Where did you go?

Sunday, February 03, 2013

If anyone is still following me, I thought I should post about where I've been since I basically disappeared.

Last year, I started experiencing very irregular periods that increasingly grew to where I was having more frequent, longer periods. Some of them lasted for a few days up to a full two weeks or more. Sometimes I might not have a period at all and then suddenly have one that would seemingly never end.

In August, I had a period that would not stop. I was miserable and I had absolutely no energy. I finally made an appointment with my doctor. I was diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia, which basically means that my endometrial lining was over producing and then shedding (which is what causes periods in the first place). For some women who are diagnosed with complex endrometrial hyperplasia, it can lead to uterine cancer. Luckily for me, I was not diagnosed with this.

I was put on a triple dose of hormones in the hopes it would stop my ongoing period. It worked for about two weeks. Then, it came back. So, my doctor gave me a shot which would temporarily put my body into menopause - that is the theory anyway. It did not stop my period. Finally, my doctor who was absolutely wonderful throughout, asked me if I would consider having a hysterectomy.

I said without any hesitation at all, "YES!"

The excessive periods caused me to have severe anemia. This anemia led to exhaustion as well as a strain on my heart. My doctor basically told me that I was at an immediate risk for cardiac arrest. Very scary stuff. I had also developed a heart murmur.

On September 28th, I had my surgery. All my pathology reports came back good which was a relief. I still have my ovaries as well, so no early menopause. It took me about two months to recover from the surgery.

My heart murmur has gone away and my energy level has significantly increased.

What this has taught me is that it is absolutely crucial to listen to our bodies. I had been tired and fatigued for some time, but didn't realize it was related to my weird periods. I also had been having some struggles with exercising as I was having some pains in my chest whenever I would try to exert myself in some way.

I'm back and ready to try again now that I really have no reason not to!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MERRYMARY42 2/3/2013 8:53PM

sorry for al your problems, glad you seem to be back on track, and welcome back to Sparks, cant go wrong with us. Report Inappropriate Comment

A milestone of sorts

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I just received the notice that I've logged 1000 fitness minutes. This is the sort of thing I need to focus on because every step taken, weight lifted, fitness move made are all to lead me in a better, healthier me.

For mother's day, my kids bought me some cute work out shorts & t-shirt with a new water bottle. My family is always supportive and love me no matter what, but it's nice to know that they want what is better for me as well.

It's so important to keep focus on all the good we are doing in this journey. We tend to let ourselves get bogged down in the things we aren't doing right, which so easily can derail us.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BLUE42DOWN 5/16/2012 2:48AM

on those 1000 minutes! And you have half a month to go still! Yay for such sweet gifts! Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 5/15/2012 6:52PM

GREAT, another mile stone. ! Focusing on what you do and how it makes you feel instead of focusing on what you have to do. Positive thoughts and a great support system is a valuable asset. Keep up the good job and focus on your healthy journey. It's a great example for the chilkdren too when you choose healthier options. HUGS Pat in Maine. Take it one step at a time. You go girl! Report Inappropriate Comment

One step forward three steps back

Sunday, May 13, 2012

My weeks get so busy as there are some days that I'm working 12 to 14 hour days. A good for instance, I have a big event scheduled for this Thursday that is not scheduled to be over until after 7:30. This means that I won't even be home until after 8. When I have a week scheduled full like that it makes it very difficult on a number of levels.

First is that if I have the next day that is a little lighter schedule, I'm so worn out from the previous few days that all I want to do is veg, even though I know that I usually feel better after working out.

Second, due to the sporadic nature of my schedule, meal planning almost becomes impossible. I try to keep healthy entrees in my fridge at work, but I'm not at work every day around lunch time. What inevitably happens is that for convenience sake, I'll swing by fast food and pick something up. I usually try to get healthier options, even if I don't feel like the healthier options I will choose a small hamburger, small fries and a small soda, which is definitely better than going all out with the super size stuff.

