This week has been a rough one. My youngest son's beloved Hamster, Donnie, died. Then, our puppy (bloodhound/coonhound mix) attacked our smaller dog. Scary. I realize that it's the hunting instinct coming out in her and that our small dog is about the size of a small cat (or coon, or large rabbit, etc.). So, we are put in the sad position of finding a new home for a dog that me and the kids really love. As far as being around people goes, Savannah is a joy with a sweet, calm temperament. But, she is going to kill Daisy if we are not very careful. So, a dear friend is helping us to find a good home for her. It will be sad, though.
We are getting geared up for a week of beach time. Each year, we meet my best friend and her family in the Georgia keys for a week that revolves around kids and casual fun. I look so forward to it and so do my hubby and boys.
Hubby is taking pictures at a wedding in Macon, Georgia today. Hoping that the photography business begins to take off with more regular work. He is so talented. I know that people will be thrilled with his images. It's an exciting time.
I am also gearing up for fundraising for the 3-day walk. I am about halfway to my goal and I really will feel much better when my $2,200 is all turned in. So, I am sending out more letters and am working to make sure that our Crop for the Cure is a success.
Today, we walked 13 miles to get ahead of the training schedule. That way, I don't have to do a long slog of a walk alone in a strange place. We had to leave at 5 am to avoid it being too hot and muggy to safely walk. It will only be worse at the coast.
Good news: our renters may want to buy the house they are leasing from us. That would be a major blessing in our lives. Pray for us!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Another pound gone!
I attribute it to the long walk yesterday more than to the new diet pill that I have taken exactly one time, but I have lost another pound! Woo Hoo! Yay for me! Yipee!
So, now it is a total lost of 38.4 lbs. All of these little losses are finally starting to add up into something that feels substantial. I like that feeling!
I took today off from walking because my muscles are very sore and locked up in my lower body. A little google research (and advice from my walking buddy) indicates that since my potassium levels can't be depleted with the amount of sports drinks (sugar free, of course) and bananas I am eating, that I probably have lactic acid locked up in my muscle fibers and I need to get it out.
I am sending out another round of fundraising letters today and tomorrow, so I can finally reach my goal.
So, now it is a total lost of 38.4 lbs. All of these little losses are finally starting to add up into something that feels substantial. I like that feeling!
I took today off from walking because my muscles are very sore and locked up in my lower body. A little google research (and advice from my walking buddy) indicates that since my potassium levels can't be depleted with the amount of sports drinks (sugar free, of course) and bananas I am eating, that I probably have lactic acid locked up in my muscle fibers and I need to get it out.
I am sending out another round of fundraising letters today and tomorrow, so I can finally reach my goal.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
12 miles--whew!
Well, my walking partner and I have walked for 12 miles this morning and I must admit that I am pretty tired now. We left at 5 am and walked till 9 am. We are definitely not pushing for speed, but only for endurance this time.
I really hurt when I finally finished. After some alleve and a hot shower, I was feeling much better in time to rush eldest son to his Asperger's behavioral therapy group session. While he was in the session, I took flyers to Scrapbooks, Invitations, and More in Peachtree City. It was the first time I had been there and it was amazing! It took my breath away with all of the beautiful embellishments and stickers. They also had loads and loads of stuff with guy themes. It's easy to find girly stuff, but some of us have little boys (not so little anymore).
Now, I really don't feel bad overall, but my feet are a tad sore and I am kind of stiff when I move in certain ways. I can definitely tell that I worked hard!
I also had my follow up appointment with the doctor yesterday. She recommended that I keep with the new antidepresant regimen and add a small, half dose of an diet pill in order to help kick my metabolism up a notch. So, today is the first day that I will have tried it. We'll see how it goes. If it goes well this month, I may be able to move up to a whole dose in a month or so. I'm holding my breath to see if it helps. I sure hope so.
Now, I just have to continue on with fundraising.
I really hurt when I finally finished. After some alleve and a hot shower, I was feeling much better in time to rush eldest son to his Asperger's behavioral therapy group session. While he was in the session, I took flyers to Scrapbooks, Invitations, and More in Peachtree City. It was the first time I had been there and it was amazing! It took my breath away with all of the beautiful embellishments and stickers. They also had loads and loads of stuff with guy themes. It's easy to find girly stuff, but some of us have little boys (not so little anymore).
Now, I really don't feel bad overall, but my feet are a tad sore and I am kind of stiff when I move in certain ways. I can definitely tell that I worked hard!
