Loving LIFE and Living WELL with Hereditary Angio Edema and Fibromyalgia

2010-05-11T19:49:00.001-07:00

Spinach with creamy sesame seed dressing......for someone who use to not even like to cook....I could totally be a vegan chef!
Chunk Ginger
Garlic clove
3 tbs braggs amino
2 tbs sesame oil
3 tbs rice vinegar
1 tbs agave
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
crushed red pepper to taste
1/4 cup coconut milk - Sodelicious Original
grind in blender till smooth
Boil water add spinach....3 minutes drain...toss with dressing and some nutrional yeast flakes.

2010-05-05T10:25:00.001-07:00

Big Bowl of Nutritious Love......This is how I am going to make it through the half marathon tomorrow!

2010-05-01T19:27:00.001-07:00

Big Bowl of Nutritious Love......This is how I am going to make it through the half marathon tomorrow!

2010-04-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

Healing Broth....It's actually REALLY YUMMY!

Daikon ~ Daikon Greens ~

2010-04-23T15:50:00.001-07:00

Daikon ~ Daikon Greens ~ Carrots ~ Burdock Root ~ Shitake Mushrooms sundried...

2010-04-23T15:48:00.001-07:00

Five Element Healing Broth

2010-04-23T15:38:00.001-07:00

My Healing Broth

2010-04-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Red and white quinoa with red lentils and zuchini......

2010-03-31T19:05:00.001-07:00

zuchini and lentils......

My Review of CW-X Insulator Stabilyx Tights Womens

2010-03-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at The Sports Authority

Maximize your performance with the CW-X Insulator Stabilyx women's tight. It's crafted using the Coolmax® moisture-wicking fabric that helps to keep you dry during your run. The UPF 40+ UV protection shields your skin from harmful sun damage.

Work FANTASTIC - Esp. 4 Fibromyalgia

By Koiotic from Oregon on 3/15/2010

Inseam: Feels true to length
Waist: True to size
Pros: Retains Body Heat, Breath-ability, Comfortable, Durable
Describe Yourself: WalkRunner

I have Fibromyalgia, and started walking last year. Last year finishing a half marathon in 3h 41 min with a goal of beginning to walk/run this year. It has been very difficult trying to run because of the pain, but when I wear the CW-X tights, it makes a huge difference. I can run further, and I recover quicker. They truly are amazing, getting ready to order the non-inuslated ones......I had to call and have them help with the sizing, and they were right on....You want them a little tight....

(legalese)

2010-02-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

ummmmm.....Lentil Soup....I'm really starting to LOVE HOMEMADE SOUP.....!

Low Vitamin D & Iron Levels

2010-02-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Once again I am low on Vitamin D and Iron - Seems like no matter how hard I try, it is very difficult for me to keep these levels up - I am happy we caught it a little earlier this year than last year though.

Now I know why I have been so exhausted though. The two things that really help with energy - and I am low in both of them. It is strange though, because I have been taking Vitamin D - 2,000 + per day - (think it is iu) So obviously, my body is using it......and the iron - I eat a very high iron diet - and still cannot seem to get my levels up - and stable....

I think I am going to have to start supplementing iron. Have tried very hard to get my levels up through my diet, but it is not working. Not sure why I am so stubborn about this, it just seems like I should be able to get enough iron through my diet - unless I am bleeding somewhere - but I don't think I am. I don't bruise easily - and when I do - they heal quickly.....who knows, but I think I am going to give supplementing a try for a while.

Tomorrow I have an ultrasound - I know there is probably nothing wrong, but my doctor wants to make sure, as I have been extremly symptomatic with my HAE the past couple weeks - and he wants to rule out any cysts - In addition, if I am bleeding somewhere internally, it will show up - I know I am fine, though....but it is always fun to take a peak at my insides.....

This week I am taking a week off from training, as I am not healing very quickly - from running - I have been having a lot of pain in my shins/calves, and I am a little frustrated. I was supposed to do the Truffle Shuffle this upcoming weekend - but have decided not to......I think it is okay for me to take a little time off so that my body will heal.

I like the fact that I am not "beating" myself up for not completing a goal. There will be many more races, and time, and I want to be at my best......It is not worth hurting myself just to complete a goal. I think that does more harm than good - In the past, I may have tried "pushing" myself through anyway......that is when I would get myself into "trouble" - I am realizing my body has many limitaions, and I can work with them - or against them - and I am choosing to start working with them -

So off to the Pharmacy to pick up some Vitamin D supplements and some Liquid Iron at the health food store.......Hopefully better days are just around the corner......

Training - Training - Training

2010-01-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

Each day is a new day for me to remake myself. That is what I continue to tell myself every morning as I pack my running clothes in my bag, and think about what I need to accomplish for today.

This week I had the privilege of seeing a new Physical Therapist. It was so awesome to go see someone for "normal" problems. Not for Hereditary Angioedema, Fibromyalgia or whatever host of problems I am having that week. The reason I was seeing him was to help me with my running.

He approached me that way as well. It was fantastic - Fabulous to be treated as an "athlete" - He said I was the strongest person he had come through the doors in a while. I received an A+ on almost everything - from my strength to my flexibility.

Then he found my "problem areas" - Which were not really that bad. The main thing he noticed is that I have not been using my quads when I run - so all my "smaller" muscles try to take over - and that is why I am getting so fatigued and a lot of pain while running. He said, who knows why - possibly from injury's or a host of things - but now that my body is "realigned" - I need to teach my quads how to carry me again.

On top of it - my calves are SO TIGHT - which trust me I KNOW!! - that they are preventing my range of motion in my foot/ankle area - so I need to STRETCH - He said it will take some work, but it will not be that bad.....Just need to constantly remind my body to engage my Quads - and STRETCH my calves - and I will be running like a pro in no time......

I enjoyed talking with this new PT - and his take on my body as a "healthy body" - It was so great as he is a runner - and was encouraging. He also told me that the pain I am feeling is not causing any damage to my body - so as long as I can stand it - just keep pushing myself. This is what I needed to hear. I do believe that the "No Pain - No Gain" era has ended - However, there needs to be some level of discomfort in our bodies for it to go into that "Change" mechanism.

This is something that many of my doctors/caregivers have not encouraged me to do at all....Most of the time I hear "You push yourself to hard", "You need to rest more", You are a Control Freak", etc. etc. - To finally be encouraged to do as much as I think I can handle!! Yeah!! Yeah!! Yeah!!

He basically said, I am not going to hurt myself - so use my intuition and do as much as I think my body can handle. WOW!! - So I am on to bigger and better things - I have really stepped up my game - and I can see myself crossing those finish lines - I can see myself running - I can see myself swimming - I can see myself cycling......I even went and looked at bicycles this week - and checked out about 20 books on triathlons, and swimming.

So here we go - really......Training - Training - Training - I am really doing this - I am really going to do this. FANTASTIC!!!

Longest Run Time - Since Beginning

2010-01-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

My training is going very well. I am very impressed with how well my body is adapting. Our bodies are amazing when we treat them well. Starting to realize the capability of my body, now that I am taking Cinryze and don't have to contend with constant swelling and breaking down.

Really noticing the strides my body is making now that it is not constantly trying to recover from HAE attacks. I knew in the past that it was hard on me, the swelling, stress and drugs - but I do not think I realized how much it was really affecting me.

This is one area I don't think that doctors recognize when it comes to patients with HAE. I believe our bodies are in a constant "fight or flight" mode - trying to sustain normalcy, and then when it begins to go into the whole cascade complement chain, and we use up the small amount of C1-INH that we have - and go into swelling mode - I think there is alot more going on inside our bodies then anyone realizes.

Personally for me, my exhaustion levels hit a point that I am unable to function. I know that I also have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia - and I believe it started as chronic fatigue and worked into fibro - but I still think that the fibro/cfs is a secondary effect of the HAE.

When I began treating my body like I had cancer, that is when I really started to notice a huge improvement in my recovery. Having HAE and treating it with Cinryze or some other C1-INH, or even steroids, is just the beginning.

I truly believe that our bodies can utilize the little amount of C1-INH that we make, if we are EXTREMLY HEALTHY! - I remember a time in my life for about 3 months that I was attack/symptom free - without any drugs......I was very thin, and muscular - my doctor even said that there was a scientific explanation of why I was doing so well. He told me because my cells were smaller, and my body fat was very low, the C1-INH that I did produce, was able to be utilized more effectively. However, I was also 25 at the time, and it did not last very long.

For me personally, when I am not taking care of myself, eating poorly, and stressed out, my attacks increase right along with those poor habits. I even noticed this past month, I did not take my chinese herbs for pms - and not only is my menses very painful this month, I had quite a few "breakthrough" HAE attacks. So now I know how important it is to take Free and Easy Wanderer the week before - not only to keep PMS away - but to keep HAE away.......

This next week is very exciting, I will be seeing a Physical Therapist who specializes in running - I actually ran - 20 minutes (not continuously) on Sunday - and 10 minutes on Tuesday - The longest I think I have ran in 20+ years - and just a little HAE - abdominal attack - but was able to keep it under control - and I think part of the reason I had the attack is because I had trigger point injections on Friday - and it was right before my period - which is fairly common for us women HAE'rs.....

It is great to go to a Physical Therapist not for Fibromyalgia - Not for my hip and sacrum pain - but for actual help with running - I have always had a lot of problems with shinsplints and calf pain - so hopefully he will be able to address these areas - Chirunning has helped tremendously already - so I have a feeling he will be able to help me tweak things a little bit here and there to move forward without the pain.

My lungs are finally catching up with my running - now if I can just get past the shin/calf pain - then I can push myself even more - running on gravel and dirt paths helps tremendously - but when I walk/run the half marathon, that is not really an option - so my body needs to adapt - which I know it will.....it is just a matter of time -and continuing to take good care of my body.

2010-01-17T19:05:00.001-08:00

Quinoa Kidney Bean Green Bean Dinner......YUMMY!

2010-01-13T15:37:00.001-08:00

Yummy....Quinoa Chili Wrap... topped with peppers -avocado- cilantro......

This was my dinner today - I made Quinoa Vegan Chili in the crockpot - and then wrapped the chili in boiled cabbage and baked at 325 for an hour. - Sliced - and put on a wrap with red pepper, avocado, cilantro - It was soooo good - I am still amazed at the huge array of food that I now eat since becoming vegan. My health has improved dramatically, I love cooking again, and I love the fact that what I am eating is nourishing every cell in my body.

People still ask me often, what I eat - So I thought I would just start taking pics and posting "What I Eat" -

Truffle Shuffle 2010

2010-01-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here I am - One year later for the Truffle Shuffle 2010. A year ago when I walked this event, I was so excited to participate in this event. I wear my t-shirt proudly, and look at my pictures from that day often, as they are on my computer. The Truffle Shuffle was a lot of fun, but chaotic as well. The energy was high, and it was all in all a very fun event. In addition I won a free Physical Therapy treatment, which I will be going to next week.

Today, I am registering again for the Truffle Shuffle. They have a couple different events - One is a 2 mile Walk/Run - This is what I did last year. I walked the entire way though. It took about 40 minutes. They have another event, which is a 4 mile run. I am going to make that my goal for next year. This year I am going to particpate in the 2 mile Walk/Run again - However, I am going to try and run the entire event.

It is amazing how much my running has improved. I bought a pair of CW-X Women's Insulator Stabilyx Tights - they were my "Christmas Present". They really do all that they claim. I can hardly wait to get some of the other products that they carry.

Today, I have been putting my training schedule together for the year - for the 2 Mile Truffle Shuffle - The Eugene Half Marathon. I have three books that I am using for my training schedules - Marathons for Mortals - Galloways Running and Chi Running. Personally, I think they all offer something a little bit different, but the one thing they have in common, is the focus on injury and pain free running. In addition, stressing rest days and not overdoing it.

If there is one thing that I have learned about myself (well I always knew...but I use to like it) is I am an overdoer - and a control freak. But what I have learned is that this is not healthy, and very counterproductive. I use to think that I had to go...go...go - Until my body said no...no...no!! I know now that a lot of my A Type personality that I use to boast so proudly of - is the cause of much of my illness today.

Learning how to channel my overzealousness into healthy outlets has been extremely rewarding. One of them being the change in my diet. Learning how to cook vegan, and eat healthily. The other has been exercise. In the past, when I would start to do any sort of exercise program - I literally jumped in with both feet - and took off running - Leaving me tired, limping and injured! ~ Having Hereditary Angioedema, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain has given me an entire new outlook on life. "Take it - Slow An' Easy" Like my favorite White Snake song from the 80's - Is now one of my new mottos!!!

Life Is GREAT!! And I am really impressed with the resiliancy of the Human Body!! God really did a great job!!! And I am excited to RUN in my next event......even if it is Slow An' Easy!!!

FWD:

2009-12-30T15:30:00.001-08:00

Out running today! So BEAUTIFUL....Nice to be able to wait for sun to come out - and then go for a run...I love my job!!

2010 Goals - The Best Year Yet

2009-12-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to 2010 - New Year, New Decade, New Life.....

Our house is a little empty right now with it being the end of the holidays. It is great. I am really enjoying getting back to basics.

Christmas was so great, and I am relieved it is over as well. Most things went well. I realized that I still am dealing with a lot of issues from the past that I really need to let go of. 2010 is going to be that year.

I am not sure where this elephant memory came from. In addition, so many of the memories that I have our negative. It is like my mind holds on to all the hurt and pain that people have caused me - even if they have also been wonderful to me as well. My opionion of people in general is not very good.

This is something that I have known about myself for many years, and have always had a difficult time dealing with it. In the past, and actually even now I usually just avoid those people, however if I see them it is extremely uncomfortable. I told my daughter the other day that I was going to try and be more like her dad..(my hubby) and "lie" about how I feel. He is wonderfully nice to everyone, even if he can't stand the person. I have always been amazed by that.

In the past I always thought he was living a lie, and what he was doing was wrong, as it is better to be truthful and honest to people than to pretend to like them. However what I have come to realize, is that he is not lying. He is just finding the good things in them, and focusing on that - and what he is doing is way better than me (the bitchy wife....) as I am going to end up lonely - alone - and with no friends if I continue to just find the bad in everyone - as we all have a little bad!! And I will be the first one to admit that about myself....

So this year, one of my main focuses is going to be trying to find the good in people, and trying to make ammends with people from my past. We don't have to "hang out" but I can be civil and compassionate to them. Listening to them, and not judging them - and trying not to be such a "strong headed" person - this is a goal that I want to carry through for the rest of my life!!!

Here is to 2010 - I am going to be posting all the little things I would like to accomplish - and all my goals for the next couple weeks!! Back and running (literally....I sprinted today!!) on my blog!!

Occular Migraines

2009-12-22T13:01:00.001-08:00

The last few months have been a blur......LITERALLY!! I have been having a lot of problems with my vision. I have had this in the past for quite a few years and have been to an eye specialist - Dr. Howard Fine, who is literally one of the leading opthamologists in the world. He told me everything was perfect with my eyes - I told him how every month I was getting blurry vision - and it did usually coincide with ovulation. He never really heard of that happening, but possibly had something to do with the Hereditary angioedema, hormones or stress - Possibly all three combined. In addition, he told me not to worry about it, as he said my eyes were great, and I could see very well - and he could hardly believe how old I was - as he said my eyes were 15 years younger than my age.......

During that time I had spent alot of time researching visual bluriness - and especially focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM finds that the liver and eyes are connected - that is why your eyes yellow when you have jaundice. The Chinese new so much - they are amazing......also you can tell alot by the eyes - if they are bloodshot, or cloudy - Eyes should be bright and clear if you are healthy......I do take Milk Thistle, but was still having it fairly consistantly, so I just tried to ignore it.

The last couple of months though, I have been fighting a lot of winter cold symptoms - lost my voice, a little cough and extremely tired. In addition, I have had almost constant blurriness - somedays it has been so bad I have been unable to drive. So my search began again for what could possibly be wrong - It was odd, as this time when I did the search, I found some postings about blurriness and stress. Life the last few months has been extremly stressful - we have had an exchange student living with us since August, and her and I could not seem to connect so we asked that she be placed with a new family.

I talked to my doctor yesterday, as my symptoms have been increasing and more often. It was starting to really affect my life and scaring me. We discussed a few different possibilities, and he told me he thought I was having occular migraines. I explained to him that I don't get headaches, and he said with an occular migraine you don't get a headache. He actually suffers from them himself, so he knows a lot about them.

He asked me how much caffiene I have been drinking - and I realized a lot, as I have been so tired. Partly from a virus, partly from not getting enough sleep. He already knew I was under a lot of stress because of the situation with the exchange student. So he is fairly convinced that is what I am suffering from right now.

So the good news, it is a fairly easy fix. Reduce my coffee intake, reduce my stress level, and continuing with my exercise. Actually increasing my exercise - which I have begun my half marathon training, so no problem with that. In addition, it is going to give me even more incentive to exercise. Everything has a purpose in our life, as long as we can find it - and I know that the experience with the exchange student for me was to help me deal with alot of issues that I have. I am in no way perfect, many, many flaws, but as long as I try and learn and grow from every situation that I am in - that is what is important.

Retrain Your Mind

2009-11-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

I thought this was so AWESOME - I had to repost it -

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…"

(Romans 12:2, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen

Many people today don't realize that the reason they're not happy, the reason they're not enjoying life is simply because they've trained their minds in the wrong direction. They've trained their mind to worry. They've trained their mind to complain. They've trained their mind to see the negative. But just as we can form these negative mindsets, we can retrain our minds and form positive mindsets.

One of the main keys to developing a positive attitude is to learn how to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong. This doesn't happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the positive. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.

Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. When you have a grateful heart, you are strong. You are empowered, and you can confidently enjoy the good life He has prearranged for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

2009-10-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day on Saturday as I prepared for my first 5K race......I had butterflies in my stomach as I was getting dressed and getting ready for the event. It was a little surreal - there were a few times that I thought about backing out - and then I remembered my goals - and thought - It will be fine - My only goal is to finish.....Hopefully in about 45 minutes to an hour - But even if I come in last - My husband will be with me - and at least I am trying........and that is all that matters.

I was really nervous - and thank goodness for my sweet husband - as I think I snapped at him a few times - When we arrived - we ran into some friends of ours - and they were soooooo cute - as they were all dressed like fairies!!! It really helped to take the edge off my nervousness - and I forgot about all my worries.

We got in the line up for the 5K Walk/Run - Lots of fun outfits - and so many dogs dressed up - I had misplaced my camera/phone - so had to rely on other peoples cameras......Next time - I will definitly have my camera..........Other than that - everything went great.....We walked with our friends for a little over half the 5K - which was great, as it was alot of fun to walk with them - they were really cute in their fairy costumes - but I wanted to run - So my husband and I started running after I felt warmed up -

The run/walking went well - My pain has decreased so much, I am able to run a lot further - My muscles, joints, bones etc. are all finally catching up so it is not as painful - Now, I just need to get my lungs in shape. It was fun though to be able to PASS lots of people -

We finished in 46 minutes - Which I am was thrilled that I finished - but even more estatic at my time - A great time, and lots of room to improve!

All in all - It was a success - I wore my jacket and race number all day - So lots of people asked what it was for. Fun to relive it all day......Went to some friends later that day - most do not even know that I have HAE and Fibro - and were impressed that I participated - I know how far I have come and how much I have overcame - so the fact that I even finished was such a success for me........

Get Ready - Get Set - RESET!!!

2009-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hectic - Hectic - Hectic.....Life has really taken me by surprise the last couple of months - The past few years, August has always been my "bad" month - I spent alot of time in bed, and then spent the entire fall and winter trying to regain my health.

This year this did not happen to me - I don't think I knew how to handle it. I think I have been a little bit like a "crack" addict - I have become addicted to feeling well. But along with feeling well, comes an entire host of "issues" - Because, I have been actually having FUN!! - for the first time in a really long time.

Spending lots of time with friends - Going on MANY - Harley Rides - going OUT...in general....but all of this has put me in a very unfamiliar place - and I have not been managing my time well......I have been continuing to eat well - and exercise, however - my exercise has not been consitent....and I have been enjoying quite a few "drinks" -

Last Thursday was my birthday - and we had SO MUCH FUN!! Went out on our weekly "Thursday Night Ride" - I have been able to actually ride with my husband on the Harley without pain (MIRACLE).....so we have been going every Thursday night with a really fun group of people - it was so much fun - but the next morning - WAS HORRIBLE....I didn't think I drank that much - but I mixed my drinks - and my body freaked out - I was so fricken sick Friday morning - I had to leave work because I was literally throwing up at my desk into my garbage can.......NOT GOOD!!!

So here I am Sunday at work - catching up - and pushing RESET......I am pretty good at making commitments and sticking to them - when I write them down and actually set my goals. I definitly have to continually check on my goals - and I do have a tendency to get off track - hence the blog -

So today I am rewriting my goals - and reminding myself of what and why I am on this mission -

Next week I will be participating in my first 5K - The Monster Mash - I was planning on running, but that may not happen - but I will be walking - I will still do it, no matter what........

In addition, I am going to start getting up in the morning again, and walk in the morning before work - and my lunch hour again - I have been so busy getting infusions - that I have really not been sticking to my routine of walking - so jumping back on that horse -

Great time of year for soups - so I already started making those again - Oh my goodness so yummy - made a butternut squash soup last night!! So good......

Still drinking my morning "green smoothies" - need to add my greens back into my lunches though - have not been as proactive about eating my "greens" which I literally know are the best thing in the world for me....

Been working out - but not regularly - It is very difficult with our exchange student in the house - so considering going somewhere to work out - have not quite figured out yet what to do about this - love working out at home - also considering getting a treadmill - so this I am not sure about....but will think about it the next few weeks and see what happens.......

So these are my "goals" right now - I have only just began healing - and I am not going to give up and return to my old ways just because I have been a little addicted - this last month to HAVING FUN!!! - I just need to learn how to be able to have fun - and take care of myself - I am a Libra - so I should be pretty good at balancing things - but it really is not my strong point..........but I will do my best!!!

