No.. its not as bad as it sounds. I did get a shot. The flu shot! I know the shot came out a few years ago and you have to get it early to prevent certain strains of the flu. When the shot first came out it had thimerisol in it. I could not get the shot because I am very allergic to thimerisol. I found out from a skin patch test thankfully and not some terrible case of the hives (or worse!). Anyways, I have been doing some thinking and researching about the flu shot and after speaking to my doctor yesterday, I went ahead and got it. She stated that at their office, the shots there do not have thimerisol or mercury in them because people who are prego do not want those things in their body. Apparently there have been cases that thimerisol causes autism. The reports have been proven wrong but people still do not want that stuff in their bodies. (I don't blame them). So after the nurse double checked and printed out a form from the box saying there was no thimerisol in the shot, she gave it to me and then I had to hang out for 20 min to make sure I was ok. This was fine with me since I do not do particularly well with shots, needles, blood drawn, blood in general, cuts, scrapes, you name it. Although, I can tell before I get any medical stuff done if it will be a good day or not, I knew that yesterday was going to be a good day and I would not have problems. I personally think it has to do with my blood sugar and what I ate the day before and the morning of. I knew I ate super healthy both breakfast and dinner, but still chilled at the office for a bit. (per doc's orders)
Lets just say it has been 9 years since I have had a shot that goes into the muscle and ouch! I feel like I had a killer workout on my left shoulder.
Here is to hoping I do NOT get the flu.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
When something breaks
Ok... I must confess... our oven broke like a month ago and we still havnt fixed it. I know I know, getting it fixed is pretty simple. Call someone, pay them to come fix it, done. BUT I have been having entirely too much fun cooking with my crock pot that I have forgotten about the oven! I have become more creative and really... you can cook like everything in the crockpot. Even yogurt and wine! So far, I have cooked apple spice oatmeal, stuffed peppers, chicken stew, chicken soup, pot roast, and chicken broth. Its just so easy. Also, all of these recipes have been loaded with fresh veggies and meat and low carb. (good for my condition) Also low on sugar too. (also a plus for me)
Side note:
Carbohydrates and PCOS
A diet low in fats, but high in carbohydrates may not be beneficial for women with PCOS. High levels of carbohydrates can trigger the overproduction of insulin, which is detrimental in effect. Hence, a diet which is low in carbohydrates is considered as ideal, but avoid refined ones like breads, pastas, cookies, ice creams, etc. You can include more complex carbohydrates like whole-grain breads and cereals, whole-wheat pasta, barley, brown rice and beans. Prefer lower glycemic index foods, which take more time to turn into blood sugar. They have higher fiber content than the high glycemic foods (foods that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream).
The daily consumption of carbohydrates should not be less than 40 grams. A lower intake of carbohydrates can cause ketosis. Maintain intervals in the intake of carbohydrates. If you consume the whole recommended levels of carbohydrates in a single meal, it can cause a rapid rise in the blood sugar and insulin. Try to drink more water and liquids. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Avoid foods containing saturated and trans fats like red meat, whole dairy products, butter and margarine, fried and spicy foods, etc. Foods high in mono unsaturated fats and omega 3 fats are good for the health of the heart.
Now this doesn't mean that I totally am super crazy about avoiding all sugars because I LOVE SUGAR! I love ice cream, cookies, cakes, brownies, you name it. I just now try to keep it out of the house. And yes, some days, I just don't care and really need (want) that comfort food. But I do try to be more conscious about what goes in. More salads, and rarely ice cream in the house.
