No more Gallbladder, thanks Hashimotos and Gentics.

I have been wanting to update my blog since March, but things got pretty hectic. I am finally taking the time today to post some updates. For about 6 months to a year before March,  I had been getting this pain on right my side that I assumed was from lifting weights and trying to be Hercules by attending cross fit type classes. I have to say for a while, I was feeling impressed with myself. Look at me , thyroidless and wimpy being strong lol!

Eventually I went in for routine blood work and noticed that my liver enzymes were elevated. When I pointed this out to my endocrinologist, he ran the blood work again and since they came back okay he said it was probably fatty liver. Naturally, I started looking up the connection between Hashimotos and fatty liver and as usual I did manage to find information indicating that those of us with thyroid problems tend to have increased chances of developing fatty liver. Of course ,I got mad for having stupid Hashimotos but I decided I would try to look up information and see what I could do to keep it from getting worse or reverse it.

Despite this information, I decided to share my blood work with the functional medicine office that I go to. The Nurse Practitioner whom I absolutely love started asking me questions. One of the questions being if I was ever nauseated or had pains and to show her where the pain was at. So I told her that I was experiencing an increase in nausea but wasn't certain if it was because I hadn't been watching my diet as closely. She decided to run some more blood work,  initially I hoped that there would be nothing wrong and that it was all just in my imagination. Unfortunately, I got a phone call from them indicating that they wanted me to get an Ultrasound and see a specialist right away.  My first response was, that I wanted to re-do my blood work because I had been sick the day before the blood work and that I would wait until the next appointment.  The next day they called me again saying that the Nurse Practitioner did not want me to wait until the next appointment, and that I needed to go get the Ultrasound and schedule an appointment with the specialist. Actually, they told me that they had already contacted the specialist and they would be calling me for an appointment.  Can you say PANIC!!!!!!

I went ahead and complied with their request because they sent me into freak out mode. I was so nervous, and kept recalling all the tests, and scans I had done before and after I had my thyroid removed.  Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long before  I got my results, and turns out I had a pretty big sized gallstone. Granted this wasn't the best news, but I was thankful it was nothing worse. I wasn't too surprised as the number of people on my mom's side of the family without a Gallbladder is pretty high.  As much as I hate the idea of surgery,   I ended up having my Gallbladder removed and I do have to say it has been nice to have nausea every time I eat, but it got me thinking.  One thought was is their a link between Gallbladder issues and Hashimotos, and the other thought was well now what.

I have come across various blogs and facebook posts regarding the link between Gallbladder disease and Hashimotos. Some talking about how being gluten free is very important especially if you have Hashimotos, and other information indicating that hypothyroidism slows down the overall process of the liver metabolizing and filtering toxins which in turn makes the gallbladder produce gallstones due to congestion. So because I hadn't been completely gluten free I wanted to hit myself over the head., and then I realized while that would have been helpful it also wasn't entirely my fault.  I mean why blame myself when I can blame this dumb autoimmune disease and my genetics lol!  All in all I do think it was best that I did have my Gallbladder removed before it busted 👖and then I would have been in real trouble.  

So now , I am in the now what phase:
1)What else is going to happen now that I am missing both a thyroid and a Gallbladder? Ugh !!!  I mean I know there could be worse things out there but can this domino effect please just stop?!  Actually, as I am typing this up I am currently waiting on some blood work to see how hormone levels , and cholesterol , and so on and so on are.

2) What do I need to do regarding my diet?  I know I need to eat organic, and I know I need to not eat gluten but it can be overwhelming, and I just want to have fun like other people.  
 
3) What about my liver, what can I do to keep it health or in my case get it back to normal.? Which turns out when they did a liver biopsy as part of my surgery that I do have mild fatty liver.  Which could be result that my liver was trying to compensate for my gallbladder, and also Hashimotos.

There has to be some kind of balance out there, and I will find it and I will get on track. I just need to say NO , when I am tempted with the things I shouldn't be eating or drinking  which is so much easier said than done.  Maybe it's time to take charge and be the Hercules of my diet, rather than the Hercules of cross fit?!

Randomness and good link :)

Once again, time flew by and I haven't had a chance to update my blog!! I was gone for much of the summer first in Colorado and then in Alaska ,so that took away my blog time. I will be posting about these adventures in the near future.
 While I love traveling and had a blast, there are always consequences to not watching what you eat and not exercising the way we should. This is something that will always be a struggle for me and I am sure many others. 

I have a bunch of random thoughts today, so I guess I will go with random thought number one which is............ going to the Doctor. I think this is on my mind right now because I just came from the Dr. I am sure we all get frustrated with our Doctors, and don't get me wrong I am so grateful for them, but sometimes I just want for them to entertain my crazy theories or to spend hours going over my stuff until they have me figured out. The last appointment I went to in June/July I left with the: "what I spent 500 hundred hours waiting for you and you only saw me for 10 minutes attitude." I get that they don't have a lot of time, but if I want to talk about my concerns for 10 hours, let me talk about my concerns for ten hours lol! If i want to talk about my crazy theories, let me talk about my theories. Most of the time when I start talking to my Doctors they kind of blow me off. Sometimes they look at me like, wow how do you know this, or I don't have time to answer this right now. I guess I should also consider that they probably also get frustrated with their patients especially when they don't listen to what they tell their patients to do. I know I have been guilty of that.

 On the bright side not all visits are equal. I am feeling revived and ready to get things going in the right direction again. Today I went to a Doctor's office, where they believe in treating Holistically so after talking with the Physician Assistant I left feeling like I am ready to take on my challenges. I am understanding once again that I am a weird normal not an average normal ; whatever that is. It is so nice and I am so lucky to have access to this wonderful place. It is nice to talk with a medical professional who will listen and not make you feel like you are crazy. So on that note one topic of discussion is always weight loss and what should and shouldn't we eat. I was contacted during the summer by someone who wrote an article on losing weight with hypothyroidism.

    https://www.carobcherub.com/how-to-lose-weight-with-hypothyroidism/

I found the information to be helpful and a great summary of what we should be doing. Check it out!!!! I hope all is well with everyone!!! Happy reading!!

I tried a Tri !

One of the things I have always done is give myself challenges.   These challenges are stepping stones in proving to myself that even without a Thyroid I can accomplish great things.  One challenge I have always wanted to do was complete a Triathlon  .  In October I did a Tri-relay with some friends.  I stuck to the part of the relay I knew I could handle , the running part.    After completing this relay , I was motivated to take a bigger step so I signed up for a indoor Triathlon.
I know for some this may seem silly , or that since it was indoors that it wasn't a real Triathlon .   For me , it was real and it was an accomplishment.   I swam , I rode a stationary bike and I jogged on the treadmill.    I am not a good swimmer so that part was tough!!!   I discovered I can back float pretty well :)   I was pleased with myself that I completed it and didn't stop.    I got tired but I pushed myself to continue on.   I refuse  to let this disease get the best of me.   Of course , now I have it in my head that I would like to try a beginner outdoor Triathlon,  but that is going to take some time and lots of training .  Not sure I have the stamina for all that but,  it may be worth trying.

