I always look forward to my little coffee klatches with my friend Kristin during our sons' group therapy sessions. And, despite the fact that the Dunkin Donuts coffee was really nasty today (usually not the case), it turned out to be an amazing thing.
In addition to the 3 million things that we try to cram into a conversation that is far too short, and giggling at her daughter's antics (she's a hoot!), we happened onto the topic of hormones, endocrine problems, etc.
First off, I should probably give some background for folks who don't know me well. Kristin and I both have Aspie kids. We both live it 24/7. She is my only friend who really, truly, GETS the mess that is my life, sometimes. I don't have to explain it to her, she just KNOWS what is in my head. And one of the things parents with kids on the Autistic Spectrum have to deal with is doing incredible amounts of research into alternative treatments, diets, neurology, studies that are being formed, studies that have been completed (far too few that are reliable), and the AMA's avoidance of actually having any reliable treatments or therapies for our kids. I have earned my own special brand of medical degree from having to find out answers for myself that the medical community (who should know and acknowledge much of this) refuses to admit even exists. Kristin is in the same boat. We share lots of information and data. We compare notes on doctors, therapies, digestive enzymes, and nutritional supplements.
I have been to a series of doctors through the years for problems that I have had relating to depression, inability to lose weight, significant hair loss that won't grow back (I have had to wear wigs for the last 5 years), and thyroid problems. Other than with helping me with the low thyroid, I can't find answers. Kristin mentioned that she had a discussion with her doctor about how hormones and adrenal function can affect metabolism. Kristin promised to send me some info, but since my email is mysteriously down, I can't receive anything.
I googled adrenal gland function and got a heck of an interesting read. I have many of the symptoms of adrenal failure and my hair loss could be explained by this. I can't wait to get more information. It finally might be something worth pursuing.
Then, I called my mom and mentioned this to her and she told me that my Grandmother had and my Aunt has a condition called ichthyosis. It is caused from adrenal dysfunction. So, I have a direct family history of adrenal problems and didn't even know it. Score another one for the self-made medical degree!
It's nice to have hope that I can feel better. I can't imagine what I would do with hair that actually grows out of my own head. I'd like to find out.
Showing posts with label girlfriends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label girlfriends. Show all posts
Friday, January 11, 2008
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Post Christmas Update
Okay, between the coughing crud around here and all of the post-Christmas malaise, I am afraid that I haven't had much opportunity to update my blog and put up the pictures that I have taken.
First off, the gifts. This is the most ambitious I have been since having children in making gifts. I was beginning to believe that I have bitten off more than I could chew. Fortunately, the adrenaline rush resulting from the fear of not having gifts ready in time enabled me to finish up with a couple of days to spare. Of course, I was crocheting in my sleep, but I suppose that is to be expected. Here are the fruits of some of my labors.
This photo shows hats and matching scarves that I made for my two nieces and my two boys. The framed images are scrapbook pages that I made with pictures of my boys and a top ten list of what I love about each of them. I framed them for my parents' Christmas gift. I kept a set for me, too. I didn't take new photos of the "big blue blob" for my brother or the blankets that I had completed earlier for my boys. On an up note, my boys were thrilled with the things that their mommy made them. Even a family friend commented that it was so nice to see kids truly appreciate someone taking the time to make something special for them. 
Of course, I couldn't just leave well enough alone... I had to do something with my left over yarns a couple of days before Christmas. So, I purchased a giant skein of Red Heart Super Saver worsted yarn in black to use to separate the hodge-podge of colors that I have in my left over stash. Hopefully, the black can calm it down a bit. Some of the colors are a bit loud. This is a new ripple pattern that I am trying out from the Winter 2007 issue of Crochet Today. I like how it is working out. It makes soft waves, as opposed to the sharp points on the blanket I completed for younger son. The yarn I purchased was inexpensive and since half of the blanket will be made of left overs, this is truly a frugal project. The picture above is how it looked as I was starting it. It was taken in the morning of Christmas Eve.
This is how it looked this afternoon. Since I haven't felt like doing much else, I have made a bit of progress on it. I am not sure what it will become. Maybe a couch throw for home. Maybe a gift for someone. Maybe a charity piece. It hasn't told me yet :-)
On other news, I have been enjoying taking oldest son to his behavioral therapy group since I can meet my friend Kristin for coffee and commiseration. Love that part!
First off, the gifts. This is the most ambitious I have been since having children in making gifts. I was beginning to believe that I have bitten off more than I could chew. Fortunately, the adrenaline rush resulting from the fear of not having gifts ready in time enabled me to finish up with a couple of days to spare. Of course, I was crocheting in my sleep, but I suppose that is to be expected. Here are the fruits of some of my labors.
This photo shows hats and matching scarves that I made for my two nieces and my two boys. The framed images are scrapbook pages that I made with pictures of my boys and a top ten list of what I love about each of them. I framed them for my parents' Christmas gift. I kept a set for me, too. I didn't take new photos of the "big blue blob" for my brother or the blankets that I had completed earlier for my boys. On an up note, my boys were thrilled with the things that their mommy made them. Even a family friend commented that it was so nice to see kids truly appreciate someone taking the time to make something special for them. 
Of course, I couldn't just leave well enough alone... I had to do something with my left over yarns a couple of days before Christmas. So, I purchased a giant skein of Red Heart Super Saver worsted yarn in black to use to separate the hodge-podge of colors that I have in my left over stash. Hopefully, the black can calm it down a bit. Some of the colors are a bit loud. This is a new ripple pattern that I am trying out from the Winter 2007 issue of Crochet Today. I like how it is working out. It makes soft waves, as opposed to the sharp points on the blanket I completed for younger son. The yarn I purchased was inexpensive and since half of the blanket will be made of left overs, this is truly a frugal project. The picture above is how it looked as I was starting it. It was taken in the morning of Christmas Eve.
This is how it looked this afternoon. Since I haven't felt like doing much else, I have made a bit of progress on it. I am not sure what it will become. Maybe a couch throw for home. Maybe a gift for someone. Maybe a charity piece. It hasn't told me yet :-)On other news, I have been enjoying taking oldest son to his behavioral therapy group since I can meet my friend Kristin for coffee and commiseration. Love that part!
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