tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53643838509124661242024-03-21T16:32:42.969-07:00Could be worse... could be rainingFinding wellness beyond <a href="http://www.endocenter.org/">endometriosis</a> through good food and a bit of humorCindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-60433308608359831852015-11-30T14:58:00.000-08:002015-12-01T15:34:41.948-08:00Eating to starve endo, MS, and obesity<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
I came across <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/william_li#t-1076430" target="_blank">William Li's TED talk</a> while I was browsing Netflix. The title was a bit misleading and I almost didn't watch it because it seemed focused on cancer. But I chose to watch it anyway. I'm so glad I did. William Li talks about the regular creation of blood vessels in the body (angiogenesis) and how excessive angiogenesis can lead to a host of diseases including:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cancer</li>
<li>Blinding diseases</li>
<li>Psoriasis</li>
<li>Arthritis</li>
<li>Endometriosis</li>
<li>Alzheimer’s disease</li>
<li>Obesity</li>
<li>Multiple sclerosis</li>
<li>Cerebral malaria</li>
<li>Rosacea</li>
</ul>
<br />
My attention immediately zeroed in on the fact that endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, and obesity were all on the same list. I thought, "Could it be that my suspicions that I've had for years are finally being substantiated—that all my conditions are caused by the same issue?"<br />
<br />
I was even more intrigued when William Li talked about the focus of his research. He is trying to find ways to nourish the body that will inhibit excessive growth of blood vessels and thereby starve these diseases. At about time marker 12:55, he shows a slide that lists the foods he has found to have anti-angiogenesis properties. Here's the food list:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Strawberries</li>
<li>Blackberries</li>
<li>Raspberries</li>
<li>Blueberries</li>
<li>Oranges</li>
<li>Grapefruit</li>
<li>Lemons</li>
<li>Apples</li>
<li>Pineapple</li>
<li>Cherries</li>
<li>Red grapes</li>
<li>Bok choy</li>
<li>Kale</li>
<li>Soybeans</li>
<li>Ginseng</li>
<li>Maitake mushroom</li>
<li>Licorice</li>
<li>Turmeric</li>
<li>Nutmeg</li>
<li>Artichokes</li>
<li>Lavender</li>
<li>Pumpkin</li>
<li>Sea cucumber</li>
<li>Tuna</li>
<li>Parsley</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Tomato</li>
<li>Olive oil</li>
<li>Grape seed oil</li>
<li>Dark chocolate</li>
<li>Artichoke (not on his original list but noted on a subsequent slide in the talk)</li>
<li>Glucosamine (not on his original list but noted on a subsequent slide in the talk)</li>
<li>Vitamin E (not on his original list but noted on a subsequent slide in the talk)</li>
<li>Brassica (not on his original list but noted on a subsequent slide in the talk)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
I highly recommend watching <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/william_li" target="_blank">the talk in its entirety</a> to see the research—particularly the photos of the effects of strawberries and red grapes on tumors. It is powerful!</div>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-35340047686740776052015-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:002015-10-14T15:59:21.735-07:00Discovering how to live in the moment <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<u><b>Finding a new book and new information</b></u><br />
A few months ago, a Facebook friend recommended <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childhood-Disrupted-Biography-Becomes-Biology/dp/1476748357" target="_blank">a book by Donna Jackson Nakazawa entitled "Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology and How You Can Heal"</a>. When I looked it up on Amazon to investigate further, I was intrigued by the synopsis that reads:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"A groundbreaking book showing the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and adult illnesses such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer—Childhood Disrupted also explains how to cope with these emotional traumas and even heal from them. Your biography becomes your biology. The emotional trauma we suffer as children not only shapes our emotional lives as adults, it also affects our physical health, longevity, and overall wellbeing. Scientists now know on a bio-chemical level exactly how parents’ chronic fights, divorce, death in the family, being bullied or hazed, and growing up with a hypercritical, alcoholic, or mentally ill parent can leave permanent, physical “fingerprints” on our brains. When we as children encounter sudden or chronic adversity, excessive stress hormones cause powerful changes in the body, altering our body chemistry. The developing immune system and brain react to this chemical barrage by permanently resetting our stress response to 'high,' which in turn can have a devastating impact on our mental and physical health."</i></blockquote>
After reading that, I went ahead and bought the Kindle version of the book. Hubby decided he wanted to buy the Audible version of the book and listen to it at the same time I read it.<br />
<br />
One of the gems of wisdom I gleaned from the book was the importance of reducing chronic stress in one's life in order to reduce the long-term effects of that chronic stress on one's body. I knew my body was absolutely riddled with chronic stress from the time I was a toddler. The good news I gleaned from the book was that the body is resilient and can be repaired with diligent effort. I decided to employ whatever techniques I could in order to repair my body.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Mindful meditation</b></u><br />
The author of the book suggests mindful meditation as one technique to employ. I wasn't truly familiar with how mindful meditation worked, but her simple explanation of it made it easy to grasp:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>you focus on your breath</i></li>
<li><i>note and name your thoughts</i></li>
<li><i>let your thoughts go</i></li>
<li><i>see that you are not your thoughts</i></li>
