Thank you to everyone who comment on my blog post yesterday. I wasn't sure if I was going to post it or not... didn't want it to feel like a "hey, look at me!" kind of thing.
In answer to a few of your comments...
Karen - the Gigi's cupcake was awesome! I didn't eat it all by myself, though! I brought it home and shared it with the kids.
Jenni - I discovered Hyster Sisters before my surgery, but I've spent a lot more time on there since. Some great information, and some funny stuff, too! Right now I am suffering from "swellibellicus" and can't wait to feel like my regular clothes fit me right again!
I've decided that having cable cut off the week of my surgery was not the best timing in the world. I was in such a hurry to get my kids out from in front of cartoon network every time I turned around, that I forgot I would be without food network while I recover. Network day-time tv really STINKS!
My sweet hubby hooked up the wii to the tv in our room so I could watch movies through netflix. It was so sweet of him, but intant-view through netflix kind of stinks, too. Doesn't seem to be a whole lot of good choices. So, if any of you could recommend something that I could watch instantly through netflix that I have not stumbled upon yet, I would appreciate it greatly!
I've seen a lot of commercials lately for this new show coming out on ABC this summer called Expedition Impossible. Don't know that I will watch it, but I can't help thinking that I want the blind guy to win it all, and it just might be funny to see a bunch of Brooklyn girls in the sand, yo!
I've been reading President Monson's biography. He was a real prankster as a kid! Kind of gives me hope for my boys!
Online shopping isn't nearly as fun as real shopping. And speaking of shopping, I should have bought myself those cute pj pants I wanted before my surgery.
Well... I guess I've bored everyone long enough!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Glad that's over.
I've been hesitant to talk a lot about my health issues of late. I seem to have been spending way too much time at the doctor's office since February. There is actually a funny story behind all the madness, and since I've pretty much got nothing better to do right now, I'm going to tell it; sorry you have to sit through it, though!
I've had hypothyroidism for years. That means that my thyroid does not produce enough hormone, and I have to take a pill every morning. I knew that I hadn't been feeling just right, and I knew that it had been a while since I had it checked, so I called my doctor's office and made an appointment to get some labs done. I've done that before... just labs to get the thing checked... no sit-down time with the doc. Well, when I got there, low and behold, the doc decides she wants to have a sit-down with me, since it's been a while. CRAP! I didn't want that, but oh, well - not a lot I can do about it at that point. So, when she comes in, I start telling her some of the things that are going on with me - all things that I feel can be traced back to my thyroid (you would really be amazed at how much that simple little organ and its hormones control!). She thinks it might be something more, and adds more tests to be done on the blood sample that is about to be taken. Then, she asks me what I dreaded hearing... "Are you getting your regular paps done?" And, I am ashamed to say, I flat out lied to her! I won't tell you how long it has been since I actually did have one done, but let's just say it's been a L.O.N.G. time. This is also the point where she asks me about my mamograms, and since I've already posted about that saga, I won't go into it again here.
Anyway, I leave her office feeling GUILTY as sin for lying, and so a few days later I decide to actually make an appointment with a gyno. I get in a week later, and have the deed done. The results came back just fine, but I did have an enlarged uterus, and we needed to find out why. The same day that I had the second mamogram done, I had an ultrasound done to see what was up with the uterus. The answer came back fibroids, and the decision was made to have to have a hysterectomy. The things were only going to get bigger and cause more problems until I went through menopause, and since I am only in my early 40's, who knows how long that would be.
Meanwhile, I hear back on some of the other bloodwork that was done at my original doc appt. My thyroid was off so we had to do some playing around with the meds. Also, one of my sugar levels was high... not too high, but inching up there, indicating a risk for diabetes. Double CRAP! I have family members with diabetes, and it is not a pretty disease. The good news was that I did not have full blown diabetic, and there was something I could still do to change it.