Three more years till that triathalon!!! And I will do it - and I will continue to overcome my fibromyalgia!!! And one day I know I will be able to say I no longer have fibroymalgia..........and I still feel deep down that some day I will be able to say that I have been healed of HAE as well..............

Eugene Marathon - 2010

2009-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Recieved my registration confirmation today for the Eugene Marathon 2010 - Very excited!! I know next year I will be able to walk/run it without pain...........That is my goal.

Best Time of My Life!!!

2009-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my husband and I and some friends went to Reno. We left Wednesday and drove all there. I rode with a couple gals that I did not really know - and we were going with my brother-in-law a really great friend we have known for a long time - and people we really did not know.

We were not sure what to expect - and myself in particular.....I had an infusion before we left that morning - and was just really honest about my health conditions - This has become a difficult thing for me to tell people about because I feel like so many people I have told have turned it against me and treat me like I am lying about my conditions, or a hypochondriac. So it was really a big deal for me to share what I have been going through...

Everyone was really understanding - The other thing that I was unsure about is what was I going to eat.....I really decided to be spontaneous on this trip and did not bring anything to eat - I decided I was going to just go with the flow and try to have a lot of fun.......I was "teased" quite a bit about my veganism - but it was all in good fun - and never offensive, and everyone was fairly accommodating - There were a few times that I just did not eat. Really was not that big of a deal though.........would just have a Bloody Mary instead!!!

I can not explain in words how much fun we had - to be able to literally GO ON VACATION....was amazing in and of itself - to be able to keep up with everyone was also amazing....I rode down in a truck - but once we got there - we either walked or rode the motorcycles the rest of the time - (All the guys rode there Harleys - It was about 450 miles....) In addition - I have a difficult time with elevators - but it worked out great - as we were on the 6th floor - and right by the stairs - so was able to take the stairs and it was actually faster than the elevator -

Being in the shape I am in now was great - as I was able to walk - ride on the motorcycle - swim - and run up stairs - I ended up catching a cold from our exchange student - so I was fighting a cold the entire time, and my body was still able to keep up - In addition, It was HOT!!! and I was able to handle it - We basically were going to bed around 2:30am and getting up by 7:30 every day - and going all day long -

All together there were 12 of us - We all got along great......we were able to agree on everything - and things just flowed so well! I honestly did not know it was possible for so many people to get along so great over that many days!!!

Great Memories!! Will remember this forever..........

Off to Reno

2009-09-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

So this month is completly gone - but I am off to Reno tomorrow for my very first out of state vacation with my husband since my fourteen year old was born!

Would never have even thought this was possible a few months ago - Amazing how much my life has changed with the Cinryze for my Hereditary Angioedema.

Have noticed some fibro flares though - as I have been a little lax in taking care of myself the past few weeks as it has been very hectic.....So having to keep reminding myself that it is very important that I treat myself well........

So glad I started this blog - as now I can see the huge changes in my life in only a year! I am still amazed!!!

What is Healthy Eating

2009-08-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Every day you hear it "You need to be eating healthy""choose healthy foods""fight disease with healthy eating" – But what is "healthy eating"?
Depends on who you are talking to – the following is just SOME of the things we hear about:

Low Fat
High Omega Fat
Low Carb
High Carb, but only Good Carbs
High Fruits and Vegetables
High Fruits, but not sweet Fruits, High Vegetables but not High Carb Vegetables
All Organic
Raw Food Diet
Vegetarian
Vegan
Never Vegetarian or Vegan

So which one is healthy eating? I know through the years my idea of healthy eating has changed drastically. I know personally I have found that living with chronic illness/conditions have changed the way that I live and take care of myself. Even though I have Hereditary Angio Edema, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain, I want to be as healthy as I can, I have spent hours upon hours researching what I can do to improve my health. What I have found is that healthy eating can be one of the most beneficial things that we can do for ourselves along with exercise.
It may have taken some time for me to figure out what healthy eating is for me, but the wonderful thing about our bodies is they heal. Since beginning this new way of healthy eating, I have made the most progress in my health in the past five years, so I know it is working. This past weekend my brother tried to tell me that I was being "religious" about my eating, which I thought maybe I am a little bit, but only because if I don't believe strongly in what I am doing, I will fall back into my old habits so fast that my head might literally spin right off my body. When I think about the way that I use to eat, it absolutely disgusts me. To think about the way I abused my body through the hundreds of countless diets I tried, the diet pills and potions I took and the "fake food" be it drinks or powders I took makes me extremely happy to be in the place I am today. So if I have to be religious about it – then so be it.
To answer the question philosophically "What Is Health Eating" – I believe it is whatever your body needs and is telling you to eat at that given time in your life. If you are in touch with your body, and are able to listen to your inner self, then you know exactly what healthy eating entails. However, if you are like so many people these days that have been bombarded and confused by the amount of information out there on what you should or should not be eating then you probably have lost that ability.
Personally, I believe that the Chinese have it right when it comes to healthy eating. True Chinese eating, not the American Chinese eating/cooking. After reading "The Dragons Way" by Nan Lu I learned how to reprogram my body. Getting back to basics really helped me to begin to listen to my body and try and figure out how to use food as "medicine and fuel" instead of just stuffing myself full of "feel good foods". In addition, The China Study and Eat to Live were huge weapons in unwinding a lot of misinformation that I picked up throughout the years.
If someone would have told me two years ago that I would become Vegan, mostly raw, all natural foods – I would have laughed in their face and said "Never in a million years"……..But here I am, it will be two years in September that I began this journey to health. I believe now that food is medicine when used properly. I also believe that we have been conditioned to believe that it does not matter what we put into our bodies – that our bodies will use it and turn it all into fuel. But when I think about what has happened in Oregon with the new 10% Ethanol requirements in our gasoline, and the amount of people that I know that have had lawnmowers, chainsaws, weedeaters, boats, atvs, and motorcycles that motors have blown up, it makes you realize quickly that it does not take much of something to "really foul things up" and cause our bodies to - blow up – just like these motorized vehicles have.
Maybe that is a bad comparison, as sure we are not gas powered machines – So have you ever seen how small painkillers or any other medicine is? It does not take a lot to cause an overdose, and possibly death. Then think about the large amounts of chemicals/additives we ingest daily from the foods we eat, but never think about what it may be doing inside our bodies. Our bodies are amazing machines that are able to process out most of those chemicals. The problem is when your body is already dealing with chronic illness having to expend extra energy processing hard to digest foods can cause a lot of problems.
So back to the original question – What is Healthy Eating? I don't think there is a definitive answer, but I know now that when I have issues going on in my body, I can look at my diet over the past few days and think about what I have been eating to know if that is part of the problem. We really do have a lot more control over our health than we think we do. We have the ability to control many aspects of our bodies and our healing and the food/fuel we put into it is a huge piece of the massive puzzle of our amazing bodies. So next time you bring a piece of food to your lips, think about what is this really doing for me? Is it this item able to help me make it through the day? Or will it cause me to be lethargic and drain my energy reserves trying to process it. Is it really worth it? These are all questions that cross my mind now each and every time the fork begins its journey to my lips – Is this fuel or foul? You be the judge – as you are the only one who knows what your body needs – and if you are really listening………you will know the answer!
Again, back to what is healthy eating? Harmony inside the body – think about it – study it – are you being controlled – or are you in charge – these are all questions to ask yourself each and every day – me…….I feel I am on a constant journey, discovering what is nourishing and healing me from the inside out – I know now – REAL FOOD……fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds – unprocessed beautiful food – these are the things that are helping my body to become what it was meant to be – HEALTHY!!!!

Red Poppies

2009-08-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am taking this painting to my doctors to have them hang in their office. I am very excited to have my art on display again. It has been quite some time for me - and I am so thankful for second chances.

I painted this painting about 5 years ago. My mom and I had driven to my sisters (about 45 minutes one way) together and on the way back, I noticed this beautiful field of poppies and asked her to stop so I could take some pictures.

This painting signifies the day with her - it was really a great day. My mom and I have never really been close, and our relationship has been void of any real emotions - however, on this day - we had a very nice time together. - I can see her and I in this painting trying to grow together.........

It will be fun for me to share this painting with others - it has always been one of my favorites because of the feeling I had that day - I try to have meaning and relationship with each one of my paintings - they really do signify how I am feeling at the time - and I literally paint my soul into each one of my paintings.....probably why I have no interest in selling them - it may sound weird - but they are a part of me - and each and every time I see them - they envoke memories I could never recreate on my own...........

Down 5lbs.....Yeah.....10 more to go to meet my goal!!

ChiRunning Without Pain

2009-08-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I realized that I am running without pain for the first time.....(should say discomfort as I have been trying not to use that word-but need to remind myself how far I have come).

My goal has been for some time to run/walk a 5K by my birthday.(October) Took the ChiRunning class back in May, and have been slowly working up my running. My running was very similar to my walking. I literally could only run for about 20 - 30 seconds, and when I did, it was very uncomfortable. And afterwards my recovery was slow - 3 - 4 days.

I just kept practicing the ChiRunning techniques. Figured eventually it had to get better - at least that is what I kept telling myself. It finally has. The last two times that I have run, I am running continuosly for about 5 minutes. Before, I could barely run 60 seconds. I am running so far, that I am running out of breath before my legs and body runs out of energy.

What I have been doing is spending 30 minutes on the eliptical warming my body up. Then I drive down to a 1 mile round-a-bout, and am able to run, as I am already warmed up. This has made a huge difference in the distance I am able to run, and the pace as well.

Since beginning the ChiWalking/Running, I have also noticed my posture and body awareness has changed. I am able to sense what is going on while I am running now. Many of the things that I have learned are becoming second nature, so I don't have to think about it so much. Column, stance, leaning, stepping lightly. These are all becoming second nature. Even my breathing has changed. I am able to get a better breath, and breathe deeper into my abdomen, instead of shallow lung breathing.

I feel so blessed that I have been able to learn about this method of walking/running. Without this method, I am not sure if I would be running now.

It is amazing to me though how uncooperative my body can be - I try really hard not to get jealous of my friends who literally have started running for the first time, and within a month, they are running a mile.......or my husband, who has not ran in years, and is already running a 5K. Seeing them though, makes me know that I can do it....it may just take me alot longer to get to that point, but I know I will be able to run continuously one day.......

Today in my email I recived my scripture for the day:

"The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake…"(2 Peter 3:9, NLT)

As I write this, I understand now what the Lord is saying - I know he is teaching me how to be patient, and how to stick with something for the long run. If running was easy - everyone would be doing it. But because it is sooooo hard for me, it makes me want to do it even more. I love a challenge, and this has been one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do in my life. Staying with it, is even harder.

The best thing I have done for myself is tell LOTS of people. I get asked often how my running is going, and it is great to be able to say I am still trying to reach my goals. The other really cool thing I have figured out about running, is that new goals are always around the corner.

BTW- down 4lbs as of today. Need to "give away" 5 more pounds to be where I got down to before, but it is soooo awesome to have a much lower starting point this time. Very happy that I was able to maintain so well for almost a year. My goal is 11 more pounds in the next 4+ weeks - about 2.5 pounds per week.

Cooking by Instinct

2009-08-26T14:23:00.001-07:00

MY RATATOUILLE

I had so much fun cooking this last night! isn't it BEAUTIFUL..........It is like ART!!!

Almost everything in this dish is from MY garden. Almost unbelievable to me. To be able to go out and pick fresh vegetables, fruit, and seasonings is so cool. I was not sure what I was going to make, but my daughter and I watched
Ratatouille this past weekend, and I loved the way the rat sliced the zucchini. I thought, I could do that......I had a ton of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, red pepper and basil - perfect ingredients.

Yesterday I picked up a couple vegan cookbooks from my library, so I had a recipe that was close to the ingredients I had - and went from there.

I was feeling a little "down" or "tired" - so this was so therapeutic for me. To be able to just stand quietly and chop and slice vegetables that I just pulled off the vine was almost "spiritual". Since becoming vegan, I have really learned how to connect with my food again, and eat food that is going to nurture and heal my body, and to be able to connect with it makes it taste so much better.

It may sound silly, but truly, the connection with food is huge. Without food, we will eventually die. It nourishes us, fuels us, repairs us. But for me, I lost that connection through years of unhealthy eating, and dieting. Looking at food as the enemy instead of seeing it for what it really is - LIFE.......

Eat to Live really helped me to reconnect with food. No longer seeing it as bad, but as awesome. Learning about all different types of vegetables and fruit and how to use them, cook them, and or prepare them to be as yummy as possible is so much fun. To be able to eat enough good food that I am full, and know that I will be reducing my weight at the same time seems almost contradictory to every other way of eating I have learned, but it works.

Last night my husband made his dinner while I was making the ratatouille, and he pulled one of my veggie burgers out, and cooked it up - It was very cute - he even said "your changing me". It is cool, as I do not push any of my food on my family, they are choosing to eat it on their own. Even my daughter is constantly saying "wow, that looks good".

Yesterday, I was looking through my blog, and I had a post about "What is Healthy Eating" - and I still believe that their are many ways to eat healthy, and everyone is very different, but for me......I feel like I have finally found the answer to my question, and it feels really good.

Down - 2.5lbs already, so I know I must have been eating a little to much sodium......Off to a good start....can hardly wait to see what else is on my menu..............

Eat To Live - 6 Week Challenge

2009-08-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post today - Very glad this is also my day to begin the Eat to Live Six Week Challenge again.

Last year when I did the Eat to Live - 6 Week Challenge - I "gave away" almost 30lbs. I have gained back about 6+ pounds, but for the most part my weight has remained stable.

It has been a year, and I am still following all of Dr. Fuhrmans Eat to Live guidelines, but I eat alot of beans, quinoa, and nuts - Oh yeah - and I drink a lot of beer. I know this is why I have not lost any more weight, but I have not been trying as it has never been my priority.

My priority from the beginning was to regain my health and learn a new style of eating. Which I have!! And I love it, have no regrets and plan on eating this way for life. Eating all natural, highly nutritive food with no added oils, salt, or sugar is awesome. The really fun thing is when I make my food - and people love it. They can not believe it is so good for them - Especially my famous green smoothies - My family thinks I should patent my smoothies and are constantly begging me to make them......

So here I go again, doing the "BASIC" Eat to Live Plan - the Six Week Challenge - I already have most of it down - but I will need to cut my grains, nuts and beer........

I would like to throw away about 20 more pounds - and then keep that off for a year - As it seems like not gaining the weight back is a much more difficult and harder thing to do then to take it off. (The reason I don't say "lose" is as the "Ancient Chinese Teacher Says" If you lose something, you want to find it again - so don't "lose" weight - give it away, or throw it away so it does not return to you.)

Also, since I have began the C1-infusions, I have been able to cut way back on my Oxandrin - Which for anyone who does not know - Oxandrin is prescribed for people with Wastings diseases - Aids, or Cancer to GAIN WEIGHT!!! So last year when I took off the weight on ETL I was so happy to do it while taking the Oxandrin, and not gain the weight back over the past year.

Today I reviewed my ETL instructions - I am excited as it is such a great time of year to get lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat to Live is so free and easy - and so much food -

Minimum 1 pound fresh vegetables
Minimum 1 pound steamed/cooked vegetable
Minimum 4 fresh fruits
Minimum 1 cup legumes
No more than 1 cup starchy vegies or grains
No more than 1oz Nuts
Lots of spices and herbs
NO DAIRY, MEAT, SUGAR, OIL, SALT

The possibilites are endless - Last week I had ordered a whole bunch of vegan cookbooks from the library - so very excited to find some new recipes - it is easy to turn most vegan recipes into an ETL meal -

I will be posting again on my progress as I did last year - as I think it is important for me to track my results so I can look back and see my accomplishment.......

So for the next few weeks I am really kicking things up - as I have been running quite a bit preparing for my 5K - and now I will be working on bringing my weight back down again - which in turn will help with my running - I am very excited about this new venture as my body continues to recover and heal.

Thank You Lord for Healing me today - and teaching me how to take control of my health. This path I am on is amazing - and I look forward everyday to the new things I am learning.

Finished a Painting

2009-08-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here it is - Completed - I have my colors picked out for my matting - and I already have the frame. I am going to try and have the mat completed and framed by the end of the month.

I consider this painting to be a tribute to my C1-infusions. I began it on August 2nd, and I finished it on August 20th. I never would have been able to do this if I had not begun the infusions.

With the Cinryze, I have been able to live an almost NORMAL life. I still have "issues" from the fibromyalgia, and chronic sacrum pain, however the changes I have made in my life have really addressed many of the problems I have faced in the past from these conditions.

It is amazing how things can work out so well. I feel like I live in a musical. Lots of chaos going around, however it all flows beautifully. Because of the issues I have been faced with, I have changed drastically as a human being, and each and every day I found myself learning and growing more and more.

Like the fully bloomed gladiola, I feel like I have started to bloom in ways I never could have imagined. My outlook on life is so much different than it use to be. No longer do I feel an overwhelming pain that I am not living the life I was meant for. I am exactly right where I am supposed to be. Exactly where God intended me to be at this moment.

Life is a journey, and learning from each and every situation is such an amazing ability. And the great thing is, no matter how many times I get things wrong, there is always another oppurtunity waiting for me to try and get it right.

This is something I have really began to embrace with my paintings. Last weekend my mother-in-law and I went through her moms paintings - she gave me some more paper, and some line drawings (I am so LUCKY) - Eileen Duffy - my grand-mother-in-law, was an amazing watercolor artist. She was a huge part of the Watercolor Society, sold many paintings, and even had some of her work displayed at the Oregon State Capital. I have been fortunate enough to inherit her paper. mat and cutter. Everyone in the family thinks it is ironic that a "non related" granddaughter would be the one to want to follow in her footsteps. -

Anyway - while going through her work, it was amazing for me to see how many paintings she had that she never finished. Or the same painting - 3 or 4 times, in a different light. I use to be the type of person that had a difficult time doing the same thing over and over. As I learn things quickly, but become bored even faster - so with painting, it is such a challenge to paint the same thing over and over - as it can become more like work if your not careful - But I am learning how to look at it as a challenge, and experience, then as a chore -

Applying this to life is what I am finding to be so exciting.....No longer seeing my relaxation, breathing, eating healthy, exercising, taking Chinese herbs, and supplements as a chore -but seeing all of these things as oppurtunities to help my body continue to heal and knowing that I don't ever have to stop doing these things is such an easier way to approach the day. Not being angry about having these conditions is also extremely freeing.

It is not a curse to have HAE - Fibro - Chronic Pain - How I handle it is the only thing that matters. If I take the day on not allowing these conditions to define who I am - then I can become exactly the person God intended. It is only when I dwell on the fact that I have these conditions, and what I can not do - that it becomes a curse.

I refuse to be defined by my conditions anymore - I am not HAE, I am not fibro - these are not who I am - I am me -

My Chiropractor Should Win the Nobel Peace Prize!

2009-08-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

So ranting today - It has really been quite a week. I think the whole country is going crazy - Is is it the moon or something? I know we are on the beginning of our yearly meteor showers - maybe it is from that!!

Still dealing with insurance - I am sure it will be a ongoing battle - so no longer letting it get me worked up.....it will all work out one way or another - and since my Chiropractor has discovered if I just add an extra B6 during ovulation and the week before my period - I won't have any HAE attacks - because she knows "everything about angioedema" - then I won't have to worry about getting anymore Cinryze Infusions.......

Really - SHE REALLY SAID THAT TODAY!!!! - I told you she was interesting to say the least - I only mentioned that I was dealing with my HAE because of ovulation - she immediately interrupted me and asked if I was taking an extra B6 - I told her I was - but that really does not have anything to do with HAE - it is the ebbs and flows of Estrogen that causes a chemical reaction in our body - and again she interrupted me to say "I know about angioedema - and B6 will instantly resolve that" I politely left the conversation alone at that point -

I am learning - that is all I can say - I am learning how to keep my mouth shut! I know longer have to "argue" "correct" or "disagree" with people - So that is what I am getting out of this relationship - She put me back in line - and I was on my way - With my cynicism of - "You got to be kidding me" thoughts left inside my brain.......

Honestly - Wanted to say - "Wow! No doctor, scientist, researcher completely understands why women have HAE frequency attacks with ovulation and just before menses - but you know...Our insurance companies are paying 36,000 a month for infusions to prevent these attacks - or thousands after we end up in the hospital...... but I can take B6 - oh yeah and Vitalzym - for basically nothing.....and prevent these "angioedema" attacks altogether.......Seriously - You should win the Nobel Peace Prize - as you could literally help thousands of people live completely normal lives!!!" But - I kept my mouth shut.......as I did not think it would go over well...............

So to all you HAE'rs out there - Just take an extra B6 according to my Chiropractor/Nutritionist and you will be "cured" - And she accused my Pain Specialist of Malpractice for not telling his fibromyalgia patients to stop drinking/eating dairy......give me a break!!!

Life just gets more and more interesting!!!!

Always Something

2009-08-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Dealing with insurance companies is always so much fun........Today I recieved a call that my insurance company has changed their minds AGAIN!!!

Now they are saying that the Cinryze needs to be billed under major medical - before it was Pharmacy - then Specialty Pharmacy - Everytime I turn around it is something different - The problem with them wanting it under Major Medical - is I have a 2,000,000 lifetime maximum.....well everyone who knows about the Cinryze - that will be met in a little over 4 years......

Wondering what and how other insurance companies are treating the Cinryze - Seems to me that it is a pharmacy benefit - It is approved by the FDA - and adminstered as a drug - from a Specialty pharmacy......

I have a call into my agent - as I just do not think it is correct what they are saying.....so just trusting that the Lord will take care of this for me - In the meantime I recieved this message from my girlfriend - So with tears in my eyes - I know it will all be just fine......Here is what it said:

A Minister passing through his church In the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar And see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, A man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw The man hadn't shaved in a while.

