Adventures in Nutrition?

I mentioned before that I was referred by my physician to see a dietician to discuss healthier eating and managing my metabolic disorders (yes that's a plural) with diet and so forth. I was originally supposed to go to a day long class in Silverdale (8 miles from my house) But found out that it was considered out of network on my insurance. After calling both my insurance and my doctor, it was decided that I would go talk to a dietician, but the closest place covered by my insurance was in Seattle. While geographically close, it takes a while to get to, so I took the day and wandered through Seattle.

It was Halloween so I dressed as a Hogwarts student, because I have the robes and they cost too much to never get worn. I really like riding the Ferry. I find it peaceful and if it was cheaper, would ride it just for fun. The most awesome thing happened while I was waiting for the bus to the hospital. When the bus driver pulled up he told me that the Knight Bus was out of service but that we would be happy to give me a lift. It totally made my morning.

I got to the hospital super early so they recommended I grab some coffee from the cafeteria. Although most people were dressed in scrubs, seeing as how it was a hospital, enough people were in costume that I didn't look too crazy.

My appointment with the dietician went well, we discussed ways to make my dietary changes that I have been making more sustainable, the fact that no food is actually off-limits, and other good ideas. I am supposed to aim for between 30 and 60 grams carbohydrates per meal and 15-30 for snacks. This is doable. This evening I made a quesadilla and it had 20 grams of carbs, which is a little light, but I had a cookie this afternoon, so I wanted to even the carbs out.

Best news that he told me was that my standard breakfast was a reasonable choice. I hate eating breakfast but have to eat it because of my pills, and I was slightly afraid I was going to be told to eat more. But my standard piece of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and a cup of tea passes muster. Yes, I eat this daily, do not judge me.

My lovely niece sent me some yoga resources to check out. I read through them today and they look doable. I need to work on my stress levels seriously. Stress causes your blood sugar to increase which is not the vision if you are trying to avoid a future of insulin shots and finger pricks.

I have more I could say, but I won't right now. Trying to figure some stuff out, and am a bit overwhelmed. But will be okay in the long run I am sure.

To Live

So.... I lost 13 lbs.  I am at a new low weight. I can't remember the last time I weighed this, but I would say elementary school. 18 more pounds and I am at my preliminary goal. Then I need to lose 20-25 more and I will be at a "normal" weight.  I have never actually followed a diet as closely as I have this time. I am a professional diet cheater (taking Fridays and holidays off etc) But for the most part, I have been consistently eating healthy for the last 12 days. I know that a lot of the weight I lost so far is water weight and that I can't expect to keep losing at this rate, but it is a good start. My doctor was impressed with my success so far. I know that we discussed on the phone that I was eating healthier and working out, but I think that he has heard it so many times from so many people that when I showed up having lost that much, he was honestly stunned.

So....other than the weight:
Medical update.

We discussed ways to improve my long term ability to stick to this healthy way of eating. I admitted that I was having a hard time knowing exactly what I should be eating and running out of ideas. So I now have a referral to meet with a dietician. I am having a hard time finding someone to meet with before my insurance runs out that is considered in-network, but I have a few more people to call tomorrow.

The last time I went in for an eye exam, the eye doctor mentioned seeing some weirdness in my eyes that could be related to high blood pressure or sugar, and my doctor wants me to see someone for a more detailed eye exam than you get at Walmart.

My toe looks really good, keep doing what I am doing. Yay!

I once again have had a good doctor's visit. I only barely cried at one point.

We were discussing stress and the importance of having a good support network. I gave him a brief overview of all the stuff I have been dealing with lately, and some of his responses surprised me. He is my medical doctor but took the time to listen, expressed sadness at some of the stuff I am dealing with, and helped me brainstorm some good ways to deal with some of the mental stuff because it CAN affect your physical health. One point to my lovely sister Robin, who recommended Yoga, the doctor recommended it too. Said I needed a way to remove my stress and encapsulate it so I don't feel as overwhelmed.

 He also recommended I reconnect with a place of worship after I admitted that I was missing having friends close by. I told him I had been burned before so I had been afraid to make a connection with a local church. Also, work tends to interfere with attending services.

But honestly? I really miss attending church. I also know if I am being honest I have been avoiding it more out of fear than anything else. I don't know who all is reading this, so a brief recap of the fact that I used to be really involved at the church I grew up in. I was at church more than I was at home (almost) I helped with the teens and the kids and basically anywhere I was needed to help. But things changed, and it was time to move on. (This is still painful and I don't want to say anything that would hurt anyone) I was hurt, and instead of addressing the issue, I have tried to ignore it (much like my toe that led to me seeking medical attention) but I feel like it is becoming time to address my issues and move toward healing.