I know this post is short , but I am hoping that it motivates you in some way ! It's a tough fight having thyroid issues.   People don't realize how much of a challenge it is living without a thyroid or living with thyroid issues .  They think it's not  a big deal , and that we are being cry babies .  Wrong, they are cry babies!!  We are the survivors!

 I consider thyroid disease a life long Triathlon.  We have to constantly push ourselves,   even sometimes to just get out of bed .  It is a daily struggle.   We have to constantly fight and rise to the challenges we have been given.  One that  note don't give up!!    Rise to the occasion and complete your challenge , take your time and do it day by day .   Take breaks when you need to and go full force when you can.    It's not easy but it can be done.  It's funny to me because everyone always asks how come I have so much energy.  I don't , I take my rest days and when I am active I do my best  to show others that if I can do this, then they can too. 

      

Hashimotos fluffiness .. booo hiss !

  Let me just be honest and say,  I have had the hardest time getting on track. It's like I decided to let loose and now I am sitting her going what did I do to myself.     I keep getting on track and then falling off of it.   I know it has to do with me just wanting to be like everyone else.  I want to be able to eat whatever I want and be able to work it off.    I have been keeping up with my workouts,   despite having to take some time off due to hip flexor and IT band injury. but even at that I still managed to turn into one big marshmallow fluff.        

I had noticed my fluffiness creeping back on slow and steady, expanding just like Marshmallow's do they spread and puff.   My stomach looks like a big Marshamallow puff, and while you might think I am exaggerting or that I am being hard on myself, well pictures speak 1,000 words and this is where I see it the most.   How I let myself get this this point I don't know,  I know better, but hey sometimes we want to live life to the fullest right !     As upset as I am, I have  decided to use this feeling as my starting point.  I have been monitoring what I have been eating ,and have gone back to cutting out gluten 100% .     Believe it or not,  within just a couple days of being gluten free my fluffiness has started to subside.    Don't get me wrong, I am not completely fluff free but  it's a start.   

I must keep on track, and  I know I will be going out of town very soon, and will more than likely engage in naughty eating habits, but I am only going to allow myself to enjoy myself while there and then come back and get right back into the swing of things.        

You may wonder why I am being so though on myself and is it really necessary to cut out certain foods, well the answer is I truly don't know.  I do know however , that I see  results when I don't eat gluten.  My energy level is better and I have less fluffiness.    

 I am not saying to run out and go purchase all kinds of gluten free items and eat processed foods.  I am saying what we should be focusing on is eating as much unprocessed foods as we can, and those foods more than likely would be gluten free (for example: vegetables and fruit).    I think just from my personal experience, I have determined that in order for me to eliminate some of the side effects of having Hashimotos,   I must feed my body the best nutrients I can.  I think in order for my body to get these nutrients, I need to make it easy for my body to not have to shuffle through the junk.     

I am obviously no expert in the area but it makes sense to me. Those of us with autoimmune disorders such as Hashimotos are already having to fight our own bodies, so why make our body fight against things that are considered "foreign"  when we can perhaps help our body.

I know this isn't a cure, but it won't hurt to try.   Unfortunately, I haven't come across much medical evidence in regards to the gluten and Hashimotos connection from the "Traditional" medicine standpoint, but I have seen information from the Holistic standpoint.   I personally believe there is not one single answer, and we have to do what we feel is best for us.        

So on that note,  I hope that next time I blog about fluffiness it's that I have reduced it and not increased it again!     With that, I hope everyone is doing well, and keep your head up. We are all fighters and together we can do this!

      

Just a little update :)

Time to get posting again.    I finally finished my 3rd degree, and now I am on to figuring out what to do next.   I am taking a little bit of a break, and plan to look into some PhD programs.  Yes, I am addicted to school, I don't know why but I am.  I guess I figure might as well just continue to learn and learn and learn.   Maybe I am on a path of being over educated, but it never seemed to hurt anyone or did it?

  My last post was in regards to eating gluten free and trying out a new medicine.  Unfortunately, the natural thyroid pill (Armour) for me made my heart race too much.  I did feel like it helped me with losing weight, but I finally decided that I just couldn't tolerate the palpitations.  I am back on synthroid for now.   I do feel that eliminating gluten was very helpful, although recently I have fallen off the wagon and just can't seem to get back in control.   I almost feel like it is an addiction, I know I shouldn't have it but continue to eat it.     I guess it's all just part of being human we fall  and stumble and have to get up and get back to it.     I kind of feel like it's back to square one, but I know I can do this.

I have increased my running again, and been working out pretty consistently for the past several months.  I have grown stronger physically and mentally. I am surprised and how much I have been able to push myself to do.     I have learned so much about my physical and mental strength.  I still have my doubts and still worry that I will be in the middle of a task and just conk out of energy. One things for sure is that I know have something to reflect back on and say , hey if  I can flip a tire and lift heavier weights I can certainly walk or run more than 3 miles.   I do have to say that working out in high intensity has increased my stamina, helped me lose inches, gain confidence, and just made me feel better.     

I do have some goals in mind that I need to get started on:
1) Get back on track with my eating (you can work out all you want but if you aren't eating right than it's contradictory.)
2) Start studying for GRE
3) Look into PhD programs
4) Get back to blogging
5) Figure out how to get my own business going in my field.    

28 days of gluten free and more!

As usual things got very busy and I hadn't had a chance to catch up on  my blog.      However, I wanted to give a little update.     I belong to a Hashimotos Thyroid information group on Facebook, it has been very insightful.    Recently, I was informed that my current endocrinologist is no longer going to be taking my insurance, so PANIC  mode set in.    I posted on the board, and someone directed me to a group that is on Facebook that is San Antonio based.   What a blessing it has been, they recommended a group of doctors who are MD's but also believe in functional/holistic medicine.   I was very leery at first, thinking oh here we go it's just another doctor who is going to get all my crazy idea and blow me off.   Wow, was I surprised not only did they listen to me  and ask me how I was feeling they listened to my crazy ideas and took them into consideration.      The doctor basically said if you have Hashimotos that you should avoid gluten regardless if you have Celiac or not.  He also informed that corn is a problem for a lot of people because it is genetically modified, as well as soy.  I was shocked when he mentioned corn,  I knew about soy but corn!!!      He then put me on a modified elimination diet, and suggested I do a "cleanse", which of course invovled buying some protein powder and probiotics from their office but it is stuff I use anyway so for me no big deal.    I am currently and my 6th day of being completely Gluten free as well as eliminating some other stuff.  The first 3 days were pure torture and I was craving all kind of things, things I don't even like (hamburgers with lots of bread).  I am now over the hump and I truely believe that my stomach is starting to settle down.   I have a long way to go, and not sure what will come out of all this but for those of you considering giving up gluten just to see how things go I highly recommend.    I am basically doing something similiar to the autoimmune paleo diet, however  I believe if you google modified elimination diet you will find some information. 

