Friday, July 24, 2009
Not Disciplined
I'm not a disciplined person. I have trouble sticking to my nutritional plan. I can't bring myself to give in to my tired body and rest as I should. When I do give in, I feel like I'm being lazy, especially when I can see so much to do. What is the answer? How do I become more disciplined? I pray for guidance daily.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Nutritional Response Testing
As promised, the program my Chiropractor has me on is Nutritional Response Testing (NRT). I hope I can explain my experience adequately. You know we have trouble using the correct words.
The price of the testing was $30, which I thought was reasonable. He put the back of my hand in the palm of his hand and asked me to match his resistance. When I could not, it showed I was weak in the area being tested. He tested me for metals, chemicals and bacteria. I tested positive for metals and bacteria. He said the metals could be from my teeth fillings.
He also checked my organs. Just about every organ was sluggish. I would describe it like a filter that was plugged. He said once the metals and bacteria were removed, the organs will work at a higher level.
He also checked for food allergies. I show signs of allergies to wheat, oats, eggs and milk. I was to stay off of these foods plus sugar. The sugar feeds the bacteria and keeps it in my system. I had to stay off natural sugar as well as refined. That's hard with all the yummy fruits in season.
I went back to Dr. John in a week. I had lost 10 lbs. The bacteria and metals had cleared from my system and my organs showed improvement on their working abilities. However, I did not feel better. He allowed me to start eating natural sugar...yah...fruit! When I return to Wallowa he may start reintegrating the foods I tested positive for allergies, one at a time.
I did well for the second week. But the week of the family reunion (week 3) I could not keep up the multi-tasking of getting ready for the reunion and eating correctly. I was aware when I was eating something I should not, so ate smaller portions. I maintained my 10 lbs of weight until the 2 days after the reunion. I gained 3 lbs. So tomorrow (Wednesday), I will go back to resisting what is supposedly bad for me.
Dr. John did put me on supplements. 3x a day I take an enzyme for food digestion, 1/2 tablet of Iodine for my Thyroid, 1 Calcium, and Tuna Omega 3, 3x a day. He asked me to stop taking my Multivitamin and Calcium. He wants to test them for lead before I continue with the over the counter supplements. I will do that when I return to Wallowa County. Apparently OTC vitamins can be laden with filler, which can include lead.
Another question he asked was if I had scars, ones I would have needed stitches. I have one on my thumb and my episiotomy scar. He tests the scars to see if they are "active." This means if they had healed. My thumb was healed, but not the episiotomy. I have Wheat Germ Oil to apply to the scar each night. I have trouble remembering to apply the oil. I probably miss 2-3 nights a week. Interesting to me that my thumb scar was a surgery done about four years ago. The episiotomy is 35 years old!
Will keep you updated on this journey. If I ONLY loose weight, I'm still ahead. But wouldn't it be great if it helped my Fibro and Chronic Fatigue?
The price of the testing was $30, which I thought was reasonable. He put the back of my hand in the palm of his hand and asked me to match his resistance. When I could not, it showed I was weak in the area being tested. He tested me for metals, chemicals and bacteria. I tested positive for metals and bacteria. He said the metals could be from my teeth fillings.
He also checked my organs. Just about every organ was sluggish. I would describe it like a filter that was plugged. He said once the metals and bacteria were removed, the organs will work at a higher level.
He also checked for food allergies. I show signs of allergies to wheat, oats, eggs and milk. I was to stay off of these foods plus sugar. The sugar feeds the bacteria and keeps it in my system. I had to stay off natural sugar as well as refined. That's hard with all the yummy fruits in season.
I went back to Dr. John in a week. I had lost 10 lbs. The bacteria and metals had cleared from my system and my organs showed improvement on their working abilities. However, I did not feel better. He allowed me to start eating natural sugar...yah...fruit! When I return to Wallowa he may start reintegrating the foods I tested positive for allergies, one at a time.
I did well for the second week. But the week of the family reunion (week 3) I could not keep up the multi-tasking of getting ready for the reunion and eating correctly. I was aware when I was eating something I should not, so ate smaller portions. I maintained my 10 lbs of weight until the 2 days after the reunion. I gained 3 lbs. So tomorrow (Wednesday), I will go back to resisting what is supposedly bad for me.