His Shirt was kinda shabby And his coat was worn and frayed, The man knelt, he bowed his head, Then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed, Each noon timeCame this chap, Each time he knelt just for a moment, A lunch pail in his lap.. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, With robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, 'What are you doing here?' The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, For finding strength and power.
'I stay only moments, see, Because the factory is so far away; As I kneel here talking to the Lord, This is kinda what I say:

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOUTOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUTYOU EVERYDAY... SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY.'

The minister feeling foolish, Told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome To come and pray just anytime Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door.. The minister knelt at the altar, He'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, And met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, He repeated old Jim's prayer:

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERSFRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TOPRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY.'

Past noon one day, the minister noticed That old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, He began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, Learning he was ill.
The Hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand Why Jim was so glad, When no flowers, calls or cards came, Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke Up and with a winsome smile; 'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, That he's in here all the while
Everyday at noon He's here, A dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me:

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOKAWAY YOUR SIN...
ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY.'

May God hold you in the palm of His hand And Angels watch over you.
So this is me ... Just Checking In

Family Reunion

2009-08-10T15:32:00.001-07:00

Wow - what a difference a year can make - I am constantly saying that, but it is soooo true!!!

Our family reunion was so great this year - and we spent 3 days with everyone.......Last year I had a complete meltdown - and it was terrible - actually since we have started doing these - none of them have been that pleasant......but this year was GREAT!!!

My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves.....and I talked with everyone and it was just a great time overall.

The coast could not have been better weather.....we perused the local galleries taking our exchange student to see many west coast artists.....amazing work.....

Went on a two hour hike - around the beautful lakes - I even ran.......spent time down on the beach in my bathing suit!!! Felt like Maui - sitting on the beach drinking Coronas.....jumped in the ocean for a while! Then watched a beautiful sunset from the top of the Dunes - quite a hike, but I made it!! - Then I had to carry my 70lb pitbull down the hills because he ran his pads off.....it was a little ridiculous......but I was able to do it.......

Spent a lot of time with my nieces and nephews - they are all growing up to be awesome people. The only thing is I took absolutly NO pictures......I even went and bought a new card for my phone and didn't take any pictures....I was having so much fun - I FORGOT!!!

My exchange student took lots - so I will have to get copies from her......

Last night when we got home - my husband took me on a Harley Ride - I went the furthest ever on that particular bike - my butt is getting better.......It was beautiful out - magical weekend!

Today, I am sore....but it is a really good sore - It was a really good weekend!

Painting Again - Watercolors

2009-08-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

Very excited that I have began painting again - this is about the 4th painting this year - I worked on this this weekend - The above is the progression of the painting - I am not quite finished yet - have a little bit more to complete - so when it is all completed I will post the final pic....I even ordered a frame for it - even though I am not quite finished - that is how sure I am I will finish - SO AMAZING to not be worrying about getting sick and being completly out of it for a week or so.......and having life interupted!!! YEAH!!!

One Year Anniversary

2009-08-04T12:03:00.001-07:00

WOW! I have been blogging for a year now - It is so amazing to me that an entire year has gone by.

The cool thing is how much better I am doing now compared to a year ago and being able to see it - It is great to have everything in one place - I really do love blogging, much easier than journaling......

One year ago is when I started walking in the morning - I decided last night that I would start doing that again, as this time a year it seems to very difficult to do it after work or lunch - as it has just been to warm. In addition, I have laid off the running for a while - trying to get some healing going on.

Yesterday I had a prolotherapy session - we are possibly at the last of the injections - My doctor only had to do 4 injections yesterday - and it was the ligament that runs from the bottom of the sacrum to my hamstring.....think it was the sacrotuberous ligament - Anyway - we are getting close - my pain has decreased tremendously - and many of the trigger points are gone now as well......I am starting to forget the amount of pain that I was in....

One of the things I have really noticed about myself, is that I have to be really careful when I start feeling better - I have to make sure that I continue to take my supplements - doing my exercises and eating correctly - and taking care of myself...... Sometimes I feel a little bit like an addict in recovery - I had to hit rock bottom so that I could change my life. Rock bottom for me was my health. It is way too easy to forget and to backslide into unhealthy habits - think about having a baby - how long is it before we forget the pain involved in child birth - It seems similar to me with these chronic health conditions that I have......

I need to remember how far I have come - and how I was able to get to the place I am at now, otherwise it is possible to end up back in that horrible state of pain, fatigue, and all the other things that go along with fibro......

As far as the HAE - I am doing phenomenal. The infusions are going well - we are still infusing in my hands - and my doctor still seems to have to poke me 2x - but I am not bruising everytime now....which honestly, was probably the worst of my problems but I was really bothering me.....It is so amazing that I have been able to bend over without abdominal attacks - and punch the punching bag - and jog........I know my body is going to continue to improve as it is getting the breaks from the attacks.

So, now begins another year - I am planning on walking another half marathon - I am not sure if I will be walk/running - but if not - it is okay.....I still plan on walking......I am learning how to make compromises - it does not have to be all or nothing.....

My painting are going along well - I spent last weekend painting - had some issues with a mat that I prepared for one of my paintings - but I did not have a complete melt down, which I probably would have in the past.....just a slight meltdown.....I spent about 3 hours cutting a mat - and put some books on it to secure it as it was a triple mat - and when I took the books off - OMG the books took the mat with it.....so quite a few hours and $$ down the drain.....but I have to just figure it was a learning experience....... Probably hard to see in pic - but in the bottom left hand corner......all the paper is missing......

Oh well!!!I have done my crying - and it is time to move on - My husband says that is a problem that I have had for many years - holding on to things.....So I am trying to change my behavior - trying to learn how to let things go - and not hold on to them and allow them to fester inside me - and destroy me.....

So I will continue my journey - of Loving Life, and Living Well - on to the next year of exciting new paths to discover..............

Cinryze infusions - Working

2009-07-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

So the infusions are working beautifully. I was a little concerned about the time commitment - 2x weekly to the doctor - but it is going well - they are getting alot quicker and much easier.....

I bring in my arsenal - I have a pretty great routine down now - I heat up my Therapaq about an hour before my infusion - put the heat pack on the area we will be infusing - (we switch hands and site each time) Heat it up again right before I leave -

On the way I take some pelleted Arnica and Tieh Tah - which is a Chinese Herb for Trauma.

When I arrive I listen to my mediation music on my Zune while I am waiting - They take me back to the room - I pull out my heating pad and plug it in - as by this point the heat is kind of wearing off - Put my Spray and Stretch on the table - along with my Bruise Relief, Arnica and Ice pack.

I grab the pillow and grab on to it - Spray the area - then my doctor pokes in - He only has to do it once now.....After the infusion and flush - I press the cotton ball on it strongly for a few minutes - then Arnica and a large glob of Bruise Relief - then Ice pack - and they Coban the ice pack on......

Then I go to work.....I ice it on and off for about 2 hours changing between ice packs - using Arnica and Bruise Relief between the icing...If I do get bruising, it only lasts for less than a week as long as I keep putting Arnica on at least once a day - but the last 2 infusions I had no bruising!!!

BTW - we have a punching bag - I was able to do a work out the other night with it and not have to worry about my hands swelling up - We have a wedding this weekend - and I may attempt to wear high heels!! It is an outside wedding though - but just the thought that I could if I wanted to is fricken AMAZING!!! Yeah......

Running With No Swelling

2009-07-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

My Chi Running has resumed - after a month of chiropractic care and prolotherapy injections, I am back in the saddle.

Since beginning the C1-Infusions, I have not been exercising very much - Some weights and walking, but no real running - I went after my infusion on Tuesday - and it went great.

Really used my focuses and walked/ran 2 miles - Basically 5 minutes of running- and the rest walking. I am now up to 1 minute running-3minutes walking. I am really excited, as I feel a little bit "normal" at this point. I really had no pain afterwards - calves etc. and no stomach swelling. A little bit soar, but it was a "normal" soar......so exciting. I will run again today.

My had did end up bruising, but it was very minimal, it is almost gone today - so three days. My doctor also figured out the solution they were flushing with was a sterile water, not a saline, and that is probably why it was burning so bad. So Thursday, they used the saline, and it felt fine. I did end up with a bruise on my hand from my Thursday infusion though - but it is more minimal than the one from Tuesday. I really like the Bruise Relief - but I think I need to use my Arnica as well - almost like I need the combination of both.

Wednesday I had another appointment with my "New Doctor" the chiropractor I have been seeing that made me cry - My family has really been giving me a hard time as to why I am still seeing her. It is almost like I am seeing her so that I can learn how to deal with difficult people. As she is extremely difficult.......

I tried to talk to her about the fatigue I have been feeling - as it has been going on for over a month now. There are times at work when I have to lay my head down on my desk. Was not sure if maybe it was from all the adjustments I have been getting - or possibly the new enzymes I have been taking - Vitalzym......but it has been fairly extreme.

So long ago I had fatigue - but after beginning taking T3/T4 most of that had gone away. The pain was what I have been fighting for so long - So now - I have really gotten a lot of the "discomfort" "sensations" under control - but the fatigue I have been feeling has been debilitating. At least with "discomfort" I can take pain killers to mask it - but I have been able to knock this fatigue out - Taking my Ginseng - been having to drink an afternoon coffee and it still has not helped. I have tried going to bed early - but still wake up tired......so anyway I tried to talk with her about it.....MISTAKE.....

I told her I was wondering if possibly the anemia was back - as that was my problem from January through April - she wanted to see my blood work - when I showed her my lab results, she told me I was not anemic - because my blood count was fine...I tried to ask her about the low ferritin iron levels - and she said that does not make you anemic.....I was very confused, because why would my doctor tell me I was iron deficient anemic if I was not.....

She then proceeded to tell me that my fatigue was in my head....that I was too aware of how I feel, and I am trying so hard to get better that I am actually causing the fatigue - OKAY...whatever......I told her I disagree - and laid down on the adjustment table - as I was so irritated with her statement.....I wanted to just get on with the adjustment.

She started to preach to me - You need to take more time for yourself and relax - Okay, I spent all day Sunday literally doing nothing - when I get home from work many days, I relax on the couch for hours - The week before we went on vacation, and I spend 2 days hardly doing anything - She then said - Well you told me that you ran yesterday, and went on a motorcycle ride this weekend - Okay....WOW....I am sorry, but those things should not be causing debilitating fatigue -

I spend a lot of down time....I meditate, Chi Gong, and relax....my energy levels are so low that I can barely do my job....I have only done two loads of laundry in the past month....I know my body - and this is not normal.....

Anyway, I went home - and looked up the information on my blood test results for anemia - There is really a lot of contradicting information on iron deficient anemia - It said many doctors don't look at all the numbers as a whole - I think that is why my doctor said I am anemic - As she looks outside the box......probably I am not full blown anemic - Just borderline......but after reading through many sites, and a lot of peoples postings, It seems there is deficiency and then anemia - also it seems you should always go by how a person is feeling - as test results are just numbers......similar to thyroid test results.

The nice thing is, I was able to treat it before with Chinese herbs, I never had to take iron. Si Wu Tang is an easy to take herbal formula and it really helped when I took it last time - so I took it when I got home......In addition, I began taking my amino acids and DHEA again - as I had stopped.....partly because this new doctor said so bad things about them......

So yesterday - I felt soooo much better. I felt better than I had in 3-4 weeks.......I am finally figuring out that I need to listen to my body - and not some doctors "opinion" - We are really our best advocates - I have been taking these amino acids for some time now - and they have been a great help - I know there is a lot of evidence that points to there efficacy. In addition, there are a lot of doctors (that is how I found them in the first place) who "prescribe" them to there patients......

I will continue with the treatment that I have been on - I will continue taking the enzymes, B complex - and Calcium/Magnesium and minerals.....that this Chiro has recommended - as those are things that have been recommended in the past that I really had not been using lately.....but I think I will only have her adjusting me at this point to keep my body in line - As I know it is helping me!!!!

The thing that really confuses me the most - Is how can someone consider themselves a "Fibromyalgia Specialist" and not have any advice on how to deal with fatigue - things that make you go hmmm......Fibro and fatigue literally go hand in hand - it is not just pain.....and the pain does not necessarily cause the fatigue - usually there is something else going on. Since my diet is extremely clean - I am treating my thyroid - and I am dealing with stress a lot better - I am exercising - and it is summer/warm out - I know it is not any of those things.....

I will try and check in how the fatigue is going - as I want to make sure I am able to knock it out.....This weekend I will be hanging out...Relaxing - Hopefully my Koi will be spawning tomorrow - or Sunday.....I am trying all the things I know what to do.....Now if the weather will just cooperate...at least I know it will be a swell free weekend.......

Cinryze Infusions - Continued

2009-07-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today I had my fifth infusion -

I can really tell it is working....this past weekend we had such a great time - I went and visited with my husbands family on Friday - and then we went to a "Harley Rodeo" on Saturday...It was quite a trek on the back of that bike - and beautiful.....Sunday we really did just relax...there was a massive thunderstorm, and we were without power most of the day - I spent most of the day beading and made a really pretty anklet.....

Because of the weather - no go for my koi spawning....but hopefully in the next few days as it is supposed to warm up....

So with all of that....I only had a little bit of swelling - I was able take my oxandrin to cancel it out though....This time of the month I pretty much always have an attack - it coincides with ovulation and my period - Basically a full moon - an no moon is indicator of an coming attack. So I have to admit - I am in a little bit of WOW state right now......

If I could get my sacrum area pain under control - I would feel like a million bucks! I guess I should feel like a million dollars in - 2 1/2 years - if I continue on this protocal of Cinryze, as that is how much it will cost.....OMG!

So today I tried my new product - Bruise Relief - They were kind enough to send me some free samples - so I tried it today. The infusion hurt quite a bit today for some reason. First poke - My hands were beautiful...but my left hand is always pretty pumped out - I think all the good veins in my body are in my left hand -

My doctor was able to get it with the first poke...Yeah...I remebered to spray it, the spray really helps ALOT! I am so glad I have it - I can not even feel the needle going in anymore.....as soon as we were done I went to put the Bruise Relief on - as it says to put it on quickly it is all on the website - but I think I did it to quickly - as I was bleeding like crazy today.....So next time - I will cotton ball and hold it for the five minutes, and then put all the stuff on -

The other thing I did different this time is I have this really cool Thermapaq that I got at Costco - you can ice it or heat it....it is clay - I heated it up at work and put on for about a half hour - then heated again right before I left...it molds to your arm really well - so I ace bandaged it on my arm and was able to pull my coat over it so noone would notice.....When I got to my doctors it was still warm - but starting to cool - I was able to get my heating pad out at that point, and plug it in and just wrap around it - but kept the Thermapaq on - The thermapq has clay in it - even my doctor really liked it - he is going to order some......

It is about 3 hours later - My hand is starting to feel better -It was hurting more than usual this time - but it really does not look like it is going to bruise - I will post later whether it does or not....I have been putting the Bruise Relief and Topricin and icing since I left the office though.....I did get pretty tired again - but I have drank 3 huge glassess of water - I think they are helping. So I am starting to feel better. Took my Tieh Tah and some Arnica......

I have a date with the track though tonight - I did the elipical last night...it felt great - and no problems....not even soar today..... Everytime I have run though - I end up with an abdominal attack - so I will find out tonight how well the C1-Inh is working.....I can hardly wait!!!!

The training program I am doing right now is preparing me for a 5K in October......I am combining it with a program for the Half Marathon the end of April next year.....I found some great podcasts that were free to download - It is called the Couch to 5K - It is set up for 9 weeks - but I have 13 till October and I have not been on the couch - So hopefully this will be a fun way to get to Chi Running......- very excited about trying these out - as I won't have to think so hard about the intervals - I will just listen to the cues on my Zune.....

Cinryze Infusions - Hand

2009-07-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today I went in for my fourth infusion - Pretty soon I won't remember how many that I have had - It is starting to go alot better.....

My hands are my choice veins - It seems that is where I am going to have to have my infusions at this point. After doing some research and talking with my acupuncturist - we think that after I get my attacks under control, that my veins may actually begin to get stronger and larger in my arms. She said it all basically has to do with the spleen, and building blood - which in Chinese Medicine - that is my deficiency - so I am counting on the day when I will have more options than my hands....until then -

This morning I drank a huge glass of water upon waking......took a hot shower.....got ready, made my morning green smoothie, got my heating pad, and out the door to my doctor. I have an inverter in my car, so plugged in my heating pad and kept my hand wrapped in it all the way to my doctors office.

When I got to my doctors office, I plugged my heating pad in - I had also brought along some good paraphenelia to help with my infusion -

My MP3 player with relaxation book on it - Listened to it while waiting in the lobby....

Went into the room - and plugged my heating pad back in....and got out my Spray and Stretch - a topical spray with some numbing action - Arnica and a little ice pack.

My doctor was able to get my infusion going on the second stick - but it was way better than the last couple of times....I sprayed the Spray and Stretch - and then he stuck the needle in....my lovely veins rolled like usual - but on the second stick when I did my "visualization" that is when he was able to get the needle in the vein.

I really need to do the visualization on the first stick from now on.......I swear my veins see that needle coming and they retract in fear.....

After the infusion - Arnica.....pressure.....and wrapped the little ice pack around my hand with Coban - that sticks to yourself stuff.....Oh I also took the Tieh Tah formula for trauma.....

Off to work - I had a little bit of fatigue again - about 2 hours worth....

But it is now 3:00 and I am feeling good....my hand looks good as well - even in the first spot that did not work - it is not bruising like it was in my arms. I have a couple of red dots there, and that is about it......

So exciting - We have a huge weekend planned - and I am so excited to feel like I have nothing to worry about - Monster Truck Ralley - Parades - Harley Rodeo (have to ride for a couple hours - which can easily trigger an attack...) UFC fight, and taking our friend out who is getting married next week.....then Sunday hopefully my Koi will be spawning -

I am so excited about my "new" life..............

Fourth of July at the Coast

2009-07-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

We went to the coast last weekend - It was great - I actually was able to ride - Alot....I had an infusion before I went - and had no problems with HAE - The amount of riding that I did - I would have easily ended up with some hand or abdominal swelling. Even with the Oxandrin....mild - but something......

The biggest problem now is with the discomfort in my "butt"....I am trying to change the way that I talk about my pain, as I have been doing a lot of reading, and listening to some great CD's on pain reduction - and one of the things they have mentioned is that the way we talk about our pain, has a lot to do with how our brains perceive it. So I no longer will be saying that I have "pain" - It will now be referred to as sensations, or discomfort.

I was able to ride without alot of discomfort the first day, The second day we went all the way the the end - which is 10 miles one way - I was feeling it...but I made it, and it was alot of fun. The third day I crashed....Usually I will crash the first or second day - so that is another improvement.....

So glad that we stayed 4 days - As the last day was the nicest....we went down to the beach - I took lots of pictures and really just enjoyed my time with my family.....it was such a great day.

The entire weekend was great.....My energy levels are improving, and my overall attitude is improving. I was in a good mood the entire time and really tolerable even with all the people there and my neice staying with us.....and she never stops talking - In the past, I would have had a difficult time managing my stress levels.....

Every day is a better day!!!

Cinryze Infusion - Started Today

2009-07-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

Well after years of waiting - being on trials - and fighting with insurance.....it has begun.

It is still a little surreal - Today I went in for my first ever preventative C1-Inhibitor infusion. All my past infusions have been for an existing attack - and not preventative. Amazing -

Luckily I was not the first patient that my doctor had to treat - He has been a part of trials for years, and has another patient that he has been infusing for a little while - so I was not a complete guinea pig......

They call my doctor - "The one hit wonder" - Unfortunatly I broke his confidence a little today - My first vein did not cooperate at all - So he had to go for another one - The second one started to not cooperate......So I closed my eyes - began deep breathing - and really visualized that vein and relaxed.....I began thinking.....Okay vein, it is okay, this is good - we want this to happen......My poor doctor was actually a little frustrated - not with me - with himself - and then woolah.......I opened my eyes and they had blood!!!

I really think a lot of it was my relaxation - my veins have a tendency to roll - and blow - I was thinking they were better - as Monday went so well....But I could tell this morn that my veins were not as close to the surface as Monday - possibly because I started my period yesterday - So I will be watching closely to see how they are next week.

My PT gave me a cd with some sort of relaxation stuff for surgerys - I will be listening to this for next time before I go in!! Hopefully it will help as well - It is amazing how much control we really do have over our bodies...............

Usually I heat my hand before I go in for draws....so I will begin doing that as well before the infusions.....

So as soon as we were finished - he flushed it with saline - on went some arnica - cotton - and some hard pressure...........

It has been just over an hour - and the spot that was missed has a little bruising and edema around it - with the the red rings......but the other arm that we were able to use looks great. I have put a little ice on it - and arnica every few minutes...I think next time I will take the pelleted arnica right before as well.....

Very excited to go on my vacation this weekend! Usually have to bring an arsenal of drugs - and such - I still have to contend with my butt pain - and the fibro.....but this will be a weekend without HAE - and I still have a lot of wonders of how much of the fibro is caused by the HAE....but that is another post!

Was Today a Miracle?

2009-06-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I received notice that my insurance company had approved my use of the new C1-inhibitor treatment Cinryze for my Hereditary Angio Edema - With overwhelming joy came the reality of going in two time a week to my doctors office for infusions.

Along with the approval came word of the cost of the treatment - My insurance company is on the line for $36,000.00 and my co-payments will be $300.00. Confusion as to how we were going to pay another $3600.00 per year came to mind.

With the great help of my healthcare providers, and also Cinryze Solutions, I was told about a program that would be able to help with my copayments.....so figured I would spend the weekend "sleeping" on it - and in addition make my appointment to see my doctor this week and try to move forward.....

We also were first told that the treatment was approved for a year - and then two days later recieved notice that the Cinryze was only approved for 90 days - as of June 19. And would only be reapproved with proof that it is working......so the pressure was building to get things moving.