I also had my follow up appointment with the doctor yesterday. She recommended that I keep with the new antidepresant regimen and add a small, half dose of an diet pill in order to help kick my metabolism up a notch. So, today is the first day that I will have tried it. We'll see how it goes. If it goes well this month, I may be able to move up to a whole dose in a month or so. I'm holding my breath to see if it helps. I sure hope so.
Now, I just have to continue on with fundraising.
Friday, July 20, 2007
A little help from my Mom
It's really kind of unbelievable--really too good to be true. I have lost weight again, overnight. I have now lost 37.4 pounds. Believe it or not, this whole thing with breaking the plateau and all is my Mom's fault.
She called me a couple of days ago and told me about an article that she had seen in a magazine while waiting in line to check out at the local grocery store. It talked about a person who had a metabolic imbalance. Supplementing her diet with digestive enzymes allowed her to lose a significant amount of weight after really struggling with it for a very long time. Mom knew that my Aspie takes digestive enzymes to help him with stomach aches, constipation, etc.
She told me about the story and asked me if I had ever considered taking enzymes myself. I explained that I knew it wouldn't hurt me as long as they are plant-derived. But, even though I had read books about enzyme therapy when determining whether to try them with my son, I had never read anything that made the connection between supplementation and weight loss.
So, being the computer nerd that I am, I immediately did a Google search with my Mom on the phone (Love DSL!) and began reading articles that I found. It became very clear, very quickly that it was certainly possible that this could be helpful for certain folks. I determined a reasonable supplementation schedule (had a bit of experience with that part due to my son) and started that very evening. That was Wednesday night.
All that I have changed in my diet and exercise plans is adding the enzymes with water. So far, I am going to the bathroom way more than I used to and I feel a tad more energetic. It really seems like it is causing my system to be able to flush out the fat. It's a dumb analogy, but I really think that I have spending this time eating well and exercising to "prime the well-pump" so to speak. Now I am waiting for the water to flow and flow and flow.
Even if this is a short lived phenomenon, I am going to ride it until the wheels fall off and enjoy every minute of it!
She called me a couple of days ago and told me about an article that she had seen in a magazine while waiting in line to check out at the local grocery store. It talked about a person who had a metabolic imbalance. Supplementing her diet with digestive enzymes allowed her to lose a significant amount of weight after really struggling with it for a very long time. Mom knew that my Aspie takes digestive enzymes to help him with stomach aches, constipation, etc.
She told me about the story and asked me if I had ever considered taking enzymes myself. I explained that I knew it wouldn't hurt me as long as they are plant-derived. But, even though I had read books about enzyme therapy when determining whether to try them with my son, I had never read anything that made the connection between supplementation and weight loss.
So, being the computer nerd that I am, I immediately did a Google search with my Mom on the phone (Love DSL!) and began reading articles that I found. It became very clear, very quickly that it was certainly possible that this could be helpful for certain folks. I determined a reasonable supplementation schedule (had a bit of experience with that part due to my son) and started that very evening. That was Wednesday night.
All that I have changed in my diet and exercise plans is adding the enzymes with water. So far, I am going to the bathroom way more than I used to and I feel a tad more energetic. It really seems like it is causing my system to be able to flush out the fat. It's a dumb analogy, but I really think that I have spending this time eating well and exercising to "prime the well-pump" so to speak. Now I am waiting for the water to flow and flow and flow.
Even if this is a short lived phenomenon, I am going to ride it until the wheels fall off and enjoy every minute of it!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Finally!
I did it! I really, really, finally did it! The scale has dropped below the horrid 200 mark. I have struggled and struggled for over a month wondering if I would ever see another loss or if I was forever stuck at this weight. Whew! I am SO glad that is over and I can continue on with my progress. Never before have I been able to stick with anything long enough to get past a plateau. I have never been able to lose more than 10 pounds or so--ever. Now, I can say that I have lost 35.8 pounds.
I have hated each and every day of this plateau and each and every step I have logged during it because it seemed like all of my efforts would never pay off. Now I can honestly say that sticking with it has been worth it.
I have to admit that I am still a little bit disapointed that I haven't lost more of my weight over the summer while I have had more time to devote to planning, working out, cooking, etc. But, I am pleased with my loss. Now, I guess it is time to set a new goal. So, here goes: I would like to be able to say that I have lost 40 pounds by the time school starts. That amounts to a little less than 5 lbs to lose in about 2-3 weeks. Now, I just have to make that happen.
By the way, walked 6 miles with Misty and did well. It was awfully muggy today, though.
I have hated each and every day of this plateau and each and every step I have logged during it because it seemed like all of my efforts would never pay off. Now I can honestly say that sticking with it has been worth it.