So back to the crock pot thing. I am in love. I can premake dinner and then have it ready to eat when we get home. I can plan meals based on the fresh produce that is on sale each week. I am not sure what is next on the agenda but it might have something to do with pumpkin. :)
Side note:
Carbohydrates and PCOS
A diet low in fats, but high in carbohydrates may not be beneficial for women with PCOS. High levels of carbohydrates can trigger the overproduction of insulin, which is detrimental in effect. Hence, a diet which is low in carbohydrates is considered as ideal, but avoid refined ones like breads, pastas, cookies, ice creams, etc. You can include more complex carbohydrates like whole-grain breads and cereals, whole-wheat pasta, barley, brown rice and beans. Prefer lower glycemic index foods, which take more time to turn into blood sugar. They have higher fiber content than the high glycemic foods (foods that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream).
The daily consumption of carbohydrates should not be less than 40 grams. A lower intake of carbohydrates can cause ketosis. Maintain intervals in the intake of carbohydrates. If you consume the whole recommended levels of carbohydrates in a single meal, it can cause a rapid rise in the blood sugar and insulin. Try to drink more water and liquids. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Avoid foods containing saturated and trans fats like red meat, whole dairy products, butter and margarine, fried and spicy foods, etc. Foods high in mono unsaturated fats and omega 3 fats are good for the health of the heart.
Now this doesn't mean that I totally am super crazy about avoiding all sugars because I LOVE SUGAR! I love ice cream, cookies, cakes, brownies, you name it. I just now try to keep it out of the house. And yes, some days, I just don't care and really need (want) that comfort food. But I do try to be more conscious about what goes in. More salads, and rarely ice cream in the house.
So back to the crock pot thing. I am in love. I can premake dinner and then have it ready to eat when we get home. I can plan meals based on the fresh produce that is on sale each week. I am not sure what is next on the agenda but it might have something to do with pumpkin. :)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Best day of 2011
As you all know, October 6, 2011 is Rosalie Helen's Birthday. What an exciting day this was.
Pretty much the whole month of September I was on pins and needles waiting for that phone call saying that Alex was headed to the hospital. I got a couple of them, but they all were "false alarms". That is not to say that it was not important for her to go to the hospital because it was. She had abnormal test results, etc that got her admitted but the released. Oct 5th was Ron's birthday and also the day I got the phone call that she was headed to the hospital. Her test came back not good so the doctor admitted her to have and induction. At first Alex said for me to come early... like before the sun comes up but then later said 830 would be fine. My task was to grab breakfast for dad to be and myself. Unfortunately mom to be couldn't eat anything but jello. :( I arrived a little late due to traffic, and doing some household things for Alex and Ron. When I got there I did not even go into the room all the way because Alex would have smelled the food. Ron and I ate by the drink machines and then went back into the room. Alex was already starting to have contractions because she was induced at 730ish. Nothing was painful so Ron showed me around the hospital. Who knew how long we were going to be there. Might as well get my bearings. After the tour I went to visit with Alex and stayed for quite some time before leaving for any period of time. We chatted, texted, were on the internet, etc. I did go get the nurse a few times from 9-12. I went running for the nurse when Alex's water broke. Why we did not use the nurse button you ask? Well we were told how to use it many times but either forgot about it or just went to the nurse desk since it was so close.
I must say that Alex and Ron had by far the most fantastic nurse ever! She was the perfect fit for them. Knowledgeable, warm, kind, and not pushy. She was always there when needed and was able to get Alex focused when she felt like giving up.
By the time we knew it, it was 12 and we all knew that this was the opportunity for lunches. Ron went first and went home for food. I then left. When I came back Ron went to go study. When Alex got checked at around 2, she asked for me to go get Ron so I went looking for him. I couldnt find him but he eventually came back and from then on out, no one left the room. Things progressed fast from here. Ron started with holding Alex's hands and counting when contractions got bad, then her back hurt her so I took over hand holding and he rubbed her back. After about 30-45 min of this, Ron declared his arms tired. So we switched. I went to give Alex a deep tissue massage on her back every time the contractions started and counted. Ron then started breathing tech with Alex while holding her hands. I am not sure how we got into such a rhythm but looking back on it, it was amazing. Alex asked me to stay and asked Ron if it was ok. He said yes and of course I said yes. I told Alex when I saw her that morning, that it was her day and she was #1. Anything asked of me, I would do. I stuck to my word even though I am the worst with blood and guts. My mind must have gone on overdrive because I watched the nurse set up all the instruments, all the medical items, and did not flinch.