This weekend I was having an abdominal attack, Nothing new for this time of the month. Most of my attacks coincide with my menstrual cycle. After tracking for three years, I pretty much know this...that is why I increase my dosage of Oxandrin during ovulation and menses.

Yesterday though, my attack was not normal - I told my husband I was not sure if I would be able to go to work this morning last night......this morning when we woke up I had to really think about it before I emailed in.....I hardly ever miss work with attacks....I can always take my meds and at least function - but I did not feel right today.

I went back to sleep, and woke up about 11:00am - My throat felt like I had swallowed a half cup of course sand. I was having a laryngeal attack.....I got up immediatly and started doing all the things I did with my last attack - throat comfort tea, Oxandrin, Tieh Tah herbals, relax - It felt like something was stuck in my throat - like I could not clear it......

Spent about an hour trying to see if it would go down, but did not seem to be getting any better. Also, this time I could not see the swelling, as it was deeper inside.

Called my doctor, and they gave me the nurse, she was at lunch, and called me back - it was 1:00 at that point - It was not any better. I knew there was not much we would be able to do, but she told me to come in as at least we could get it documented, and that was so much of the problem I had with insurance, was lack of documentation as I treat myself at home.

She said they could get me in at 2:30 - I wore my comfy clothes......just in case....as I have been down this road before, and at that point I did not know if I would end up in the hospital or what exactly was going to happen - figures, approved for C1-Inhibitor, but don't have it from the pharmacy yet.....

When I got to my doctors, it was kind of like a perfectly well orchestrated show.....Came in, they took my info and vitals, my doctor looked down my throat with a scope, and he said - yep, theres the swelling.......it is in the back of the tongue. I guess the amazing thing was, my doc was able to look down my throat without numbing it, or going through my nose......my nurse had a garbage waiting there - I asked her why afterwards, and she said just in case I threw up......kind of funny cause I did not even notice.....I guess he is just that good......

Next thing I know he said he was trying to negotiate a trade....apparently one of his patients had some C1 that the HAE association gave her, and since I was approved for the Cinryze and this was considered an "emergency" we could negotiate a trade......so next thing I know I was being infused.......he was pretty excited about my veins as well - that is something I have really noticed that have changed - I am sure it has everything to do with my healthy diet......

Far cry from when I use to be on the trial. When I did the trial, it was very difficult, as they always had to take blood first, and back then my veins were horrible, and my skin was so thick - so an hour sometimes would pass along with multiple sticks, and then then would infuse and I would have to stay at the doctors for 12 hours, along with more blood draws, vitals every hour, and a million questions. Sometimes I would not go, as it was almost worse than the attack!

Today - I recieved the infusion - and they said see you later - it was about 40 minutes.....

I was able to leave knowing that I would be fine, and without horrible side effects from steroids, or being hospitalized......my head is actually still spinning a little bit......

Tomorrow, we will get the rest of the paperwork in order......and I will begin recieving twice weekly infusions.....without this happening today - I don't know how long I would have procrastinated....

I will be applying for financial assistance, and my doctor told me to call his billing office, as they have copayment relief as well - he said he does not know anything about it - it is completly outside him - but he knows they work with people all the time to help out with relief....so that is really cool as well...........

Feeling very blessed today - feeling like the Lord really has my back!! It was so easy today, it was almost like watching a movie that was my life.......having faith really works!

All of a sudden I am realizing that my life is going to be changing - for the better - my future is looking so much more clearer....and I will keep thanking God everyday for healing me!

My new chiropractor made me cry........

2009-06-26T18:50:00.001-07:00

I know I am out of sort right now - but I am really having a difficult time with my new healthcare specialists lately -

The last couple of providers I have seen have been so over the top, I am having a really difficult time navigating in my brain what I should do next.

This new chiropractor I am seeing actually has a fibromyalgia clinic - and I have heard great things about her - but the way she talks to me is some times to much for me to handle.

I am already a sensitive person, and then to have these two chronic conditions on top of that, and then to add all of these extra therapies on top of it - I have a difficult time with people who think there way is the only way - I just don't agree with it.

Everyone is different, and there is not ONE way to treat us.....I know from a lot of my posts I really encourage people to change there diets, and lifestyles etc. exercise - but that is only because I know how well it works - BUT you have to change it to fit YOU.....There is not one thing that is going to work for everyone.....Even the Eat to Live diet is not for everyone - I think it works great for some people, but I know my husband would be miserable on it.......

This new chiropractor thinks her way is the only way - and she constantly talks about the healthcare system like they are all wrong and she is the only one who knows. She even has accused my pain specialist of malpractice because he does not tell his fibro patients to stop dairy. But my pain specialist does not specialize in diet - and sure maybe he should find out if this is true - but I don't think that is malpractice, because there has been no real study to prove that people with fibromylgia should not have dairy - BUT I know for ME - I can't have dairy, and my symptoms are horrible when I have dairy.....so I don't consume it......

Tonight she told me that I should not do the prolotherapy anymore.....I told her I'm sorry, but I am going to - It is working. She proceeded to tell me that it is creating scar tissue in my body and that it is just a quick fix - I told her I did not agree with that - I have done the research and it does not create scar tissue - It actually wakes the weak ligament up to begin the healing process again - and in studies those ligaments are 20 - 40% stronger than other ligaments - probably similar to breaking a bone.......

She then proceeded to tell me I should be wearing an SI belt - which I don't disagree with - I have been meaning to ask my doctor about that - She got one out and put it on me and told me to walk around with it - Okay - so I had NO pain before the belt was on - and THROBBING pain with the belt - when I told her it was hurting me - she said that was normal - I said no, it is seriously hurting me.....SHE RIPPED IT OFF OF ME - AND THREW IT ON HER DESK!!! Wow....Awkard silence......She stared at me - I said your thinking something.....she said yes, but I'm not sure yet.......hmmmmmm......

Anyway - she dropped it at that point - and adjusted me - gave me some information on a "rebounder" - which I am sorry - but I hate those things - we had them all over the house when I was growing up - and I really think they are ridiculous.....but she told me to start on that and gave me a flyer with some N.A.S.A. studies - OMG - REALLY!! Maybe its true, I can't seem to find the original N.A.S.A. Study though - and if it really is as good as these sights say....why isn't it EVERYWHERE!!!!

Sure, it sounds great, but I just cannot bring myself to do it....I am a runner -Oh....this one is even better.....Qi bounding - Since I am an avid Chi Gonger,Walker and Runner - maybe I should be Qi Bounder as well!!!

Now I am just being silly, which is good, cause a few minutes ago I was balling like a baby!!! I should not have this type of stress put on my by my health care provider.....I have one more appointment next week that I already paid for, but I am going to see how I am doing - and decide then......

If there are any healthcare providers reading this.....You really need to not be so DOMINATE over your patients.....YOU ARE NOT GOD - YOU ARE NOT ALL KNOWING - support us, educate us, and learn from us..........if we don't agree with you - don't get angry - agree to disagree........or we will go someplace else..............

Vitalzym for Fibromyalgia?? And HAE??

2009-06-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Okay - so today was my fourth visit with this my new Chiropractor/Nutritionist specializing in Fibromyalgia -

Last week she gave me some information on enzymes and Dr. William Wong - Specifically though Vitalzym. There is more information than I could ever explain - so look at these sites to get the specific information -

I do know that I have done a ton of research on enzymes specifically for HAE - because HAE is a condition that we are low in an enzyme C4.....However, whenever I have tried to talk with my doctors regarding enzymes - I have been shut down - and literally told that the enzyme I am missing is impossible to replace by foods, or by taking any sort of substance......that it would be broken down in the stomac before it ever hit the blood stream.

After listening to Dr. Wongs Cd - I felt I had another epiphany - I honestly feel like he was speaking directly to me - as so much of the research I have done points exactly to what he was saying. So many of the questions that I ask my doctors - Like why are my muscles so striated and lumpy. What causes this - and what can take care of it.

I feel like all the information I have in my head is all starting to be laid out right in front of me with this new doctor. It is hard for me to completly understand everything - as I have soooooo much information in my brain. Like she said explained - I know more than most of her patients - BUT - so much that I am a little dangerous.......whatever that means....

Anyway - I ordered the Vitalzym - I will be updating on how it works -----

As far as the Calcium/Magnesium by Lifeforce - I take it before I go to bed - and it is helping me with my sleep. I am sleeping at least 7 hours without waking. I have to admit, I was extremly skeptical - but it does seem to be working.

My pain is still about the same at this point - the adjustments are definitly wiping me out...however, every month around the 21st I feel bad - so I don't think I am any worse.

Tomorrow I have prolotherapy - YEAH.....kind of serious, kind of kidding.....I should probably do a different post on this - but the prolo is working.......My hip does not hurt anymore, just my right inner butt cheek.....Hopefully between the prolo and the chiropractor/sacrial work - that will go away as well............

SO MUCH INFO - Fibro is so complicated on its own.....and then add the HAE....no wonder doctors have such a hard time helping us-but I know I am getting better.....

Taking a little bit of a break from the running - as this week I have Chiro/Prolo/TPI/Chiro - I will be doing some walking and some light band exercise - and allowing my body to heal!

First Visit - Minerals

2009-06-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am writing this for my own reference - this is what my doctor is recommending -

Minerals - Minerals - Minerals

Unicity -

B Complex
B6

Vitamin A - from Carrots
Calcium/Magnesium

Enzymes - Vitalzym

Second Visit - Vitamin B

2009-06-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am writing this for my own reference - this is what my doctor is recommending I try -

Second Visit -

Need to start taking Vitamin B complex - and then an extra B6 - Don't have the infromation in front of me - so I will get and then write more later.....

Third Visit - Calcium/Magnesium

2009-06-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

I am going to be writing what is recommended to me - this is for my own personal reference - As this is what my doctor is having me try for my HAE and Fibromyalgia -

She is giving me so much information - My mind is spinning - and I think I have learned a lot - but WOW!!!

Today I went in again to my new doctor (3rd visist)- Had an adjustment - Like I already knew - my left side is out already....This is one of the biggest problems I have had - Is trying to keep my body in line....I do think the adjustments are working, but my body has been out for so long - it loves sliding right back in to its old habits......She asked me to be aware of how I am sitting/standing etc. - Which I am aware, however when it hurts to sit on my right side - it is difficult for my left side to not take over - This is something I am really going to have to work on. - Very glad that I have the Chi Gong - Walking etc. skills - I do know that if I use what I have learned on how to stand, walk etc. my body is in the correct form.

The adjustments feel good - but I am really soar afterwards. I have been taking alot of Arnica, using Topricin and Sombra - and icing, along with my painkillers. Two days ago- I was completly wiped out - had a very hard time waking up yesterday - but this morning, I felt a little more rested....Starting to feel the soarness again though....

So, she wants me to start on Calcium/Magnesium - Luckily Vitacost carries the product she recommends - it is inexpensive - 8.00 for month supply (except I will be taking more right now) - Lifetime - It is liquid - she let me try all the flavors - and I like the blueberry the best - also she recommends taking (betaine) Hydrochloric Acid - 600mg along with the Cal/Mag - or eat to improve absorbtion -

This is the unusual part - I am supposed to take it at night time - If I am not asleep within an hour - I take another dose - If I wake up in the middle of the night, and dont fall back asleep within ten minutes - I take another dose. If I get cramps/heartburn/resltess leg - then I take another dose.....At first I may be taking alot - but then after awhile I should be able to decrease how often I am taking it.

New Treatment for Fibromyalgia

2009-06-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to wait a couple days to post about this new treatment I am undergoing so that I would know more about what is going on with me -

I am seeing a Chiropractor/Nutritionist who specializes in Fibromyalgia. She has been very successful in helping her fibro patients "overcome" a lot if not most of there symptoms, and get to the root of there problems.

Because I have been to so many different health care providers that thought they could help me (they have actually helped quite a bit - but it never seems to last) I am unfortunatly a skeptic. That is why I have done so much research and have tried to educate myself so much - as I knew I had to take my health in to my own hands.......because most health care providers can only do so much.

With that being said, I do have to admit wholeheartedly that I have been very fortunate finding the medical team that I have - because they have helped me a lot......They have helped me by encouraging me to find out more about myself, and to be proactive. Never have they made me feel like my quest for health was futile. Along the way I have learned such valuable lessons that I would never trade for anything, and in the process they have learned from me as well......

So anyway, on to this new treatment - My first visit with her was on Tuesday. We had about an hour meeting going over my history - and then she did an exam - Not a doctors exam - a Chiropractors exam - And then she adjusted me -

Well let me tell you - It was not like any adjustment I have ever had! I have been seeing chiropractors since I was 12 - with my first car accident - and my primary doctor was an Osteopath for years - that is how I made it through my pregnancy so well as I did not know I had HAE - and he was able to keep alot of my attacks under control with manipulation.....And then quite a few years ago I was seeing someone regularly - but I would be so wiped out after seeing him (before I was diagnosed with fibro - sad thing is....he should of known!) I had to stop going -

What she explained to me is the same thing I have been being told for the past few years - that my right side is pulling my left side and that is causing my entire body to be out of whack - Click Here to go to website - But..........NO ONE has had any real anwer of what to do about it....I have had lots of exercises given to me - stretches - trigger points - laser - prolotherapy - massage - etc. etc. etc. to treat the symptoms of what is going on because of my body being out of whack - but I have not had anyone ever tell me that we could actually put my body back into the proper position....The last chiropractor I saw - said it was because my core muscles were to weak to hold me spine straight! - I stopped seeing him because I knew that was ridiculous - as I know many people who don't have nearly the core strength I have - and don't have my problems.......

Another thing I have been told - MANY TIMES - is that my left leg is longer than my right leg - but luckily - I did have a doctor tell me it was not longer....it was just that my pelvis is so crooked that my left leg was "lower" than my right....Most everyone focused on my pelvis - trying to get my pelvis back in line - Except one PT who actually gave me a wedge to put in my shoe - I am sure she meant well....but my goodness.....Its like having something wedged under one of the legs under your coffee table - and instead of removing the item - You put wedges under the other legs of the coffee table - so now you have to worry that they may not all be the same heighth - and so the table remains unstable -

Just looking at the two pictures can give you an idea of what can happen when you body is out of align - The second picture is "literally" ME.....When you look at my pain patterns - That is it to a tee......

Anyway - what she showed me - is that at the base of my skull - it was off by an inch or so - the EXACT same amount of my longer leg - and that is the root of my pain - That is where we have to start - There is so much more to it than this - but it is a start.....I really feel like I am understanding the root cause of my fibromyalgia - and for the first time ever, I am feeling like my symptoms will go away - because even with all that I do - I still have fibro - I just treat the symptoms -

I will be tracking my symptoms/healing on this new journey......

New Treatment

2009-06-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

New Doctor
Coccyx Treatment
Cool Website

Fibro Flares -

2009-06-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

We went camping this weekend - Only the third time we have really camped without our toys....It was alot of fun.

Beautiful State Park - And there was NOBODY there....

The first morning I ate a half of blueberry muffin from Costco - HUGE MISTAKE!! I ended up back in bed for most of the day.....I know better - but it was there, and I did not feel like making my morning smoothie. Next time, I will make it. It is amazing to me that food can make me that sick.

I was able to get up around 3:00 and made a smoothie - and ate some "good" food - Nuts, and fruit etc.

We played some board games, and then played softball. I was so amazed at how well I played....I was able to hit the ball - HARD!! Had quite a few RBI's and caught a couple fly balls....It was so much fun!!!

Sunday I was feeling better - My husband and I went for a hike to a waterfall - I felt really great - It was beautiful. I was amazed at how well I was able to make it.....I could really tell that I have been walking and working out.....

Went down to the river, didn't get in - as it was way to cold....and by that time I was starting to hurt......It was fun to watch everyone though - Everyone jumping in - and barely being able to breathe.....I wanted to jump in as well - but I knew I would pay later - But maybe I should have because I did PAY anyway......

The drive home was fine, we were supposed to go to our friends daughters graduation, but by the time we got home (an hour) - I was in PAIN!!! I thought maybe I could go lay down for a few minutes, and it would subside. But the pain kept increasing. I had to use my Fentanyl - and really just lay and relax - Getting up was almost impossible. I felt 100x worse than I did after doing the half marathon last month.

I went over and over it in my head - Trying to figure out what I did that was so bad.....The pain I was feeling was so bad that I thought I was going to start vomiting.....Luckily I have the Fentanyl and was able to get the pain down - It seems like the body can relax a little bit once the pain is under a little bit more control......but man I hurt everywhere. I literally felt like someone took a baseball bat to me and started at the top of my head - and didn't finish beating me until every inch of my body was bruised......

After my little pity party - I began to think about the fun I had....seeing my daughter out playing softball - and for her to see me having so much fun running bases barefoot....chasing her friends down - and sliding into one of the bases - I realized it was totally worth it.......

Walking to that waterfall with my husband, not having to stop - and really enjoying each others company - without him worrying about me - or me complaining - It was totally worth it.

So I thought what can I do now - I am in this flare now.....what can I do now.....

I realized I had not been taking my amino acids for the past week - so I pulled out my arsenal of amino acids - Chinese Herbs - Multi vitamins - VitD - Vit B-12- Arnica and tea - and made a big batch of Quinoa - (I really needed some Comfort food and did not want to sabotage myself with sugary or white foods) - Sat in the hot tub - and really just tried to relax.....After I got out of the hottub, I covered myself in Topricin - and took some more Arnica.....comfy clothes and got into bed. My husband and I listened to the radio for a while (Dr. Drew) - I still could not sleep so I took some more Tryptophen, Arnica, Tea and watched some more TV...

I was able to finally lay in bed without pain - and fell asleep......

Woke up in quite a bit of pain - but was able to get some pain meds in me - Coffee - and my Green Smoothie - Lots of Topricin again - and got myself out the door.

It is now 5:00 and I am feeling better. I worked all day - was able to accomplish quite a bit at work - even with the pain. I am realizing that even with the pain, I can still do a lot.....I am so happy that I have to get out of bed - I am so happy that I have to support my family - If I didn't have a reason to get out of bed, I may not - I feel much better when I get up - Even if it is fricken hard - and it is hard - I feel so much better when I get up - when I do things - even if I pay dearly later.....It is totally WORTH IT!!!!

Tomorrow I see a new doctor - I am very excited about it - I am more excited about my newfound outlook on my healing -

Proud of Accomplishments

2009-06-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today I went and saw my accupuncturist - and told her about the events from Wednesday night - I Love Her!! She put it in such an amazing perspective for me.....

She explained how amazing it was that I stood up for myself. In addition, she said in this world so many people keep there feelings locked up inside and they don't allow people to see how they truly feel. Because I am an emotional person, it is okay to let people see me for who I really am, and I should not be ashamed of who I am.

Also, she said that people like that who try to "control" everything are probably not use to anyone standing up for themselves, and that the way I reacted is probably the only way I could have gotten my point across.

I am feeling so much better about the entire situation. And I am learning from my experiences. She also explained that when I have a difficult time in situaions like that it is because I am feeling attacked and my nervous system goes into such a high state of alert that I do lose my rational thinking - and go into defensive mode......So if I can learn how to calm down my nervous system - Like deep breathing......or acupressure points - I could probably handle those types of situations better -

Learning that there are reasons why I react the way I do - and knowing it is a chemical reaction, not just me being a "crazy mom/person" has been so freeing. Also, finding out that I am "human" - and just because I get emotional does not make me a bad person is very comforting as well.

Embracing who I am, embracing my passion - that is what I should be doing, instead of trying to conform to "the correct way to respond" - There is nothing wrong with me....I am an extremly sensitive person, and I should not try to become anthing other than who I am......

Responding in a more charismatic way is the one thing that I would love to be able to do though - that way when I am confronted, I can say what I am feeling in a way that is not defensive - that is what I am going to strive for - but not to change who I am - and what I am feeling - what I am feeling is not wrong - getting angry is not wrong - but unleashing my anger is what is wrong - and allowing those feelings to make me sick is what is wrong....

Why do I get so upset and frustrated?

2009-06-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last night my daughter "graduated" from eighth grade.....It was such a fun event, and I spent all year preparing for it.

I wanted it to be really special for her - so I spent all year fundraising, making things and put many of my other projects on hold for this event - Field Trip - Departure Ceremony - and Mardi Gras Dance.

Last year one of the moms and I had everything planned out - however a new principal and vice principal started at the school - and changed everything......The other mom was so frustrated with the way things were being handled that she completly walked away.....I didn't care because I really wanted to be involved, so I stuck it out........it was very difficult.

For the most part I have been able to brush off all of the disagreements - until last night. I think partly because I was so tired - as I had spent the last 4 days finishing the projects for the dance. 12 hour days - Saturday and Sunday - and working all day and going home and working on the project.....by Wednesday - I was exhausted.....Along with the HAE attack I just got over -

I don't know if it is an excuse - or if I am human - or if I just have a serious personality disorder. I ended up getting really pissed off last night - and I allowed it to SHOW!! Why do I allow my feelings to show - I am such an open book - and so insanely emotional. It is one of the reasons I don't like to participate in group projects, or be involved with other people generally. I really hate the way I react when there is conflict....I have such a difficult time remaining calm - and then I think about it afterwards - over - over - and - over again!!!

So what happened - It is so petty, I can harldy believe it....I offered to make a huge mask for Mardi Gras for the kids to have there pictures taken in front of....When I offered to do the project one of the other moms said she had a piece of plywood she would donate - I asked if she was sure....as I had some as well - it was just in my barn - and a little dirty - She insisted on giving it to me as her husband owns a steel business - and she said they had a lot. As our budget was very low for the decorations - I took it because I knew I would be using all of my own paint...BIG MISTAKE!

