Debby's Maintaining Mutterings

[DebbyL]

Thought it was a good idea to do a blog. So here's a start.
I started using the My Trak device to get me "moving" back in September 2011. I had put on almost 40 lbs in the last few years, though I had lost that same weight & kept it off for a decade (before menopause). I chalked it up to menopause & some very difficult years... along with lack of exercise.. Suffering joint pain, exhaustion, lack of motivation (or even interest in life), basically a "lump."

OK, so I started doing the "step-counting" which surprisingly really motivated me. Then decided to quit sugar & go low-carb again. I finally found some Hoodia & took it for maybe 3 days, which I've found very helpful to get off sugar in the past. By that time, the low-carb "non-hunger" set in.

So, in April found out that I have a low thyroid. Went in for more precise blood tests. I had been able to lose 30 + lbs (at the rate of 1 lb @ week)... However, I stared having serious vertigo problems, along with all the other symptoms. Then all of the sudden, my heart rate went gone crazy. The heart-belt clued me in... so I went to the dr (feeling like a hypochondriac), asking the dr to check my thyroid. Sure enough, it was low.

Thus began the study on hypothyroidism. I discovered many helpful tips on stop the thyroid madness. Also did tweaking of my diet & supplements.
1). Gluten-free diet
2). Virgin Coconut Oil
3). Selenium & Oil of Primrose
4). Vitamin D

When the Dr put me on synthroid, it made my have heat intolerance... so I went to a naturopath & got her advice & help. Discovered I have more intolerances...dairy, chemicals, coffee ... so more changes. As well, my adrenals were tanked... so add adrenal fatigue to the diagnosis. She treated me with natural adrenal & potent licorice (which gave me high blood pressure)! So, we took the saliva test & narrowed it to low cortisol. I now take Isocort. She also strongly suggested natural thyroid, which I was able to switch to after I quit the synthroid.

Happily, I have reached my goal weight - by October/2012. Can't even begin to say how great it is to feel good again!

I'm still getting the thyroid meds regulated, but getting close. Using the Wilson's temperature test & graph, I've been able to get my body temperature up above 98 degrees! First time in my life!

Now I tackle adding foods to my diet. Added a few more carbs (blueberries & apple) to my diet. Getting near 1,500 calories. But experienced "hunger" yesterday... So, I need to cut back & see where the magic number is of carbs, to keep me from getting hungry... don't like hunger!

[DebbyL]

Today I had a nice relaxing morning, worked on books. Then went for a hike/walk through the bush/snow with the neighbor & 2 pups. Had an excellent work-out.
I skipped the blueberries today & didn't have the "hunger" thing today.
I tried to BBQ 12 lbs of chicken... just about burned the house down! Not going to BBQ thighs again. Saved 'em, & finished in oven but it was quite the fire! LOL. Also did 10 lbs of lean hamburgers. All set now!

[DebbyL]

Let this be a reminder...

I remember the "before" picture being taken by a house-guest. I normally don't let people take my picture when I'm overweight. If my dh takes one, I just delete it! But I am thankful this one was out of my reach. It was taken just shortly after I started exercising in September 2011.

It seems like people don't take my picture as often when I "want" them to... now that I feel acceptable, its unusual to have my picture taken.

[DebbyL]

Trying again, this is the picture.

[DebbyL]

Well, just when I think I'm getting the adrenals & thyroid under control... stress has to show up & send me... I'm so sensitive to upsets & anxiety.

Shelby (new puppy) ate something bad & quit eating & drinking 3 days ago. I started thinking she would die last night. She didn't die, took her to the vet today & she got some liquids into her & will have surgery tomorrow, if the "object" does not pass. Praying it will pass. If she has the operation tomorrow they will also spay her, save money by combining.

Anyway, back to me... didn't sleep all night, lots of adrenalin rushes... took extra meds, did ok rest of day. Till... found out my client is being audited... big adrenalin rush again, although it really doesn't concern me, his accountant is handling it. Took some nerve & st. johns... had to go to choir even though I was kapoot. Then it was a white-out on the way home. So, not the best day today. But, praise the Lord anyway!

My good friends here & others have been very supportive & are joining me in prayer.

[GailyGail]

Joining you in a prayer for Shelby. God will provide and she will be okay!