Things got very intense by 4pm. There was lots of pushing, holding breath, counting to 8 or 10, and some very difficult times. Alex proclaimed she was an idiot for not getting any drugs, she broke down once, and cried... "get this baby out of me". The doctor finally came in at around 420. Talk about fashionably late! We were all wondering where she was and the nurse called for her twice. A few minutes later, Rosalie started making her entrance into this world. Ron watched, I couldn't but my side vision did catch Rosalie as she entered. We proclaimed she was here! Alex said, Why is she not crying? I reassured her that she was fine. They were cleaning out her mouth with a suction. My eyes got all teared up along with everyone else. What a magical moment! The doctor cleaned up Rosalie a bit and put a towel on Alex and then rested Rosalie on her. WOW! So incredible. Rosalie then had to be measured, cleaned up a bit, weighed, and have her first photo shoot. Ron stayed by Alex's side because she was getting shaky and in so much pain that she needed him. (and rightfully so) I got the camera to take pictures of Rosalie so that they could view them at a later time. Rosalie measured 22 inches. At first the nurse measured her at 22.5 but then remeasured her. They got her head measured, chest, and weight. She got her first diaper and then started sucking her thumb! Already a personality forming. After finishing up with the nurse, she was swaddled and given back to Alex and Ron. I got some family photos with them, photos with the doc, nurse, and then the extended family came in.
Alex's Mom, Dad, and brother entered and they started taking pictures. Everyone was super excited. After some time, we had champagne and pink cookies. Eventually we had to leave the deliver room so Alex's parents left and the rest of us walked down to the nursery to drop off Rosalie for her first bath, tests, etc. Alex's brother and I went to go get all the items from the deliver room and transferred them over to the recovery room. I went to grab dinner for Ron and myself. Alex got free food from the hospital. I did not forget her though. I figured after all she did, the least I could do was grab ice cream! (and been for Ron) The day winded down with everyone settling into the room and I left (even though I did not want to leave).
This day was by far one of the top days that I have ever experienced. It was the most educational, emotional day ever for me. Life really is a miracle. I am so happy to have The Farlow's in my life and have many more great long years together.
How could two friends get any closer you ask? I just don't know. Thick and thin, we are there for each other.
Pretty much the whole month of September I was on pins and needles waiting for that phone call saying that Alex was headed to the hospital. I got a couple of them, but they all were "false alarms". That is not to say that it was not important for her to go to the hospital because it was. She had abnormal test results, etc that got her admitted but the released. Oct 5th was Ron's birthday and also the day I got the phone call that she was headed to the hospital. Her test came back not good so the doctor admitted her to have and induction. At first Alex said for me to come early... like before the sun comes up but then later said 830 would be fine. My task was to grab breakfast for dad to be and myself. Unfortunately mom to be couldn't eat anything but jello. :( I arrived a little late due to traffic, and doing some household things for Alex and Ron. When I got there I did not even go into the room all the way because Alex would have smelled the food. Ron and I ate by the drink machines and then went back into the room. Alex was already starting to have contractions because she was induced at 730ish. Nothing was painful so Ron showed me around the hospital. Who knew how long we were going to be there. Might as well get my bearings. After the tour I went to visit with Alex and stayed for quite some time before leaving for any period of time. We chatted, texted, were on the internet, etc. I did go get the nurse a few times from 9-12. I went running for the nurse when Alex's water broke. Why we did not use the nurse button you ask? Well we were told how to use it many times but either forgot about it or just went to the nurse desk since it was so close.
I must say that Alex and Ron had by far the most fantastic nurse ever! She was the perfect fit for them. Knowledgeable, warm, kind, and not pushy. She was always there when needed and was able to get Alex focused when she felt like giving up.
