I went in yesterday morning for the pelvic ultrasound test. If you're unfamiliar with the test they require you to drink 48 ounces of water beginning 90 minutes before your appointment and hold your urine until after the test is finished. This is because they want your bladder full so they can correctly locate the organs. This was my third pelvic ultrasound (my first was when I was 19 in which they diagnosed me with PCOS, my second was with my pregnancy) so I was no newbie to the uncomfortable full bladder feeling. Of course, I'm standing throughout the waiting period because I don't dare sit down, it only makes the pain worse. As I'm standing there in the waiting room I spot a woman probably in her 50's with a folder marks "mastectomy". She is quiet and doesn't look around much. After 5 minutes she stands up and begins frantically searching. A woman in scrubs asks her, "is there something I can help you with?" The woman says, "bathroom please." The scrubbed woman points to a door and the woman bolts to the room while clasping her mouth with one hand trying to hold in her nausea to make it in time. My heart dropped. I can only imagine what this woman is going through, I'm guessing she's on chemotherapy and has breast cancer. I pause to look around and I see two men waiting patiently in hospital gowns, one man is attached with tubes to a machine with wheels.
My ultrasound tech asked me how I was today, I cleared my head and lied, "I'm good." Trying not to be bothered. But how could I not? Both my mother and father have had cancer. Seeing these others brings back sad memories. The ultrasound tech was fast and I was finished in less than 5 minutes, then excused to finally use the restroom.
I should be getting back my test results sometime mid next week. I'll keep you posted. Until then, remember to thank all the nurses. It takes a strong person to see pain and sickness on a regular basis and still be able to care for others.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Post Doc Update
I went and saw my Gyno this past Friday to chat AGAIN about my irregular cycles and hormonal imbalance. After describing my symptoms, she ordered a Thyroid test and scheduled a Pelvic Ultrasound. No answers, which is frustrating, but at least there is some action being taken to get answers. My ultrasound is scheduled in one week, then I have to wait an additional week after the US to get my results. So I've got 2 more weeks before I could possibly find out the findings. Wait, wait, o ya, and wait some more!
In other arenas of health, I've started my DTP/Yoga weekly workout regimen. I. WAS. SO. SORE. Everyday was a constant battle in the gym. DTP is no joke, it's a different kind of weight training for me so I was definitely challenged. The Dramatic Training Principle was created by Kris Gethin and if you're looking for a short 4 week program to increase your muscle and challenge yourself check it out on bodybuilding.com. Also, I started training with Rasa, my yoga instructor, twice per week (instead of only Sunday). She is amazing and really has brought back my passion for the practice. I managed to perform a supported headstand inversion for 10 seconds, but then I lost my balance and came crashing down! Kind of embarrassing, but I was proud in the same moment.
In terms of my diet I've been craving more of a vegetarian/Mediterranean style diet. Once or twice per week I've ate meat but I'm sticking mostly to eggs, beans, and my protein shake as my primary sources of protein. I've been loving my Ezekiel tortilla with hummus wrap lately! And I try to get in sushi every other week. Once I finally get pregnant my sushi choices change from raw to cooked so I want to get it in as much as possible but still within my budget. Sushi is expensive!
In terms of being creative in my kitchen, that hasn't been happening lately. Sadly, we are still in a temporary furnished condo until our short sale has been approved. The process takes long, but I didn't realize it would take THIS long. So because I don't have my usual kitchen tools (food processor, vitamix blender, mandolin etc) I haven't been doing too many fancy pantsy stuff. But I've been really enjoying hummus (Trader Joes), Ezekiel Tortillas, fried eggs (fried in coconut oil), cucumbers, pistachios and craisins. Not all in the same dish though!
In other arenas of health, I've started my DTP/Yoga weekly workout regimen. I. WAS. SO. SORE. Everyday was a constant battle in the gym. DTP is no joke, it's a different kind of weight training for me so I was definitely challenged. The Dramatic Training Principle was created by Kris Gethin and if you're looking for a short 4 week program to increase your muscle and challenge yourself check it out on bodybuilding.com. Also, I started training with Rasa, my yoga instructor, twice per week (instead of only Sunday). She is amazing and really has brought back my passion for the practice. I managed to perform a supported headstand inversion for 10 seconds, but then I lost my balance and came crashing down! Kind of embarrassing, but I was proud in the same moment.
In terms of my diet I've been craving more of a vegetarian/Mediterranean style diet. Once or twice per week I've ate meat but I'm sticking mostly to eggs, beans, and my protein shake as my primary sources of protein. I've been loving my Ezekiel tortilla with hummus wrap lately! And I try to get in sushi every other week. Once I finally get pregnant my sushi choices change from raw to cooked so I want to get it in as much as possible but still within my budget. Sushi is expensive!
In terms of being creative in my kitchen, that hasn't been happening lately. Sadly, we are still in a temporary furnished condo until our short sale has been approved. The process takes long, but I didn't realize it would take THIS long. So because I don't have my usual kitchen tools (food processor, vitamix blender, mandolin etc) I haven't been doing too many fancy pantsy stuff. But I've been really enjoying hummus (Trader Joes), Ezekiel Tortillas, fried eggs (fried in coconut oil), cucumbers, pistachios and craisins. Not all in the same dish though!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sorry For My Two Month Sabbatical
I just realized its been two months since I've posted anything. Sorry about that. It's funny because I catch up on all my favorite blogs every morning with a hot beverage and I expect them to post regularly, yet I don't. Eh, they get paid for it, I don't.