Starting in February, I completely changed the way I eat. I started trying to educate myself some on the disease, and what I could do to prevent it. I have tried to cut out as much sugar as I can from my diet, but it's not just about sugar. It's also about lower carbs, and higher fiber, and eating more whole grains. I have a sweet-tooth a mile long, and this has not been an easy thing to do. Do you know how many times a cupcake, brownie, cookie or candy came across my desk in that first week? It was insane, but I resisted. After a while it became easier to do. I also love potatoes, but I've cut way back on eating those as well. I no longer eat white rice or pasta, either - only brown rice and wheat pasta for me. I also gave up sodas. I only drink water and occassionally milk. Whole wheat breads and whole grains, fruits, more fresh veggies, leaner meats - those are the things I try to eat more of now. And I added excersice - wii fit and walking. One tip I came across that I loved was to park in the back of the parking lot when you go shopping... that way you are forced to walk more.
So, last week I had my hysterectomy done. As I weighed in before they took me back for surgery, I had lost a total of 23 pounds. I'll be honest, I am afraid to get on a scale this week. With all the yummy food that has been brought over, and no walking for me, I do not want to see what the scales say. I still have more weight that I would like to lose, but honestly, it has become more about being healthy than it has about being skinny.
I feel like I can finally say I am really back on the road to good health. I'm looking forward to getting back out and walking, or getting on the wii and playing. I am trying to be good and let my body heal from the surgery. I am bored to tears just sitting around "healing"! ha!!
I want to set a better example for my kids, and I think I am on the road to doing that. It feels good to be on this side of issues, rather than facing them all like I was a few months ago. I go back to the doc for more bloodwork in a few weeks, and I am confident that they will tell me my sugar levels are back to within normal ranges. Isn't it funny how wonderful "normal" can be?
Sorry to have posted such a novel... but like I said, I have nothing much to do right now other than sit and type. This whole thing started with my only wanting one simple blood test to check my thyroid! I didn't know it was going to turn into such a saga, but I guess I am glad it did. Isn't there a scripture about small and simple things...
:)
I've had hypothyroidism for years. That means that my thyroid does not produce enough hormone, and I have to take a pill every morning. I knew that I hadn't been feeling just right, and I knew that it had been a while since I had it checked, so I called my doctor's office and made an appointment to get some labs done. I've done that before... just labs to get the thing checked... no sit-down time with the doc. Well, when I got there, low and behold, the doc decides she wants to have a sit-down with me, since it's been a while. CRAP! I didn't want that, but oh, well - not a lot I can do about it at that point. So, when she comes in, I start telling her some of the things that are going on with me - all things that I feel can be traced back to my thyroid (you would really be amazed at how much that simple little organ and its hormones control!). She thinks it might be something more, and adds more tests to be done on the blood sample that is about to be taken. Then, she asks me what I dreaded hearing... "Are you getting your regular paps done?" And, I am ashamed to say, I flat out lied to her! I won't tell you how long it has been since I actually did have one done, but let's just say it's been a L.O.N.G. time. This is also the point where she asks me about my mamograms, and since I've already posted about that saga, I won't go into it again here.
Anyway, I leave her office feeling GUILTY as sin for lying, and so a few days later I decide to actually make an appointment with a gyno. I get in a week later, and have the deed done. The results came back just fine, but I did have an enlarged uterus, and we needed to find out why. The same day that I had the second mamogram done, I had an ultrasound done to see what was up with the uterus. The answer came back fibroids, and the decision was made to have to have a hysterectomy. The things were only going to get bigger and cause more problems until I went through menopause, and since I am only in my early 40's, who knows how long that would be.
Meanwhile, I hear back on some of the other bloodwork that was done at my original doc appt. My thyroid was off so we had to do some playing around with the meds. Also, one of my sugar levels was high... not too high, but inching up there, indicating a risk for diabetes. Double CRAP! I have family members with diabetes, and it is not a pretty disease. The good news was that I did not have full blown diabetic, and there was something I could still do to change it.
Starting in February, I completely changed the way I eat. I started trying to educate myself some on the disease, and what I could do to prevent it. I have tried to cut out as much sugar as I can from my diet, but it's not just about sugar. It's also about lower carbs, and higher fiber, and eating more whole grains. I have a sweet-tooth a mile long, and this has not been an easy thing to do. Do you know how many times a cupcake, brownie, cookie or candy came across my desk in that first week? It was insane, but I resisted. After a while it became easier to do. I also love potatoes, but I've cut way back on eating those as well. I no longer eat white rice or pasta, either - only brown rice and wheat pasta for me. I also gave up sodas. I only drink water and occassionally milk. Whole wheat breads and whole grains, fruits, more fresh veggies, leaner meats - those are the things I try to eat more of now. And I added excersice - wii fit and walking. One tip I came across that I loved was to park in the back of the parking lot when you go shopping... that way you are forced to walk more.