Just an an FYI, after the 28 days I have a list of foods that I am supposed to incorporate every 3 days, and see how I feel.    I have heard some people are able to add everything back in and some people realize that they are sensitive to something and just never new.            Also, my main reason for doing this was because of my last theory :   Since my thyroid was removed and Hashimotos attacks your thryoid, then that is the reason for suddently developing food allergies.  My body has decicded to attack food.         I was also given the recommendation to read a book called:   Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause by Izabella Wentz , Pharm D.        I just received the book earlier this week, and as soon as I read it   I hope to give everyone an update.   Basically, I was told that this book goes along very well with my current theory, so I am itching to read it.

If any of you are interested in reading it here is the link on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796


I will also keep ya'll posted at to how my 28 days of gluten free, corn, dairy, soy, red meat, and "fake" sugar, and nuts  goes.   It's been interesting and I have had to be creative!      Luckily this week, a personal trainer from another gym has offered to prep 5 days worth of meals for me that meet this guidelines.      I am a little excited by also a little nervous!       

If any of you are in the San Antonio area and or seeking a total wellness center then I recommend Vital Wellness Center here is the link:  ( I was lucky and they did take my insurance, but not sure if they take everyone's)  

http://www.vitallifewellness.com/

I am also trying to keep up with my exercise so I am currently working out 3-5 days a week from low intensity to high intensity.     I have felt stronger, and I did lose some inches but it's a daily struggle!     Don't give up, if your struggling with this just take it day by day and keep on pushing.       

Finally,  I cam across this recipe on pintrest  I swapped pumpking for sweet potato  they looked really ugly but very tasty!!! 

http://pinterest.com/pin/172473860704495397/


I hope everyone is well!!! 

Food allergies and Thyroid is there a connection?

Hello everyone,

I know it's been a while since I have posted.    As usual, I got very busy with work and school!  I have a break form school right now so I decided it would be a good time to write something. I wanted to share my question, see if anyone has an answer, so here it goes!
  As we all know problems with the thyroid often means problems with something else.   Well, I have now discovered a new problem.    Sometimes I feel like I should be my own experiment,  just when you think you have things under control you are given a present.  A present that throws you off, and reminds you that you aren't under control, and that you aren't "normal"!      Don't you just love those kinds of presents, they are kind of like little reality checks, like ha ha I got you now!!!  But,  I refuse to let this presents take a hold of me, instead I am on a mission to figure them out!
Before I present my hypothesis that I need to research let me give you a little background.

   It was probably around February that I started getting itchy skin.   I wasn't concerned at first, because in the winter (well what is considered winter for Texas), my skin gets itchy and dry so I thought it was just my yearly itchy skin.    Fast forward to March,  and I was still itchy!   Figured it was probably just stress.   Around the same time a friend of mine who also doesn't have a thyroid was also experiencing itchy skin.  She went to the allergist and low and behold some food allergies were discovered.    I continued about my way, scratching and scratching noticing little bumps on my skin but being the stubborn mule that I am I just chose to ignore.    Until, one day after eating a snack pack of mixed nuts I noticed hive like bumps.    Uh-oh, maybe I am allergic to nuts, no not me I always eat nuts never had a problem.   I LOVE nuts, it can't be that.     After being convinced be a family member that maybe I should get checked just in case, off I went to the allergist.       I discovered I now have several food allergies: rice, egg white, pistachios, cashews, yeast, and salmon.   Yeast and Salmon have come up before but I don't eat Salmon and yeast is in everything so I typically avoided yeast rolls and stuff just seems like it would be filled with more yeast then normal,  but now my list got longer!             I was given a epi-pen just in case, and told to keep a food journal and write down my reaction to foods.   I was told to pick one category and if I continued to itch then move to another category.   So, I started with eliminating nuts ( not just the ones that came up positive , but all nuts) .   In case your wondering why I eliminated all nuts, well one because I got freaked out with the thought that a nut could send me into shock, and two because of cross contamination.      Hip Hip Hooray, eliminating nuts has helped tremendously, but I have noticed some itchy skin reactions with eggs , and also beer.     I am now starting to convince myself to eliminate eggs, and more yeast from my diet.         It's not easy, but if it means feeling better then one step at a time right?       Of course, I am also trying to figure out if it's in my head, or if it really is making me itch!

So,with these food allergies comes questions.  My friends and family have said that's so weird that you would get all these food allergies, and then they typically follow up with a question.  Is that normal, for adults to get allergies?    My answer, thanks to google and a little bit of  "research" : why yes people can develop allergies at any age, they can also be allergic at one point in their lives to something and then no longer allergic.            

Being the curious person that I am, I have now developed a hypothesis or maybe it's more of a research question.   
Remember back to when I said my friend also developed some food allergies around the same time, surprisingly one of her allergies is also rice.      So,  I started thinking hmm is their a connection between being thyroidless and developing allergies?       Maybe, but she doesn't have Hashimotos, but maybe there is something some kind of connection.    Of course I got on google right away and started hunting for an answer.  Unfortunately,    I didn't come across much information.  This could be because it was a quick hunt, and I haven't had much time to really "research" this.       Then from there I started thinking, really thinking.   If Hashimotos is an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid then maybe ,just maybe since I don't have a thyroid anymore my body has decided to attack food??       Some people say, well yeah but no thyroid means you don't have Hashimotos anymore: WRONG!!!  Most things I have read say taking out your thyroid doesn't mean Hashimotos goes away.   Oh!!!!!!! is the reaction I get when I say that.       So what about my friend the one who doesn't have a thyroid and doesn't have Hashimotos, well that goes back to my original question. Is there a connection to food allergies and no thyroid or thyroid problems for that matter?      I do plan to do some google research on this, I am sure there are others out there, or maybe no one has really looked into this.     Either way, I think it worth looking into!    

Any of you thyroidless friends or thyroid issue friends noticed any new food allergies? If so, have you found any info on this?  Please share, I am very curious!

New Year doesn't always mean New Goals!

