Free to Breathe 5k (In honor of my dad)

Saturday, March 12, 2011

This morning I got up just after 5 am so I could participate in this 5k which benefits lung cancer research. While browsing the cool running website yesterday, I found it and decided I was going to do it. I regularly walk 4 miles (and those of you who read my blogs know I can now run a mile, well, more like jog), so I knew I could do it with no problem, and it's for a good cause.

I got there a little after 6:30 this morning. It was so cold, probably in the 30s! I was one of the first people there, and they had a same day sign up table. Everyone there was really nice and I was talking to one of the ladies and weight loss came up and I mentioned I'd lost some weight and was surprised how everyone freaked out. They had other people coming over saying, "Look at this girl, she has lost almost 80 lbs." It kind of embarrassed me a little bit, but they were nice. I got a t-shirt for signing up and paying the $35 and it's an extra large (yes, I know that ain't small, but when you used to wear a 3X it is) and it fits! They had a table where you could get a sign to pin on you that said I am walking in honor of____, so I filled one out for my dad and pinned it on. It was very emotional doing that and I almost teared up a little.

Around 8:00 the lady who heads it up gave a little speech and then some doctors talked about lung cancer prevention. My toes were almost numb by this point because it was so cold and I was anxious to get started so I could warm myself up. They had a guy from American Family Fitness there to warm us up, and everyone in the crowd was groaning because he had us do jumping jacks (over 40 of them!) high knees, running in place, and other stretches. I had no problem doing any of it, and that made me feel awesome. :) Then it was about time to go over and get in the line to start the race. They had runners up front and walkers at the back. I got myself somewhere in the middle because I planned to do both. Just before it started, a lady came over and said, "Hi. I'm from the Richmond Times Dispatch, and we got some photos of you stretching. Can I get your name?" So, of course I gave it to her. It would be cool to be in the newspaper, I'm just hoping these photos aren't unflattering, if you know what I mean. lol

It was time to start and I was ready to run (or jog, whatever) and it felt good. I had a hard time the first minute or two just trying to maneuver through the crowd until everyone dispersed a little and I could get ahead of some of the people. I ran for as long as I could and then walked, then ran again. I did this the whole time and spent most of it jogging. I couldn't believe how many people I was passing. It was around a huge mall, and so some cars would come in (they had cops directing them) and I'd have to slow down and wait and so I think that really took time away, which annoyed me! Anyways..

As I was going through this race, I thought a lot about why I was there. Part of it was because I'd wanted to do a 5k now that I am able to do it. I wanted to see how much of it I could run and see if I could get a decent time. Also, part of it was because as soon as I read that the walk benefited lung cancer research, I thought of my dad. He died in early 2006 from lung cancer that spread to his liver, pancreas and finally his brain. He smoked for over 40 years and had quit a few years before, but unfortunately still ended up with cancer. As I walked and ran, I thought about him, and health, and all the reasons I have changed my life. I couldn't help but think if he'd taken better care of himself, that he might still be here today. He was only 61 when he died. He never met my daughter, and my son will never remember him because he was so young when he died. That makes me very sad every time I think about it, because he would have been a great grandpa.

Since I've become healthier, my entire perspective on life has changed. I can't even explain it in words. I used to think that people who said they craved exercise were full of crap, but now I understand why. You feel alive when you work your body and push yourself. I do not want to die early in life like many members of my family. I want to live to old age and see my grandchildren and great grandchildren be born. I want to grow old in a healthy way so that I am strong and capable and not a burden to anyone. For so long I neglected myself because I felt I wasn't worth it. I thought everything and everyone else was more important and that there was no way I could ever change, since I had always been that way (fat). I will never make that mistake again. I will not rob myself or my family of a happy future. Before this last year I didn't even realize how unhappy I was.