So, last week I had my hysterectomy done. As I weighed in before they took me back for surgery, I had lost a total of 23 pounds. I'll be honest, I am afraid to get on a scale this week. With all the yummy food that has been brought over, and no walking for me, I do not want to see what the scales say. I still have more weight that I would like to lose, but honestly, it has become more about being healthy than it has about being skinny.
I feel like I can finally say I am really back on the road to good health. I'm looking forward to getting back out and walking, or getting on the wii and playing. I am trying to be good and let my body heal from the surgery. I am bored to tears just sitting around "healing"! ha!!
I want to set a better example for my kids, and I think I am on the road to doing that. It feels good to be on this side of issues, rather than facing them all like I was a few months ago. I go back to the doc for more bloodwork in a few weeks, and I am confident that they will tell me my sugar levels are back to within normal ranges. Isn't it funny how wonderful "normal" can be?
Sorry to have posted such a novel... but like I said, I have nothing much to do right now other than sit and type. This whole thing started with my only wanting one simple blood test to check my thyroid! I didn't know it was going to turn into such a saga, but I guess I am glad it did. Isn't there a scripture about small and simple things...
:)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Happy Birthday, Barry!
Today is my wonderful hubby's birthday!! I won't tell you how old he is, but it's older than me! ;)
These are a couple of my favorite pictures of him from our family pictures last month. I love that he laughes with his eyes.
He has a great sense of humor, and he makes me laugh all the time. Sometimes he does it when I am really mad at him, which kind of ticks me off to be honest. But I love that he can make me laugh no matter what.
He is a hard worker and he does his best to provide for our family. He really does not like his job, but he goes everyday so we can have the things we need.
He loves to explore and see new places. I loved seeing his wonder and amazement when I took him to Idaho a few years ago. He had been to Utah plenty of times, but I think mainly he stayed in the city. To get him out into the wide open spaces of Idaho was an adventure.
He is inquisative. He loves to ask questions and learn more about things.
He is loyal and protective.
He loves simple things - chili dogs, sitting on the porch reading, blue jeans, spending time with his family.
He is a sports enthusiast... football and soccer are his favorites. Although, if hockey were on tv more he would watch a lot more if it.
He is very opinionated... I think that is standard issue for a Mayfield! :) And he can get very passionate about some of those opinions!
He is a wonderful father and husband. This month we also celebrate our 20th anniversary, and I am very thankful to have been his wife for these past 20 years. We haven't always had the most smooth waters to sail, but we have navigated them together, and grown a lot from the process.
I love you, Barry, and I'm grateful we are on this journey together!
These are a couple of my favorite pictures of him from our family pictures last month. I love that he laughes with his eyes.
He has a great sense of humor, and he makes me laugh all the time. Sometimes he does it when I am really mad at him, which kind of ticks me off to be honest. But I love that he can make me laugh no matter what.
He is a hard worker and he does his best to provide for our family. He really does not like his job, but he goes everyday so we can have the things we need.
He loves to explore and see new places. I loved seeing his wonder and amazement when I took him to Idaho a few years ago. He had been to Utah plenty of times, but I think mainly he stayed in the city. To get him out into the wide open spaces of Idaho was an adventure.
He is inquisative. He loves to ask questions and learn more about things.
He is loyal and protective.
He loves simple things - chili dogs, sitting on the porch reading, blue jeans, spending time with his family.
He is a sports enthusiast... football and soccer are his favorites. Although, if hockey were on tv more he would watch a lot more if it.
He is very opinionated... I think that is standard issue for a Mayfield! :) And he can get very passionate about some of those opinions!
He is a wonderful father and husband. This month we also celebrate our 20th anniversary, and I am very thankful to have been his wife for these past 20 years. We haven't always had the most smooth waters to sail, but we have navigated them together, and grown a lot from the process.
I love you, Barry, and I'm grateful we are on this journey together!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)