It's been sometime since I have been able to sit down and write.   I ended my last semester with A's in both my classes, and getting ready to start a new semester.     However, this semester I decided to slow down a little and only take one class.    I am hoping that this time around  I will be able to make an A, and get back into the exercise (in particular running) groove.     A friend of mine and I decided to get back on our 1x a month 5k.   We are supposed to do one on the 25th, which is coming up, and  I have yet to start running.   I have been using my stationary bike/elliptical trainer at home though, but I know it not enough!  Unfortunately, not to far from me a woman was stabbed to death at a park where many runners, walkers, bikers often go. She was young (I think 24), and studying to become a Physician's Assistant.  She had come home for the holidays to visit family, and of course turns out that many of my friends and family knew here.    I myself often went there to find peace in the outdoors, and enjoy a nice run, walk or bike ride.  However, after this incident the whole running community has been shaken up.    I in particular have been really shaken up, since I often went by myself.   I had pretty much stopped going after one time I saw a unusual looking male walking opposite the direction I was running.  After that incident,  I decided that I needed to be prepared to defend myself.    Well, because of work and school I never had a chance to look into this the way I had intended.    Now, since the woman's death,  I have decided to take action.   I am attending several self defense classes.   I am hoping this will make me feel safe again, but I have also decided that I need to probably start running on a treadmill until I can get over this fear.    I do not want this fear to impact my love for running and walking. 

 I am also hoping that I will have more time to cook my own foods, and monitor my food intake!  Those of you with thyroid issues know that exercise and proper nutrition is key to feeling good.      Recently, I have been hearing so much about nutrition and eating properly.  It seems the trend is to eat my vegetables and fruits,  cut back on processed foods, and even dairy.  Last weekend I made a Vegetable Kale Soup.  It was delicious, while this is not the exact recipe I did here is one that you can try.    It  looks pretty similar except I used red beans, and black beans and used vegetable broth instead of cubes so I didn't need to add water.     I have mentioned Kale before in previous posts, and it's benefits.   It is bitter but, once mixed in the soup it was delicious, I know my dad loved it and so did I. 

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/vegetarian-kale-soup/

  While it is a New Year, and I most people make resolutions, I decided since I didn't really accomplish many of my goals that why not just continue on my journey.   Why add more to my plate, when I have yet to accomplish everything I have set forth to do??    I think that if  and when I accomplish my goals it will be more rewarding then letting go of the goals I have set forth, because then I can say I finally accomplished my goals.     I think I said this last year to ha ha , but hey who ever said anything about setting a time let on tough goals.  One thing at a time right?!   
Did any of you set any new goals??      

Reaching the peak..

Hello!!!!  Once again I have been MIA, as I mentioned in a previous email I have a full plate.  As, a matter of fact my plate is so full, that I am surprised I am still functioning.  Actually, just as in previous years by the time I get to Thursday I am pretty much out of gas.   I don't know what it is with Thursday's, it's like my body says.. hello it's Thursday time for vacation.  Unfortunately, I don't have time for vactation.       This semester, has been very challenging for me.  I am enrolled in a Neurobiology class, and a Neurobiology Lab (which I don't have much time for),  my diet has gone down the drain, mostly because I am working all the time.  I get up early, travel around the city to do therapy, go to class, travel around  some more to do therapy again, get home late, shove down dinner,  work on stuff for work, get to bed at midnight or later,  and then repeat.     In addition to work, and school  I decided to help with an retreat at my church.   This was a difficult decision for me, as the last time I helped with a retreat I got sick, and got so angry at my body for letting me down.  I was also was mad at not having a thyroid, and not being able to function the way others do. It's like reality hits you in the face, and your mind starts to take over with negative thoughts.     
 Come to think of it, it's kind of weird because when I got called I say yes right away. However, prior to the phone call, I had already been thinking about my decision.  Something was telling me,  I needed to have a decision so my saying yes immediatly, was because I had already been thinking about it for several weeks, actually I think months before.     As, the time gets closer to the retreat, I find myself going in to freak out mode.   Of course, it doesn't help that my appointment with my endocrinologist is on Monday.   I am worried about how my blood work will come out, especially since I have no time to exercise and I have been eating nothing but junk!!!!    People keep saying I look good, but honestly  I feel like a Zombie and am pretty sure I look like one.    I am very close to hitting my maximum peak, however I have decided that I am not going to give in.     I am going to do my absolute best to push beyond my peak and create a new peak.    What do I plan to do if reach this  new peak???    I am going to take a step back, and say hey I did it, and if I don't reach the peak I am still going to take a step back and say hey look what I attempted. 
I do have to admit, that this home health therapy job is bring back some very vivid memories of why I left home health a couple years ago.      No thyroid + driving around all day =     energy drain
I also have to admit that I am very disappointed that  I did not get to complete my exercise, and nutrition goals I had set forth for myself.      I guess in the end I have to be proud of the things I do accomplish, and rethink strategies to get my health back in order.  Also, as a side note:    fingers crossed that my doctors appointment goes okay, and that I am able to find a job that better suits energy level and getting my health goals back.  

As I typed this up, I started to reflect on a mission I had accomoplished.       Earlier in the semester, before my job got super crazy,  I decided to go on a run. The challenge was to go up an area called towerview.  Well, these were not hills these were mountains (in my mind), especially if you are trying to run up them.  I ended up not being able to run up them, it was a very slow walk/climb.  As a matter of fact, one of the running coaches ended up waling/climbing with me.      I am beginning to think that this was a foretelling of my semester,  nothing but one large hill after another. However,   at the top the result was a beautiful view.    It was also a lesson,  when I reached the top I discovered that if I can do this without a thyroid, I can do anything I set my mind too.    So,  I hope everyone out there reaches for their peak, or beyond whatever that may be.   

 

 

    

Yeah me 4.5 miles, and my poor stomach

Hello everyone!!!!     I am very proud of myself, ever since having my thyroid removed I have had a serious mental block.   I can't seem to get myself past running/walking 3 miles well the past couple weekends I have done a little more then 3 almost four, but today I smashed my mental block and did 4.5 miles!!!!!  While to some this may seem minuscule to me it is a great accomplishment.   I was even told that I should probably move up to the next pace group!!  As exciting as that is I am not exactly sure I am ready for that kind of challenge.  Small steps!!          

