 6.0. The visit it was 6.1. It's not that big of a deal but my goal is to get it under 6.0. My plan of action is to make sure I'm getting enough protein and work on paying more attention to my carb intake. The good news is that she's cutting my cholestoerol meds in half! My total cholesterol is still 100. My HDL is 65 and my LDL is 19. So I have some work to do. I already set a goal to add more green veggies to my food plan. I think this will help lower my A1c. There's not that much I can do about my thyroid besides take my medication. I will continue to monitor my fat intake and eat my oatmeal for breakfast.

Progress and The Big Picture

I received my test results the other day.  My A1c moved from 6.1 to 6.0.  I'm so happy.  My doctor is pleased because the goal is 6.5.  I'm still bound and determined to get is below 6.0 and get off diabetes medication.  She's discouraging me from this goal.  I do trust her judgment and know she supports my goal to be on as little medication as possible (unlike my previous pill-pushing doctor.) Then again, she thought my goal to participate in a 5K was "quite ambitious." 

Speaking of 5Ks, I had a blast at AIDS Walk Atlanta on Sunday.  Unfortunately, I was unable to time myself.  I was walking with others and we had to stop a few times for a friend to catch her breath.  It was a very humbling experience for me to be able to be there encouraging someone else.  I am almost shocked that I'm in such great shape.  I say "almost" because it was nice to get confirmation that all those workouts are paying off.  Sometimes I start losing sight of the big picture -- improved health.

The scale may not be moving as quickly as I like but my lab results look great and I'm in pretty good physical shape.

I'm Back - Part Two

I experienced another week of ailments and knee problems.  Yesterday I had bloodwork done.  The doctor thinks it simply be the heat.  I've been doing my best to stay hydrated.  I'm feeling pretty good right now.  I'm going to go to the gym soon today.  I'm going to take it easy and see what happens.

I'm Back!

The last few weeks have been difficult.  I had a little health scare but I am feeling much better.  I sat in the patient room last week waiting for my test results near tears.  I was very frustrated.  I had a little talk with my body to please cooperate with me and I promise to do the same.  
I'm going to start over with the Couch to 5K running program. 

Test Results

I'm pretty pleased with my quarterly test results.  Everything is within the normal ranges.  I'm still working on lowering my A1c.  Right now it's at 6.1.  Even though my doctor's goal for me is 6.5, I'm determined to get it below 6.  I want off this medication!

My total cholesterol went from 123 to 100.  It appears eating oatmeal is paying off. 
Triglycerides: 93
HDL: 51

November Update

I really need to make a commitment to update my blog more regularly.

I'm doing okay. My knee is still giving me trouble. I haven't been doing much exercise. I have been attending OA meetings and working on my eating. This is going tremendously well. I'm done another three pounds. Even though OA is not a weight loss program, it is enforcing to see some physical results from working the program.

I went in for my four-month check up last week. I haven't received my labs yet.

Once I'm moved into my bachelorette pad, I will be able to get back into a regular routine. I'm really torn about getting rid of some of my equipment. I'm moving from a four bedroom house into a two bedroom apartment. I just won't have room for everything. There's a fitness center in the complex so I think it's going to work out okay. I just have a lot of sentimental attachment to the items. They are symbolic of a new chapter in my life.

Hopefully, I can make it back later on this week and catch up with my followers. I've missed following everyone's journey and pray you've been doing well.

October Report

This has been a rough week. Things are finally settling down with the break up. I'm sleeping much better.

I've been having a problem with my lower back and right knee. I went to the doctor on Friday. He said it's being caused by rotation in my pelvis. I've had this issue before. He gave me some stretches to do.

I'm supposed to be doing a 5K next week. I can barely walk a mile. Today I thought my knee was going to give out on me.

***

I'm still attending OA meetings. Today I've been abstinent, following my food plan for 30 days. I'm working Step Four. OA is not about weight loss. It's a spiritual program. It's been great to deal with the emotional aspect of my eating and weight problem. I've loss 5 pounds.

Now that I know it's nothing too serious with my knee, my plan for November is to start exercising more often. Since I really can't do that much walking. I'm going to do the Last Chance Workout DVD. It's something I enjoy doing.

Hotter than July

It's time to turn up the heat on my healthy journey. I decided to stop making excuses about the heat and do something about my exercise plan. I'm still not too comfortable about getting back in the gym. I want to give it a few more weeks. I'm not sure if the reason is mental or physical. I still feel a little pain here and there. The doctor said I have a lot of scar tissue in my abdomen so I have to be careful. Whatever the reason, I have made a conscious decision to honor myself about working out in the gym for now.

Since I have a few exercise DVDs, there's no reason why I can't exercise. So, I pulled out my Biggest Loser - Last Chance Workout DVD. My goal is to do a workout every day this month. I've been very inspired by Kat. She has like 200+ consecutive days of exercise. I'm going to take it one day at a time and see what happens. Today is day two and I feel fine.

Now, I need to get my eating habits back in line. I realize it's emotional eating. Things aren't going so well in the relationship department. I have all the tools to manage my emotions. I just haven't been doing the work. Well, the pity party is over. I'm praying. I'm meditating. I'm journaling.

I also purchased Women, Food, and God by Geenen Roth on Amazon this week. I saw this book mentioned on Bella's blog. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Back to Life

I'm back from the Urologist. He said the issue with my kidney is minor and probably a result of irritation from the surgery. Nothing to worry about. To appease my GYN, he is going to follow up with x-rays in three months.