[DebbyL]

Thank you Gail,
Shelby perked up quite a bit this morning. Very loving & started eating & drinking. She's still not eating much, but its staying down.

I took her to work today instead of the vet's. She loved on all the pastors & visitors.

That's real sweet of you to pray, and Jesus is definitely answering! PTL

[Shreem]

so happy to hear about shelby! i have two poodles and they are like our children.

[DebbyL]

Shelby's Feeling her "oats" now!

We're living in a winter wonderland today... Lots of new snow & its just gorgeous! I got my new Bogs boots yesterday & they're fabulous!!
Sounds so weird, me being excited to have snow-boots!! the one who hates being outside!! Things are sure changing!

[DebbyL]

Yesterday I worked really hard, getting ready for company, cleaning, cooking, mopping... then went for a long trek in the snow with the neighbor! Shelby did fine with Coogee. Even swallowed a whole mouse! ew!! I know this, because she got car-sick on the way home. Of course, I thought she'd be fine in the van without the crate... oops. Anyway, enjoyed our company. The energy continues to amaze me! I did have to raise Thyroid to 3 tabs every day again, because I'm losing ground on the temp. again.

Today was another super-active day. We filled the wood-room with wood (something I never helped with before). And then we got out the "old ski's" & went cross-country to visit the neighbors. It was great fun & just the right distance for the two of us "rusties." The boots, however are starting to "rot" LOL... had 'em for 30 years! Great work-out for ankle & hip muscles long laid dormant!

I've had to be quite selfish about it actually. Kind of goes against the "servant-heart" I've always had... putting my schedule & my dietary needs up front, insisting on it. Of course my dh was so worried about me last year, he'd do almost anything to help me get healthy. Its still embarrassing eating out. I have two Christmas dinners to go to, & I have it all figured out what & how to order.

[DebbyL]

So, I've been recovering from hypothyroidism/adrenal fatigue... taking treatment for both, getting things regulated, feeling better. But...
Yesterday when I went cross country skiing, my groin had a stabbing pain...However, its not injured. Later it felt like I had carpel tunnel again & groin was fine. Today the back of my arms & calf muscles... so, I'm getting migrating joint & muscle pain again. I was also extremely tired today & needed a nap this afternoon, which hasn't happened to me in a long time. It's so weird. Just hard to figure out which thing is causing it & how to treat it. Both Thyroid & adrenal fatigue can have that symptom.

So, any of you experience migrating joint & muscle pain?

[girondet]

I love your blog, Debby! Your picture looks great. Wow have you lost weight and I know how proud you are. I reached maintenance too, but have gained a few back in the last 5-6 months of increased stress. That's ok, I'm back on track and accepting that weight management is going to be a life long activity.

A blessing that Shelby is better. I hope you feel better soon too.

[DebbyL]

Thanks Girondet, glad you enjoyed my blog. Nice to meet you.

It sure is great to be back to my normal weight again. And thankful that Shelby is healthy again too. I have to watch her like a hawk though, she tries to eat everything!

Good on you, that you got to maintenance. Yes, stress is pretty much the cause of lots of troubles! I know it helped me put the weight on & also develop the adrenal fatigue. Life-long process/ maintenance yep!

Today I got a call from the Dr's office. Have to go see him on Monday. I hope it explains why my symptoms have got bad again. Guessing I've gone hyper... but it doesn't make sense... temps are still low. We'll see.

Still fatigued today, but joint pain is all but gone... just tiny twinges in ankles & knees today. Will cut back on thyroid meds next couple days just in case it is hyper.

[DebbyL]

Woke up reluctantly today But eventually felt better.
Decided to reduce thyroid to 2 till I see the Dr. If its the opposite it won't hurt. But best not be hyper for any longer then possible.

My temperature is definitely receding, but will wait & see what he says & make appointment to see Naturopath again also, for her instruction. Will ask to see a specialist if he's going to treat me according to the TSH. Must get name of specialist the Naturopath recommends first!

All this juggling of meds & science involved... would sure like to get it figured out! A specialist would be covered by medical & the tests he orders too... hoping...

Well, going to try cross-country-skiing today for exercise again. Hoping the pain doesn't return. Haven't felt it for 2 days.