I really want to LIVE, not just exist. There is no reason for me to keep merely existing. If I am to merely exist, Why bother?

So all of these changes I am making are to help me really LIVE. I can't just give up when there is so much more of life to experience. This is going to be a fresh start on a new healthier life.

If you pray, pray for my faith journey. This isn't going to be easy. And I honestly don't know where to start looking.

Work Stuff:
Both my manager and my supervisor have told me they are happy with my work. Getting faster will come with time. This relieves a bit of that stress, but I know I will feel better when I can do this route on my own in a reasonable amount of time.

Halloween:
I got to decorate my place, and I can't wait to decorate for Christmas. It is nice having a space to decorate.

My Space:
I got some wall art from Dollar Tree. Some fun glittery word art for the craft room and some tree prints for the living area. I just need to get them hung and I will put pics up on facebook.

There's a brief update for now. I will have to find something else to write about since I shouldn’t have to see my trusty physician for a few months :) Yay!

55 hours!

Well, it has been a week since I filled the blogoverse in on my doings, and I am up at 3 am, so why not?

On work:
Sunday: I went and delivered Amazon parcels and then my manager had me case on a few routes so I could get the hang of casing for a rural route.

Monday: I went in to case the mail for Tuesday on my new route and they had me help with parcel deliveries.

Tuesday: I carried half of the route I am learning.

Wednesday: I carried the other half of the route I am learning.

Thursday: I cased and carried about 3/4 of the route I am learning. (This was a 12 hour day)

Friday: I was supposed to carry parcels on the route I am learning, but they had me take half of a different route instead.  Week 1 total: 55 hours.

Saturday: I cased and carried about 2/3 of the route I am learning. This was a rough day. I cried most of the morning and I really am not feeling content right now.

Today: Amazon parcel day.

This week: I am scheduled Mon-Wed to work on yet another route they are having me learn and we shall see from there. We are having an employee appreciation brunch on Tuesday (I am getting an award for perfect attendance LOL) and I need to wedge a doctor's appointment in there somewhere.


Update from the Doc:
I called the doctor's office Monday morning. My amazing doctor wasn't in, but his equally amazing nurse (The amazing Maria) got right back to me and said she'd talk to him and get back to me. Later in the afternoon, I got a call saying that my fun response to the medication was probably just side effects, and that once they subside I can increase my dosage as planned (2 pills a day, instead of 1) and that if they don't go away in a few weeks to come in and we'll figure it out. Well, I have felt better the past few days, and I plan on doing my planned increase starting tonight.

After my little episode I apparently scared my friend at work, everyday she comes and says I have food stashed and you should eat it if you need to. It makes me laugh, and I appreciate having someone look out for me. I had a little chat with my manager about some of the health issues and how they might affect work, and we have discussed how to handle any situations that occur. This also lets her know that I am going to have doctor's appointments I have to go to, and while the post office is trying to own my soul, my physical self is going to the doctor. I know I appreciate having information ahead of time and basically want to make sure that if anything happened to me at work that someone could give the paramedics a heads up. (I don't think I have to worry about any major health issues happening, but what if there is a vehicular collision (people on the island drive like locos) and I am not conscious?

I have to admit, I have noticed some small improvements overall in how I feel, and some annoying things that I have always just dealt with have been less annoying lately, so seeking medical attention has worked out so far. Still have my fear of doctors (yes, even though I pretty much adore and trust MY doctor, the rest are still up for debate) and I am still trying to get over the fear of needles, but BABY STEPS!

I did find out I have a small grace period on the insurance front, and after consulting with the doc via email, I will be seeing him at some point this week to "discuss some things" This statement always makes me nervous. But we'll see what there is to discuss before I freak myself out too much.


On the dietary front:
I need to get more organized. I am okay with breakfast and mostly okay with lunch. But by the time I get home at night I have less than zero desire to cook. Add to the fact that any and all convenience type foods have way too much salt/simple carbs/or anything else I shouldn’t eat in them, I am basically out of luck at dinner time, so I end up eating either something I shouldn't (while still trying to make better choices) or not really eating. My goal is to get home early enough today or go in late enough tomorrow to make a batch of shredded salsa chicken in the crock pot and at some other point to make my favourite chicken, zucchini and stuffing mess. The chicken zucchini stuff is a meal that I am going to attempt to make healthier by tweaking ratios and whatnot. More veggies and chicken, less of the stuffing and other yummies. If I can get those both done, and make some pasta sauce, I will be able to have quick meals for a while.