I have to admit that I am still a little bit disapointed that I haven't lost more of my weight over the summer while I have had more time to devote to planning, working out, cooking, etc. But, I am pleased with my loss. Now, I guess it is time to set a new goal. So, here goes: I would like to be able to say that I have lost 40 pounds by the time school starts. That amounts to a little less than 5 lbs to lose in about 2-3 weeks. Now, I just have to make that happen.
By the way, walked 6 miles with Misty and did well. It was awfully muggy today, though.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Training updates...
I thought that I would have more time to update this blog, etc. during the summer, but it sure hasn't worked out that way.
Monday: 11 miles. Did fine. Stiff when I finished, but after an alleve, I felt really good. Not sore the next day at all. Hung out with the kids at a friend's house and got sunburned.
Tuesday: 6 miles. No problem. Took oldest son to behavioral therapy.
Wednesday: 6 miles. Piece of cake. Took oldest son to work on educational testing series.
Tomorrow we are doing 6 and should do another 6 on Friday. This will give us about 35 miles this week. Not too shabby!
Monday: 11 miles. Did fine. Stiff when I finished, but after an alleve, I felt really good. Not sore the next day at all. Hung out with the kids at a friend's house and got sunburned.
Tuesday: 6 miles. No problem. Took oldest son to behavioral therapy.
Wednesday: 6 miles. Piece of cake. Took oldest son to work on educational testing series.
Tomorrow we are doing 6 and should do another 6 on Friday. This will give us about 35 miles this week. Not too shabby!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Updates on stuff!
Well, I am pleased to say that the anti-depressants are working. I am feeling better, but I am still kind of sleepy. Not as sleepy as I would be without the meds, but I'm not exactly perky either. I am still waiting to see what my bloodwork says.
I did (finally) go for my baseline mammogram. Let's just say that it was an experience. It was certainly not as bad as I had imagined it to be, but I did end up a little sore and bruised.
On the training front...I completed my second 10 mile walk this week. I did much better this time and wasn't very sore afterwards. I was really glad about that.
Tomorrow, we are doing our 11 mile walk to get it out of the way. At least I am making progress with training.
I did (finally) go for my baseline mammogram. Let's just say that it was an experience. It was certainly not as bad as I had imagined it to be, but I did end up a little sore and bruised.
On the training front...I completed my second 10 mile walk this week. I did much better this time and wasn't very sore afterwards. I was really glad about that.
Tomorrow, we are doing our 11 mile walk to get it out of the way. At least I am making progress with training.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Doctor's visit
I saw the Nurse Practitioner yesterday and we talked a great deal about the anxiety symptoms that I have developing as well as metabolic issues. She agreed that I should be seriously dropping weight with the amount of exercise I am getting and the calories that I am taking in. I feel somewhat vindicated now. I really thought that I was working awfully hard for the small losses that I am experiencing. She also is going to try and help me find the answer to my hair loss issues. I don't know that anything much can be done, but at least I will know for sure.
I go in to the doctor's office early on Monday and get fasting blood work done. The Nurse Practitioner is running lots of tests to see what can be reasonably done to bump up my metabolism. I am already taking synthetic thyroid hormone and it may be time to increase my dosage.
I am on a different anti-depressant for now. I am to try it for 3-4 weeks to determine how effective it is at this dosage. If all goes well, I may be a good candidate for shots to help maximize my liver function. This may help to boost my metabolism by allowing fat to be mobilized out of my system faster. There are some other options. We'll discuss those when I go back for my follow up visits.
I guess the story is that there is some hope on the horizon. With any luck (and prayers) my weight loss will be appropriate for the amount of work I am putting into this. The less weight I have hanging on my joints for the 3-day, the better off I will be.
I go in to the doctor's office early on Monday and get fasting blood work done. The Nurse Practitioner is running lots of tests to see what can be reasonably done to bump up my metabolism. I am already taking synthetic thyroid hormone and it may be time to increase my dosage.
I am on a different anti-depressant for now. I am to try it for 3-4 weeks to determine how effective it is at this dosage. If all goes well, I may be a good candidate for shots to help maximize my liver function. This may help to boost my metabolism by allowing fat to be mobilized out of my system faster. There are some other options. We'll discuss those when I go back for my follow up visits.
I guess the story is that there is some hope on the horizon. With any luck (and prayers) my weight loss will be appropriate for the amount of work I am putting into this. The less weight I have hanging on my joints for the 3-day, the better off I will be.
Training Milestone
Well, I did it. I completed a ten mile training walk today. It was really, really hard. By the end of mile 7, my feet were getting sore and I had to stop several times on the last 1-2 miles to let various cramps subside. But, I do feel somewhat accomplished just for having finished it.
I came home and took a long, hot bath with epsom salts and followed it up with an Alleve chaser! We'll see how I feel in the morning.