<li><i>free yourself from worrying, spinning stories, and ruminating</i></li>
<li><i>be in the present moment</i></li>
<li><i>breathe deeply and bring oxygen into your lungs</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
I found my own way of mindful meditation that works for me. I sit or lay down (sometimes with my eyes open and sometimes with my eyes closed), and I live in the moment. If my mind wanders to anything other than what is happening around me or inside me at that moment, I quickly acknowledge that my mind has wandered with a thought like, "Okay, that was a wandering thought" and then I go back to experiencing the moment. I often repeat the phrase, "Just for now..." slowly to keep my mind from wandering.<br />
<br />
I started out my mindful meditation a couple of months ago when I was going outside every morning just before sunrise to feed a feral mama kitty that had kittens in our backyard shed. I would stay outside to socialize her and the kittens--sitting in my chaise lounge facing the sun as it rose over the roofline of the house and sprayed brilliant sunbeams through the branches of the lemon tree onto my face. It was the perfect setting for learning to live in the moment. I paid close attention to everything around me as it happened. If a hummingbird flitted into view, I focused on the hummingbird. If a kitten scampered by, I focused on the playful kitten. I listened to the sounds around me. I took note of how the summer morning air felt and how it changed when the sun's rays would finally hit my face. I learned a lot as I repeated this exercise morning after morning. I learned how rich each moment is and how easily I can miss that richness if I'm letting my mind ruminate on other things.<br />
<br />
<u><b>My results</b></u><br />
I had been suffering from insomnia for months and months. Staying asleep once I got to sleep wasn't an issue. My biggest issue with insomnia was getting my brain to shut down and stop ruminating long enough to get to sleep. After I fine-tuned my own form of mindful meditation, I started trying it out as I was laying down at night trying to get to sleep. And it worked! I was able to fall asleep when most people fall asleep! The sleepless nights of repeatedly looking at the clock became less and less.<br />
<br />
I also have to deal with stress-related heart palpitations. They didn't used to be a real problem until after I had an extremely high fever from influenza in December 2013 that brought my relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis out of remission. Since then, heart palpitations come easily and go away with difficulty. I started using my mindful meditation techniques for that too. I've found that deep breathing is a significant component in getting my heart palpitations to subside. If I truly focus and breath deeply, I can get a palpitation attack under control in a matter of minutes or even seconds.<br />
<br />
Another by-product of mindful meditation and chronic stress reduction that I didn't anticipate was my clothes getting looser. I read in the book about chronic stress leading to chronic inflammation in the body. I didn't realize how much chronic inflammation it can cause. It has been interesting to experience this firsthand.<br />
<br />
Overall my body feels happier. I feel more at ease in my core--even when faced with a stressful trigger. My chronic fatigue and pain have reduced. I still have not-so-good episodes, but I'm noticing that some episodes are lasting for only hours instead of days. This is a big improvement for me. I'm planning on continuing the mindful meditation over the long-term. It will be interesting to see what the long-term benefits will be. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with or paid by any entity for any content written in this blog post. This post represents my own personal experiences in finding wellness. The links provided in this post are only provided as a courtesy and do not imply that I am commercially associated with those websites I have linked to or have cited.</span><br />
<br />Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-50070997640623837682014-03-30T21:50:00.005-07:002015-10-14T14:44:27.390-07:00My experience using essential oils to combat my fibromyalgia pain by boosting my serotonin levels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><b>What is serotonin?</b></u><br />
Serotonin is found in the body's brain and nervous system with about 80% of it being in the gut. Called a neurotransmitter, serotonin is one of the body's chemical substances that transmits nerve impulses across the spaces (synapses) between nerve cells. Serotonin is involved in many functions throughout the body including: appetite, sleep, memory, learning, temperature, mood, behavior, muscle contraction, depression, the cardiovascular system, endocrine regulation, wound healing, and more. It helps your brain to tell your heart to beat, to remind you to breathe, and to tell your stomach and intestines to digest food. It also tells your body whether you are in pain.<br />
<br />
<u><b>The connection between serotonin and fibromyalgia</b></u><br />
Through trial and error I figured out that my fibromyalgia pain is directly affected by the serotonin levels in my body—when serotonin is low my pain levels increase. Then I discovered that I'm not the only one. Here's a great explanation of why this happens:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"<b>Serotonin is involved in multiple functions including regulating sleep cycles, influencing mood, learning, pain perception and the immune system. </b>Serotonin production takes place in the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. Fibromyalgia is one of the conditions that are known as '<b>low serotonin syndromes</b>'. Here is what we know about the relationship of serotonin and fibromyalgia. Regulation of serotonin metabolism takes place during the deep or therapeutic sleep patterns which are discussed in another section. With the sleep disturbances of fibromyalgia, the metabolic regulation is disrupted. This causes further immune system dysfunction due to the role serotonin plays in the activation of natural killer cells. </i><i>Compounding the sleep disturbance is the fact that since serotonin helps induce deep sleep, its low levels then further aggravate the inability to achieve this desired sleep pattern.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"There is another neurotransmitter called substance P which works together with serotonin. <b>Substance P is responsible for transmitting painful impulses to the brain and spinal cord.</b> It produces a nerve generated impulse that dilates blood vessels, and in addition, it can cause fluid and proteins to migrate from the cells to outside the cells. <b>Low serotonin levels can cause elevated substance P levels.</b> These elevated levels, sometimes three times greater in people with fibromyalgia, could explain the enhancement of pain perception which is experienced." (from <a href="http://www.fibro-info.com/fibro-serotonin.html">http://www.fibro-info.com/fibro-serotonin.html</a>)</i></blockquote>