By the time we knew it, it was 12 and we all knew that this was the opportunity for lunches. Ron went first and went home for food. I then left. When I came back Ron went to go study. When Alex got checked at around 2, she asked for me to go get Ron so I went looking for him. I couldnt find him but he eventually came back and from then on out, no one left the room. Things progressed fast from here. Ron started with holding Alex's hands and counting when contractions got bad, then her back hurt her so I took over hand holding and he rubbed her back. After about 30-45 min of this, Ron declared his arms tired. So we switched. I went to give Alex a deep tissue massage on her back every time the contractions started and counted. Ron then started breathing tech with Alex while holding her hands. I am not sure how we got into such a rhythm but looking back on it, it was amazing. Alex asked me to stay and asked Ron if it was ok. He said yes and of course I said yes. I told Alex when I saw her that morning, that it was her day and she was #1. Anything asked of me, I would do. I stuck to my word even though I am the worst with blood and guts. My mind must have gone on overdrive because I watched the nurse set up all the instruments, all the medical items, and did not flinch.
Things got very intense by 4pm. There was lots of pushing, holding breath, counting to 8 or 10, and some very difficult times. Alex proclaimed she was an idiot for not getting any drugs, she broke down once, and cried... "get this baby out of me". The doctor finally came in at around 420. Talk about fashionably late! We were all wondering where she was and the nurse called for her twice. A few minutes later, Rosalie started making her entrance into this world. Ron watched, I couldn't but my side vision did catch Rosalie as she entered. We proclaimed she was here! Alex said, Why is she not crying? I reassured her that she was fine. They were cleaning out her mouth with a suction. My eyes got all teared up along with everyone else. What a magical moment! The doctor cleaned up Rosalie a bit and put a towel on Alex and then rested Rosalie on her. WOW! So incredible. Rosalie then had to be measured, cleaned up a bit, weighed, and have her first photo shoot. Ron stayed by Alex's side because she was getting shaky and in so much pain that she needed him. (and rightfully so) I got the camera to take pictures of Rosalie so that they could view them at a later time. Rosalie measured 22 inches. At first the nurse measured her at 22.5 but then remeasured her. They got her head measured, chest, and weight. She got her first diaper and then started sucking her thumb! Already a personality forming. After finishing up with the nurse, she was swaddled and given back to Alex and Ron. I got some family photos with them, photos with the doc, nurse, and then the extended family came in.
Alex's Mom, Dad, and brother entered and they started taking pictures. Everyone was super excited. After some time, we had champagne and pink cookies. Eventually we had to leave the deliver room so Alex's parents left and the rest of us walked down to the nursery to drop off Rosalie for her first bath, tests, etc. Alex's brother and I went to go get all the items from the deliver room and transferred them over to the recovery room. I went to grab dinner for Ron and myself. Alex got free food from the hospital. I did not forget her though. I figured after all she did, the least I could do was grab ice cream! (and been for Ron) The day winded down with everyone settling into the room and I left (even though I did not want to leave).
This day was by far one of the top days that I have ever experienced. It was the most educational, emotional day ever for me. Life really is a miracle. I am so happy to have The Farlow's in my life and have many more great long years together.
How could two friends get any closer you ask? I just don't know. Thick and thin, we are there for each other.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
I have a secret
I have been keeping a huge secret. Well... I wouldn't call it a secret, just kept things private. Here it goes. I have been battling infertility for over a year. There I said it.. well wrote it. The only people who have know have been my Mom, sisters, and Alex. It really is not something that you bring up in conversation so there really is not a good way to tell someone. So now that my secret is out here is the back story.