I made this gorgeous mask - and a sign from the plywood - The mask turned out so great - my sister even commented that it was a work of art - and my daugter asked if we could keep it....I did not even think that it would be a big deal - as I used all of my own paint - and purchased accesories with my own money - along with my own sandpaper - cutting blades etc. etc. - I was WRONG......

Apparently the other mom submitted the reciepts for the plywood and some hardware which I did not even use - so I was told that the mask belonged to the school. I could not believe it. There were some other items I made as well - like a column that I used all my own materials that they also wanted to keep. When I told them I was keeping it - and obviously there was a huge miscommunication on the plywood - I was then confronted about all of the paint etc. At this point I was so upset - I lost it......

I told them I could not believe that after everything I did this past year - all the money I had already donated - and time - and money I had personally fundraised on my own - that they thought those items belonged to them....if I would have known the other mom was going to submit her reciepts for the plywood I never would have taken it - as I had my own - and as far as the paint and accesories - they were MINE....I never asked for any reimbursement for any items I made the entire year......

I was in tears at this point - and so offended.....I could hardly speak! So much controversy and so much drama - What is wrong with people - My husband handed me the checkbook and I actually wrote the school a check for $ 35.00 to cover the reimbursement of the plywood and hardware.....Ridiculous....but at that point it was the principal of the matter.......

We loaded up the mask - and I said good riddance to that school!!! Now I remember why I homeschooled my daugter for so long.....

Unfortunatly, I allowed it to halfway ruin my night - I was able to have a great time - most of the night...but it really did affect alot of my night - and when I went home I was still very upset - It kept repeating in my brain - and I awoke in the middle of the night with it still very fresh - I had to get up and watch tv to get it out of my head......The worst part is I allowed my daughter to see me so upset - and many of the people at the school - as I did not handle it well at all............

Today, I am still allowing it to control me - I am trying to learn how to not let things like this rule my life. I want to email those women very badly - but I won't - I am going to let this go as best as I can. I am praying and praying that the Lord remove this bad memory from my brain.

I am proud of the fact that even though I suffered much frustration and a lot of apprehension this past year from a couple of the people on the commitee - I stuck with it - that is a huge accomplishment for me - as many times in the past I would not have participated.

Also, I am learning that when things like this happen - My brain stops functioning - and I end up reacting. I know the only way that I am going to get better is to be put in situations dealing with people - It would be easier to not be involved with people anymore...but I am not going to give up - I am going to try even though it is very difficult.

There was great reward in all of this - the kids LOVED getting there picture taken in front of the mask - It turned out so cool - and I loved watching them all get together and really enjoying getting there pictures taken......That made it all worth it!!!!

HAE - Throat Swelling -

2009-06-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

So is it a miracle? Is my body beginning to work - How did this happen? Is God healing me?

These are all my questions I have - with no anwers - as I sit and ponder the last 72 hours.

The attack started Wednesday, I am sure from the invasive prolotherapy and the running that I did earlier that day......I have been lucky so far, as I have not had an attack from the prolotherapy - which is a miracle in and of itself......

Increased my Oxandrin dosage - which did not seem to help much - Did all my normal - Chinese Herbs....relaxation....minimal eating - and Iced Soy Coffees (these always seem to help - not sure why-scientifically I think the caffiene helps relax the stomach....) By Friday - I was at the peak of my abdominal attack....started feeling like a vomiting attack may begin - I became increasingly agitated.....

At this point, I have been struggling with my ongoing quest to get better - My constant research of what to try next - or seeking the next treatment of what may help has left me exhausted and frustrated - Not to mention broke.....Wondering what I was trying to accomplish - and thinking about why I am looking to the world to heal me has left me with a multitude of questions.

I completly broke down and lost it Friday night.....I was at the end of my rope - My husband - who is amazing - received the brunt of my anger.......what is wrong with me - lashing out at those that are closest to me is unacceptable.......I can no longer allow my pain to come out this way. As I laid in bed balling my eyes out - I began to wonder why am I looking to the world and external things to heal me.......

Looking deep inside myself I mustered up the courage to ask for forgiveness - For my husband to forgive me - and for me to forgive myself. Asking for grace to make it through yet another attack........

Saturday was challenging - I volunteered my services for my daughters 8th grade graduation dance......It is a Mardi Gras Theme - and I am making a few of the decorations - I have had a month to work on it - but have not made the time - I guess I work better under pressure...

I began working on the Giant Mask I was cutting out of plywood and painting - My head began to clear - and I was able to get completely lost in my art - My favorite place to be - in the garage....cutting....sanding....painting.....I was able to work all day and night - sat in the hottub so I would not be too terribly soar in the morning - and off to bed -

When I awoke Sunday morning - I felt like I had been eating sandpaper - My throat was so dry I could not even swallow - I knew what was going on - Getting some water - I tried to quench my dry mouth - but swallowing was even worse. It was not a soar throat - My throat was SWOLLEN....

Now what - What do I do - Just the thought of going to the hospital brought horrible visions in my head - and what about all the work I needed to do for my daughters dance.....The timing - always the timing.........but my throat was swelling - and I started to think about the HAE patients that have died from airway swelling - I made some throat comfort tea - took some Oxandrin - and proceeded to call my doctor - In the meantime I asked my husband to go get me some of that miraculous Iced Soy Coffee - and a flashlight - Yup it was swollen alright - so swollen you could see it.....

The doctor on call - called right back - and it was really refreshing - He listened to my concerns about going to the hospital - He said that the solumedrol and basic antihistamines were the only thing really available - I told him how I could not tolerate solumedrol/prednisone anymore - and he admitted that was the only real thing available - and he knew they really don't work well...I told him I wanted to wait for about an hour - and that I would call him back if things got worse.....

He called back and said he would use Fresh Frozen Plasma - if I did decide I needed to go - that took some of the anxiety away - at least there were some options - but I know the FFP does not work that well - and can cause complications - but it would be better than nothing.....

So frustrated at this point that the C1 is available - just not available to me - all I could think about is how the next week would be ruined if I did have to have solumedrol....and the instant 10 lbs. I would gain - and the destruction that it would cause my body -

I made another cup of Throat Comfort Tea - as it felt really good - My husband was home with the iced coffee - that felt great as well - I took a shower and tried to figure out what I should do. Told my daughter I may have to go to the hospital - as she had two friends over and they would have to go home -

I did some research on Chinese Herbs for throat swelling - and I could hardly believe there were over 29 different herbs - luckily I had one of the formulas - so I took it - along with my trauma formula -

And then something weird happened - My throat started feeling WAY better - my husband and I looked again - and visabilly it seemed like the swelling was gone - We looked again - and again - and again - and it looked normal.....I think at this point it had been about an hour since we had first looked -

I don't know what happened - but I know my throat was swelling - and then the swelling was gone....I am still very confused about the entire event - and I know that my perspective of HAE is beginning to change -

My perspective of health care is also changing - I no longer want to be dependent on doctors....I no longer want to be dependent on medication - I want to stop spending all my money to get better -

My mentallity of this disease needs to change - just because it is hereditary does not mean that my body can not be healed - Just because my C4 levels are low - does not mean that they can not someday increase - even though most doctors tell me it is impossible - Nothing is impossible. I think I have just been looking at this the wrong way - and today my thoughts will change......

I don't know what is next - but I am ready for whatever is next -

Minerals for Fibromyalgia and HAE

2009-06-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

I met a new chiropractor/nutritionist last night that I am going to start seeing in a couple weeks who treats fibromyalgia......

She really opened my eyes to some of the misconceptions that I have in my brain.

She gave me a copy of one of the Cd's from Dead Doctors Don't Lie - Dr. Joel Wallach - I have listened to him off and on for years - and I know his stuff is really good - However I have not heard him in a couple years.....and listening to his CD this morning really opened my eyes/ears to some things I did not realize I had picked up over the past few years.....

The main thing he advocates is minerals - I have been heard so many times that taking vitamins/minerals does not do anything for you - and now with my amazing diet - I have really stopped taking them.....Which is weird, because I take amino acids - which have done amazing things for me - Like L-Tryptophen which makes me sleep - and D-Ribose which I know has been amazing for my recovery......so why have I been duped out of taking vitamins -

There is so much controversy over vitamins/minerals its insane - but we as Americans are more than happy to down everything from antidepressants to cholesterol lowering drugs - and never once question what it is doing to us.....and we hear nothing about the damage it may be causing us.......when the worst most vitamins/minerals may do - is nothing......

I had stopped taking a lot of those things because I was afraid it may be to hard on my liver - however - I still take my thyroid medication - oxandrin - painkillers - and occasionally a valium - along with - amino acids - and Chinese herbs - But yet I consider myself to be "natural" - I am far from being "natural".

In addition, I thought I was on the path of alternative - However I still see many doctors - who all treat with prescription medications......every time I go - they are offering me yet another prescription drug - and I consider it - many times - I at least think about it.....Yet when this new practitioner I saw mentioned vitamins/minerals - I thought in my head - Oh - great - like I need that.....but what is my animosity towards those things - I think I have heard so many negative things about vitamins/minerals that I have been convinced that I don't need to supplement -

I have an hour appointment with her in two weeks - I will be listening to some past radio broadcasts of Dr. Wallach - and doing some more information on Minerals before then......in the meantime - I had some Plant Minerals left - so I began taking those again....as I know just off the top of my head that I was low in - Iron - Iodine - and Magnesium - and those are just ones I have been tested for -

So - maybe this is one of the last doors to open on my way to recovery - I am close - I can feel it - The Lord keeps teaching new things everyday............it is all very exiciting.......I heard to day form Joel Osteen that when the Lord does things - Many times it happens all at once....I can harldy wait!!!

Chi Running - Week Two

2009-05-28T13:56:00.001-07:00

Last night was our second session of Chi Running - I was a little concerned when my instructor said we were actually going to R.U.N.....All I could think was - no way...I have not really warmed up - and how am I going to keep up with everyone......

We spent about a half hour going over things - One of the things that was really good was the ankle looseners....I was not quite doing them correctly to get the full benefit - The other thing we went over was arm swing.....I was not doing this correctly either - it is much easier now that I understand how to swing my arm for the greatest benefit......

Seriously TIGHT Calves

2009-05-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Walk/Running is going okay - actually.....it is going pretty bad - I just do not want to really admit it at this point - It is only week 1 - so I still have a really good attitude about it...but I don't want to look back at this and think - oh yeah it was easy......

This is fricken HARD.....this is probably one of the hardest things I have ever attempted, at least that I can remember.......

My attitude at this point is that the harder it is - the better the pay-off will be - So at this point - this will be one of the very best things in my life -

I have now walk/ran 3x - Sunday we went out to the bike path - I needed to do a 4 mile walk, so I decided I would incorporate some running in the walk - The first two miles were so difficult - my calves were so TIGHT! I thought that maybe the tight calves were from running, however now just walking hurts and tightens them.........After two miles of SERIOUS pain lots of stopping and stretching - they finally relaxed a bit - I was able to run at this point - I ran almost 1/4 mile 3x -

The first run was really slow - my husband was walking next to me......but at least I was running! The Chi Running is really helping - just really bringing my focus, and remembering the points of Chi Running, I was able to stave off a lot of pain - The only thing we did wrong when we went on our walk/run - is we walked on the side that was asphalt - and ran on the side that was concrete - so next time I will not go that route.....

The second 1/4 mile - I was able to run faster - My husband could not run with me, as I was too slow for him - however he could not walk with me that time as I was a little faster - The last 1/4 mile - my husband actually ran with me - even though he said it was very hard for him to run so slow.......- It was still really fun........

Right afterwards I stretched, and did some Chi Gong - and some leg drains - really thought I was helping with recovery......

That night though - I was suffering pretty good/bad which one - who knows.....I did a lot of massage, and some cupping- but my calves were so tight they felt like concrete.....Next morning - I felt like crap - major Fibro Fog - which lasted most of the day - don't want to admit it was from running - but it probably was......

Luckily I had an appt. with my Cranial Sacrial Specialist later in the day - she could not believe how ungrounded I was - and how tight my calves were - she worked on them for the entire hour, and was really only able to work on the left side - which is always the tightest anyway - she said it was like all my energy was trapped in my calves - The weird thing was - I could feel it in my head when she was working on my calves - Our bodies are so connected -

Afterwards, I felt so much better - I really do think my energy was not flowing - On the way home, I thought I really need to start doing some Tai Chi to incorporate with my Chi Gong - I think that if I can figure out how to keep my energy from getting stuck in my calves - I may not have such fibro fog afterwards again..............

She also said that they were so tight that they were twisting my bones and causing my entire body to be out -

My calves have always been tight - and I have had alot of problems with them my entire life - I know that once I get my calves to relax - running will be so much better!!!

I will be using Topricin before and after, and some Sombra - and I will be taking Arnica - I am also going to talk with my Acupuncurist about some Chinese Herbs to help -

I am very excited about running..............On to the second week!!!

Topricin

2009-05-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Found a new product that I love- It is called Topricin - I was told about it by one of my specialists....and have not really had time to go buy it....I was at my girlfriends house this weekend, and she had it as well - she said it had been working really well for her - but, it is expensive....

Last night I had an treatment with my specialist - and she said I really needed to start using Topricin or at least more Arnica.....I agreed....I figured I could use it before and after my walk/runs - and throughout the day - I picked some up at Fred Meyer on the way home- tried Wal-Mart, but could not find it there....heard it is at Bi-Mart as well-but they were closed.....it is expensive though - 29.00 for 4oz......

Checked Vitacost when I got home - it is only 26.00 for 8oz...So I will be ordering it from them with my next shipment - as they only charge 4.99 s/h - and even if I ordered nothing else it is almost half -

I think topricin will be my next line of defense.......

The thing about it, is it is not like sombra or biofreeze - you will not really feel anything - it works inside by reducing inflammation - all natural - anyway, for fibro pain - I think this is something none of us should be without!!

Running Barefoot

2009-05-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last night I went for my "walk/run" workout - I proceeded as I did on Monday - as I seemed to recover really well from that - "besides the HAE abdominal attack" -

This time I made sure to wear my "tight" running pants - and "tight" sports bra/shirt - This really made a huge difference - I finally found a brand I really like at JC Penny's - they fit me really well - and reasonably priced.....so much better than nike - I just can not wear that stuff anymore.....

So I started as before, walked to the track as a warm-up - did my "warm-ups" from Running Well - Set my body in my Chi running form - (I really learned alot from my class on Wednesday - even more than from the DVD) and began to run - It felt sooooo much better than before - I could really tell a difference in my overall body pain - HOWEVER my CALVES still were burning so bad - so I ran about 1/3 of the way and then walked - and then stretched - and then tried it again - but my calves would not stop burning......I would stretch after each time and get them relaxed....but then as soon as I ran - they would hurt so bad and then trying to walk was miserable -

So I walked the next time first - then ran at the last part going around the track - this was better, but still calf pain - Finally - I had an epiphany.....I could not understand why my calves hurt so bad, and I was frustrated as I felt as if I would not be able to go as far as I did on Monday - and I did not want to less - so I decided to try it bare foot -

What do you know - that made a huge difference - even with just walking my legs were so much looser - I was able to run ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TRACK ONE WHOLE TIME WITHOUT STOPPING.....so all in all it was about an hour again......

I went home - and did some core work and then stretched......I told my husband how well I did - and he said...."Wow, you ran 1/4 mile......" I said..."No....it is only an 1/8 a mile - so we looked it up - and what do you know - he was right (more often than not - he is right...) I could not believe it - this entire time I was thinking it was an 1/8 of a mile - and it has been a 1/4.......so that means before I was running an 1/8 some of the time - and walking an 1/8.......

Today, I am a little fibro'd out - I was really tired this morning, but we were up late, as it was my husbands birthday...and I may have allergies....so I am not blaming it all on the running....but I am hooked now....Now I want to RUN....

Some of the things I really utilized was my breathing - exhaling from the bottom of my stomach - and allowing my air to come back in on its own - so out 3 - in 2 -

Also, I have been doing things like - High knees and cross overs.....and then the core workout when I got home - I know all of these things will help my body to be stronger so that I can start running more -

I would have to say at this time.....I am probably running about 1/2 mile total - Which is truly a miracle.......and I will now possibly be running barefoot for a while - who would have thought - barefoot running........

Cross Training - for running

2009-05-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I woke up with an HAE attack - not to surprised as I did do some running yesterday, and last week when I ran a little bit I also ended up with an abdominal attack......

What really hurts today though is my sacrum area - BAD......

Had an cranial sacrial treatment tonight, and told her what was going on with my pain - I thought the sacrum pain was from running - but after a few minutes of treatment, she put her hand on my abdomen - which was very painful - she moved up towards my chest and it was weird - It was like an epiphany - we think a lot of my sacrum pain is possibly due to my HAE attacks.......

If my intestines are swelling inside and putting pressure on my sacrum area, I could see how that would cause pain in my lower butt area - plus, the pain comes and goes, and is worse right before my period - when my attacks increase.....

So a couple of thoughts for running now - Since I am getting abdominal attacks from running - my therapist suggested I get some type of "girdle" to hold my intestines tight while my body gets use to the running - she thinks that my muscles etc. will adapt, but this will help keep things "in place" better until that point.......

Also, for now, I think I will be increasing my Oxandrin on running days -

Since I was already in an attack last night - I figured, what is the harm of doing my cross training - last week I did not do it as I did not want to aggravate my attack. Right now though - I don't really care if my attack gets worse - since my insurance company has denied my the C1-INH because my attacks are not bad enough ----

Hopped on the eliptical - and spent 20 minutes, it felt GREAT - then I did some weights to strenghten my body for running - (Have read that strength training for fibro has shown the most benefits of any exercise.....) Some core exercises, and then stretched again......

I felt GREAT aftewards - my attack had settled down - and I just felt so proud of myself for accomplishing my goal for the day -

Figuring out running plan with Fibro and HAE

2009-05-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today was basically my first day of my running plan - I have read pretty much every book I could get my hands on at the library on running - and feel like I found so great information.

My favorite book at this point besides John Binghams "The Penguin" and Chi Running - is Running Well.

This book really made me realize that I need to strengthen my body all over - not just start running, and allow the running to strenghthen me - In addition, it gave me some great drills, and explained stretching in a different light - as the jury is out on stretching, I have not been doing it......I have been doing body looseners - but no stretching.....

So, I went to the track at my daughters school - they put in a new track last year with fake grass - it is competly fenced so I felt very safe to wear my headphones.....

It is about a 6 minute walk just to the track, so I used that as my warm-up - then I did the body looseners in the book Running Well - I put my Zune Headphones on and started listening to music - I would just look at how long the song was - as I do not have a watch, and use that as my timer -

I ran about a 1/4 way around the track - and then walked the rest of the way to my starting point - then I stretched as my calves were on fire......I did this about 6x - with walking all the way around a couple times in between the running.......

It was not easy, however I just kept telling myself that many athletes feel pain - what is the difference - I can do this....and eventually it will get better.....

I also did some drills in between - High knees, crossovers, kicking my butt, and fast feet....this was nice as it changed some of the monotony of being on the track - I also changed my direction half way through - all in all it was a little over an hour......

My last run, I was able to run half way around the track - The nice thing about the track, is I can alternate between the turf and the asphalt....after everything I have read, conrete is the worst thing to run on, and if I am going to start running, I want to make it as easy as I can on my body......

I went home - ate right away - Banana, and Quinoa - and then I spent the next half hour stretching - I did the stretches in Running Well, but I think that any running stretches will work, and I have another book I may try some of the stretches in next time.....

Aftewards, I took a hot shower, and massaged my legs, especially my calves, and had to ice my achilles tendon area, as it was hurting pretty bad on both legs. Did some cupping on my IT band, and that was it......

I think I am figuring this out - I know I can't push myself to hard, as I will cause a fibro flare, but I know I need to push myself hard enough so that I make progress......Listening to my body today, and really feeling what is going on inside was amazing - my body knows how much I can handle - it is my brain that keeps getting in the way -

Rhododendron Festival

2009-05-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Had a little fun this weekend - Went on a Harley Run with my husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law and a group of riders. Very Cool - I was able to ride on the back with my husband - with a low level of pain. Very happy that I tried it - was totally worth it. Sunday, I pretty much vegged most of the day recovering - but no swelling - I know the acupuncture treatment I had on Friday really helped knock the swelling down..........

Riding is not off the list at this point.....

Hereditary Angio Edema Attack

2009-05-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today is day three of an abdominal attack I have been fighting.....had to call in this morning for work - I was able to take my pain meds and get myself going though - I am at work now - but not sure how much work I will be able to do - days like this that I am so grateful I am salary - as I don't feel guilty if I am unable to do much.

In addition, since I can sit at my desk - it is very helpful - have my heating pad on, and comfy clothes - and getting ready to enter my bills. This is a big part of the reason I am able to work, because of the type of work that I do.....most of my work requires my brain, not my body...it is hard to think, however because I do this type of work and I am good at it - a lot of the it comes natural....

This afternoon I have an acupuncture appointment...I am so glad that I have that today, as I have found it to be very helpful while I am having an attack - also took my chinese herbs this morning - Tieh Tah. Hopefully this will help knock this attack out - as I did not take any prednisone - I just increase my Oxandrin and pain meds...I have literally gained 5 pounds in the past couple days....which has me a little freaked out - but trying to remind myself it is probably the attack - and I need to just really pay attention to my intake -

Taking Oxandrin during an attack is a double edged sword (as prednisone was as well) it makes me sooooo hungry - and considering I am having an abdominal attack - that is not a good thing to be eating. Very thankful for my new way of eating - made some amazing soup last night and some quinoa - these are very easy on the digestive system - and tons of antioxidants and vitamins - so helpful in keeping me hydrated and not cause to much havic on my stomach and intestines....Plus taking all this hydrocodone causes constipation - which I am sure is counterproductive for an abdominal attack.....