I keep trudging along despite all of it because to me the bigger picture is just feeling better. Exercise may only happen on the week-ends, but at least it's happening!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

5FOOTOFFEISTY 5/14/2012 8:42PM

good idea about doing 15 minutes throughout the day - there are some days that I can do this, others not so much. It is something to consider though! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUE42DOWN 5/14/2012 6:43PM

On the days when you're working those long hours, are you able to take a break here and there - just 10-15 minutes? Even if all you can do during that is take a semi-brisk walk, that can give you a bit more energy and even make it easier to keep your focus on that tasks that need doing. Report Inappropriate Comment

5FOOTOFFEISTY 5/13/2012 5:09PM

Thanks Pat!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 5/13/2012 5:06PM

You can change that up. Try one or 2 side salads. Ask for the doube burger no bread or Mayo and finish off with appleslices walnuts and Yogurt. If you go to the golden arches. Pat in Maine. You can get water anywhere no soda needed. You do have a hard schedule but keep trying you will get there.Pat in Maine. Report Inappropriate Comment

Lesson learned about "reduced fat"

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Today I went to yoga and then had coffee with one of my friends afterwards. I ordered a medium non-fat latte and a reduced fat fruit & nut scone. I thought I was being good by ordering the reduced fat scone. Just now, I'm putting in my food eaten for today, go to Peet's to get the nutritional info on my two items and come to find out, my reduced fat scone had the second highest amount of calories of the scones I could have gotten.

Harumph!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BLUE42DOWN 4/30/2012 3:33AM

Ouchies. Yeah, foods that make a big deal about being "healthier" by being low in something often have hidden problems. Oh well. Live and learn. Hopefully you paid attention to which items were more in line with your plans so you know what to order in the future. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 4/29/2012 5:44PM

To remove fat most food needs more sweetener. Scones are always sabotaged. I started making mine at age 5 and just this week I have made 60 of them I hope you realise it is the highly processed white flour and undoubtedly they have white flour and lots of white sugar so you do not miss the fat. FAT is a very necessary nutrient. Sugar is most definitely not needed. Read up on the good fat articles on Spark and add a little fat and a lot less sugar and artificial sweeteners and you will find that many foods taste very different and much more FLAVOUR instead of boring SWEET. Pat in Maine. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEEDTOBESLIM3 4/29/2012 5:09PM

Grrrr!! That is so annoying. Still, tomorrow is another day. Report Inappropriate Comment

JAZZ20 4/29/2012 4:55PM

Sorry to here about the scone. Sometimes I make those mistakes as well. Report Inappropriate Comment

Spring into Shape Boot Camp Challenge

Saturday, April 28, 2012

I've decided to take up this challenge, which will be a real challenge to me as it requires five days of working out during the week. I was in need of a kick in the pants & think that this might just do it.

My schedule gets so busy during the week and I'm not much of a morning person. It's tough when you're working 12 hour days, which may not start for me until 9 or 10 in the morning. I'm usually up by 7, but have had a hard time doing any type of workout prior to getting out the door. One of the things I like about the challenge I'm doing is the focus on a quick ten minute workout. I tried two of them today and it was something I can see myself doing just to get my day started.

One of the things I want to try during this challenge is a Zumba. I'll check to see if there are any available on this website - I think 10 minutes would be great.

My endurance, even with my sporadic working out, has increased since I restarted this commitment to myself. I've also have lost about four pounds, which is about right if I look at a 1 pound per week weight loss.

Tomorrow is yoga, then maybe coffee with a friend, then my book club. I'll check in next week on this blog to see if I was able to make it through my first week of this challenge!

Anyone else doing the challenge?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VIXSTERLU 4/30/2012 10:46PM

I did this challenge and enjoyed it :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUE42DOWN 4/30/2012 12:00AM

I'm not (since I do my workouts at the gym, videos don't really mix well), but I've seen a lot of other Spark Friends doing it - so you're in good company! Report Inappropriate Comment

5FOOTOFFEISTY 4/29/2012 11:41AM

Thanks! I know encouragement helps a lot. I appreciate the support. Report Inappropriate Comment

BAKER1009 4/29/2012 7:48AM

I have joined this challenge as well. I'm here for you if you need anything at all! Let's do this!! Report Inappropriate Comment

5FOOTOFFEISTY 4/28/2012 9:20PM

Good luck to you! Plateaus usually happen when our body gets used to doing the same thing. With your 4 miles, 3 times a week - is that cardio? What are you doing for cardio? I have an elliptical machine that allows me to adjust resistance. This helps with plateaus. Instead of resistance bands, you could try some free weights. Best of luck to you and I look forward to reading about your progress! Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 4/28/2012 9:07PM

I am doing this challenge I have been on a plateau for over a year and i had no idea where to go from here. i always do 4 miles 3 times a week and the 20 minute resitance bands but it did not get further weight loss so thats where i am. i am having ahard time finding the way to navigate it takes me too long but I will get there. I hope in 4 weeks i will finally be in OVERWEIGHT instead of obese. Pat in Maine. GOOD LUck with the challenge I am beginning tomorrow too. Report Inappropriate Comment