The whole way I just kept thinking of how fortunate I am to be healthy and able to be out there doing this. My body has taken the abuse I've put it through, and it has forgiven me, at least I hope so. :) Along the route people were cheering us on and it felt really great. At the end there was a line of people who would slap your hand as you went through the finish line, and as I was coming up running as fast as I could for that last bit, they looked at the time and said, "Wow, she's a walker and did it in under 45 minutes." It felt great. I got some water and they had tables with all sorts of food. I got half a bagel and an apple that was ginormous! Seriously, it was like the size of a newborn's head. It was delicious! I hung around the mall for a bit and looked in a few stores, then headed out.

About 40 minutes later, I was at Dutch Gap Conservation. I went to bird watch there. It was my first time there, and it's really pretty. I saw several new birds, which I was excited about. It felt good to just walk around leisurely and enjoy the scenery. Though I would have liked to stay longer, I needed some lunch! I was starving after all that working out. So, I headed home, and on the way got some frozen yogurt. :)

I really hope that all of you reading this will understand where I am coming from. I'm not trying to be preachy at all when I say what I am about to say, I just genuinely understand the struggles with losing weight and want to help people do what's worked for me. Think about the things in your own life that could be affecting your health and think of how you can change them. Do you smoke, drink too much, eat too much fast food, never get enough sleep? We only get one body, and so it's important we take care of it. Don't take your life for granted. You are the only YOU that exists and you are important to someone whether you believe it or not. Love yourself first, and you can love everyone else even better.

Sorry this is so long. I just wanted to share my amazing day with everyone.

Oh, and my time for the 5k was 43 mins, 10 secs. :)

HUGS to all.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DARKTHOR 3/18/2011 12:16AM

I know where you are coming from. My mother passed away a little over 2 years ago from a heart attack and she was 61. My son won't remember her. She lives on in me however and through me, in my son. The way I see the world, my sense of humor and so many more important aspects of my life are colored by my mother. She didn't take good enough care of her health however and battled weight much of her life. She should have had many more years and healthier years than she ended up having. I'm doing my best to change the path I was on and make sure I have a lot of awesome years ahead of me. I am doing it. You are doing it. We are doing it. One day at a time, one good choice at a time. Every time we do something small and every time we go and do a 5K... we are making our lives richer. I am so proud of you and I know you have many, many, many great days ahead of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

KITTY_M 3/14/2011 10:49AM

I am proud of you and all that you've accomplished. A lot of what you had to say about loving yourself and feeling worth it hit home for me because I'm only just starting to take baby steps in that direction. Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYB73 3/13/2011 10:39PM

E- I am beyond proud of you and KNOW that your Dad is too! I hope to do some cancer 5Ks this year, for the very same reason. It also sounds like you were surrounded with positive, healthy people; which is one of the things I really LOVE about the 5ks I've been at. Being around healthy, active people is a real boost and you were there boosting others with your positive energy and beautiful smile. I love the picture of you in the paper, you look happy, healthy and vibrant!!! All the things I know you are! Can't wait to hear about your next 5k! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMTO6PLUS2 3/13/2011 9:32PM

What a day! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm sorry about your Dad-- I understand some of how you feel. When I was 9 years old, my Daddy died from a smoking related cancer which started in his kidney. He, too, had already quit smoking a few years before his diagnosis. I believe that things do happen for a reason-- God is in control-- but we still make our own choices! And EVERYTHING we do, every choice we make, MATTERS! , Laura Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLYC_14FAN 3/13/2011 1:27PM

This blog brought tears to my eyes!! What a great thing to do in tribute to you dad!! You are doing such a good job with being healthy and losing weight. I was really feeling down today and your blog definitey lifted me up...so THANK YOU!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JENMELTON611 3/13/2011 9:49AM

Hi~ My name is Jennifer Melton. I too participated in yesterday's event in my Dad's memory as part of the planning committee. I am sorry that we have this in common but I am glad you were able to be a part of this event. If you like to share your Dad's story, I'd love to hear it. You can email me at jennifer@pinkskyatnight.com, I am on FB too. I hope to hear form you soon. Best, Jen Report Inappropriate Comment