[DebbyL]

Went cross-country-skiing today for exercise again. The pain didn't return. Snow is now 18 inches deep... such a good work-out. But half an hour of that & Shelby's just getting warmed up!
I am feeling quite a bit better this afternoon & evening than I have in days. Had a few heart palpitations, but not many.

[DebbyL]

Well, here's my 1919 costume for our choir production. Each week this month we will be dressing for a different generation. Telling the 100 yr. story of our town... its our 100 yr. anniversary for our town this year. Its also a story of Hope for the hopeless & how Jesus makes the difference in our lives.

[DebbyL]

Health wise I felt better today. Although I kept getting frazzled. I lost my grandmother's pearl necklace in the snow at church. Will go with a rake tomorrow to try to find it. Praying I can find it!

Went cross-country skiing again today, no pain! Good work-out.

[DebbyL]

Well, as I figured, my TSH dropped below the recommended 0.40-5.50. It was 0.09. So it was good to drop back. He recommends I go back to alternating the dosage & see how I feel. He also ordered a test on my vitamin D levels next time.

Couldn't find the necklace in the snow. Still hoping it shows up!

[Izzysdream]

Hi Debby, popping by to congratulate you on getting to maintenance! Hope you can find that necklace at church!

[DebbyL]

Originally Posted by Izzysdream

Hi Debby, popping by to congratulate you on getting to maintenance! Hope you can find that necklace at church!

Thanks!
Yes, I am hoping... I keep losing things lately, but eventually find them. The snow might pose a problem for me in this one, but hopefully they're not in the snow!

[GailyGail]

Debby, you look fantastic in that picture in the 1919 costume. You have lost so much weight! Thank you for being an inspiration. It really helps to see "before and after" photos because it inspires me to stay on plan! Have a great day!

[DebbyL]

Thanks Gail!
I love that! I like pictures a lot too, for inspiration & also connecting.


You're doing great! 40 lbs already! Good for you. Steadfast & focused will find you at goal before you know it. As my dh always said when I would be frustrated with slow losses... at least its going in the right direction!

I'm pretty excited today. My Flex Force is at the post office, ready for me to pick up. Can't wait to get started on the project of "firming up" & building muscle.

[CherylB]

Can I join you over here? I started reading and I know I need to read each post so I can be fully informed. I'm glad to see that Shelby is better now. If she keeps eating mice, that can't be good. At least she barfed it up. So, am I welcome? You know your journal is going to get long after I join in cause I'm so gabby.

[DebbyL]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Can I join you over here? I started reading and I know I need to read each post so I can be fully informed. I'm glad to see that Shelby is better now. If she keeps eating mice, that can't be good. At least she barfed it up. So, am I welcome? You know your journal is going to get long after I join in cause I'm so gabby.

Of course you are!

[CherylB]

Cool! Okay. Now I need to catch up. Your before and after pic is amazing! And I love your costume. Happy 100 year anniversary to your town!

[CherylB]

Okay. All caught up. So sorry you lost your G-mother's necklace. I hope you posted a lost article notice at the church so if someone finds it, they know who it belongs to. Losing something that dear to you would be a tragedy.

WTG on all the cross-country skiing you're doing. And I'm so thankful that Shelby has pulled through and is going to live a healthy life. Is she a border collie? They are very high-energy dogs, for sure.

[DebbyL]

Yeah, I'm hoping too... & happy Shelby's good again.

The Flex-Force came & was a bit of a job putting together. Plus I got a phone call that lasted over an hour. So I didn't get to do too many of the moves. It seems pretty good though. Will give it a better try tomorrow, at my normal work-out time.

Oh, put on a pan of veggie stir-fry with coconut oil, & then forgot about it! Filled the house with smoke. Oops.

[CherylB]

Oops. I hate when I do stuff like that. I also hate putting things together! I hope it all came together as it should and that you get a nice workout soon. Have a nice day. Today I am giving away some furniture. I hope it goes well. All I ask is that things go well and that I can get in and out of there smoothly.

[DebbyL]

Hope your give-away works great!

Heading down to use new machine soon... yipee!

[GailyGail]

Let us know how it goes with Flex Force! It is exciting to get a new piece of exercise equipment. And it arrive just in time for the cold winter -- when most of us prefer to exercise indoors rather than outdoors. Hope you have a great evening!