I came home and took a long, hot bath with epsom salts and followed it up with an Alleve chaser! We'll see how I feel in the morning.
Meet the neuropsychologist!
Hubby and I went to meet the neuropsychologist yesterday for the intake interview for our Aspie son. She will test to see exactly how his brain works so that we can more effectively work with him, particularly in academic settings.
She was really wonderful and warm. It's really easy to tell when someone in the healthcare field (mental health or otherwise) really gets a kid like ours. She gets it. I feel very reassured that she will be able to get the very best out of our kid. Now, I can't wait to get the final reports, etc. and know how best to proceed.
She was really wonderful and warm. It's really easy to tell when someone in the healthcare field (mental health or otherwise) really gets a kid like ours. She gets it. I feel very reassured that she will be able to get the very best out of our kid. Now, I can't wait to get the final reports, etc. and know how best to proceed.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Happy Independence Day!
Okay, this post is a day late (and a dollar short), but I did not want to let the 4th of July go by without comment. It's all too easy to forget the meaning of this holiday and to use it as an excuse to have a cookout.
We had a very low-key day and topped it off with the local fireworks show. It was nice. The boys laughed and carried on. They have been going over the Granny's house to play with some local kids who have turned out to be very nice kids. It's wonderful to see my boys (especially my oldest with Asperger's) get out and play appropriately with other kids and be a little bit carefree.
Today, I walked with Misty for 6 miles. It felt really good. Misty walked 10 miles yesterday and I need to do the same before the end of the weekend. Hope it doesn't make me sick like the 8 miles last weekend did. I am kind of dreading it for that reason.
Tomorrow, I will go to see my doctor to discuss changing my anti-depressant medication. I think it's time. Then, I will meet hubby to go to the intake interview for my oldest's son's educational testing. I will be glad to get this process underway and get more information.
We had a very low-key day and topped it off with the local fireworks show. It was nice. The boys laughed and carried on. They have been going over the Granny's house to play with some local kids who have turned out to be very nice kids. It's wonderful to see my boys (especially my oldest with Asperger's) get out and play appropriately with other kids and be a little bit carefree.
Today, I walked with Misty for 6 miles. It felt really good. Misty walked 10 miles yesterday and I need to do the same before the end of the weekend. Hope it doesn't make me sick like the 8 miles last weekend did. I am kind of dreading it for that reason.
Tomorrow, I will go to see my doctor to discuss changing my anti-depressant medication. I think it's time. Then, I will meet hubby to go to the intake interview for my oldest's son's educational testing. I will be glad to get this process underway and get more information.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Fireworks!
Tonight, we were invited to join my walking partner and her family at a 4th of July celebration at her church, Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church. We had a lovely picnic on the lawn and then the torrential rains came. But, it cleared up in time for a really great fireworks display. The kids hooted and hollered and played. Even my Aspie was interacting with folks. It was a good day.
Unfortunately, the rains forced the cancellation of the bluegrass concert that had been scheduled. But, overall a nice time was had by all.
Unfortunately, the rains forced the cancellation of the bluegrass concert that had been scheduled. But, overall a nice time was had by all.
Hit the wall!
Well, I went on my first 8 mile walk yesterday and while that last mile was very, very difficult, it wasn't until I stopped walking and was cooling down that I really began to feel terrible. As I was driving the 6.5 miles back home, I had to pull over three times to throw up.
Even though I had drank lots of water and sugar-free electrolyte drinks, the heat just really got to me. My feet were swollen and I soaked them in ice water when I got home. That helped me feel comfortable, but I was lightheaded off and on for a couple of hours. I scared myself a little bit on that one.
I'll leave earlier from now on so I won't be in the heat and high humidity for too long. I can also leave a cooler of drinks at my lap point so I can get fresh ones and dump my empties. That should also help.
This weekend, I need to walk a 10 mile continuous path with 8 miles the following day. I'm a little concerned about that one. I don't want to make myself sick again. It's just really hard to get up and leave home before 7 am.
Even though I had drank lots of water and sugar-free electrolyte drinks, the heat just really got to me. My feet were swollen and I soaked them in ice water when I got home. That helped me feel comfortable, but I was lightheaded off and on for a couple of hours. I scared myself a little bit on that one.
I'll leave earlier from now on so I won't be in the heat and high humidity for too long. I can also leave a cooler of drinks at my lap point so I can get fresh ones and dump my empties. That should also help.
This weekend, I need to walk a 10 mile continuous path with 8 miles the following day. I'm a little concerned about that one. I don't want to make myself sick again. It's just really hard to get up and leave home before 7 am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)