MAWDOT35 3/13/2011 9:39AM

Good for you!!! I enjoyed this blog and you did a great job writing it! Thanks for sharing this with us! Dorothy Report Inappropriate Comment

PELESJEWEL 3/12/2011 10:57PM

I am so proud of you and can tell that YOU are really proud of you, as you should be!! I know your dad is chilling in heaven with my dad and they are both so amazed & thrilled at how we are really getting our life & health together!! More wonderfulness is on its way for you in 2011, keep following your heart! You got this! Report Inappropriate Comment

BOOMAC1961 3/12/2011 7:13PM

AWESOME Job on completing the 5K in memory of your dad! Thanks for sharing, it was inspiring to me to continue to get consistent with my exercise! Report Inappropriate Comment

SMILESHINE81 3/12/2011 3:56PM

What a great blog. How amazing that you could honor your dad in that way. Thank you for sharing - this was really inspiring! Report Inappropriate Comment

Another Goal Met!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Today I weighed 249.2 lbs! I am under 250 now! I'd set 250 as my goal weight on my ticker because I hadn't weighed under it in a decade and I wanted to just get there first. Completely elated describes how I feel right now!

I have lost 76 lbs! My daughter weighs 35 lbs, so that is more than twice her weight. When I pick her up, she feels so heavy and I can't even believe I was carrying that much extra weight on me.

There was a time I thought I could never even lose 50 lbs. It just seemed so daunting and impossible, but I have surpassed that, and I will keep on going. My next goal is to get under 200 lbs, and I haven't weighed there since my senior year of high school, which was over 12 years ago.

This has been a big week for me. I ran a mile the other day (well, more like jogged, but I did it without stopping to walk) and I had been dreaming of doing that for a long time, and honestly never thought I'd be able to again.

Each time I meet a goal I have set for myself, it makes me want to keep going and push even harder. I realize that I CAN do it, and the only thing stopping me, and the only thing that has ever stopped me, is me. For so long I doubted myself because I was scared to fail and scared to succeed and couldn't seem to believe in myself enough.

To all of you working toward a goal, keep going. You can do it! You WILL do it. Believe it. Take this one day at a time and soon you'll be sitting there a few months or a year from now bursting with pride and happiness, with the realization that you've changed your life.

This hasn't been easy, but really, most things in life that are worth it are not. Other than raising my kids, this is the most challenging thing I have ever done, and like raising my kids, it will be something I do for my lifetime. It's also brought me more happiness than anything else in my life (other than having my family).

Thanks for reading. :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARLIZG 3/15/2011 1:31PM

your body will fight to hold your old weight of over 250--don't give up! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMTO6PLUS2 3/13/2011 9:18PM

Heyyyyyy!!!! Congrats on your weigh-in! 76 pounds GONE! You are doing so flippin' AWESOME!!! , Laura Report Inappropriate Comment

DARKTHOR 3/11/2011 2:38AM

You were so close, I was just waiting for you to break through that 250 mark! This is so fantastic. I'm hoping I can break through there too soon. You already have the tools you need to continue on this journey. The rest of the journey isn't magic, it's more of what you've been doing, making great choices for yourself consistently. You are rocking it! Report Inappropriate Comment

PELESJEWEL 3/10/2011 11:30PM

I am so proud of you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

THEATERCHICK18 3/10/2011 5:55PM

WAY TO GO on goals Elizabeth. When you put your mind to it, you can do it. Proud of you. Signed, proud member of One Day Challenge team mate, your new friend, Dani Report Inappropriate Comment

CHOOSE2BELIEVE 3/10/2011 2:23PM

WOO HOO ELIZABETH!!! this is so cool! i'm so proud of you! your are a great insperation!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYB73 3/10/2011 12:13PM

You can do anything you set your mind to, E! You've totally got Onederland in your sights! Report Inappropriate Comment

KITTY_M 3/10/2011 10:56AM

Congratulations!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLYC_14FAN 3/10/2011 9:05AM

YAY!!!! You are awesome. Way to go!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEZRARAYNE 3/10/2011 9:01AM

CONGRATULATIONS! You are SUCH an inspiration! Report Inappropriate Comment

BONOLICIOUS2 3/10/2011 8:19AM

Wow, first of all let me just say CONGRATS because you have done SO SO SO SO well!!!!!!! I wish I could give you a giant high five! Second of all, you are an inspiration! This is exactly what I needed to see today. It CAN be done, it WILL be done. Let's do this! Report Inappropriate Comment

I did it! I ran a mile!!