March of 2010 Daniel and I nailed down a month we were going to just stop using birth control. That month rolled around back in 2010 and things seemed to be ok. But then two months passed and the third month I knew something was wrong because I did not have my period. My body, in the past, before meds was always spot on. I could time things happening. When nothing happened and no positive test, I had blood drawn. It came back negative and I was put on some drugs to make me start. So the next month came along with normalcy and I thought everything was ok. Until the following month showed up with the same scenero. This time, I knew something was really not right but the doc I was seeing insisted nothing was wrong and put me back on some meds for things to go "normal". Well the next month I ended up getting tested for multiple things. Daniel had mentioned it was probably from over exercising, I knew that was not the case. And the test results came back that I was not over exercising but that I did have "issues". I was then started on Clomid to try to get my body back to where a normal person should be. I did this for 2 months and really started to wonder if the doc I was seeing really had my best interest in mind. I felt she was not listening to me and not really concerned about my situation. I was frustrated so I went and got another opinion. Actually 2. I ended up going to a specialist with my records and sat down with her very bluntly and laid it all on the table. I told her how I felt, my frustrations, my concerns, etc. She immediately scheduled some blood work to see some things because she was concerned of some levels in my body. Turns out, my results came back and I have PCOS! Figures! I mean hello... classic symptoms of blood work issues and no period without meds to make it come. She started me on some drugs to get me going and we had a great relationship starting. Fast forward 3-4 more months and I have now been diagnosed with resistance to Clomid, you know, the drug that is supposed to help me. This was determined by blood work every month. My levels in my body were just not responding the way they should have. Some people just dont work out with this med. So on to a new one. I am now on Femara. (Yes the drug for Breast Cancer). I have been on it for a few months now and my blood work has come back much better thankfully. I have also been poked and prodded so many times now I can not keep track. I have the most extensive medical history report that I have every seen. I have had the worst emotions, mood swings, hot flashes, and down right sobs and buckets of crying for so long now. Every month my emotions get to me. I have turned to organic and natural cleaning and health and beauty products, I have stopped exercising as much, I have given up things such as alcohol and caffeine during certain times. I have put races and long training runs on the back burner, etc.
This month after nothing happened, I just gave up on keeping this a secret. I flat out told someone a few days ago because they made a comment and all I could do was say..." I may not be able to have children. I have infertility issues." With that being said, please please keep in mind when talking to others, not just me, when asking if people have children. I know that is something that most do not find offensive or upsetting but it can be. It puts people who are in a situation like mine... well upset.
So.... please if you do not mind, pass this along. There are so many people out there with these problems. Healthy fit individuals, and people just keep quiet about it. I am ready to share my situation with others only to help them with their journey or to help people understand the shoes that I have been in.
Because of quick thinking and research I have been able to cut down the time it has taken me to get this far. There are tools to help others out there and sometimes it just takes a hand to guide you.
My best friend Alex has been one of the biggest rocks for me to talk to. I am sure we prob have spent a total of a whole month talking about this if you add all the phone calls, emails, and long chats. If I did not have her, I am not sure I could have made it this far.
The blog below has been a great help to me. She explains exactly how it feels to be in my situation. I could not have said it any better. I was so moved by her blog that I emailed her back and forth for guidance and suggestions.
http://www.runnerstrials.com/2011/03/28/the-emotions-i-dont-want-to-feel/
And lastly, I have been saying I for a lot of the post, if not most, but Daniel has also been effected by it. Of course not in the same way as me. He gets the cranky, upset, downright emotional bride that he married to deal with. But his dreams of a family are on hold just like mine. When people ask him about kids, he really just doesnt know what it say. He has been supportive but sometimes also just doesnt know what to say. Men have different brains than women so he does sometimes say things that just do not make sense. He did say something a few times about how it should not define me, just be a part of me. I understand that and it doesn't define me. It is just something that I will have to try to control with medicine for the rest of my life. I will have to get used to going to the doctor monthly, getting blood drawn monthly, and pick up my expensive prescriptions monthly as well.