So I temporarily gave up on the Maca and the Solace as of Saturday (Solace is a DoTerra essential oil blend for hormone harmony, Maca is a root used by South Americans for hormone regulation). It's a really long story so to sum it up my cycle has still been wacky and NEWS FLASH, I'm still not pregnant. Last month was especially stressful and confusing for me. I thought everything was going well and my cycle seemed to be regular and we did "the baby dance" almost every other day yet my period came, and stayed, for 2 weeks! I talked to Mike about it and we have decided that after 5 months of wacky hormone fluctuations (causing everything from spotting, to long and painful periods, exhaustion, acne, etc) I am going to see my Gyno again (3rd times a charm right?) and start the Metformin. If you're not familiar with Metformin it's usually given to Diabetics to help control their insulin. PCOS also creates insulin resistance and therefor starts creating too many androgens thus throwing off hormone balance and that's pretty much where I'm at. Doctors also give Metformin to patience with PCOS to regulate their insulin thus helping the body regulate its own hormones. So that's where I'm at now in terms of baby making. I'm feeling quite defeated as I've tried what would "naturally" help my body fix itself and it hasn't worked. I will continue to do what I need to in terms of nutrition, fitness, and natural supplementation along with the Metformin. I'm still currently taking my Organic Raw Prenatal Multivitamins and Vitamin D.
In terms of exercise, I've started practicing Yoga again weekly. I really like the new instructor I've found and she's renewed my love for the art. I spoke with her on Sunday at the last session and she suggested I start practicing twice a week. Also, Mike and I are still weight lifting 3 times per week together while Kellen plays at the gym's daycare. So starting next week I will be doing Yoga twice and doing a new strength program three times a week. The new strength program has 500 repetitions total for each body part. You only work two body parts a day but its going to be a new kind of stimulus so I'm sure it'll be a nice change for my body. Maybe even I will put on some new muscle. Regardless, it'll keep my mind from getting bored and keep my body guessing.
Our holidays brought a lot of time with family and friends. It was great to enjoy them all since last year we were in Italy away from the states. Kellen had so much fun, he loves his Grandmas and Grandpas. Plus we got to meet some extended family (Finney side) out in Oklahoma. I did pretty good with my eating habits making sure to not over indulge. We also stayed active by hitting up the local Golds wherever we traveled. I'm proud to say I didn't gain any weight, but I can't say that for everyone. Kellen did some major growing! So it was the good kind of weight of course. ;) I did read that Americans gain an average of 7 pounds during the holidays (Thanksgiving through New Years). Doesn't surprise me, there are so many parties and gathering that time of year and if you overeat and stop moving, it's bound to catch up. How'd you do this season, stay on track?
Sorry that I couldn't bring you better news, like that I am pregnant. Or even that my hormones have balanced and I'm starting to feel more like myself. I do believe that one must try naturally to heal the body, but if it fails, GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR! Ciao for now.
So I temporarily gave up on the Maca and the Solace as of Saturday (Solace is a DoTerra essential oil blend for hormone harmony, Maca is a root used by South Americans for hormone regulation). It's a really long story so to sum it up my cycle has still been wacky and NEWS FLASH, I'm still not pregnant. Last month was especially stressful and confusing for me. I thought everything was going well and my cycle seemed to be regular and we did "the baby dance" almost every other day yet my period came, and stayed, for 2 weeks! I talked to Mike about it and we have decided that after 5 months of wacky hormone fluctuations (causing everything from spotting, to long and painful periods, exhaustion, acne, etc) I am going to see my Gyno again (3rd times a charm right?) and start the Metformin. If you're not familiar with Metformin it's usually given to Diabetics to help control their insulin. PCOS also creates insulin resistance and therefor starts creating too many androgens thus throwing off hormone balance and that's pretty much where I'm at. Doctors also give Metformin to patience with PCOS to regulate their insulin thus helping the body regulate its own hormones. So that's where I'm at now in terms of baby making. I'm feeling quite defeated as I've tried what would "naturally" help my body fix itself and it hasn't worked. I will continue to do what I need to in terms of nutrition, fitness, and natural supplementation along with the Metformin. I'm still currently taking my Organic Raw Prenatal Multivitamins and Vitamin D.
In terms of exercise, I've started practicing Yoga again weekly. I really like the new instructor I've found and she's renewed my love for the art. I spoke with her on Sunday at the last session and she suggested I start practicing twice a week. Also, Mike and I are still weight lifting 3 times per week together while Kellen plays at the gym's daycare. So starting next week I will be doing Yoga twice and doing a new strength program three times a week. The new strength program has 500 repetitions total for each body part. You only work two body parts a day but its going to be a new kind of stimulus so I'm sure it'll be a nice change for my body. Maybe even I will put on some new muscle. Regardless, it'll keep my mind from getting bored and keep my body guessing.
Our holidays brought a lot of time with family and friends. It was great to enjoy them all since last year we were in Italy away from the states. Kellen had so much fun, he loves his Grandmas and Grandpas. Plus we got to meet some extended family (Finney side) out in Oklahoma. I did pretty good with my eating habits making sure to not over indulge. We also stayed active by hitting up the local Golds wherever we traveled. I'm proud to say I didn't gain any weight, but I can't say that for everyone. Kellen did some major growing! So it was the good kind of weight of course. ;) I did read that Americans gain an average of 7 pounds during the holidays (Thanksgiving through New Years). Doesn't surprise me, there are so many parties and gathering that time of year and if you overeat and stop moving, it's bound to catch up. How'd you do this season, stay on track?
Sorry that I couldn't bring you better news, like that I am pregnant. Or even that my hormones have balanced and I'm starting to feel more like myself. I do believe that one must try naturally to heal the body, but if it fails, GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR! Ciao for now.
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