Mentally: I will admit, I am not doing great on this front. But I know that it is 90% me being overwhelmed and stressed (90% of that 90%- you do the math, I majored in history) is work. The rest is health and just life in general. I don't think I am depressed per say, just sad. I can and frequently am happy, but my current baseline is less content than I would like.

I know I am incredibly blessed and don't have that much to worry about in the grand scheme of things. I have shelter, and clean water, am able to buy groceries and have access to good healthcare. I have good friends and amazing coworkers. I am employed, and am able to pay my bills, even if there isn't much left over at the end. I have my beloved, who is there for me, even though we don't get to see each other or talk much lately, I know he is there if I really need him, and that gives me so much support. And I know that I have a big God who loves me more than I can comprehend, I just need to work on being more mindful of my blessings when I am feeling overwhelmed.

Weather: I finally had 1st sweatshirt day this week. Last year it occurred in August, so I was beginning to feel forgotten. But I am so excited for the cold rainy weather we have been getting!

Well, I didn't quite dodge the whole bullet... and adventures in rural mail delivery!

My first day of my new job was yesterday, and it was a fairly easy, if incredibly long day.  My task for the day was to practice casing the mail (separating it according to address) and to ride the route with the regular carrier so that I can know how the route runs and if there are any tricky spots in it. No big deal, I know the basics of how to case and pull down (remove the mail from the case in delivery order) because I have been doing that 5-6 days a week for over a year. That means that I basically just need to learn where all the addresses on this route are so I can not take forever to deliver. This will come in time. This route is 30 miles long and gets a little twisty so I will admit I am nervous about when they send me out on my own, but I know I can handle it and absolute worst case, I have great coworkers, and many of them have told me that I can ask them if I get stuck because they know the route pretty well.

I finally talked to the doctor on Friday morning. After looking at my labs, he is concerned about the long-term ability of my body to use the insulin it makes, not quite diabetes but not quite completely in the clear. Basically, if i don't get my act together I am looking at the dreaded D-word. Between diet and exercise and yet another pill, we hope to be able to call me completely in the clear if I can stick to some lifestyle changes.

I can and I will.

Most of my other labs came back great, including my cholesterol which was, and I quote "beautiful." That may be the biggest shocker of all, my love of cheese and all things cheesy and burgers and bacon and all the other crap that is high in cholesterol is no secret, and I have no clue why it came back so pretty. I know the doctor was surprised and I was too. There are a couple of other things we are going to watch but I don't incredibly understand what they mean, so I am not going to stress about it until I have a reason to. Part of the new healthy Stacey involves exercise, I have exercised more this week than I ever have in my life, I need to keep it up though. I found a video I can do at home when work keeps me occupied during all the daylight hours (we are heading into the dark time of year, which is my favourite when I am not at work), and when I have daylight I have my .75 mile hilly route to walk by my house. 2x is a mile and a half, and so far I have done the route 2x twice in the last week, and might get in another go tomorrow after work.

This new pill though... it sucks. I took it for the first time yesterday, you know... the first day of the new job.. and I made sure to follow all the instructions about eating and when to take it and how much water to drink (If I am going to pay a small fortune to see the doctor ((I have a ludicrous co-pay and can't wait to get new insurance)) I am going to do what he says, I don't pay good money to ignore the man) And maybe 2 hours after I took the pill, I start feeling terrible. Cold sweat, shakiness/lightheaded, excessive tiredness (agreeably I didn't sleep well the night before but this was extreme) And I remembered reading the info pack that came with the new pills. These aren't supposed to cause low blood sugar but they can, and this time they did. I grab my satchel and pull out my emergency sugar supply, shove about half of it in my mouth and hope this works because passing out on the first day of a new job (even if everyone knows you already) would be embarrassing and suck mightily. A few minutes later I decide more sugar is necessary and finish my pack of Boston baked beans (those yummy candied peanut things) Feeling a little better I keep working while the regular carrier takes off to eat his sandwich. I try to do this all without anyone knowing anything is wrong. When he gets back I decide that even though it is early I should eat my lunch, I felt so much better after eating the lunch. It was like a heavenly gift of baby carrots, string cheese, and slices of ham. I know I can't get a hold of my doctor until Monday at least, but I do know someone who is getting a phone call tomorrow morning.