Trying to keep a positive attitude during this time - Tomorrow I am supposed to ride with my husband and his dad - and there group to the Rhodi festival in Florence.....I really want to do this for my husband - his dad is even trading motorcycles with him for the day so I have a more comfortable ride - His dad is letting us ride his Heritage - compared to the Night train (Harleys) - So it is the difference between a Cadillac and a 240z is my understanding....I don't want to let them down, as they have gone through a lot of trouble to accomodate me......

All of our friends will be there - It is so frustrating that I am having this attack - as I have been doing so well - and since I still have not been approved for the Cinryze - but I decided I could not take prednisone - I had to try and just get through this attack - will be relaxing as much as possible tonight (even though my daughter is having her b-day slumber party tonight - so about 10 - thirteen to fourteen year olds staying the night) So glad my husband ROCKS - and he is finished working for a while - so he is taking care of everything today - so I am sure it will turn out just fine.....

So just another day living well with angio edema - trying to be well - or at least fake being well....so many times I want to tell people - please don't take me personally - I just feel like crap - it is not you, its me! But most of the people I know, have no idea I have HAE or Fibro - and I want it to stay that way......so faking it as much as I possibly can is my only choice - this is when chi gong really comes in to play.....

Running With Fibromyalgia

2009-05-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went on a 50 minute walk with a little bit of running - a total of 2 minutes and 15 seconds. I started with 30 seconds of running, then walked till I recovered, then 45 seconds, then recovered, then 60 seconds, then recovered - probably 10 minutes of recovery.

I realized after that walk/run, that I am going to have to figure out a different plan. I was going to do the walk/run plan from Running for Mortals.....but half it - So his plan has the first 3 weeks at 1 minute running - 3 minute walking - Repeat 6x with 5 minutes warm-up and 5 minutes cool down......

So I thought I would be able to do 30 seconds running - 3.5 minutes walking - Repeat 6x.....well let me tell you - that is not going to happen.

The things I realized yesterday though is I did not have any structural pain. Before, any walking that I did, was causing a lot of pain in my hips and sacrum. I can tell that the prolotherapy and cranial sacrial work is really working for that.

The problem I am having now is the absolutly HORRIBLE acidy burning pain that fills my muscles while I am running. Honestly, I could hardly believe the pain I was filling. But, I am not giving up - I know I can do this.

Spent last night reading my books, and this morning scouring the internet trying to find any information on what is going on in my body. The one thing that I was thinking it may be is my Vo2.

I have been having a difficult time finding good information on how to proceed. Every website that advocates exercise for fibromyalgia basically says the same thing....go slow - etc. etc. -

I did find some information on what runners use when they are injured - they run in a swimming pool. Thinking this may be the next thing for me to try if I the acid pain does not go away soon.

The exciting thing is, when I started walking - IT WAS VERY HARD - and looking at how far I have come gives me hope that I will be able to accomplish this as well.

Next Round of Prolotherapy

2009-05-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today I started prolotherapy again.

It has been over 3 months since my last treatment. Dr. Peterson stopped the treatments because they had stopped working - and that is when he sent me for the Cranial Sacrial treatments.

He believes that we have addressed alot of the other underlying conditions that we were able to resume the prolo.....and I will still see my Cranial Sacrial Therapist.

It was not as painful this time, I talked him into using Spray and Stretch - (he is allergic to the old stuff - the new stuff was not as bothersome to him) It really helped. I am starting to feel some pain now - but that is good - one of the times that the more pain the better....It is hard not to turn on my heating pad though.

Today I will be walking for a few minutes - I am still recovering from the half marathon - John Bingham says that it takes 3 weeks to recover - and that is for a normal person - (I hope that is pc.....to call people "normal") So I am just taking it easy - but I do still feel really good.

I am wearing my Eugene Marathon shirt today - I think I could probably live in this shirt.....I am so proud of myself for completing a half marathon, and I don't want this feeling to go away. I need to remind myself constantly of how far I have come - and I know that I can really go much further.

Started reading John Binghams "The Courage to Start" book last night - Along with a whole bunch of running for women books - but the thing that really stood out to me was when "The Penguin"(John Bingham) said that he needed to accept the fact that he had to learn to run with the body he had - That was a huge eyeopener for me.

Living in Chronic Pain - and having many shortcomings with my body, I need to learn how to work within my parameters, and not expect my body to become something that it is not capable of. If I accept who I am, I won't be so discouraged when I am in pain, or having a fibro flare or an HAE attack, and can not run that day.

Accepting who I am, and accepting this body that the Lord gave me is the most important "step" I will ever take. It is the first step in being who I really am.

Pictures to prove I did it!

2009-05-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Not sure how long these links will work - I would purchase - but oh my gosh they are 55.00.....What a fun job those photographers must have though -

Marathon Pictures

Marathon Pictures

Still Feeling Great

2009-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I am very surprised at how I am feeling. Today is day three after the half marathon, and I am not feeling that bad - I was sore - VERY SORE - the first few days, but to be able to get up and go to work the past three days - and think is amazing to me.

Right now, my main soreness that is left is in my shins - I did some cupping last night - and my right calf was SO tight - I am now hooked on cupping. I know that it is going to really help my muscles recover faster.

Last night I had a Cranial Sacrial treatment - She worked alot on my left rib cage area to down around my stomach and left hip. I never realized how tight that area was. While talking, I began to wonder if the swelling from the HAE has caused adhesions in that area. It would explain alot.

I have read on the HAE forums alot of people having recurrent muscle problems, and it makes me wonder if the swelling is causing damage to the tissue - or fascia.....just my mind thinking....

Friday I have an appointment to see my Sports doctor - I think I will be beginning my next round of prolotherapy - I am really excited, and scared at the same time. I know it will be great though......

Truly thinking back at where I was, and where I am, I am so happy with my improvement. There is a huge part of me that knows that I will recover from fibromyalgia. And at the same time, I am so thankful for what I have gone through....I have learned so much about myself, and I continue to grow everday. If it was not for this road - I probably never would have even thought about participating in a half marathon - become vegan - and dealt with so many of my problems - to name just a few of the things.

Running is next - the desire I have to begin running is so great - I feel like I have really laid the ground work - and I know that the plan that I have will work. And I know that I can change it depending on the way my body responds. I am so excited about this next chapter in my life!

Finished my First Half Marathon with Fibromaylgia

2009-05-04T18:17:00.001-07:00

If someone would have told me last year that I would complete my first half marathon in 2009 - I don't think I would have believed them....yet here I am - the day after - still alive - still functioning and trying to figure out when I will be participating in my next one.

Everything worked out great - We were dropped off by my parents, and were not quite sure where to go - so we just drove to where we knew it would be close and saw people running - all the streets were blocked off so we had to walk a little ways - The gun had already gone off, but that worked out great for us, as we wanted to be in the back anyway. Most everyone had already gone through the gate so we did not have to get mauled over by runners and fast walkers.

My husband was a little bit like a horse that had just been let out of the gate, the energy was so high, he just wanted to run with the herd. Luckily we had the training and I had gone over it a million times in my head - and I was able to check myself and set my pace - not someone elses. It was raining, but I had a hat and waterproof jacket on.....I used waterproof spray on my pants and shoes the night before, so the water just rolled off. The first couple of miles were uphill, and actually on the road. Considering I have not walked any hills, except the little bit going under the overpasses on the bike trail I did really well.

Walking on the road is a lot different than walking on the nice flat bike trail. Not only are there a lot of potholes etc. it is sloped for water shed. Unfortunatly we walked on the slope of the leg I have that is already longer than the other, so I was really feeling it. What was amazing though, is if I held my left hip, most of the pain went away. So I held my hip half the walk.

There were so many different people walking and jogging, all ages, shapes and sizes, it was incredible to see the diversity. I could hardly believe the amount of spectators that were out as well, cheering us along. Our names were on our bids so we would hear them yelling our names, telling us what a great job we were doing. Just awesome. The energy was amazing.

Since the first few miles were uphill, I could really feel it in my calves, but I just kept focusing on my body, scanning it, and making sure I was aligned. In Chi Walking, going uphill is so much easier because you lean forward and allow gravity to take you uphill, which I did and it really worked. Going down hill, it was almost easier to jog a little bit. I really kept focus and kept my pace though throughout the entire marathon.

We really did not know how hungry we would be, and I did not want to drink my morning smoothie, as I figured out that is what makes me have to pee so bad. We ate a banana on the way, and brought some quartered apples, nuts and some Kashi bars. We also had a Clif bar we got as a sample - all we really ate was a few apples, couple nuts and 1 Kashi bar, and the Clif bar sample, and we were fine. I only had to use the restroom 2x. I was going to use it one more time at mile 11, but we were doing so awesome on our time I decided not to go - and I was fine till we got home - I guess telling myself I did not have to go really can work.

Of course, I started that morning - thank goodness for the Diva Cup....or it would have been a little awkard. But things worked out fine.

When we hit mile 10, we realized that we had only been walking just under 3 hours, I could hardly believe it because I figured we would be walking 20 minutes miles, so should have been at 31/2 hours by that point. That gave me so much encouragement, and considering the furthest we had walked was 10 miles, and I was feeling pretty good, my pace really picked up at that point. With only 3 miles left, I knew I could handle that. I know how far 3 miles is now and I knew my body could handle it. We passed so many people that last 3 miles, and my form was still really good.

When we were about 1/4 mile from the finish line, my husband asked if I wanted to run in....I said SURE....so we started running - There were so many people at the end cheering - It was really cool - we were running in with the Marathoners - they were on one side and us on the other - but it was still AWESOME!!! My husband kept asking, are you okay....and surprisingly I was okay - I ran across that finish line...........I completed my first half marathon - Fibromyalgia and all.....Hereditary Angio Edema and all..........Sacrum Pain and all...........3 hours and 41 minutes and 8 seconds......

I was so happy - I smiled all the way across that finish line, and kept on smiling - It was really nice afterwards, as they have an entire area set up to feed you.....Vegi Sandwiches from Subway never tasted so great....bananas, and nuts, and I even had some pancakes......YUMM!!! Drank lots and lots of water and Chi Gong and stretch - It was great -

We went home and I began doing lots of self care. Ice, Sombra, ChiGong, Hot tub, Cupping, heating pad, lots of water......I did really well - but I started having quite a bit of pain, but I just kept breathing and doing self care. I slept really well, but woke up in quite a bit of pain this morning, but I got up, and got ready and went to work. I had a massage appt at 11:30 - felt sooooo great......I am really glad that I scheduled that - it was totally worth it.

I am still hurting, but it is a good hurt. And I don't feel bad, I am just achy - soar. I don't have that fibro feeling in my head from overdoing it. My head was pretty clear most of the day. I was able to sit on my heating pad all day - walking hurts, but I can handle it. It is worth it.

Now I know what I am cabable of - I know next year I will be able to add some running in if not run the entire way - I know being a runner is something that I will be able to do. I have the heart of a runner, and soon, I will have the body of a runner.

What an amazing day, I will never forget it.................

Butterflies

2009-05-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Okay - so it is two days away from Marathon day - and I am really getting some serious butterflies........it is hard to believe that it is already here.

Yesterday I had trigger point injections, and received a lot of great support - hugs and kudos from my health care providers.....they really made me feel great. The energy that I received from them is awesome.

I was not nervous yesterday, actually more surreal - but today - MASS BUTTERFLIES - and kind of going a mile a minute.....(wouldn't that be nice to do during a marathon....he..he...)

My plan at this point -
Trigger Point Injections - IT Band - Hamstrings - Calves - Rhomboid and Neck....Lots of heat and massage last night and stretching - sat in the hot tub and really used the jets to massage those areas - Rubbed down with Sombra - and massaged with some oil the back of my legs - could hardly believe how lumpy they were though......

Today - sitting on heating pad - and will be stretching - Chi Gong - and body looseners all day....I will be doing my hip stabilzers that I learned from my Cranial Sacrial Therapist to make sure that my hips are in place - and will walk lightly for about 40 minutes -
I have an acupuncture appointment and Massage appointment today -
Tonight I will be doing some yoga - Chi Gong and Hot tub again - with Sombra and some massage after - also I will be taking Arnica - (need to find my topical Arnica......)
Taking my amino acids right now - the combo from Fatigue to Fantastic - and will probably add some Chinese Herbs depending on what my acupuncturist suggests......Oh also, will be drinking some Detox tea -

Saturday - I am really going to spend this day focusing - and relaxing - I will be doing at least an hour of Chi Gong - and practicing through out the day....will go for a 20 minute walk - Hot Tub at least twice - heating pads and Sombra......My goal is to get my body in relaxation and healing mode -

I have also been using the Cranial Point Stimulator morning and evenings - I will continue with this - and possibly some hot rocks.....I am going to just really enjoy my day out at the pond with my Koi and paint some watercolors for a while -

Just writing this has already helped me to relax - I know I can do this - I have all the tools I need - I will remember to use them - I will be praying alot - as I already know I can not do this with my strength - but I can do anything with the strength of the Lord.............

I feel really great right now - I am supposed to start as well - so considering that......I am really doing great. I have come such a long way in a very short amount of time - I know now that next year running the Eugene Marathon is completly attainable........

Body is Healing from Fibromyalgia

2009-04-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I had another cranial sacrial treatment - It went really well....My therapist told me that I am a lot of fun to work on - I asked her what she meant, she said that my body is very open to healing, and that it responds really well - she said that in the thirty years that she has been working on people, she can really tell that I want to be healed - She also said she thinks a big part of my body responding is because of the Chi Gong that I do.......

She also said that she has felt like she needed to tell me something that she has been feeling everytime I come in, but she has been holding back because she did not really know how to tell me.....so she said - "I am just going to say it - don't give up on the idea that the HAE will not only improve but that your body will heal itself from what is wrong that causes the HAE".......

I totally believe that - I have felt for a very long time that I will be healed - the only thing that I can say, is that I never thought that it would take this long - but the journey I have had during this time is priceless - I have discovered things about myself, my health, different cultures, healing, people, food, herbs - so many paths I have followed that have all led me to where I am in my life right now - I would not trade for anything.......

In the past I had fear about being healed, partly because I was on Social Security - but that is why I had to force myself to go back to work - I knew as long as I was on SSD - I would never get better.....In addition, my illnesses are a big part of who I am. Seriously, I use them to make excuses about things - like if I don't want to go somewhere, or maybe do something, or if I behave badly, I blame it on my illness, that either I don't feel well or because of medication...most of the time I am telling the truth, but it is easier to blame it on my illness than to take responsibility for my actions.......

Luckily I do have another life - my work life - where no one knows about my conditions, so I am unable to use those as excuses....so it has helped me to take responsiblity for my actions.

It is so exciting for me to hear this from another health care provider - she is not the first person to say this to me.....I really needed to hear this right now - as I have been a little frustrated with my progression - It seems like I start improving and then healing becomes stagnant...but that is why I started this Blog in the first place - so I could easily see my improvement - I am literally walking a half marathon on Sunday - OMG - how did I get here - I really need to give myself some kudos, I forget how far I have come....

One of the things that My CST wants me to start trying is a still point inducer - here is a link to a video on how to use it - I believe this is the next step in my healing - we found some areas last night that are really causing some problems - my entire right chest and rib area - I have had some work done on that area in the past - cupping and some trigger points - but last night I had quite a bit of release from the work my CST did........now I will be lying daily on the Still Point Inducer - I was a little concerned about finding the time - but just laid last night before I went to bed, and then again this morning when my alarm went off - as I always lay in bed through at least three alarms.......

I have to remeber - I told myself at least 4 years - and that was in September - it has only been 7 months - there is no way I am giving up now..............because I will be healed! My body is completly capable of healing itself - people overcome many illnesses daily - and I will be one of them.........

Low Iron Levels

2009-04-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

So after my last post I found out my iron levels were low.....low iron anemia - It really explained a lot........Tired, picking up lots of viruses, heart palpitaions, and that is only a few of the side effects.

I was advised to begin iron tablets - especially since I don't eat meat - but I decided to go a different route - and began on Chinese Herbs - Si Wu Tang Wan (Pian) - It began helping immediatly - I love Chinese Herbs - the more I take them - the more I want to learn about them and go into that field......I did alot of research - and it had nothing to do with my diet - more likely from my mentrual cycle being screwed up -

So now I am feeling much better -

We went riding last weekend - it was the most I have ridden in over a year - Had a great time. I was having pain - but of course it is in the other side now - but at least I am able to deal with it a little bit better than before.......

Yesterday when I went for my walk, I added 60 steps of jogging 6x......with 6 minutes in between each jog......I was going to wait until after the marathon - but I changed my mind.....especially with the nice weather - and the marathon is only 10 days away!!!

After the marathon, I am taking a Chi Running class - I am really excited about it......I am still following Running for Mortals - but modified for me - I know that I will be jogging 5K's soon.....actually - I think next year - I will be able to walk/run the Eugene Marathon!!!!

Fibromyalgia is FRUSTRATING.....

2009-04-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day in a while that I feel a little like myself - so thought I better write some of my thoughts before they leave my fog infested mind.

I have been having some interesting things happening to my body - and was not really sure what to make of it - but silly me - I forgot that I have fibromyalgia - and noone really knows what the heck goes on inside of us at any given time.......

Had some blood tests yesterday and the day before, so I will post the results when I find out - for so many years my blood tests were normal - but not so much anymore - seems that when we are first getting symptoms our bodies are not quite to the point of showing a defieciency - when it finally shows up on a blood test - it is almost too late.....like much harder to reverse at that point, or damage has already been done.....that is why I love Traditional Chinese Medicine so much - as they can tell when your organs are first having problems - way before it actually shows up on any sort of test......

So, today I went for an hour walk - Which is amazing in itself - actually walked 6 miles last weekend - and preparing for 10 miles this coming weekend......anyway - while "ChiWalking" I was able to reflect a little on what is going on with me - and my conclusion is -

Health is like Freedom - When we are having good health - it is easy to take it for granted - but as we begin to lose it - sometimes it is difficult to figure out exactly why.....I think our Freedom is this way.....

When we have Freedom, many times we just expect it without doing anything for it, but if we begin to lose our Freedom - we may not completly understand why, and sometimes we may not even notice that we have lost our Freedom until it is too late - and then we sit and think what went wrong - and it is not until a revolution of some sort happens that we are able to earn our Freedom back......

The two literally can be compared in every way.....we have to earn our good health - just like Freedom, must be earned...if we have lost our health - we must have a revolution to earn our health back - it is not easy and there has to be sacrifices....many times the road is long, and many may not make it.......but we have to try and we have to fight.......or we will continue to live in some sort of slavery or oppresion.....

This is where I am at right now, I am at the middle of a revolution....when there is a revolution and things begin to get difficult, we may think, why am I fighting back, at least before I was "comfortable" to some degree - Just like people who are afraid to fight back at risk of being beaten, imprisoned, or worse - tortured and/or killed......my brain is in this mode - I am having a difficult time continuing to change -

When I first started this "revolution" I was in the beginning stage - I was seeing a lot of progress, I had HIGH hopes of being pain free.....I thought I would continue on the same healing path and just continually get better. Kind of like if we were winning the war - we would be able to continue at a high energy pace.....but now, my body is backsliding - I am having a lot of problems, and I am not sure what is going on with me.....

I am so tired again, having blurry vision, difficulty concentrating - and my general well being is not good.....I want to be happy - I just cant seem to force myself to be happy.....I have never had a problem with my periods coming to often - it has always been the other way around - but the last 4 have been 17 days apart.....

The really hard part is trying not to beat myself up - as I begin to feel like a failure - being a control freak, and not having the energy to control things anymore....I have tried to put my "controlling" into myself - and that is not even working anymore...I really thought I would continue on this path of healing - and now I feel like maybe this is as good as I might get....

I am feeling like I am letting so many people down, as I have had no energy to keep up on any of my volunteer projects.....and I have no time for any of my friends or family....by the time I work - go to the doctors - and walk - I am pretty much wiped out.....my husband finally picked up my socks that I had out to wash since last week, as he could not stand to look at them anymore...and I have not had the energy to even put them in the washer......

So my conclusion - I have to continue to fight - even though it is difficult. I have to think about why I started this revolution, and that it may be a really long road, and very hard fight....but I have to continue to fight everyday.......I have to think about the long term and realize what it means to be "free".........I have to know that it will be worth it....even if I don't know what the end result will be - it is better than living in pain - and not doing anything......I also need to realize that there are casualties of war - and those may be some of the projects I have - and they are obviously some of the people that I thought were my friends -

So I will continue to fight - and I will pray for courage and wisdom everyday on how to win this battle we call fibromyalgia..............

The Love Of Koi

2009-03-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this - as so many people who know me do not understand my love for my fish - I raise Koi.....I am drawn to them.....I want to paint them....I have them everywhere - Three Ponds outside - one inside - I have over 50 koi at my house - and my dad has the rest - another 70 or so.....I love them....they make me happy - they make me feel good - they take my mind off of everything - they make me feel free....I dream about them often.....they are always in my heart - When I found this passage below - It helped me to understand why I am so drawn to koi.....it is who I am...........

What is the meaning of Koi fish images? What hidden lessons can be grasped from such a simple creature? What do tattoos and drawings of Koi fish mean?

Well, Koi fish symbolize different traits. The meaning of Koi fish symbols that is most often used in interpretations is taken from Japanese symbology. As you may well know, the Japanese give different meanings to different animals. The Japanese base their interpretation of the meaning of Koi fish symbols on the characteristics and behavior of the fish itself.

The Japanese consider the Koi to be the most energetic of fishes. This is because it is constantly moving, often churning up water. In fact, some countries are trying to minimize the Koi population because of its tendency to mess up waterways by stirring up the substrate.

The Koi is also able to fight the current of the water and swim upstream. This can be interpreted in two ways:

1) Being a non-conformist – Koi swimming upstream can be interpreted as showing the philosophy of non-conformism because of the fact that the Koi does not “go with the flow”. This can mean a person is very independent minded and does not do things the way they are expected of him or her. Swimming upstream can mean that a person is not easily influenced by others and does what he or she wants.