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Today I met a goal I set for myself. I ran a mile without stopping! I have not been able to do this since I was in high school, more than 12 years ago!!

Back in the fall I started the C25K program and did well. I got through week 4, then some things interfered. First of all, the shoes I was using were not meant for running. They were walking shoes I'd bought at the end of 2009 so I could start walking and lose weight. My ankles and knees were bothering me a lot, which was annoying because I wanted to run. I had gotten to the point where walking briskly just didn't feel like I was working myself hard enough and it was as if my body wanted to run. The next thing that happened was that I got sick and my kids were sick, my husband wasn't home much and then we got snow and ice off and on. It was hard to find time to go out for walking/running, and with Christmas coming I hadn't wanted to spend the money on shoes just yet.

A month or so ago, I was talking to my husband's grandmother and she was telling me how impressed she was that I'd lost so much weight. I told her all the things I've been doing and how I had a goal to run, and as soon as we had the extra money I was going to get fitted for the proper shoes so I could do it. Last week I got a card from her in the mail. It was addressed only to me and it was congratulating me on my weight loss and she sent me a check so I'd have the money to get the shoes! I was crying and just couldn't believe it. People don't do things like that for me very often, so I was so surprised and grateful that she thought about me in that way.

Friday I went out to a place called Runner Bill's to get my shoes. It was recommended to me by a friend who runs half marathons. I am so glad I went. The guy was awesome! He looked at my old shoes to check their wear and he had me squat and walk around and he looked at my ankles and then he picked out a pair that fit me perfectly! I have wide feet, so sometimes it's hard to find shoes that fit well. I tried them on and ran down the aisle and couldn't believe how much easier it was to run with the proper shoes. I tried on others, but the first were the best, so I got those. They were $90, and for me that is a lot of money to spend on shoes or clothes, but they are well worth the money!

On Saturday I decided to try them out while my mother in law took my kids to lunch. I figured since I hadn't run in a while if I could run for 5 minutes I'd be thrilled. I walked for a few minutes to warm up and then just ran. I ran until I felt like I couldn't anymore, and looked at the clock on my mp3 player and it had been somewhere between 11-12 minutes. I was astounded! When I got home I tracked it on the map and it was .86 miles. I couldn't believe I'd done almost a mile! I knew if I had gone that far that I would be able to do a mile soon.

Today I decided I was going to do it. I got my son's lunch ready and the kids fed and my husband got him to the bus while I went and dressed. I had a piece of whole wheat toast with some peanut butter and honey on it. I let that settle for a bit and then went out. It was cold this morning but sunny and it felt great to be outside. I did my warm up walk and when I got back to my house I started to run. After a few minutes, I felt winded and my muscles were aching some, but I just focused on my breathing and kept going. We have a lot of hills in our neighborhood, so it's not easy, but I knew where I needed to make it to in order to reach a mile. Once I got almost there I felt so awesome, and I kept going just a bit more, so I ended up doing 1.02 miles according to the tracker. I checked the time and it was somewhere between 13-14 mins. I know that isn't fast, but for me it is because a year ago it was taking me 20 minutes or so to walk a mile and I seriously couldn't run for more than 20 seconds.