Well after many years of not getting my stomach checked, I finally went to the gastro doctor and had an endoscopy and colonoscopy done.  For those of you who have never had this done, it sounds much worse then it is.   Basically they call you back, get your vitals hook you up to fluids, then wheel you off to the procedure room where they give you some nice medicine and then you wake up!   Thank goodness I don't remember the procedure at all!!!  Other then being wheeled in, and them putting a mouth piece in my mouth for the endoscopy I have to say the whole experience was probably easier then running/walking 4.5 miles.    The worst part of it was the prep, and now trying to get my system regulated again.      The other not sure fun part was the results.  I am still waiting for the results of the biopsies, however his first impressions were not surprising and very surprising.   He basically said I have reflux, erosive gastritis, and diverticulosis.  Now the reflux and the gastritis don't surprise me, but the diverticulosis I have to say I am very surprised.  Of course,  I probably did the worst thing anyone can do, I googled it.   This was not a good idea, because now I am freaked out and not sure what I can and can't eat. I do know however, that I do need to increase my fiber intake.  I thought I was eating enough, but apparently not.  In my search of stuff I also found out that many people have found that by cutting out gluten they are better able to manager their symptoms.   So here I am back at square one, with that GLUTEN warning flashing at me.  As if that wasn't enough, I then saw a episode of Dr. Oz on gluten sensitivity and I checked off 7 things.  So what does this tell me, something else I have been suspecting, I am pretty convinced I have a gluten sensitivity.  
What my next steps are, I am not sure.   Well I think I know, but I guess I need to come to reality and suck it up and change my eating habits.  So here is my list of to do:1) eat more fruits and vegetables, 2) eat less meat (which isn't a problem for me b/c I am not big on meat), 3) take fiber supplements, 4) drink more water, 5) eliminate bad carbs including cutting back on gluten, 6) figuring out if I can eat or if I can't eat things with seeds (much controversy on this with diverticulosis)...        UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    
So with all that, let the new lifestyle begin, and just like with running one step at a time.

I found this picture online and I think it pretty much sums things up :)   

Where have I been???

Geez isn't that the question!   I have been very busy, lets see where do  I start???     I changed jobs, I was working as a Speech Pathologist in the school system and now am working in the home health setting.   I do enjoy it, but boy is it a lot of driving.      Why the change in jobs, well I have also been going to school to finish up a B.S. degree in Biology with a neuroscience concentration.. ......crazy right???  I am hoping the home health setting will allow me to schedule in my classes, the way I need to so I can finish.   Why am I doing that, because before I got my masters I had started on this degree and found out I only had 24 hours to finish it which is now 15.     My ultimate goal, of course would be to finish the degree, and eventually apply to a PhD program in my field or a related field.    
   So besides school and work, what else have I been doing?? Well I have started to run again, as in I signed up for half marathon training, but I don't know if  I am actually going to do the half marathon.  I am doing the training as more of a get myself into shape thing.      My health, well it's still not where I would like it to be, it's like a domino effect one things falls apart and everything falls apart.      My latest blood work, showed my tsh at a little over 2, my non-hdl cholesterol was 1 point over, and my glucose was 1 pt over, but my A1c level had come down and was normal.  I know it's only one point, but hey  I don't want 1 pt to turn into 10 and then 20, etc,   so I have been focusing on trying to eat better, however this has been a real challenge because of my new job which requires me to eat on the road a lot!!!!   
Let's see what else????   Oh, on Monday I am supposed to go for a colonoscopy and endoscopy, I am nervous about this, but it's time I stop putting if off and actually follow through.     My last appointment with my endo, basically went like this...  I feel better when  I don't eat bread... Endo.." Well don't eat bread and starches it's not good for you anyway."     Then he went on to say that even though my blood work showed that I didn't have a gluten intolerance, that it is very possible that I have a mild intolerance or a sensitivity.   Say What???????  An endocrinologist, actually saying that test don't always tell the truth.. hmmm.   However, in this case I think he may be on to something.    Although, I still have yet to completely cut out gluten from my diet,  I really need to and plan to.  This whole blood sugar thing, and increased diabetes risk due to Hashimotos and lack of thyroid really scares me.      The last thing I need is to be taking more medication, for something I could have tried to prevent.     So I have decided, I need to STOP coming up with excuses, and just cut the junk!!!!     When will this happen, I am hoping right after I get the colonoscopy and endoscopy done, why then because I know it too will scare me out of my socks!!!!!      

Oh and guess what else???   Since I have so much time on my hands between work, school, and my never ending health concerns, I was called to help out on the ACTS retreat at my church.    While part of me wanted to say no,  I know it is for a reason  I am being called, I am not exactly sure what the reason is, but I am sure I will soon find out!    
On a fun note, I did get to travel to Florida!!!  I went through New Orleans, and Bioloxi and spent some time in Pensacola!!!   Wish I could go back and have another vacation!  

Well, that's all for now !  I just wanted to check in and give everyone an update as to why I have been MIA.    However, I have come across lots of interesting stuff and hope to share them very soon, hopefully this weekend since I will be home prepping for the procedure.        

Kale!!!!

I have been doing my own little recipe and information search on Kale.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Kale, it is a vegetable that comes from the cabbage family.    It is said to be very nutrient rich, and have very good health benefits. 

I have also read that is has more protein then beef.    If you have ever tasted Kale by itself, it has kind of a bitter taste, however  I have come to enjoy putting it in my smoothies in the mornings.  This summer I really want to spend time, increasing my fruit and vegetable intake, as well as cutting out more gluten!!     It will be tough, but it never hurts to challenge yourself.    Not to mention, it gets so hot here in Texas, eating a big heavy meals isn't always pleasant.     Interestingly I came across this recipe, and I can't wait to try it!!!     I may try to modify it, but using gluten free lasagna noodles.. may be worth trying!       Have any of you tried Kale, and if so what have you done with it.     


Mushroom Kale Lasagna Rolls | Skinnytaste

Shedding hair,to bad it's not pounds

One of the things that often accompanies thyroid problem is hair loss.    This is something that really bothers me.    I used to have nice thick curly hair, which sometimes  I do have to admit the thickness was annoying.     Although, having my hair thinner is kind of nice, I really hate it that so much of it falls out.      I find hair everywhere, some days more then other's and the longer it gets the more it falls out.     Unfortunately,  thyroid medications don't help because that can be one of the side effects:  hair loss.   TSH level to low, hair loss, TSH level to high, hair loss.   EEEEEEEEEEK!         So,  what's a girl to do, I am tired of feeling like a shedding sheep or dog or cat ha ha.   I really wish weight was that easy to lose.       I have tried some things, but never been consistent enough to know if it actually works, but  for those of you wondering what things may work here is a little bit of information.      