I start working tomorrow. I was going to go into the office just for a change of pace. I can't fit any of my clothes. Well, they fit but they're a little tight around the waist. I still have "swelly belly." I gave away all of my "fatter" slacks. Oh well, maybe in a few weeks I'll be able to get into them.

I stopped by Harry's on the way home and picked up some fresh fruits and veggies, salmon, tilipia, and shrimp. I've been doing fruit smoothies during my recovery. I bought a bunch of kale to slowly transition back to green smoothies. I miss them.

Well, that's it for now. I look forward to getting back to my old routine.

Enough Already!

I went to the doctor this morning for my final follow up appointment. Since I had been experiencing quite a bit of nauseau during my recovery, she sent me to get an ultrasound on my gallbladder. Just like the colonoscopy, I thought it was a waste of time and my insurance benefits. Well, it turns out, I have gallstones. She advised me to avoid fatty foods and follow up with my PCP. She also increased the dosage on my estrogen patch. Oh, and there's a slight problem with the "tube" connected to my left kidney. It's a bit swollen. She thinks it's from scar tissue but I'm going back to the Urologist tomorrow.

The good news is that all my blood work, liver, and kidney function came back normal.

So, on the drive home I started thinking that I really need to take a better look at my diet. I don't even eat fatty foods. When I told Crystal about my results, she was shocked. She goes...if anyone should have gallstones it should be me. She eats horribly yet I am the one with the health issues. Go figure. Anyhow, I'm going to do my research about gallstones and see what's up.

P.S. So far today, I have walked 2,847 steps.

Recovery

This has been quite a week! I went to the Urologist on Wednesday to have the Foley catheter removed. I'm still working on getting my bowels and bladder back in order.

This morning I was thinking how I am starting all over. When I began my fitness journey, I began by doing laps in the house. This is what I'm doing now. I make it a point to do laps in the house at least four times a day.

My energy is pretty much zapped. I spend the rest of my day, sitting on the deck meditating, and watching the bird feeders. I've also been watching mindless TV.

I asked Crystal to pull out my jewelry-making supplies but I haven't felt inspired yet. I'm in no rush.

My friend Malane was over on Tuesday and did some energy work on me. She visited me a few times in the hospital for some energy work as well.

This weekend I plan to take a walk down the street and back.

I haven't had much of an appetite. I've been focussing on staying hydrated and eating lots of protein.

Colonoscopy/Endoscopy - Surprise and Shock

The deed is done. The prep was okay. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated.

We had to be there at 5:30 am. The process was smooth. I don't remember a thing.

I do, however, remember, the recovery room. You're in this little holding room with a few others with nurses in and out encouraging you to expel gas. Once you toot to they're satisfaction, you're moved to a waiting area.

The doctor came in and told me she removed one polyp. I was surprised. They're doing a biopsy on the polyp. I wasn't expected this news. Then, she tells me the shocker. I have a stomach ulcer. I don't even know what to say. I have no stomach issues whatsoever. The bottom line is that I am very grateful to God my doctor had the foresight to order this procedure.

I am also very grateful to God I have loving, supportive family and friends. My brother and sister will be here tomorrow to give Crystal a break from all this madness.

Now, I must focus on recovering from this (I'm wiped out) and preparing for my surgery on Monday. Did I mention I have to do another bowel prep on Sunday night?

Fun times....

A Good Friday

Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day.
~Ice Cube


I spent all afternoon at the doctor's office and the hospital yesterday. Preop stuff. If I have to fill out one more form, I'm going to scream! Things at the doctor's office were slow but great. The hospital was another story. They want you to fill out all these forms without giving you ample time to read through them. I felt so overwhelmed.

I go in to see a nurse. The first thing she wants to do is give me a pregnancy test. I start laughing. I told her there's no need for me to have the test. She snaps back at me ... are you refusing to take the test? I smile and said, no ma'am, I'm not. I had a hysterectomy in 2005. It's on one of those forms I filled out. She mumbled something about not seeing it.

I hate hospitals. I'm a huge germaphobe. I am not looking forward to this experience at all. I hate public restrooms so I didn't want to go to the bathroom while I was there. I was miserable. I couldn't wait to get out of that place so I could wash my hands. The fact that I was exposed to TB the last time I was in the hospital doesn't help. I was able to amuse myself with the fact that I didn't want to use any of the pens they kept handing me. Lol!

For the most part yesterday, I played the hurry up and wait game. Crystal played games on her iPhone. I prayed and meditated (and tried not to think about germs). I probably spent 3 hours praying and meditating yesterday. I continue working on staying positive and focused on my fitness journey. After we finished with my appointments, Crystal treated me to a nice Mediterranean salad at the Peachtree Diner. I came home, relaxed for a few, went for a quick walk, finished watching the first season of Nurse Jackie. Considering what was going on all around me, it was a pretty good day.

It's a Date!

I received notice yesterday that my surgery has been scheduled for April
12th. My preop appointment is tomorrow. Well, this was one way to get out of jury duty. I was supposed to serve on the 12th. Truthfully, I was looking forward to it. I'm not one of those individuals who dreads doing my civic duty. I thought it was going to be a huge hassle but the clerk I spoke with was very nice about it. She simply said she was send me another summons at a later date. I was quite surprised she didn't ask me for any verification. So, it's a done deal. I've already packed my bag.