Dr. John did put me on supplements. 3x a day I take an enzyme for food digestion, 1/2 tablet of Iodine for my Thyroid, 1 Calcium, and Tuna Omega 3, 3x a day. He asked me to stop taking my Multivitamin and Calcium. He wants to test them for lead before I continue with the over the counter supplements. I will do that when I return to Wallowa County. Apparently OTC vitamins can be laden with filler, which can include lead.
Another question he asked was if I had scars, ones I would have needed stitches. I have one on my thumb and my episiotomy scar. He tests the scars to see if they are "active." This means if they had healed. My thumb was healed, but not the episiotomy. I have Wheat Germ Oil to apply to the scar each night. I have trouble remembering to apply the oil. I probably miss 2-3 nights a week. Interesting to me that my thumb scar was a surgery done about four years ago. The episiotomy is 35 years old!
Will keep you updated on this journey. If I ONLY loose weight, I'm still ahead. But wouldn't it be great if it helped my Fibro and Chronic Fatigue?
Monday, July 20, 2009
I'm Exhausted!
What a week. Our family reunion is over. We had a great time. Connected with new and old family members. That being said...my Fibromyalgia pain is on over drive, my right ear aches and I was ready for a power nap, two hours after waking this morning. I do have laundry to do and that involves going up and down stairs. I can't use the washer/dryer in our RV as we are parked in a back field. The uneven ground has been a problem too. Makes my legs and hips work harder. Some would say it is good exercise, but for me it is the wrong kind of exercise. So will only do a couple loads today, otherwise will be in my chair!
As I write, there is a pack of coyotes on the edge of the tree line. They are howling and running back and forth and are loud. Not here long, but they stirred up the neighborhood dogs.
I will write more about the nutritional program I previously mentioned later today or tomorrow.
As I write, there is a pack of coyotes on the edge of the tree line. They are howling and running back and forth and are loud. Not here long, but they stirred up the neighborhood dogs.
I will write more about the nutritional program I previously mentioned later today or tomorrow.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Arriving on the Oregon Coast
We've been on the road for almost a week. It has been a good time. One night beside the Columbia River in the Gorge, Two nights in Ridgefield, WA and two nights at Cape Disappointment on the SW Washington coast. The Gorge stop was peaceful and relaxing. At Ridgefield, we spent time with Adam and family. Lots of quality time with granddaughter Lyla, who is 9 months old. Our park hosting friends from California, Sonny and Mary, were a delight to spend time with at Cape Disappointment.
My Fibro flare is getting better. Not sure if it is because of the program Dr. John has me on, it has run its course or the fact that we are on the NW Oregon coast. I always feel better here. Time will tell as we travel back to the east side of the state. Between the heat and elevation, I have more health issues there. When I return, if my body hurts more, then I know it is the weather here.
We are preparing for a family reunion this weekend. Dwain's Aunt and cousin arrived today to help. We had a great visit tonight.
My Fibro flare is getting better. Not sure if it is because of the program Dr. John has me on, it has run its course or the fact that we are on the NW Oregon coast. I always feel better here. Time will tell as we travel back to the east side of the state. Between the heat and elevation, I have more health issues there. When I return, if my body hurts more, then I know it is the weather here.
We are preparing for a family reunion this weekend. Dwain's Aunt and cousin arrived today to help. We had a great visit tonight.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mind and Body Savers
To follow are a few mind and body savers that I've learned that help me deal with Fibromyalgia Disease and Chronic Fatigue. As you can tell from my past posts, I don't always practice what I preach...
Create a weekly or monthly meal planner. Then remember to take what you need from the freezer right after breakfast. When I remember in the afternoon that I didn't get whatever from the freezer, it's usually too late for that meal plan. Then anxiety sets in...you get the picture.
When you cook a meal, prepare extra to freeze for another meal. Prepare whatever you can towards the meal at your best time of the day. Mine is the morning.
Invest in ANY gadget that makes your day easier, whether it's an electric can opener, lift chair, lap top computer, cushioned mat for your floor or an electric lap blanket to name a few. I get cold and can't get warm. My husband, Dwain, calls it a "cold snap." Doesn't take long for the blanket to do it's job. If you are relaxing on the bed, couch or chair, reading or watching TV then you are multi-tasking. WOW...didn't think you could do that anymore did ya?
It is difficult for me to lift my arms above my head. I have a very short haircut. Saves the arms when I shampoo and I no longer need a blow dryer or curling iron.
It's nice to have a recliner or a chair with an ottoman. I also recommend arms on your recliner or chair. You need a place to rest your arms, otherwise they are constantly tense.