1)  Check your dosage of medication:   I know for me when my dosage was really off, my hair really started falling out more.       I also noticed that I have had less hair loss on Levoxyl vs Synthroid (which due to the recent Levoxyl recall,  I am a little worried about going back on Synthroid)
2)  Evening Primrose Oil :   I have never tried this only because I have had a hard time finding it and there can be side effects as with most things.    
3) Vitamins C and E
4) Biotin ( I did try this for a little while, but I really bad about taking pills so I don't think I saw the full effects)
5)  Ojon  and Aveda have thickening shampoos, again I haven't tried either I have samples of both which I plan to try soon, although I don't know how much benefit I would see from a small sample.
6)   Keeping your hair at a manageable length,  again I have noticed that as my hair gets longer it seems to fall out easier.        Of course my hair is also naturally curly which tends to get a drier a little easier.
7) Fish oil
8) The amino acids: L-lysine and L-arginine can stimulate hair growth.  You can take a supplement, or  by eating foods such as poultry, fish, and legumes
9) coconut oil  , now this I love !!!  You do have to be careful because if you put to much you hair might feel to oil, but just the right amount is great!    It smells good, and maybe it is just me but I do think it does help.  I prefer buying the extra virgin organic it comes in a jar, kind of pricey but hey coconut oil has many uses.       From cooking to skin.. here is a quick list I came across  http://healthimpactnews.com/2011/80-uses-for-coconut-oil/
10)     Rose Water:  I have tried this consistently either because I haven't had a chance to buy some but again it makes your hair smell nice and it has many other benefits.  My hairdresser told me about this one. 


That's about all I can think of right now, if anyone else has any other ideas please share!        I hope this is helpful to all :) 

FYI: Levoxyl recall!!!!!

 I have been meaning to post about this, but was busy with trying to take a final for my class.   Last week, I found out that Levoxyl (which is another name  brand on levothyroxine sodium)  , was being recalled.     Of course I went into major panic mode.     Synthroid, has a tendency to upset my stomach, and I felt better on Levoxyl.     Unfortunately, when you don't have a thyroid it's not like you can just say.. Oh it's okay I just won't take my medication.        So,   I called my doctor, and they have switched me over to Synthroid, oh Joy!    I just hope it doesn't upset my stomach.       

Anyways, regardless of all that, I just wanted to get this information out to everyone.    If you take Levoxyl, be prepared for them to switch you to either a generic or to Synthroid.      Also, I had some friends ask me questions about Levoxl, because apparently there is some confusion.       So let me see if I can explain this a little bit:

Levothyroxine Sodium is the main ingredient in thyroid medication  it is T4. T4, is what your thyroid naturally produces, so Levothyroxine Sodium is the synthetic form.  When it comes to thyroid medication (in particular if you are hypothyroid)  there are many kinds: there is both the genetic and name brand.  Some of my friends were confused because they take generic and assumed that Levoxyl was generic.   It is not a generic!!!!!!       Name brands  include:   Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Letrox, Levaxin, L-thyroxine, Thyrax, and Thyrax Duotab in Europe; Thyrox in South Asia; Eutirox, Levoxyl, Synthroid, and Tirosint in North and South America, Thyrolar in Bangladesh.

*If it is generic your bottle will typically say: Levothyroxine Sodium substituted for (and it will specifiy which one it's subsitututed for: ex: Synthroid)

So what's the big deal between the brands and generic and b/w the different brands?
Well Levoxyl was know to have less fillers then Synthroid
Synthroid contains lactose, and never stated if there were gluten free.  Levoxyl was lactose and gluten free!   This could be very important for many people!   
I have heard that Triosint which is one of the newer ones, has the least amount of fillers so it may be worth a try if, you have problems with the fillers.

Generic brands I have heard are often not consistent with their dosaging, because different manufacturers produce it, and often the dosage isn't necessairly consistent.  That is one of the selling points of Synthroid, is that they dosage is always consistent since it's the same manufacturer.    

So what do you do, if you are on Levoxyl and that what works?? Well, you just hope and pray that Synthroid will be okay!  Levoxyl may not be back on the shelves until 2014!   My plan is to try the Synthroid again, and if it messes up my stomach, then I will inquire about Triosint.   Sadly, I would rather deal with an upset stomach , then the possibility of going in to a coma or die, due to lack of thyroid hormone.       

Here is the information on the recall, in case anyone hasn't seen this!   

http://www.endo-society.org/advocacy/insider/2013/LEVOXYL_Recalled_Due_to_Odor_Likely_Unavailable_Until_2014.cfm

To be or not to be Gluten free.. soon to be determined

It's been a while since I have had a chance to log in,  between work, and school and giving up cheese for lent my world has been crazy  ha ha :)      

A while back,  I posted about gluten intolerance and my postulation that perhaps I may have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.       Unfortunately,  I have yet to find out any answers, however I have continued to "experiment" with it a little bit.     I did go to a gastroenterologist,   he basically kind of indicated that I was a candidate for someone who needed to be tested, since I do have Hashimotos, however because I am not stick thin he also debunked the idea.  I was supposed to go during my Spring Break, however they called to let me know that he would be out of town and needed to reschedule.  So, on that note, I won't be going until may.    I however, decided to do my own research, and of course I have read that not everyone loses weight when they have a gluten sensitivity or a gluten intolerance such as Celiac, some people actually gain weight....  hmm  Mr. Doctor I may take some of this information to you.      Of course, I also read that it can be difficult to diagnose especially if it is a sensitivity rather then Celiac. So,  like I said in my previous post whether it reveals itself as positive or negative I am still going to make every effort to cut it out of my diet eventually.   I haven't completely cut it out because I have also read that in order for it to be diagnosed you have to be eating it.     So here is what I have noticed, when I don't eat it I feel pretty good,  when I do eat it I don't feel all that great and get that weird feeling in my stomach sometimes, or sometimes I get that foggy brain feeling.   Of course, some of it is denial that it could be that, because how can anyone give up glorious bread lol, but if that is what has to be done that is what has to be done.     Basically,  what the Gastro told me, was that if I am not gluten intolerant then I could still cut it out, but at least I would know that I didn't have to cut it out.           

Well,   the plot thickens   I had a conference in Dallas and before I left I had been feeling kind of funny, so I decided to call my endocrinologist to see if he would move up my appointment.  I started thinking that maybe my thyroid medication was to high or to low.   Luckily, they moved up my appointment and I went in yesterday.    Described my symptoms, and .......   he said he is going to do a blood test for Celiac.    Yippee!!!!!    He said it was very possible that I do have it, and that it often goes under diagnosed.    He also said that since I have Hashimotos, and don't have a thyroid I should cut back on carbs in general.     So here was the freak out moment:  He said that while I don't have diabetes or prediabetes I have a tendency to lean towards being prediabetic and that basically I should be cutting back "breads/carbs" anyway.   He was happy to see I had lost some weight, and of course when I went into him that day I felt great so who knows if my levels will actually show anything.    Except now of course I have to play the waiting game.. ugh and here comes the questions????  Did my blood sugar levels spike up into the prediabetic category and is that why I feel weird?  Is there something with my TSH level,  my parathyroid level, my calcium, .... ugh what is it?  If it comes back negative for Celiac will  people  think I am crazy, because I feel there is something there?   Maybe I have a gluten sensitivity and not an intolerance?? Maybe I need to work out more? Maybe, Maybe,  Maybe???        Either way I have decided that if it is prediabetes I am going to do every thing in my power to get rid of it.   I have also decided which I had decided before that even if my blood test for gluten comes back negative I am still going to try to eliminate it when I can, but not completely until I can get into the gastro.       I think this pretty much describes how I feel

Am I a Dough girl?