This is a big day for me! I did something I've wanted to do for years and thought I'd never be able to do again. I can run! I feel like I am more fit and healthy than I have been in my whole life. I recently had blood work done at the Dr and my LDL and HDL cholesterol are perfect, my triglycerides are down, and my vitamin D is finally normal (I had been on supplements because it was low). I have great blood pressure now, and no signs of diabetes. I've caught up on all my Dr. appointments (even the dentist!) and I am taking care of myself better than I ever have. For so long I didn't feel like I was worth taking care of myself, so I didn't. I spent all my time taking care of everyone else and put myself aside because I felt I was a lost cause and truly believed I was meant to be a fat person. I quit doing that and thinking that way, and I am happier than I have been in a long time. I feel like I have my life back and it's only going to get better. I can do this and nothing will stop me!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PELESJEWEL 3/10/2011 11:29PM

You transformation is phenomenal!! I am so proud of you! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHOOSE2BELIEVE 3/8/2011 9:45PM

OMG.....WHAT a GREAT accomplishment!!! You should be soooo PROUD, bcuz I AM!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the awesome work!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BAYBELIEVER 3/8/2011 6:32PM

That is so awesome! Wow! I hope someday to run a mile too! I think it so incredible for you that you set a goal and then met it! I am also so proud of you for catching up with all the mental and dental! Maybe soon I will follow your example! Keep on going! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEZRARAYNE 3/8/2011 5:52PM

that is awesome! I too have recently joined the world of running..well, jogging...it's almost euphoric, non? GREAT SUCCESS! Report Inappropriate Comment

390TO130 3/8/2011 4:29PM

That is amazing and inspiring!! I have similar running goals and can't wait until I am where you are!!! Great job!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLYC_14FAN 3/8/2011 4:27PM

That is awesome!!! Way to go!!!! You are doing such a great job!! Love the new picture by the way!! You look great. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

GIVINGINOW 3/8/2011 2:58PM

This is SO great! What an accomplishment :) See, I told you that you would be running before you knew it ;) So very proud of you!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KITTY_M 3/8/2011 1:38PM

You are so awesome and one of my biggest inspirations. Congratulations! Report Inappropriate Comment

THOMS1 3/8/2011 12:31PM

I am so happy for you. Kudos to you my dear! Nothing can stop you now and I just can't tell you enough how proud I am of you. Keep running!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZANDRAAK 3/8/2011 11:31AM

Wow that is completely fantastic!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYB73 3/8/2011 10:49AM

Girl...13-14 minutes is SMOKING. Especially when you remember that last year at this time you couldn't do it at all. SEE! I knew you could do it and I'm so proud of you!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZBMORGAN 3/8/2011 10:42AM

So proud of you!!!! I remember when I ran a mile - it was just last year! I've been a walker forever, but breaking through to running helped me break through a plateau, too. Keep it up, you're doing great! I also got new running shoes last week - it's like bouncing on the moon, isn't it? Report Inappropriate Comment

DARKTHOR 3/8/2011 10:36AM

That is just fantastic! I'm so happy for you. Keep reaching for more and your body will respond. Report Inappropriate Comment

3500 calories equals 1 pound. Really?

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Ok, so lately I am struggling for a myriad of reasons. I am not trying to make excuses, just trying to say how I'm feeling.

For whatever reason, I feel like I am always hungry lately. And it's not just because I want to eat, I will be lying in bed reading before bed and my stomach just growls and growls. I can't even get to sleep sometimes because of it. I am eating around 1700-1800 calories a day and I work out 4-5 days a week, some weeks more. I started doing those Biggest Loser dvds which are very hard, and my muscles have been aching a lot lately. I just feel tired, and stressed because of some other issues, so I don't know if that is making me feel more hungry or what.

I get frustrated because I'll have this awesome week working out and eating really healthy, but then I'll think, "Oh, I can have a few cookies and go over my calories by a couple hundred this one day. That won't make me gain weight." Well, apparently for me it is enough to make me gain weight. There is no way in a week that I am eating 3500 calories over, especially considering I burn that every week, according to the tracker (this is another reason I want a HR monitor) I don't understand it. People around me can literally eat an entire pizza for dinner and not gain an ounce, but I eat a few cookies or something and the next week I am up 1.5 or 2 lbs when I weigh. Does that seem normal?