March of 2010 Daniel and I nailed down a month we were going to just stop using birth control. That month rolled around back in 2010 and things seemed to be ok. But then two months passed and the third month I knew something was wrong because I did not have my period. My body, in the past, before meds was always spot on. I could time things happening. When nothing happened and no positive test, I had blood drawn. It came back negative and I was put on some drugs to make me start. So the next month came along with normalcy and I thought everything was ok. Until the following month showed up with the same scenero. This time, I knew something was really not right but the doc I was seeing insisted nothing was wrong and put me back on some meds for things to go "normal". Well the next month I ended up getting tested for multiple things. Daniel had mentioned it was probably from over exercising, I knew that was not the case. And the test results came back that I was not over exercising but that I did have "issues". I was then started on Clomid to try to get my body back to where a normal person should be. I did this for 2 months and really started to wonder if the doc I was seeing really had my best interest in mind. I felt she was not listening to me and not really concerned about my situation. I was frustrated so I went and got another opinion. Actually 2. I ended up going to a specialist with my records and sat down with her very bluntly and laid it all on the table. I told her how I felt, my frustrations, my concerns, etc. She immediately scheduled some blood work to see some things because she was concerned of some levels in my body. Turns out, my results came back and I have PCOS! Figures! I mean hello... classic symptoms of blood work issues and no period without meds to make it come. She started me on some drugs to get me going and we had a great relationship starting. Fast forward 3-4 more months and I have now been diagnosed with resistance to Clomid, you know, the drug that is supposed to help me. This was determined by blood work every month. My levels in my body were just not responding the way they should have. Some people just dont work out with this med. So on to a new one. I am now on Femara. (Yes the drug for Breast Cancer). I have been on it for a few months now and my blood work has come back much better thankfully. I have also been poked and prodded so many times now I can not keep track. I have the most extensive medical history report that I have every seen. I have had the worst emotions, mood swings, hot flashes, and down right sobs and buckets of crying for so long now. Every month my emotions get to me. I have turned to organic and natural cleaning and health and beauty products, I have stopped exercising as much, I have given up things such as alcohol and caffeine during certain times. I have put races and long training runs on the back burner, etc.
This month after nothing happened, I just gave up on keeping this a secret. I flat out told someone a few days ago because they made a comment and all I could do was say..." I may not be able to have children. I have infertility issues." With that being said, please please keep in mind when talking to others, not just me, when asking if people have children. I know that is something that most do not find offensive or upsetting but it can be. It puts people who are in a situation like mine... well upset.
So.... please if you do not mind, pass this along. There are so many people out there with these problems. Healthy fit individuals, and people just keep quiet about it. I am ready to share my situation with others only to help them with their journey or to help people understand the shoes that I have been in.
Because of quick thinking and research I have been able to cut down the time it has taken me to get this far. There are tools to help others out there and sometimes it just takes a hand to guide you.
My best friend Alex has been one of the biggest rocks for me to talk to. I am sure we prob have spent a total of a whole month talking about this if you add all the phone calls, emails, and long chats. If I did not have her, I am not sure I could have made it this far.
The blog below has been a great help to me. She explains exactly how it feels to be in my situation. I could not have said it any better. I was so moved by her blog that I emailed her back and forth for guidance and suggestions.
http://www.runnerstrials.com/2011/03/28/the-emotions-i-dont-want-to-feel/
And lastly, I have been saying I for a lot of the post, if not most, but Daniel has also been effected by it. Of course not in the same way as me. He gets the cranky, upset, downright emotional bride that he married to deal with. But his dreams of a family are on hold just like mine. When people ask him about kids, he really just doesnt know what it say. He has been supportive but sometimes also just doesnt know what to say. Men have different brains than women so he does sometimes say things that just do not make sense. He did say something a few times about how it should not define me, just be a part of me. I understand that and it doesn't define me. It is just something that I will have to try to control with medicine for the rest of my life. I will have to get used to going to the doctor monthly, getting blood drawn monthly, and pick up my expensive prescriptions monthly as well.
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