When traveling, stop often to stretch EVERYTHING. I change my sitting positions often and it involves putting one foot or another up. My left uses the hump on the floor between the driver and passenger. My right will rest on a door pocket.
Exercise is helpful. Find what you enjoy.
Rest as you need to...don't put it off, you will only feel worse.
Find the simple joys in life :>)
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Try my suggestions or modify to fit your lifestyle.
Create a weekly or monthly meal planner. Then remember to take what you need from the freezer right after breakfast. When I remember in the afternoon that I didn't get whatever from the freezer, it's usually too late for that meal plan. Then anxiety sets in...you get the picture.
When you cook a meal, prepare extra to freeze for another meal. Prepare whatever you can towards the meal at your best time of the day. Mine is the morning.
Invest in ANY gadget that makes your day easier, whether it's an electric can opener, lift chair, lap top computer, cushioned mat for your floor or an electric lap blanket to name a few. I get cold and can't get warm. My husband, Dwain, calls it a "cold snap." Doesn't take long for the blanket to do it's job. If you are relaxing on the bed, couch or chair, reading or watching TV then you are multi-tasking. WOW...didn't think you could do that anymore did ya?
It is difficult for me to lift my arms above my head. I have a very short haircut. Saves the arms when I shampoo and I no longer need a blow dryer or curling iron.
It's nice to have a recliner or a chair with an ottoman. I also recommend arms on your recliner or chair. You need a place to rest your arms, otherwise they are constantly tense.
When traveling, stop often to stretch EVERYTHING. I change my sitting positions often and it involves putting one foot or another up. My left uses the hump on the floor between the driver and passenger. My right will rest on a door pocket.
Exercise is helpful. Find what you enjoy.
Rest as you need to...don't put it off, you will only feel worse.
Find the simple joys in life :>)
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Try my suggestions or modify to fit your lifestyle.
Ready to Travel
We are preparing to travel to the Oregon coast tomorrow. Fibromyalgia aside, this means tiding up the RV, putting items away items that make our house a home.
It takes me about a half hour to prepare the inside of the RV for travel. However, that is pushing myself too far. Because of my Fibro, I start a couple days ahead of time, accomplishing a few things each day. I stand to gain, if I would practice this procedure in my daily life, not just at travel times.
It takes me about a half hour to prepare the inside of the RV for travel. However, that is pushing myself too far. Because of my Fibro, I start a couple days ahead of time, accomplishing a few things each day. I stand to gain, if I would practice this procedure in my daily life, not just at travel times.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Independence Day 2009
July 4 was a day of family and friends, music, good food including birthday cake AND pie, and fireworks. We planned to spend the day at Wallowa Lake but it was so hot we stayed home. We did go to the lake for the fireworks display in the evening. It was a long day.
Today was a hard day. Several days without enough rest has got me down again...when am I going to learn? I couldn't be up long before I'd get the shakes.
Also this food allergy program is not getting easier. I have an appointment with Dr. John on Tuesday. I'm hoping to integrate some foods back into my diet. Breakfast is my hardest meal to figure out what to eat. The last two mornings I've had a small steak (very small and thin) and a handful of shrimp. Figured protein would be my best bet. I do fill full after eating. I'd sure like to have a piece of toast with avacado or peanut butter and to have a better idea for small snacks.
I probably shouldn't have started the program with Dr. John until I got myself back on my feet.
The good news is that I've lost 8 pounds!
Friday, July 3, 2009
This Sucks!
Staying off sugar, milk, wheat, oats and eggs sucks! If it wasn't for the potential of feeling better in the long run, I would be soooo off this journey!
I'm having trouble thinking of things to eat. Everything has these products in them except nuts...
Dr. Mark Pellegrino says it is common for FM suffers to have food allergies. The most common are sugar, wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, eggs and chocolate. Because these are the ones Dr. Suto found in me...what do you think? The only item I ingest that I've noticed my body reacts to is white wine. I can have one glass. But if I indulge in a second glass, I have increased pain the next day. But I feel GREAT while drinking it. :>) I know a gal who has a reaction to seafood. She has increased pain the next day.
Haven't noticed a difference in how I feel. I didn't expect to this soon. My daughter Heather, has noticed several differences in the first two weeks. So, will persevere. The sugar part includes natural sugar. This is summer and all the fresh fruits are available.