Next thing I know I am being loaded into the back of a mail truck (complete with a seat and seat belt) and am basically buried underneath parcels. It was kind of entertaining, but definitely not comfortable at all. And after five hours (I got to stretch a couple of times) of sitting in the crazy chair in the back, my butt was numb.

I came home and immediately went to bed (checked the mail, opened my door, put down my bag, and face planted into bed)... at 6pm. I then woke up later and figured it was midnight or something... nope! 8:45pm, watch a bit of television, surf the web and back in bed by ten! Woohoo. That nap has cost me though. This is why I am completely awake and blogging at 3 whatever in the morning.

In other news, I paid $2.85/gallon for gas today. It was awesome.

And, I do in fact think I am going to head to bed again, the morning fast approaches and this postal minion has Amazon parcels to deliver today.

Time flies

I know nobody reads blogs anymore, and I have always blogged for myself anyway, so here goes.

New adventures and journeys.

Since checking in with this blog last, I have finally finished that pesky college degree, Moved 1200 miles away to tiny little Kitsap County in WA and started a new career.

I live by myself in a cute little 2 bedroom apartment that my friend envies because my kitchen is better than hers and she is a homeowner. I have no clue why I have the second bedroom since I don't need it at this time, but it is cheaper than the other places I looked at and I really like it. This apartment is in a little town that is seriously convinced that it is a Norwegian territory, they don't even celebrate the 4th of July on the 4th!

 I am a mailman except not a man, a job that is way more difficult than most assume. I recently traded the position I had as a city carrier that would have most likely meant I would be transferred to Seattle and would mean either a very expensive ferry commute or a move, for a position as a rural carrier Associate. This one is taking a bit of faith. I am only guaranteed one- two days of work a week, which is definitely not enough to pay the bills, but I didn't make this change without serious thought and prayers for direction. I do believe that it is all going to work out, and if it doesn't that God has bigger plans in store for me.

 I think I decided to restart the blog because I want a place to record my thoughts on a few more serious health things, but if you've read my blog before you know I am a random person. Be forewarned I use the word ovaries and the word breast, if that makes you squeamish back out now.

Chapter 1: The Toe

A little more than a month ago, I developed a gnarly blister on my "pointer" toe. I had done a lot of downhill walking the day before and I assumed it would go away as it healed. After about a week it developed into an open wound and became an ulcer, when it started being red and oozy I made a hasty decision to go to the doctor. I haven't had the best of luck with doctors since moving up here, so I went to the clinic that was on my route and made an appointment to be seen that afternoon. They got me an appointment with a doctor that I hadn't seen before.

Here is where I will get real with everyone. I had never been to a doctor that does doctoring so well. I am afraid of both doctors and needles. I told the very nice nurse lady that as soon as I walked in the door. When the doctor came in he asked me a bajillion questions that helps him get an idea of where his patients are at. He looked at my toe, and said the more professional equivalent of Wtf. He asked me if I was diabetic and I said not that I was aware of. We discussed that it was very likely a pressure wound from my shoes that I wear for work, and he told me to never wear the "torture shoes" again. He really wanted to have blood drawn that day but respectful of the fact that I am afraid of it all, asked me to think about it and maybe next time I will let them test my blood. He also asks me if I am ready for a mammogram to which I tell him I have 2 more years before it is recommended that I get one (baseline at 35 if you have a strong family history) and he will not get to "send the girls off to be squished early without a good reason".

Two weeks later and facing an imminent end of my insurance due to the career change and not a hundred percent positive on how my toe is doing I make a followup appointment. Good news! The wound isn't infected anymore and is closed. The bad news, my toe thinks it is in need of extra protection from its latest battle and has decided to grow a super thick callous that is almost hornlike over it. He asks me if I would let him debride it, and of course my reaction is, is it going to hurt? Assured that it shouldn't I say okay. Then he pulls a freaking exacto-knife looking thing out of the cupboard and I immediately decide that it was a terrible idea to say yes.

 Let's pause: I know that debriding callouses can not be anyone's idea of fun. But this doctor didn't pawn the job off on anyone else. He could have, he's in a large clinic with lots of people including a nurse who is a wound specialist. He then proceeds to spend a half hour patiently and gently cutting the end of my toe off.

I've cried a handful of times over the toe situation. 3 of those times were due to the thoughtfulness and kindness of this doctor and his staff. One of those times was a spiritual revelation in regards to how I was being treated (that story is for later) The rest were all stress.

Long story short: Too Late! (Name that movie!)