2) Strength in time of adversity – Koi fish also symbolizes persistence and the willingness to go on even though you are being swept away. It also symbolizes surpassing expectations. The Koi fish swimming upriver can show that a person has overcome various obstacles and not only does he or she keep standing, but he or she has come out victorious.

Walking without pain - 8 Miles

2009-03-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went on an 8 mile walk - been following the "Marathons for Mortals" program - and slowly increasing each week - It was the longest that I have walked yet.....

Trigger point injections on Thursday were a followup to what my CranialSacrial therapist is doing - we basically are starting at the top - and working our way down.....Had a CS appt on Friday - and she gave me some new techniques on how to straighten my hips out before a walk. We were both very confused as to which hip was actually out - until she figured out that they both are out.....Usually, you will only have one that is causing the prob - I think this is part of the reason I have had such a difficult time getting them to stay - as they are both out of whack.....She worked on the pelvis area - SO MANY trigger points - but she was able to get a few to go down......after the treatment - we talked a little....I asked her about the book she has - "The Inner Physician" She gave me a copy - and then I CRIED....I don't know why - I just did - all the frustrations came to the surface.....maybe it was the beginning of release......

Saturday morning - we prepared for our walk - I did my new techniques to level out my hips and off we went - It is pretty consistent - the 2-4 mile stretch is the hardest - 4-7 miles I did pretty good - the 8th mile was difficult - but all in all I felt pretty good - The most amazing part is I had absolutely NO sacrum, or hip pain.....but I had pain in my right leg - I actually think it was because I was using a muscle that has not been being activated, as my left side usually carries most of the weight......when I got into the car though - my legs were DONE!! We went home, and I was hurting pretty bad....I could not really do anything all night - and was in a lot of pain - iced, arnica - lots of self care. Had to sleep with a wedge. I got up Sunday - had to force myself out of bed - but then I was feeling okay.......No pain, just some fatigue.

The last few days, I have had a weird buzzy feeling, so I decided not to take any of my supplements - to see if one of them were causing it....and I never did get the feeling......I am going to slowly introduce my supplements back in...so I can figure out if it is one of them that are causing it.....I kind of think it is the new DHEA...we will see.....

As the day went on, I felt pretty good, I decided I was going to paint - I had thought about painting on Friday - but I tried a little and it turned out pretty bad...so I decided to make more of a plan......I want to start painting KOI......I made a decision to just paint them.....I drew one out and started painting - it was not bad.....so what I am going to do now is draw the same thing and just keep painting the same thing with different colors and techniques......as I was painting I felt GREAT.....it was only after a while that I started to really beat myself up....but I dealt with it abruptly - and was able to get back to the business of painting.....I painted almost two paintings - and have another one drawn out for today.....I am going to start painting everyday again...even if it is only for fifteen minutes.

I brought the paintings inside last night and looked at them all night - I could see exactly what I need to do to improve them - but all in all - they were not that bad....considering I have never really painted a koi before - and I technically have no idea how to paint watercolors - I just do what seems right......it is pretty easy to paint what I love.....and I am so glad that I have stopped "thinking" about painting - and started PAINTING....I found the last quick koi painting that I did - and it was from 06......How sad for me that I would allow my fear to keep me from doing something that I love so much - and brings me so much joy - the fear of failing is ridiculous.....plus who cares - I don't even have to show anyone if I don't want to......(even though I can not seem to keep my husband and daughter out of my studio - and then they are always showing people.....) but I can hide them if I needed to.....

When I was looking at my paintings - I have some really good ones - and some really not so good ones......I don't think there is anything wrong with that...they don't all have to be good - and that is what I have to continue to tell myself -

So here I am - after 3 Cranial Sacrial treatments - and I have walked 8 miles - and started painting again....I was able to finish quite a bit of projects at work this past week, that have been sitting on my desk for months - and I cleaned out my front pond this weekend....it has been 6 months.......I also moved my clematis - it has been almost two years since we tore our front porch off - and the clematis climbed the front porch.....So wow....putting it in writing here, has made me realize how far I have come......I can hardly wait for whats in store.......

Cranio Sacrial Therapy - Fibromyalgia?

2009-03-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Information about Cranio-Sacral therapy

It has been some time since my last post - this year has been CRAZY...and time is flying by.....

Wanted to update how my prolotherapy treatments are coming along. They were going well, but my pain started to return. My doctor said that is not typical after this many treatments unless there is something else going on. So we have postponed the prolo - and he has sent me to a woman who specializes in Cranio-Sacral Therapy.....

Long story cut short - A concussion at 10 - another at 12 - another at 16 - with a few in between - fell off horse many times - was pushed and two car accidents.

The doctors I am dealing with now are starting to make me rethink all my symptoms - and diagnoses - I have had this fibro diagnosis now for 4+ years, but I have had many problems dating back I know at least since 13. They have just gotten progressivly worse through out the years. My symptoms have improved signifigantly in the past year with all the self care that I do....but the past month I have been having a lot of problems again. Part of the reason I have not had time to post.

So, I went to first appointment yesterday with this new specialist. She did not even look at the chart - actually my other doctor had not even finished with his dictation from my last visit anyway - but she said that many times she does not even look at the charts first - she asked me a few questions, and then had me lay down and began holding my head in her hands.

It is very strange - the whole concept - but it makes so much sense to me, and I can not explain why. It is funny when I looked it up - because there were a few things against it - like on Quack Watch - which I really believe is ran by the pharmaceutical companies to scare people off from anything alternative......

The good thing about me - is I am not mainstream. I have been poisoned, treated badly and even yelled at by many "mainstream" doctors - Luckily the ones I have now are all a total God Send - and treat me very well. So, I am not swayed by negative information about non - mainstream treatments.

All in all, it was an experience - she said that she thinks I actually have a brain injury - and that is what is causing all the problems in my body. She also said in twenty years of seeing patients - I am not the worst, but I am pretty close, and that from a scale of 1 - 10 I am a 7. Considering the amount of self care that I do, that is pretty bad.......The good news is, she really has high hopes for me.

She also believes that she will be able to get rid of my trigger points and not have to have trigger point therapy anymore - Right now I literally have this entire year scheduled out for TPI's - the injections always help, they have made a tremendous difference, but they always return. She really believes that we can get them to go away completely.

This is very exciting - and I feel that I am on the right path - this is one more of those things that have come along and everything worked out just right.....I always know when the Lord is in control when it happens that way.

Today, I am a little tired from the treatment - but I am also fighting a cold - but my head feels clear, and my neck is very loose - but my head is sooo heavy - I can tell those tight muscles were holding my head up, and now that they are not so tied up in knots - I can tell that my muscles are really week - if that makes sense......

My main thought at this point - is I am wondering if the injuries that I sustained so many years ago have caused my body to not function properly so that is what is causing the domino effect of symptoms within me - oh, the other thing she mentioned, was she could hardly believe I don't have headaches - so her thought was that instead of the problems ending up in my head they have all gone down -

Truffle Shuffle - My First Event

2009-02-09T09:44:00.001-08:00

I DID IT!!!

Completed my first goal....I completed the Truffle Shuffle this weekend........It was a 2 mile walking event - We finished in 41.53 minutes....Hey not to bad - considering I could barely walk 5 minutes back in August......Can you tell I am HAPPY!!!

Was pretty nervous, but it all turned out great....the weather was perfect....quite a few people, all out to have fun....so everyone was in a great mood. No one really cared about the pace, so that was good.

We started in the back, and were not the last ones to finish, so that was great....I was happy to finish!!! And was not last....I tried my hardest to incorporate my Chi Walking - It was very hard to do, there were so many people and it felt a little like a herd of cattle - so I am going to have to really practice for the Half Marathon so I can be in the proper form.....my hip was hurting pretty much the entire time, but not enough to keep me from walking.

After we finished we walked around to the vendors and checked the prize board - Luckily my husband had me do it.....Cause I won......I won an hour session with Eugene Physical Therapy $240.00 Value - How great it that!! It was my lucky day.......My husband will probably use it, as I already have a PT and an Sports doctor - So not sure if it would be a good idea to see someone else......

Had a great time - I am not sore today at all - Iced my hip when I got home - did some relaxation poses last night before bed - and feel really great today......Can hardly wait till the half marathon......

Check out the video - We are at the 30 Second Spot......

Prolotherapy Works - 3rd Treatment

2009-01-30T12:52:00.001-08:00

Here I am - living proof that Prolotherapy Works -

I am very happy to say that it is getting easier - I had trigger points yesterday - and Prolo this morn. and no flares at this point - I have been fighting a cold for the past week, and it is worse than the prolo and tpi's combined......

Dr. Peterson is very please with my progress - My next appt. is not for 5 weeks - at that time he said he will be able to be a little bit more precise in his injections - right now they are pretty much just all along the SI joint - He said that I should notice even more of an improvement this time -

It has been 4 hours - and I am very soar - I have acupuncture this afternoon - so I know that will be very beneficial with the tpi's and prolo. Plan on still going for my afternoon walk - Very Sunny today, cold but sunny. I may take tomorrow off but I will do my long walk this weekend for my marathon training - just not sure if I will do it Saturday or Sunday - I will see how I feel tomorrow morn. and go from there....

My First Race

2009-01-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

Signed up this weekend for the Truffle Shuffle....

This will be my first event ever....this was my goal when I began walking back in August - my 5 mintues a day walking.

To think that I will easily be able to complete the 2 mile Truffle Shuffle Event is amazing to me. I am really proud of myself. I was so excited this weekend when I signed up for it.

My Husband and Daughter will both be walking it with me. This is just the beginning....Next year I plan on doing the 4 Mile Event - Running......Thank You Lord - My prayers are truly being answered!

D-Ribose Works for Fibromyalgia

2009-01-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend when I went for my walk - I actually ran -

Walked over a mile - and then ran for about 5 minutes - Walked another mile or so and then ran again. During my run - it hurt a little - but as time went by it became easier and easier......it is amazing to me to think about where I am now compared to just a few months ago.

My goals of walking a half marathon are really in reach now. My main goal of becoming a runner are well within reach now. Little by little I am reaching my goals that I have set. I know a big part of this though is the D-Ribose. When I think about my recovery before I began taking the D-Ribose, usually I had none. It seemed that no matter what I tried, I was always soar, and my muscles would lock up.

Now though, when I walk, or run for that matter, my muscles actually recover. I was soar after running, but it was a normal amount of soarness...not a fibromyalgia soar. Also, my lumpiness in my muscles are really starting to improve. My massage therapist can harldy believe how much better my muscles in my legs are - that has been the main focus...I can not say for 100% what exactly is helping them, but I think it is a combination of everything I am doing. Not adding any new toxins following the ETL diet, exercising regularly, taking the D-Ribose, getting massages and working on the trigger points to reduce them - all of those things together I believe are what are working so well for me.......

But all in all, I know that the D-Ribose is working great - plus it is so good. I add it to everything.....my smoothies in the morning, my tea in the afternoon, and my nuts. It is so great to have something sweet to add to my food that is not artificial......I still have half a container left as well, so it was worth buying the large container.......I will continue with the D-Ribose....

Prolotherapy Working - 2nd Treatment

2009-01-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

Had my second treatment on the 9th of January - It was so much better than the first one.....I took a pain killer before I went in this time, so it had pretty much kicked in by the time the treatment began.

Went fairly smoothly - Dr. Peterson was able to talk to me and keep me precoccupied this time....it was over fairly quickly this time, and about half the amount of pain.....I told him that I had iced last time after the treatment, he discouraged me from icing this time if at all possible - I was able to forgo icing - I was able to go for a 20 minute walk that day - and an 40 minute eliptical the next.....

Dr. Peterson asked if I had noticed anything, I thought that I had more good days then bad compared to before I began the treatment - but could not be positive it could be accounted to the prolotherapy - as I had not been that active. He told me that most people notice a difference after the second treatment.

The last couple weeks have been fairly good. Not a lot of pain. Especially have noticed when sitting for long times, usually when I stand up, the pain is unbearable. That has not really happened so much.

What is really exciting though, is we went riding last weekend. Quad riding. I have not really been able to ride for the past year, except for in July. No matter what I would try, once on my banshee, I would be in instant pain. Usually I could go out once, but that was about it.

Well this weekend, I rode four different times. We were at the coast for 3 days, and I rode everyday. I really took it easy the first day. The second day went on only two short rides, as it was pretty cut up. The last day, it was smooth as glass, and I was able to go on a long ride. After the last ride, I could really feel the pain again, but was able to ice, and heat and get it under control. Today, 2 days later, I am still hurting in my sacrum area, but even the amount of pain I am feeling now, is less than the pain I was having all of the time before I began treatment.

My next treatment the end of the month.....I am feeling very optimistic at this point - I really think that the prolotherapy is going to work.

Half Marathon Training Schedule

2009-01-05T17:50:00.001-08:00

Starting Today 1-26-2009

14 Weeks Until Eugene Marathon

Week 1 - January 26
Monday - Walk 30 Minutes
Tuesday - Cross Train 30-40 Minutes
Wednesday - Walk 30 Minutes with pickups
Thursday - Cross Train - Lightly as I have Trigger Point Injections
Friday - Walk - 20 minutes - Prolotherapy
Saturday - OFF
Sunday - 3 Miles

2009 Goals

2009-01-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

This year is going to be a great year.......

Continue Eat to Live Program
Start Half Marathon ChiWalking - January - Completed
Complete 5K Truffle Shuffle - February - Completed
Walking - Cross Training - 5 days a week -
Prolotherapy for Sacrum Pain - every 3 weeks
Complete Half Marathon Walking - May - Completed 3h 41 minutes
Begin Training for 5K - walk/running
Run/Walk 5k by end of 2009
Start Swimming - 2x per month
Look for Recumbant Bike - Start bicyling -
Keep Planning for Triathalon - 2012......

These are some of my 2009 Goals.........

Fibromyalgia Diet

2008-12-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

I found some information that I had been gathering way back in 2005 on diets for fibromylagia. What I remembered was that there was not very much information about the link between diet and fibro that I could find....I knew back then that there had to be a link...I think this is why I spent so much time searching for information.........

I am writing this now, because I can say for a fact that Dr. Fuhrmans Eat to Live plan is a diet that anyone with fibromyalgia should follow if they want to improve there life. I can say this with the utmost certainty.......All I have to do is look at my symptoms before I started, and now - 3 1/2 months later.....I have tried many things....and none of the things that I have tried have actually changed my symptoms...they may have masked my symptoms, but the symptoms were still there....but now....my symptoms are actually going away......

I am so excited about how I feel right now...I know now that I will recover from fibroymalgia....and then with the C1 Esterase being available, maybe I will soon no longer have HAE attacks...

I can dream...........

Prolotherapy

2008-12-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Tuesday I had an appointment with my Pain Specialist - He is the one who diagnosed me with Fibro - 4 years ago...

He was very impressed with how will I am doing.....I believe much of my improvement is from Eat to Live...

I told him that my next goal was dealing with my sacrum pain. It has been a year since this pain started....I have only been able to ride once since last year...the pain is affecting every aspect of my life. I have tried everything...chiropractic, physical therapy, lost weight, walking, excercise....nothing has worked....he suggested prolotherapy next....

I found a doctor yesterday - called and they had an opening this morning because of the weather....I was really excited about trying it, as last night I was in soooo much pain...My husband took me this morning, as it snowed about 3-4" last night.

We have a Ford F-250 four wheel drive - with a 6" lift on it, so it handles really well in the snow, unfortunatly there are other people on the road...so we were almost to the doctors office, and we were rear ended.....luckily we had our tow hitch on and that is what she hit...so no real damage to the truck, but my back which was already hurting - went into spasms....

Made it to the doctors - he is a sports therapy specialist...he said right away that prolotherapy is what he would recommend as well.....asked if I was up for it....I said sure, I am already in pain....so whats the difference......

When I read about prolotherapy....it said that there would be some minor discomfort....my, oh my.....minor - my ass.....which by the way is where all the injections were......People must be desperate to get prolotherapy....it is very painful.....

First the doctor numbs the area...which that in itself is painful....about 10 pokes each butt cheek - He said it was like a bee sting.....he must be talking about african bees......then - he takes a big long needle and sticks it all the way to the bone and tendon and injects a sugar like substance - it feels weird....like lots of pressure - very uncomfortable...but not terrible......but now it has been an hour and I feel like I have been kicked in the butt a hundred times.....

He said it would feel like I got beat up for a couple days...the whole point is to cause injury to get the body to begin the healing process again....yeah its injured all right......

So I will post on how this works.....I have another appointment on January 9th....He is not sure how many it will take, but at least 5 every 3 weeks or so....He also told me to continue with my therapy so that as I heal, my sacrum heals in the proper position, right now it is tilted forward and up. I really feel like this will work.

Everything happened like clockwork....for me when that happens I know it is divine.....I also know that the pain in my sacrum area is so bad, that the treatment is well worth it. I may have had second thoughts if I would have only had the pain for a little amount of time.

I also think because of Eat to Live - and eating the way that I am that my body is in such an awesome state of healing - I think it will make the prolotherapy a lot more effective...but right now my ASS HURTS!!!!

Half Marathon in May of 09'

2008-12-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

Signed up for marathon training starting in January. I will be training with Dr. Keith again for a half marathon Chi Walking.

I am really excited about it. Have been walking almost an hour a day now, and my speed has really improved. The pain is almost nonexistent now. Looking back that I started with 5 minutes a day - S.L.O.W....and to be where I am now is nothing short of a miracle.

I will be posting new goals pretty soon for 2009.....I am so excited about 2009. It has been such a long time since I have felt this way. I feel like living again...........Life is GOD...............

Life is Steadily Improving

2008-12-09T11:17:00.001-08:00

Fibromyalgia symptoms can decrease. Wow....Feeling really great right now.

It is such a busy time of year, so just checking in with myself real quick. - Still doing really well - Down about 24 lbs. - and big decrease in inches.

Thanksgiving was great, everyone really noticed I have been shrinking...wanted to know what I was doing. Getting better at explaining this new way of eating for health.

Had our Annual Christmas Party for work...I had a lot of late nights preparing for it. I did really well - everyone had a great time. I treated myself with some new clothes from The Black and White Store. I felt and looked great. Very excited about going into the Christmas Season with some really cute clothes - and feeling FAT.....

Still having quite a bit of fatigue, but my pain levels have really decreased. My period was 35 days this month - and only one day of really bad anger, pms.....all in all I am really happy with how I am doing......

Oh, January I am beginning a workshop to train for a half marathon for May. I am now walking 45 minutes comfortably almost everyday - AMAZING - since I started with 5 minutes, I am so thankful for how well I am doing and feeling......

Felt Great - And Over Did It!!

2008-11-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

I tell you, I fall back into old habits so easily. This past week I felt so GREAT!!

Can hardly believe all the things I was able to get done. Saturday, I painted a section of the outside of the house finally - painted the cabinets in the garage - till 1:30 in the morning. Sunday, painted another section of the back of the house, cleaned the garage the rest of the day.

Tuesday, I took part of the day off and finished the back. I am paying for it though....

Monday I spent the night in bed, and last night I skipped Chi Walking and stayed home. I feel a little bit like I have the end of the flu. It is frustrating because I know this is the fibro/HAE. I have been fighting off an HAE attack all week, had to increase my Oxandrin.

I know this is because I have not been taking optimal care of myself. It is difficult to take such good care of myself. I want to do all of these other things. My mind is going crazy about all the things I want to do to the house and the garage before our annual family Christmas Party.

All my bad habits are resurfacing. Over thinking - Over doing - Control Freak - OCD like habits....not good, not good at all. I really thought I had changed, but I tell you, I have not...I was trying to pin point what could have contributed to the way I am feeling, oh and the no weight loss. The sad thing is it is not one thing, it is about 10 things. When I do it, I do it good....

PACE,PACE,PACE - I need to have this tattood on my forehead. The problem is I don't even look in the mirror when I am in one of my whirlwinds of I have to get it done....

So I drank - 3 nights in a row. It tasted so good, and I felt so good. But after the 3rd day I realized that I was falling right back into old habits. Then I was not eating, I only had a morning green smoothie 2 days in a row. I have not walked or eliptical since Friday. Lots of stress at work, as the end of the year is approaching, our server went out and I had to purchase new one - so there is a lot of things that I have been doing wrong.

Time to regroup. I have trigger point injections today, and I see my therpist next Tuesday. So I am going to take the next few days to regroup. My husband was laid off yesterday, and so that will help - as he has worked the last 3 weeks straight. When he is working, I feel like I need to work...

Our Christmas Party at work is in 2 weeks, so I am going to focus on that, I do all the planning and shopping for that as well, so I am going to relax and do some shopping and wrapping. Plus I make flower arrangements for all the wives, so going to enjoy the time I get to put those together. This is a great time of year, and I am going to enjoy it...

I don't want to end up sick like this again, I am going to take time for myself EVERYDAY!! Walking is a must - no matter what....not going to have alcohol more than once a week...made a soup, so will be eating high nutrient food to refuel. Hopefully I will get my supplements today or tomorrow, and will be able to start taking my amino acids again and will be adding l-carnitine and coq10.

I am learning, it is a learning process...

20 lbs GONE - In 45 Days

2008-11-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

I am telling you the absolute TRUTH!! I can hardly believe it myself. Twenty pounds just gone. This has been so easy, I have not once felt deprived, even on my daily walks when I walk by Mongolian Grill and smell the wonderful Grilled Teriyaki Meat smell......

Today I thanked God for bringing me the answer I so desperately have been searching for. Dr. Fuhrmans take on eating is so different. I have been listening to all of his archived shows at Nutritional Wisdom and let me tell you, I have learned so much. The thing that really is sticking out is how incorrect the information out there is on how to lose weight and gain health.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein

If all the things we are told over and over again were correct, then why are people fatter than ever. Why did I begin to really gain weight only after I started "dieting". Diets DON'T WORK - Why did I get sicker after going to the doctor and taking medications.