We are leaving for the Oregon coast on Tuesday, July 7 for 3 weeks. Today we will be running errands to prepare for the trip. Dwain's Dad and Lenora will be here today for the long holiday weekend and to help celebrate Dwain's 58th birthday.
Going to be another hot day today. Dwain wants to spend his birthday at Wallowa Lake. We will need to get their early in the morning to have a place to picnic all day. I am worried about the heat. I don't want to experience my body crashing as it did this last weekend.
I'm having trouble thinking of things to eat. Everything has these products in them except nuts...
Dr. Mark Pellegrino says it is common for FM suffers to have food allergies. The most common are sugar, wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, eggs and chocolate. Because these are the ones Dr. Suto found in me...what do you think? The only item I ingest that I've noticed my body reacts to is white wine. I can have one glass. But if I indulge in a second glass, I have increased pain the next day. But I feel GREAT while drinking it. :>) I know a gal who has a reaction to seafood. She has increased pain the next day.
Haven't noticed a difference in how I feel. I didn't expect to this soon. My daughter Heather, has noticed several differences in the first two weeks. So, will persevere. The sugar part includes natural sugar. This is summer and all the fresh fruits are available.
We are leaving for the Oregon coast on Tuesday, July 7 for 3 weeks. Today we will be running errands to prepare for the trip. Dwain's Dad and Lenora will be here today for the long holiday weekend and to help celebrate Dwain's 58th birthday.
Going to be another hot day today. Dwain wants to spend his birthday at Wallowa Lake. We will need to get their early in the morning to have a place to picnic all day. I am worried about the heat. I don't want to experience my body crashing as it did this last weekend.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
A New Direction?
Between this post and my last, I am having the worst Fibromyalgia flare I've experienced. The good news is that I'm mending. The new and unusual sensation I experienced with this flare was a feeling inside my head. It felt like a wave from the top of my head to my chin. It also throbbed as it was going from top to bottom. Felt like I would pass out. Never had that sensation before and would rather not experience it again.
I saw my Chiropractor this week for the purpose of investigating a new program they offered. I can't tell you the name of the program, as I forgot to ask. This procedure is difficult to explain. The Chiropractic office has a practicing married couple, John and Billie Suto. I've mentioned Dr. Billie before. This day I saw them together. Drs John and Billie believe that Fibromyalgia is a term the medical community puts on a problem that they are unable to diagnose. They believe that the prescriptions I'm on are toxic and that my Fibromyalgia symptoms are caused by environmental and domestic issues such as chemicals, metals and foods. They tested me by placing a package of such issues on the trunk of my body and asked me to match the doctor's resistance with my hand to his. The result, as Dr. John put it was that I "was a mess." I have food allergies to wheat, oats, milk and eggs. I have alot of bacteria throughout my body, which is being fed by the sugar I digest (What?!!! No more chocolate?). Because of these "issues" I am having trouble with my thyroid, spleen, intestinal tract, female organs and central nervous system. They believe my body is being poisoned (my word) from these "issues." Hence my body has the symptoms that the medical community diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. I can either walk away and be frustrated that they "don't understand" me or the disease or accept this as an attempt to feel better. I'm going to to go with the positive and hope it doesn't end up another attempt that fails. I see them again next week. I will keep you posted.
I saw my Chiropractor this week for the purpose of investigating a new program they offered. I can't tell you the name of the program, as I forgot to ask. This procedure is difficult to explain. The Chiropractic office has a practicing married couple, John and Billie Suto. I've mentioned Dr. Billie before. This day I saw them together. Drs John and Billie believe that Fibromyalgia is a term the medical community puts on a problem that they are unable to diagnose. They believe that the prescriptions I'm on are toxic and that my Fibromyalgia symptoms are caused by environmental and domestic issues such as chemicals, metals and foods. They tested me by placing a package of such issues on the trunk of my body and asked me to match the doctor's resistance with my hand to his. The result, as Dr. John put it was that I "was a mess." I have food allergies to wheat, oats, milk and eggs. I have alot of bacteria throughout my body, which is being fed by the sugar I digest (What?!!! No more chocolate?). Because of these "issues" I am having trouble with my thyroid, spleen, intestinal tract, female organs and central nervous system. They believe my body is being poisoned (my word) from these "issues." Hence my body has the symptoms that the medical community diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. I can either walk away and be frustrated that they "don't understand" me or the disease or accept this as an attempt to feel better. I'm going to to go with the positive and hope it doesn't end up another attempt that fails. I see them again next week. I will keep you posted.