When he is done, he rechecks my blood pressure (we do it at the end because it is a happier number then) It is still high :/ Then he sits down and look at his laptop which is brilliant, my chart is there and he looks through the notes from my last visit and does a small bit of research. He turns around and then lays it all out on the table. He really wants my blood. He wants to rule out diabetes based on family history and the toe, it is a concern, the elevated blood pressure is worrysome, and based on a handful of other observations he thinks I have Polycystic Ovaries. He also wants my cholesterol levels and thyroid function and some other gobeldygook checked. Ultimately it is my decision whether or not I let him send me to the lab, but seeing as how I have spent the last two weeks trying to convince myself that it is better to know than not, I say yes. We talk thru some prescription ideas and he tells me that blood pressure meds are in order, I reluctantly agree and I let him put me on oral contraceptives (after discussing the repercussion of oral contraceptives for someone with an already elevated risk of breast cancer) for the PCOS (ovaries). But I decide to put on my big girl panties and head to the lab.

Flash Forward to this Week:

I have been obsessively checking my online chart for updates, and finally Wednesday morning it appears as updated (although my labs are still not posted :/) I am NOT diabetic. Next to the words Family History of Diabetes Mellitus is the small word UNCHANGED. I almost cry with relief. This was by far the biggest stress for me.  I know how to eat healthier, but it is a bit freeing to be able to enjoy the occasional treat without having to feel as though I am going to accidentally kill myself.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a definite diagnosis. This both troubles me and it doesn't (and definitely calls for a blog entry of its own)

 Hypertension is added.

 The last problem added to my chart is by far the easiest one for me to do something about. OBESITY. Anyone who knows me at all knows I have an "Ummm, Duh" reaction to anyone telling me I am obese. But I have reached a point where I actually want to take care of my health. I don't know if it is because I have finally grown up in this area, or if it is because I finally found a doctor I trust, but I want to be healthier. Bonus points for looking better, but that is seriously the least of my concerns.

If I can lose 31 pounds I will no longer be considered obese, but merely overweight, something that has not been true since I was a child (somewhere between 8 and 11) So that is my goal. I guarantee that when I reach this goal I will cry and it will not be pretty. And then I will set another goal.

The toe looks better after its mini surgery and I have instructions to file it and put cream on it every day until the thick skin is better. Yes, file it with an emery board. Me, the girl who has feet so sensitive I have kicked 2 different pedicurists in the head (by accident I assure you)

 I start my new job tomorrow. Only slightly nervous.

And that's an update.

too busy having fun

March was a crazy month. I feel like I did way too much and now all I want to do is take a nap. But April is going to be exciting too. This weekend Eric was doing his racing @ OC/RC in Huntington Beach. On Friday night I got to go watch, it was a lot of fun. I almost want to start racing myself. On Saturday, Eric's friends Randy and Rodney were racing, although Eric decided he didn't want to race in such a large race yet (it had super mad skilled peeps and he is still getting used to this track and racing in general) But Eric did take some amazing pictures of the boys races. Meanwhile I went to the Disney Character Warehouse in Anaheim and bought two Pook-a-looz. I LOVE them. I got Kermit and the Mad Hatter. They are so cute it is stupid. After I went shopping I brought Eric Lunch, then we went on a lunch run for the boys. AFter that we went to the Cabrillo Marine Museum, but forgot to bring cash for parking so we looked at the whole thing within an hour, because I was pretty sure I had a dollar in change in my car. LOL! AFter that we got a snack at the Torrance Bakery, then we headed back to the race track because Eric forgot a camera battery. Then we ate at SuperMex and drove home.

Tomorrow we are going to the melting pot for dinner because I got sent a 20 dollar off coupon. I <3 Coupons!

Next weekend, we plan on going to the Butterfly Jungle exhibit at the SD Zoo Safari PArk (formerly known as the Wild Animal Park) I am hoping it isn't crazy hot that day.

The weekend after should see us in Los Angeles as I am baking for the FOL Booksale Bakesale, and I want to go to the LA Spring Fair too.

The weekend after is Easter, and then the month is almost over. May looks to be busy too, but I have a week off work for when Eric's Nephews (and Sister in law) are coming to visit. And now we see why I never blog, I am just too busy!

Once a day

isn't going to work, when I don't have my computer everyday is it?

oh well, until I live my life in one city I will have to not plan for any daily blogging until then here's stuff I am making for dinner this week.

From Gina's Skinny Recipes:


Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Aji Verde

From the Pioneer Woman:

Steak Bites

I still have to figure out Monday and Tuesday, but at least today and tomorrow are covered.