I normally plan things like that in so I don't go over my calories, but I feel like I can never just slip up without paying for it big time. Sometimes I just want to be able to go out with someone for impromptu ice cream and not worry I'll gain weight from it when I've done a great job every other day that week. My kids once in a while ask me to make them something, like cookies, and I hate always saying no, or when I do make then worrying that eating a few is going to ruin that week.

So, I don't know if extra strength training is making me hold water and if that is the cause of my random ups in weight lately, or if I just have to be perfect in my eating or what. I didn't want to completely deny myself treats because in the past when I've done that, I end up gorging on all the cookies and ice cream I can eat, and I never do that now. I have not seriously overeaten in a loooong time. I track pretty much every single day, drink my water, take vitamins, and make exercise a priority. So, I am disappointed in my weight loss lately. I have lost a lot of weight in the last year, and I am proud of that, but if I can't figure out why I am losing 2 lbs, then gaining 1, I feel like I'll never get to my goal if this keeps on.

I'm just frustrated. I feel like I work so hard and I know we aren't supposed to measure success by only looking at the scale, but it's hard not to sometimes.

It's also frustrating to not be able to buy clothes that fit me. Every couple months things no longer fit and I can't afford to buy a lot right now. I feel like a frump wearing the same things over and over. I thought I'd look a lot better, but naked, I look worse. I have a lot of loose skin already (especially in my inner thighs) and something is telling me it's not going to go away. It just depresses me sometimes to think of how I didn't take care of myself for a long time and even after this is said and done, I'll still not even have an average body. I know being healthy is the most important thing, and it is to me, that is why I am doing this, but it still sucks. Being Barbie is not important to me, but I just want to look normal, if that makes any sense.

Sorry for the complaining. It's just hard, and I'm tired, and even though there are nights I get 4 hours of sleep or my muscles ache like hell, I still make myself work out and plan meals and try to make sure my family gets everything from me they need. This balancing act is so hard sometimes, and I wonder how others seem to do it so effortlessly.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KELLYC_14FAN 2/21/2011 1:03PM

I know how you feel. I have been dealing with the same thing. I think my issue was I was working out TOO much and eating TOO much. Because the last two weeks I decreased my workout amounts and my calorie amounts and I have started losing again. I was basically doing what you are doing...3500 calories burned and eating between 1700-1800. I decreased my exercise to 2500 calories a week and now eat between 1500-1600. It seems to be working. Maybe you just need to tweak things a little bit. I understand about the clothes too. Have you tried your local Salvation Army? I sometimes get things from there. I don't have a lot of money for clothes either so most of the time I still wear things that are too big for me. I honestly don't think a few cookies or ice cream is making you gain weight. I firmly believe that a person has to indulge once in a while. You are doing a fabulous job!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PELESJEWEL 2/20/2011 8:16PM

I can so relate to your blog. I haven't lost weight in six weeks, I'm hungry all the time and I can't seem to be happy with the progress I've been making on training for the half marathon and my new job is demanding! I'm so glad to have found SPARK which is my safe haven. I need a RE-SPARK! Btw, what size are you now? I have a clothes that I've sized outof that may work for you.... Comment edited on: 2/20/2011 8:17:15 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MAWDOT35 2/20/2011 2:36PM

I feel your pain and frustration! Like you I'm keeping my calories low (around 1200 most days) and have added exercise to my routine, but guess what--I gained a pound last week!!! Let's blame it on the full moon! Maybe next week, if we're really good, we'll drop several pounds all at once!! Hang in there, you are doing so good. Report Inappropriate Comment

GV0903 2/20/2011 2:21PM

Girl, first of all I admire you for all of the weight you have lost. Ans second, I TOTAALY feel you because i gain weight all the time for what seems like no reason and once in a blue moon, I loose a bit when I am doing poorly. It is REALLY frustrating. I often feel like this is not the case for most people but I see now you understand too. Best of wishes for both of us. Report Inappropriate Comment