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the connection between thyroid disorders and gluten.  I think it has been coming to my mind because lately I have been feeling like the dough girl.    A dough girl is basically the same as the Pillsbury dough boy, but in my case since I am a girl I will call it dough girl.  Sometimes, I get this feeling like my stomach has dough in it, or that it is expanding with every little bite of 'bad carbs" I eat.  Unfortunately,  because I am not a cartoon, I don't think it's very attractive, and I am sure others don't find my bulging stomach very attractive either lol!    
    I have talked about this before in previous blogs, sometimes wishing I had given my self a chance to try a gluten free diet before having my surgery to see if perhaps my thyroid would shrink to normal levels.    I remember someone telling me, try it or you might regret it.  I thought me regret it,nah  I will defeat this.  Well guess what, sometimes I have a slight regret and this week has been one of those weeks for me. 


 I have noticed this dough girl feeling in the past, but I think even more so now that I have been having so many issues with my stomach and I have been trying to figure out what my triggers are.   Some of my triggers I know, and some I know and choose to pretend there is nothing wrong, and some I am not sure.     For example, I love cheese I mean not love it's more like LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   However, cheese is not exactly the healthiest thing, not to mention  I think somewhere deep deep down I know that it does a number on my stomach but I refuse to believe that such a glorious thing could make my stomach angry. After all everything taste better with cheese!!!!    Lately, though I have been trying to cut back on cheese, and have noticed that after I ate a flour tortilla, ouch, after I ate a piece of wheat bread indigestion,  spaghetti well I have always attributed the sauce to giving me indigestion but could it be the pasta??   Today, I ate pancakes and along came to dough girl sensation.     I don't know if it's in my head, or is it possible that perhaps I do have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance.  I mean after all both Celiac and Hashimotos are autoimmune disorders and I have read that they can be linked.      I am not sure that I have celic because I don't always get reactions or maybe I do and just attribute to other things, or maybe it is the other things.   

So with all that, what question popped into my head.. Is  indigestion a sign of gluten intolerance/sensitivity?  Well guess what it is.        As a matter of fact, I picked up a book today called the Wheat Belly cookbook http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/  , and low and behold what did I magically turn to.......................... the page about gluten and how it affects people with and without Celiac (acid reflux, heartburn, gas,....). It also mentioned what I have read time and time again wheat and Hashimoto's, amongst other disease and it's worsening of these diseases.   If that wasn't enough as if in bold print, the word inflammation sticks out to me.  Inflammation, my dough girl feeling, hmm  so maybe there is something to this madness.    Maybe I am not crazy, or maybe I am either way I will be going to the gastro soon and I have decided that even if he tells me that I am not gluten sensitive or intolerance I am still going to cut back.   Basically because from what I have read it seems lots of people get false negatives and still suffer.  Now of course, this doesn't mean I am going to run out and buy every single gluten free thing out there because some of those things are very healthy either,  I think it just means that I need to be more diligent and see if I too can get rid of my dough girl feeling or wheat belly, or whatever it is you want to call it.       Now of course, I also realize that this has also become a "fad" diet for some,  but it does raise my curiosity.  


In case you are curious here are some symptoms of gluten intolerance/sensitivity and more information.  I happened to come across this website and it seems like it has some good information. if you scroll down it talks about the symptoms.   Unfortunately, I think what makes it confusing is that so many symptoms overlap so it's always hard to know.     

http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-sensitivity-intolerance-self-test/

Here are some other websites that may be helpful
http://www.gluten.net/default.aspx
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/symptoms-of-gluten-sensitivity-and-celiac-disease.html
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/features/gluten-intolerance-against-grain

Prediabetes Scare...

You know how people say sometimes something has to scare you into bettering yourself, well that is exactly what happened to me.     Last Friday, I went to my endocrinologist for my routine thyroid blood work.   As always this makes me nervous for some reason, I guess because  it just takes me back to that place long long ago when I was first diagnosed, and then the surgery, and then recently the parathyroid stuff.   Luckily,  the doctor's office I go to emails you the results from the previous visit, so I always go in there knowing if something is up.  

Well this time they threw me for a major loop!!! Typically, the doctor sees you, goes over what blood test he is running , then they take you to the lab and your done.   Previously, my endocrinologist had informed me that he would be monitoring my A1C levels since thyroid medications can increase your chances of diabetes, not to mention I do have a family member with Diabetes so that increases my chances even more.     In case you are unfamiliar with A1C it is a blood test that is run that measures your blood sugar over a 6-12 week period and gives an average.    The fact that he runs this test, scares me but it also makes me "glad" to know that if something is up they would catch it!

Anyway, this  time they wanted to take me back to the lab to run my blood work before I got to see the doctor.     I went into panic mode, because I know they usually only do this with people who have diabetes that way the doctor will have the results when he sees you.    I immediately freaked and said, why are you bringing me back here, I don't have diabetes, he always sees me first.   The nurse said well,  are you sure ,  I said "Yes, I reviewed my previous blood work and A1C was fine, another nurse walks over and says "So you aren't diabetic?"    Again, in a panic I said no, then she said well go back and sit down and then I heard a whispering ..."It says prediabetic on the chart."   I said no I am not prediabetic either he has never told me that.     Eventually, I went back again so they could go over my medications and stuff, went back to waiting room and then the nurse came out,  they want you to do your blood work before, the chart says prediabetes..   Again, I hit the panic button,   "NO"  I told her my blood work doesn't say that.  The nurse said, "The doctor just wants to run the test, he wants to monitor you"  So off I went.     The remainder of my wait I sat on edge, on the verge of tears thinking why didn't I exercise more, eat healthier,  I don't need any more problems.     Luckily I was put to ease once I actually spoke to my doctor and he said everything was fine.   He reminded me that one time it came out on the high side of normal and out of concern he wanted to monitor me.  I felt like jumping up and screaming,  YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE .  
It was this whole experience that brought me to the realization,  it is time to be very serious.  I escaped this time but what about next time or in the years to come, so with that I called a friend and we decided enough is enough!    I went out and bought a book by Dr. Furman,  I have posted about him before he has another book called "Eat to Live" and he recently came out with a book called "The end of Diabetes",  no I don't have diabetes but I am going to read this book front to back as a preventative measure,  while I will admit his "Eat to Live" plan is a good one, it can be hard to follow as it's focus is mainly on fruits and vegetables, but I think there are some good things that can be take from it. 
So with all this being said,  I am off to go exercise! 