I am having all sorts of weird emotional feelings right now. I am feeling very grateful for what I have been through in my life because I know I never would have ended up where I am right now if it was not for the struggles I have gone through. It is all worth it.

I have been extremely health conscience for many years, but the information available to me was so incorrect, I am surprised that I am not sicker than I am. Now I understand why people are struggling so hard with illnesses, weight, stress, viruses, headaches, etc. etc. Now I understand why I am struggling so hard, and why my health was not improving, if not getting worse.

We have been duped, hoodwinked, bamboozled, mislead. I have always been one of those people who does not follow the crowd. Don't like to feel like cattle being herded. I would rather deal with the wolves and coyotes then be trampled by my fellow sheep. But when it came to health, there is only so much information out there, and trying to decipher it all is a real challenge. It seems everything we are subjected to contradicts everything else. So no wonder I have had such a difficult time losing these extra pounds.

Now I understand why this has been so easy. My body was literally dying to be fed. Last year I came to the conclusion that I could heal my body with food. That is when I began "The Dragons Way". I had found that the Chinese had a secret, a secret of health and longevity. The problem with "The Dragons Way" is that for me I did not have enough information. Not sure if this is an American thing, or a me thing....but I need all of the facts. Especially when I am constantly bombarded with incorrect facts.

You know the normal -

Vegetarians have smaller brains.
Do you take lots of vitamins to make up for all of the nutrients you are not getting.
Where do you get your protein from.
You have to combine beans and rice to get a complete protein.
Are you having your blood levels checked to make sure you don't get sick.

This is just off the top of my head, there are many more. Half the time I don't even know how to respond to these questions, so I just tell people that I feel better eating this way, or that I am allergic(Which dairy does cause HAE for me). You can't believe the amount of questions I get for my food choices, or people feeling sorry for me that I can not eat the chemical laden, high fat food that they are stuffing into there mouths.....

One of the things I am still trying to wrap my brain around is this Statement - 6 meals a day is not better than only 3 meals - and can actually increase aging. Dr. Fuhrman advocates that eating fewer meals per day is better, it gives our bodies time to digest food and then spend its time on more important things - like repairing and healing.

After hearing this and thinking about it, it makes perfect sense. In addition, when I looked it up on the Internet, there is a wide consensus that in deed it is not necessarily better to have 6 smaller meals a day. My own husband has been encouraging me to eat this way, as are many books on fibromylagia.

Since I began Eating to Live though, I have been eating only 3 meals a day, and occasional fruit or carrot snacks. I feel so much better eating this way.

The other thing that Dr. F encourages is occasional skipping of meals. This is another "taboo" area. So much information out there says - Don't skip meals because it will slow your metabolism down, or you are more likely to overeat the wrong foods at your next meal. So on many occasions, I have eaten when I was not hungry out of fear that I would overeat later. But this is simply not true. Read this.... it is not just Dr. F's opinion, it is fact and there is a lot of scientific evidence to prove it.

I did the 6 meals a day diet - with the Six Week Body Makeover, and yes I lost weight, but only because I was severely limiting my calories. I spent all my time cooking, and had to carry food with me everywhere. Michael Thurmond actually encourages this. One good thing about the SWBM is I started eating a lot more vegetables than I had ever eaten. The bad thing is it increased my food addiction. Was difficult to follow, and eventually I could no longer keep up with the strict guidelines. I have tried many times to follow it but have been unsuccessful. One of the things that he advocates though as well as Dr. F, is low or no sodium, which is a large part of your weight loss in the beginning. There are many good things about Dr. Thurmond, like his exercise plan, but as far as the diet, for me it was difficult to maintain, and I gained all my weight back - plus more.

So the other thing that has my head spinning - Is the whole notion that we need to increase our metabolism....So Dr. F says when we increase our metabolism, we age quicker - In addition, he did not say this, but wouldn't that just make us hungrier if we had a fast metabolism - After thinking about this for a while, and searching the Internet - I realized many of us blame our metabolisms (the Internet is loaded with questions regarding this) But instead of blaming we should be celebrating the fact that our bodies have been designed to sustain us for a very long time. In Chinese Medicine, they believe that everyone is born with a certain amount of Chi, and when we use that up, we die - well the slower our metabolism, the longer we live - we just have to be very careful that we take really good care of ourselves now since we will be living such a long time.....

Its kind of like short versus tall - I am short, but that means my life span is about 10 years longer than those tall beautiful models - so, I don't have a problem with being short anymore........

So today was a big day for me - I feel like the future is bright - I am really starting to uncover and understand the truth about not only weight loss, but health. I am feeling so encouraged about my future. I was feeling very fearful not long ago about the future, what was in store for my health. But now I know that I have truly found the "Fountain of Youth". I know this sounds a little over the top, but I know it is true.

I have always been very proactive in taking care of my skin, and trying to stay young. Little did I know that I was poisoning myself everyday with the food I was ingesting. Little did I know that changing the way I ate would have such a profound effect on the way I look along with the weight loss and the health benefits I am experiencing. I was convinced that I could take vitamins, or herb formulas, or put lotion and masks on my skin to stay healthy and young. But my new way of eating is so much better. Who new the old saying that beauty comes from within could be so very true.....in more ways than one.

I am so excited about my weight loss, but I am more excited at my health gain...last night my mom said - "Have you been tanning?" No I told her...she said "You are glowing, I have never seen you look so beautiful". I know that it is because I am literally nourishing every cell in my body. Thank you Lord, for showing me the truth...the truth about the perfect food that you have created for us to heal us and give us abundant life.......

Food - Another Trigger for Hereditary Angio Edema

2008-11-08T13:21:00.001-08:00

I have been reading Dr. Fuhrmans "Fasting and Eating for Health". Something in his book really struck a chord.

"Increased quantities of dietary fat cause an array of negative effects on immune function. The link between higher fat intake and the increasing occurrence of common cancers has been will established for years. The link between fat and breast cancer is also explained because it is well known that breast tumors are fueled by estrogens. When women eat a low-fat diet, their estrogen level drops quickly. Fats not only increase the amount of circulating estrogens in the body, but also increase the biologic activity of the estrogen."

References:Journals of the National Cancer Institute

In addition, I have found that milk has a high level of estrogen in it. "Hormones in milk can be dangerous."

There are many more articles, and studies to confirm this information. I know from personal experience two things relating to this -

When I would have dairy of any sort - I would have an HAE attack
When I was very thin - with low body fat - my attacks reduced in frequency and strength

This is something that I think should be investigated. One of the things I have always been adament about is being able to reduce my attacks without medication. For a few years I was able to do this. I think it is important to reduce the amount of attacks first, and use C1 infusions, and/or steroids in conjuntion. I think this is very important. I would like to keep my attacks completly at bay, and not have to worry about break thru attacks.

Sometimes when we have medication available to us, we become complacent about our self management. For instance - if you know your allergic to milk, but you know there is something to offset the allergy, but you may have some discomfort from the antidote - do you drink the milk and then take the antidote, or do you avoid the milk altoghether? I believe many would choose to drink the milk, me included at one point in my life.

Another thing I think I have found out is Iodine can increase the levels of estrogen as well. It is very complicated - something to do with the different types of estrogen and there relation to each other. Well I am HIGHLY ALLERGIC to iodine - instant HAE attack. Usually my face and throat swell up when I am exposed to iodine. So now I have the same question, is it the raise in estrogen from the iodine that is triggering the attack - I think it is. Obviously I avoid iodine like the plague, and I will continue to do that with dairy as well, but now I have more reason then ever to avoid these products.

In addition to avoiding dairy and iodine, I have more reason than ever to continue reducing my body fat. I have been told in the past by my doctors that they believed that is why my attacks had reduced is because of the low body fat - They said it was because the amount of C1 I had was more effecient because there was less of me - Obviously he said it a little more eloquent than that - but that is the jest of it. So this should be added to my reasons for wanting to continue to lose weight and decrease my body fat.

No Longer Obese - After 6 Week Challenge

2008-11-08T13:06:00.001-08:00

Yeah, so it is official, I am no longer "Obese" - My WI Fitness says so.

I love our WI, It is so great to see the progress that I have made. I have had the WI since May, and I have gone from high end of Obese to high end of overweight. Really helps me to see progress that way.

In addition, I belong to Sparks People, this is another great place to log information. Last year I began using it, I had lost quite a bit of weight last year, and then quit using it, so I can really see the weight loss, and the weight gain. Still am not where I was when I quit last year, but it is helping me realize that I need to keep myself motivated.

Blogging has really helped me keep myself motivated this time. Being able to track the ups and downs of my emotions, flares, and attacks is helping me a lot. If I start to feel I am not doing well, or frustrated with my progress, all I have to do is read some older posts to realize how far I have come.

I am going to start a page with pictures as well, that way I can see the difference - One of the things I have noticed about myself in the past is that I have a tendency to give up after a while. Especially when things start to get rough. This time I am exploring lots of different avenues so I don't get frustrated and bored.

One of the things that Dr. Fuhrman recommends it to make a "Business Plan". I am going to work on that over the next week. This week is the beginning of my next "6 Week Challenge" so I need to reevaluate anyway, and creating a "plan" will help me to do that.

Books I have read....

2008-11-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

I need to keep track of the books I have read, am reading or would like to read.....

READING:
Fit for Life Not Fat for Life - Harvey Diamond

Fasting for Health - Dr. Fuhrman

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
The Live Food Factor
The China Study

READ:
Eat to Live - Dr. Fuhrman

The Sunfood Diet Success System - David Wolfe

Re Energizing For The Next 6 Weeks

2008-11-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

Started reading Dr. Fuhrmans other books so that I can reenergize myself to make it another 6 weeks.

Sunday will be the end of my first six weeks, and right now I am down 17.5 lbs. so guessing a total of 18lbs. in six weeks.

I should be so proud of myself, but this week for some reason my self talk has been on the negative side. I look great, I feel great. I am back down to the weight I was when I started the Oxandrin again last year. Still really easy to do the Eat to Live program, so not exactly sure what is going on.

Wondering if part of it is the weather. My mood today felt a little better as I was driving to work there was light outside. It has been suggested to me in the past to get a "light". I am seriously considering it now. They have really improved them, and I think it would work great to use it in the morning at work.

Yesterday my therapist told me how she uses hers, and I think that I could manage that. She uses it for 30 minutes in the morning when she gets to work, and then for 20 minutes or so around 3:00 in the afternoon. Sounds reasonable.

The other book I have been reading "Change your brain, Change your life" is so amazing. He actually talks about some supplements that you can take instead of medication, and I was so happy to see it is exactly what I have been taking. Tryptophan for sleep, Tyrosine for energy, Inositol for calmness, and DL-Phenylalanine - I take that for pain.

There is a really great book you can download for free, It is called "The Way up From Down" When you go to the website, if you scroll down there is a link that says download here, there are no strings attached.....It is how I recovered from depression, and was able to get my brain back after taking Cymbalta.

Now whenever I feel myself starting to go down that road, I use the information I learned from that book, and am able to stop it in its tracks. Not sure if I will have to take the amino acids forever, but it is going on the third winter, and I have had to begin taking them again. I have noticed no side effects, the cost is not high. Actually, I am going to start ordering them online to save some money.

It is hard to believe that amino acids could treat depression, yet doctors are more than happy to push dangerous drugs on to us. But if you asked many doctors about amino acids, they would say either that they wont work, or that they are dangerous in higher amounts. Amazes me.

When I was taking Cymbalta, my blood pressure went through the roof, I gained a huge amount of weight, and was getting Urinary Tract Infections. Then I began having thoughts pop in my head of different ways to kill myself. Like sitting in my car with the engine running in the garage. Crazy thoughts that scared the crap out of me, so I stopped taking it. It took a few months, but I have not had any of those side effects since then.

So, here I am, ready for the next 6 weeks. My goal is to take off another 6 lbs. in six weeks. I would like to be down a total of 14lbs by the beginning of 2009. I think that is a realistic goal, about 1lb. a week. The first six weeks, the weight really did come off fast. I am not sure how it is going to go this time around.

One thing I have really noticed is that the more greens I eat, the faster the weight seems to come off. Like last night I had steamed spinach, about 1/4lb and 2cups steamed brocolli. This morn, the scale had finally dropped past what it has been stuck on. That seems to be consistent. Something about the steamed greens that my body loves.....and they fill me up.

I should post a pic as well, so I can see the difference in my body. I really was "BLOATED" out before Eat to Live. Starting to look a lot more "normal" My clothes are all starting to be really big on me. I am going to pull out my old clothes this weekend (glad I kept some) and I am going to go shopping as well. I have literally shrank two sizes.

Yesterday my daughter gave me a hug, and she said "Wow mom" as she patted my belly, "You really have shrunk". It is really cool to see her watch me. She has been eating a lot more salads and fruit. And she has been trying my steamed vegetables. I think her watching me go through this will really help her as she gets older.

My mom never really talked to me about any of this stuff. I had horrible eating habits. I even tried eating and throwing up for a little while, but that was horrible. Especially consdering the HAE, I was throwing up enough already without even trying. I learned a little bit about eating healthy from one of my boyfriends moms. Spirulina, and liquid vitamins. She actually introduced me to a lot of "Natural" products. Some fruits and veggies. But nothing like I have learned now.

I am really proud of how I am eating now. The weight I have given away is truly an accomplishment. Walking everyday is an awesome acheivement. Even in the rain and cold. I am feeling great now about this next 6 weeks!!

Results of 24 Hour Urine Test

2008-10-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the results from my Comprehensive Plus Hormone Profile. Today, I will see my NP to go over the next step.

The one thing that has been consistent is very low DHEA. I have been taking DHEA before the test - it was low on my saliva as well. Actually, 3 years ago it was low - and I took DHEA, but I was going through so much back then, that I only took it for a few months. NP checked my history, and when I was taking DHEA, my testosterone levels were normal.

DHEA

74 - Ref: 100 - 2000 NP suggested I increase my DHEA slowly - I am taking 5 mg. right now. Suggested I increase another 5mg - so 1x in morn & 1x in evening 5mg each - Will retest in 6 weeks. Something she mentioned that was interesting is there has been a study conducted on patients w/ autoimmune disorders, and they are consistently low in DHEA. The studies are being conducted to increase to 25mg daily - and patients are noticing a improvement in symptoms. I will be looking into these studies, but for now I may just stay w/ 5mg.

My sodium levels very low:

26 - Reference: 40 - 220. Suggested adding a little Sea Salt, but no real concern. I don't think I will be changing much.

It will be interesting to hear what my NP says about that. I am going to ask Dr. Fuhrman what he thinks about low sodium levels, but want to talk with my NP first. Talked to Dr. Fuhrman about all of this, and his suggestion is to not take any of these products. He believes that because I am overweight that is why my hormones are out of whack, and as I lose body fat, eat a healthy diet and exercise, they will begin to normalize. I agree with him, and I hope that is what I experience.

Hydroxyetiocholanolone (what a mouthful) is also very low.

40 - Ref:153-827. This has something to do with the ratio of cortisol to DHEA, or something like that...suggestion was to increase progesterone production through Vitex, which is Chasteberry.

I am having a difficult time finding out what that is.

Aldosterone is High - Very high.

63.6 - Ref: Low salt: 17.0 - 44.0. Due to Oxandrin. Nothing to really worry about.

Everything else looks good! Everything is on the low side, especially Testosterone. Makes me wonder sometimes if this is not why I have such bad HAE attacks. Would be interesting to know if this is a factor, as my Testosterone has always been low.

Will Check back later with the news.

Found out that my estrogen ratio is low as well - They suggested Iodine. I am allergic to iodine. It got me thinking though - when I have Iodine, or shellfish I have a major HAE attack. Wondering now if the Iodine increases my estrogen, and the estrogen is what causes the actual HAE attack. Hmmmm. Anyway, obviously not taking Iodine.

Melatonin was low as well - I have taken melatonin in the past, however it causes nightmares at the lowest dosage .5 mg. NP gave me a liquid form which a vial full is 1mg. I am only taking 1 drop of that and see how it goes.

Next Phase of Exercise

2008-10-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

The weather is so great this week, so happy to have Oregons indian summer.

Went out this weekend to a Costume Party - we had a great time, but I had way to many jello shooters, and was in a lot of pain yesterday. I dressed up like "Fat Britney Spears" my husband was a dead fireman. Really great to have some adult conversations.

Friends came over for dinner last night, and it was so great. My girlfriend ate my food. Had made the Caulfiflower, Brocolli soup I have posted, salad and Acorn Squash, for me, and that is what she ate. I am so happy to have someone eat what I make, as my family just wants steak, potatoes and salad.

I recieved a lot of compliments this weekend on how I am looking. That was very encouraging. It feels so great to have others really notice that I am slimming down, and my skin and eyes look really healthy as well.

Last night I made the decision to start working on my muscles again. The six week body makeover by Thurman is so awesome. I did that program a few years ago, but it became cumbersome. The thing that I really liked about it though was his exercise program.

With the fibro, it is very difficult to work out - I use to work out fairly agressivly in the past - which makes it even more difficult for me to work out. My thought process is a little screwed up about working out. I tend to push myself to hard and then I end up with a fibro flair or an HAE attack.

With all the changes that I have been going through, I am ready to start strength train again. So back to the six week body makeover, his program blueprints your body and the workout is using very light weight and resistance bands. Which I believe will be the very best type of workout for me. To strengthen and lengthen my muscles is the goal that I have now.

Last night I did some real basic leg workouts - abducter lifts - glute squeezes, calf raises etc. I only did one set of each and only 6 each. I could really feel it. He really stresses touching the muscle first - and it helps with the mind body connection. This works really well for me.

Going to put together a work out, and I am going to approach it like I did the walking - 5 minutes at a time, every other day. Alternating between lower and upper body. I will increase as I feel I can. Now I know how well this works, considering I am now walking between 40 minutes to an hour a day - Oh, and I jogged for 20 seconds today! Very excited about this next phase.

Links to Great Articles - Hereditary Angio Edema

2008-10-27T11:08:00.002-07:00

To be posted as I come across them

Links to Great Articles - Eat To Live

2008-10-27T11:08:00.001-07:00

To be posted as I come across them.

Links to Great Articles - Fibromyalgia

2008-10-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Fibro Article - Info on Calcium being deposited in muscles - Magnesium and other supplements beneficial for fibro pain relief.

Feeling Great!

2008-10-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a difference a month can make!

I have officially been following Eat To Live for a month now. I have shed 14.5 lbs. and I feel great.

Walking an hour a day. Sleeping without tryptophen(amino acid). My moods are much more stable. Oh and my accupuncturist said my tongue looks great. It has decreased almost by half in size, the color is coming back and the teeth marks on the side are barely visable.

I always new that changing my diet would help. The problem was I could not seem to find any information on how to change my diet. There was always the same concensus, don't eat sugar, white flour, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and caffiene. Most of the information I read encouraged a high protein, low carb diet. And limiting fruit. I tried these, they never seemed to do that much for me. Plus it was difficult to follow, as I always felt unsatisfied.

This way of eating is so awesome. It is still so easy. Green Smoothie in the morning, salad or soup at lunch, and same for dinner. In the morning if I get hungry before lunch, I will have some fruit. In the afternoon, for a snack, I will have carrots. In the evening, a couple hours after dinner, I will have some more fruit again.

Starting to feel hunger again. It has been a long time. Plus, I no longer am getting that hypoglycemia feeling, which Dr. Fuhrman explains is food addiction. Which I completly agree with.

I just feel great. Yesterday I felt a little angio edema tring to sneak its way in, I took an extra Oxandrin, and feel fine today. So it has been over 2 months since I have had an HAE attack. It has been 4 months since I have had a major HAE attack. So awesome.

This last month has been great. All my symptoms have been minimal.

Last night I had my first massage ever. It was my birthday present. So wonderful. She found some serious lumps in my hamstrings which she thinks we can get out. I have been told in the past that my muscles were striated wrong...whatever that means. But what the massage therapist told me last night is that she has felt that same thing in other fibro patients. I asked if it was cellulite - she said not at all, her personal oppionion is that they are pockets of toxins. How gross it that! If we can start working some of them out and eating healthy keeps new ones from forming, myabe they will start to go away - so exciting.

For the first time, I don't feel like I am just saying that I am going to recover - I know I am going to recover. I also know that this is an answer to my prayers, and I know that the Lord has been preparing me for many years to be able to accept this as the answer.

Dr. Fuhrman is a true God send - I think I will start linking some of his videos to my blog. The information, and knowledge that he is presenting is changing my life!!

I Am Changing

2008-10-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Going into the fourth week of Eat to Live - 12lbs down. Amazing. This has been so easy - and so healthy. I feel great.

Not only is this way of eating changing the scale, I honestly feel great. My pain levels are way down, I am walking everyday, 40 minutes to an hour. The fibro has really taken a back burner. I am sleeping better, and only occasionaly taking tryptophen.

My time in the kitchen has been minimal. That has always been one of my biggest downfalls when I have tried in the past to change my eating. All of the time preparing meals, especially with chronic pain, and attacks - that was always a huge challenge for me.

But with the Eat to Live, it is so easy to quickly steam some veggies, making the soup on Sunday and taking enough to just leave at work. Quick smoothies in the morning, and salad wrap for dinner.

Romaine is so easy to prepare. I buy it in the 3 pack - slice, throw in my salad shooter, already have peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots prepared, throw them on top - put into a flat wrap with some black beans, salsa, cilantro and hummus - if I have a tomato, I throw that in - and I have dinner. Takes about 5 minutes and nothing to clean up.

The other thing I am really noticing is my body image is changing. I am really starting to appreciate my body. Our bodies are so amazing. There are so many things going on it at any given time it is literally a miracle. Now I know I am properly fueling my cells so that I function better.

Not once since beginning this way of eating have I had any sort of blood sugar problems either. And my blood pressure has lowered - it has been a little high for me lately. There are so many things I have noticed, it is amazing. Excited about the future, this really feels like the real thing.