DARKTHOR 2/20/2011 2:01PM

Skin takes awhile to shrink back, so there is still hope. I do believe your muscles are retaining water. 15 ounces of water is about a pound, it is not difficult to have that small amount spread through all the muscles of your body as they work to recover from the strain that will make them stronger. Also, it is not uncommon to hit plateaus as our bodies adjust to a VERY strange new set of circumstances. Persevere. Take pleasure in the things you do have and are capable of. You are dancing, riding a bike and so many other things that you weren't doing before. We can't underestimate how important the health aspect of this is. I watched my grandmother lose her leg to diabetes and finally die due to complications. I watched my mother deal with diabetes, a stroke and then a heart attack and die. Even without those terrible results, dealing with excess weight and limited mobility and energy every day of your life is sad and not how I want to live my life anymore. Let's live and live well. We'll keep exercising and eating right and moving in the right direction. Our bodies will get stronger and lighter and healthier. I know you are already doing these things, I just hope you'll allow the positives to raise your spirits and keep you feeling good about where you are. We are winning, slower than we want, but still winning every day. Report Inappropriate Comment

BUSYGRANNY5 2/20/2011 12:35PM

Moonbird, First of all, congratulations on the weight you have lost so far, that's amazing!!! It shows you are very capable!! I'm new to Sparkpeople, but the one thing I've already discovered is that there are TONS of people out there who can help me/us through rough spots and NOT consider us to be whiners or complainers! So hopefully someone with much more experience than I will ready your blog and be able to offer you some solid, real, advice!!! You've inspired me to know that it can be done... and that there are others out there to help me through the rough times! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYBUGG67 2/20/2011 12:30PM

Hi Moonbird! I just looked at your main SP page and you have lost over 70lbs. WOW! Obviously you are doing something right. What a wonderful accomplishment! I am quite sure that beneficial changes are taking place inside your body that won't be reflected on the scale. KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDSHOES2011 2/20/2011 12:27PM

Dear Moonbird, Put up your nutrition page and ask several people you really trust to look over your food.. Perhaps more eyes can scan what your eating and help improve and tweak it so your not hungry.. Don't let it annoy you, get angry and try some stuff.. xx Red Failure, correction, trying new most important remove give up from vocab! Ask Becky the dietian if you totally hit the wall, she may be able to point you in a direction if you feel uneasy about throwing it out to other people.. I have never asked but the coaches do have a panel to contact them like everyone else.. Comment edited on: 2/20/2011 12:29:57 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

The Week From Hell

Thursday, February 03, 2011

A week ago today, I had my wisdom teeth removed. That went really well, even though I was nervous about it. After it was done, I came home and was sleepy and numb, and as the anesthesia wore off, I didn't even have any pain. My husband was home to take care of me, and he did a good job.

For a few days, I felt fine. I was taking the pain medication they gave me every 6 hours and never really felt any pain, just some very mild discomfort. I had feared it would be horribly painful from what I'd heard from other people. I mostly felt bad from being so tired. Although the meds made me sleepy, I was not sleeping for more than a few hours at a time, so I felt awful from that and was so sluggish. I also wasn't eating much. My diet consisted of V8 juice, greek yogurt, smoothies, pudding and frozen yogurt.

Ok, this is where my blog is going to get really gross, so if you are grossed out easily, please don't keep reading. This has to do with bathroom issues, ie pooping. :/

By Sunday I was horribly constipated. I never get constipated, and didn't know what to do. I took some miralax which we give to my son (he's had issues with constipation from holding it in), and I started having horrible stomach pains. I kept trying to go to the bathroom and I couldn't. I had my husband get me an enema and suppositories. Neither worked. By this time, which was Sunday evening, I was doubled over in pain. It was even getting hard to urinate and it said on the package of suppositories that if you still can't go to the bathroom to see a Dr. I knew I couldn't make it till morning. I was in agony and couldn't even sit I was in so much pain.