New year, I need a reset button!

Well it's that time of the year where many of us make New Year's resolutions and hope to keep them for more than a week!      I haven't exactly come up with any New Year's resolutions more like I am hoping this New Year will let me press the reset button. Not with everything, because there are something that I do not wish to repeat ha ha. However, I am determined to get back on track, and pushing the reset button now!!!  Here are my reset buttons:

Races/Running/Walking
I had some runs I had signed up for, but I ended up getting sick and didn't get to do them so of course that made get way off track in terms of eating, exercising and everything in between!!!!  
 Luckily one of the races (Dirty Girl), credited me so that I can sign up for another race. Well, turns out there is one  coming up in April in Austin which isn't to far from me, so I am going to use my credit towards signing up again.   I also got informed by a friend about a groupon for a color type run.   I had signed up for color me rad, but due to illness couldn't do it so the groupon is for the Graffiti run, and I signed up for it!!  That's 2 down I want to do at least 2 more!  I have plans to do the Rodeo Stampede here is San Antonio,  and the UTSA Diploma Dash here in San Antonio as well.    I downladed the Nike Plus app on my phone, and I am excited to  try it out, since it is something "new" to me.  I also won't to try and challenge myself again but attempting to get 10,000 steps a day.        I think that takes care of the running/walking!

Healthy Eating
I go through these phases, I guess most of us do where I eat really healthy and then I eat not so healthy. Well, I have been on the not so healthy eating plan for a while so it's time to take control!      I am going to hit the reset button here too!  I have weighed myself and am going to start tracking those calories again.    I have also noticed that I tend to feel better when I increase my fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease the meats and breads so my mission here is to find alternatives.      I also after many years of having a sensitive stomach have finally made an appointment with the gastro doctor.   This is not something I want to do, but something I need to do.    I need to figure out if my stomach problems are just in my mind, or if I truly do have some intolerance's.

Thyroid and parathyroid health
Of course I don't have a thyroid anymore, but I still would like to do as much as I can to maintain my body.  My parathyroid levels are still all over the place, I have a doctors appointment on Monday, and although there isn't a whole lot I can do to get those levels stable I do wonder if changing my eating habits will help.       I would also like to continue to gather information on thyroid disorders and things that are beneficial for those of us with various types of disorders and those of us who don't have one at all!     I know some suggest going gluten free if you have hasshimots which is what I have, hence another reason for the trip to the gastro but I am also becoming very curious about the things we put on our body as well as the things we put into them and if these things could trigger wacky levels.

Finances
Don't need to go into many details here,   but  I need to get this under control!   

School and Work
I did go back to school to finish up another Bachelors in biology with a neuroscience concentration, and I did well this semester. So I would like to keep this up, however I need to set the reset button here to.  I didn't do as well as I would have liked to on the GRE so that I can apply to a PhD program, so while I did get disappointed I need to push forward retake the GRE and reach for the stars!     I don't know what's in store for me in terms of future career goals but I need to keep my options open and push for change!

Sweet Potato Casserole | Skinnytaste#c8121981039865218038

Sweet Potato Casserole | Skinnytaste#c8121981039865218038

It's that time of year, where I just think of orange!!! Of course, it also helps that I am a Texas Longhorn and I bleed orange. So what does someone who bleeds orange like to eat, to keep their orange blood???? Well, one of my favorite things to eat is Sweet Potatoes. My mother makes an excellent sweet Potato Casserole, I came across this one on Skinny Taste and it seems very similiar to my mothers. This I will be trying for sure!!!!!!!

In case your wondering, here is what it looks like.  Of course, this is not mine, and this picture was taken from www.skinnytaste.com

Tears of tiredness, frustration.. ?

Ugh.. these past couple weeks have just been so tiring for me.   Work has been extremly hectic, and I just feel like I haven't had a chance to breathe.     I even had a day last week, where I was just so tired, that I wanted to cry.  Actually, I did get emotional and just go to bed.  I hadn't had a day like that in a while.      I have been working 2 jobs(neither one full-time) , one of which was supposed to be not full-time but because of the shortage of therapist I have been working it full time.  The other job I was actually enjoying,  but it was just to much between the two jobs, oh and taking a class at a local University.  Geez, just talking about it makes me  tired.     Well to make a very long story very short, I decided to quit one of the jobs.  Unfortunatly, it was my part time job, that I was enjoying.   However, the other job although not full-time still provided me with insurance so I decided to keep that one.    I am a bit relieved knowing that soon one thing will be off my plate, but I am stressed about how I am going to make ends meet financially.                

I also had to go to the endorcrinologist last week, and I have to say I felt like I had really dissapointed myself, and him this time.   I had been so busy with work, that I have completely lost my dedication to eating better, and exercising.   I felt embarassed telling him this.    I was also nervous, because he decided to run a test for diabetes, since not having a thyroid and thyroid medication increases your chances of developing it.    Luckily, that came back fine.   My TSH was in the normal range, but I really feel  like I need to call him because while it is normal for most people, it is not where I feel my best at.  I think it was 2.5 and I feel best between 1-1.5.       My calcium was fine, not sure about my vitamin D, but that darn PTH level was escalated.  Actually, the past two times I have gone it has been escalted,  it was going down and I felt happy,  now it is going up and I am not happy.    I just don't know what to do.   I wish there was a way to control it, but I haven't been able to figure that out yet.     I think when it was at it's lowest is when my TSH was almost at 0 and when I wasn't under a lot of stress.    So because I can't exactly put my finger on it, and neither can the doctors, I am going to take some steps to see what happens.     In the past when I would get like this I would buckle down, focus on my eating and get to running, so that will be my solution, my outlet.          I am tired  of being tired, and I am tired of getting teary when I get tired.  It's such a awful feeling, so limiting so time to get mind over matter right??        Well, that's my plan  to push myself and get back to the basics again.      I keep hoping I can get back to the basics, or my basics but like I said work keeps getting in the way.  So enough work, and time to take care of myself.            

I have already taken some steps to get myself on track, and I will not have a choice but to get myself on track  I registered for several races!!!       One is a diabetes run/walk,   one is a Turkey Trot, and the other two I am extremly excited about  :  Color me Rad (I did something similar last year, this should be fun), and  Dirty Girl (another mud run like  I did last year but this one is for women only)     

My next step is to come up with a running, workout schedule and really start focusing on nutrition.   It's a little frustrating that I have leet myself get to this point of truly having to start over, but I need to pick up the pieces and get going or else I am going to be worse off.