So, at 11 that night, he took me to the ER. We had to wake our kids, who are 7 and 4, and I felt so bad. I told my husband to take them home (we live about 9 or 10 mins from the hospital), and I'd call him later, so they would not be sitting there. It took more than an hour before they got me a room. It was awful waiting all that time, feeling sick and not being able to lie down.

The Dr. came in and I told her what was going on, and she said I should have been on a stool softener while I was on that medication. I was not told that, I had read the meds could cause it, but I thought since I was eating healthy things like fruit and veg juice that it wouldn't be a problem. She said that didn't matter, and that those meds cause the stool to get very hard and sometimes impassible. Then, she proceeded to shove what felt like her entire hand up my butt. It was extremely painful. She said I had impacted stool and they send the nurse in with an enema. I told her I'd tried that at home, and it didn't work. Well, they wanted to try it anyway. So, after 4 enemas and a lot of pain, I still could not go to the bathroom. I didn't even have a bathroom in my room and had to keep going out to the hall where all that would come out was the water from the enema. I pushed so hard at one point I thought I was going to pass out. I was lying there crying it hurt so bad and getting up was getting difficult. I was weak and tired and by this time it was almost 4 in the morning and I hadn't slept.

So, at this time they decided to give me this stuff to drink that tasted like acid. I had to drink a 12 oz bottle of it, and about half way through started to feel really sick. It made my insides feel like they were on fire! After trying to go to the bathroom a few more times, I was making some progress, but it still felt like something was stuck. Then I started to throw up from that crap. One time I couldn't even make it to the toilet. I just kept throwing up and throwing up. I was starting to wish I would just die I felt so awful and weak. They told me I could go home and would still continue to use the bathroom. I got a prescription for some pills that were supposed to help with the awful stomach cramps I was having and for miralax which they want me to take for a couple weeks.

I called my husband to come get me and I threw up again while on the way out. We got home just before 7 am, and all went to bed. I have never been so glad to lie down in my own bed. I had a restless sleep from the stomach pains and having to keep going to the bathroom. My butt was hurting so bad that I couldn't sit. For the next 2 days I spent all my time either sleeping or lying on the couch because sitting up was too painful.

By Tuesday night I was feeling a little better and went to bed. About a half hour after that my daughter woke us up because she was sick. She'd thrown up all over the place and I had to clean that up and wash all her bedding and change her bed. She kept throwing up and was up all night, and so was I. I did not sleep at all that night and all day yesterday I dozed off some in the morning and afternoon while my son was at school. She's been running a fever, and has some sort of stomach bug, which I am hoping I will not get. I can't take anymore, and I feel so wiped out.

She seems to be doing better today. My husband was at work yesterday, but is home today and he let me sleep in this morning. I just feel so worn out, and just want to feel like myself again so I can work out and get back into my regular routine.

So, that has been my week. It has not been fun, and I am hopeful things will get better. I lost over 3 lbs this week because I haven't been eating much. I am starting to feel hungry again, so I guess that's a sign I am getting better. I will hopefully only need a few more days of resting and then I'll be all better so I can get back into things.

Just wanted to update everyone, and warn you if you are ever on pain meds, take a stool softener! I will never ever make that mistake again. I have given birth to 2 children, and even after those births I was not in as much pain as I was after this ordeal!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MAWDOT35 2/3/2011 10:28PM

You poor dear! So sorry you had to go through all that suffering! I'm glad you are feeling better! Maybe in a few days you will be back to normal. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGIK0731 2/3/2011 3:51PM

Wow!!! Look at it from the positive perspective...the week from hell is over albeit unforgettable but the worst is behind you now. So happy to hear you are feeling better and I hope your little one feels better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYB73 2/3/2011 3:26PM

there's got to be a better way to lose 4 pounds than this! I'm so sorry you had such a crummy week. Report Inappropriate Comment