<u><b>Essential oils and serotonin</b></u><br />
While doing online research on whether there were any essential oils that could positively effect serotonin levels in the body, I came across an online article by Debbie Gordon at Nurturing Instincts entitled "Neurotransmitters and Essential Oils" (it has since been removed from her site). She included in her article the notes she had taken at a lecture about the neurotransmitters in the body—dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. After noting what each neurotransmitter does, Debbie lists the essential oils that are recommended for stimulating the body's production of each neurotransmitter. She also includes a suggested protocol for an oil blend.<br />
<br />
I took Debbie's list of suggested oils for increasing serotonin levels and created a blend of my own to test and see if it made a difference on my fibromyalgia pain specifically.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Recipe for my "Fibromyalgia Buster" oil blend</span></b></u><br />
<br />
Into a 10 mL roller bottle combine the following essential oils:<br />
<ul>
<li>20 drops chamomile essential oil (I chose to use 'Cape Chamomile'*)</li>
<li>20 drops lavender essential oil</li>
<li>20 drops wild orange essential oil</li>
<li>20 drops marjoram essential oil</li>
<li>fill the rest of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil (FCO) to top it off</li>
<li>cap off the bottle and shake to blend the oils </li>
<li>roll the blend on inner wrists, abdomen and/or the bottoms of the feet</li>
</ul>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>My results</b></u><br />
The first time using the oil blend, I applied it to the pulse points on the insides of my wrists and then went on with my regular activity. After about an hour, I realized that for the first time in over a month I wasn't feeling the throbbing pain I had been having in my left arm. I usually wince when I have to pull a shirt off over my head to get undressed at night, so I lifted my arm over my head to see if that movement was as painful as it had been. I could lift my arm without wincing. In fact, I didn't feel any pain. I pushed on my normal fibromyalgia pressure points and there was tenderness but not the intensity of pain I'd been having.<br />
<br />
<div>
I decided to type up what I had discovered so far and then test it further over the next few days to see how often I would need to reapply the oil blend to keep the pain away. After typing on the computer for about an hour, I had to reapply the blend because I was feeling some aching in my left arm. This time, I clocked it to see how long it took to dissipate the aching (if at all). It took about 20 minutes—the same amount of time it takes my body to metabolize a dose of pain reliever.<br />
<br />
Over the course of the next couple of days, I tried applying the oil to my upper abdomen as well as my wrists since serotonin is found in the gut. I found that when I applied the oil to my upper abdomen the pain relief lasted longer between applications of oil blend.<br />
<br />
One thing I did note was that the blend wasn't as effective when it was raining outside (conditions that are particularly difficult for me and my fibromyalgia pain). Once the rain passed through, the oil blend was more effective again.<br />
<br />
I will continue to use this oil blend and post any more of my results/findings (positive or negative). But from what I've experienced the last 2-3 days indicates to me that this is a viable solution to combatting my fibromyalgia pain. I am hoping that by posting this information, someone else can find relief as well.</div>
<br />
<i>*Although a large portion of my oils are from a general source, 'Cape Chamomile' is a specific type of chamomile oil not generally carried. I purchased this organic wild harvested oil directly from <a href="http://www.floracopeia.com/Store/Essential-Oils/Cape-Chamomile.html" target="_blank">www.Floracopeia.com (a source I trust)</a>. 'Cape Chamomile' oil is known as the *ultimate* stress reliever as well as being an anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory essential oil. I don't know if my results would have been as effective if I had used another type of chamomile oil such as German (aka "Blue") chamomile or Roman chamomile.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<u><b>References and sources</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php" target="_blank">"What is serotonin? What does serotonin do?"</a> from MedicalNewsToday.com<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin" target="_blank">"Serotonin"</a> from Wikipedia<br />
<a href="http://www.fibro-info.com/fibro-serotonin.html" target="_blank">"Fibromyalgia—The Role of Serotonin"</a> from fibro-info.com<br />
<br />
<i>DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with or paid by any entity for any content written in this blog post. This post represents my own personal experiences in finding wellness. The links provided in this post are only provided as a courtesy and do not imply that I am commercially associated with those websites I have linked to or have cited.</i>Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-50929220372063979542013-10-02T15:39:00.001-07:002015-01-14T19:30:33.365-08:00My experience discovering and finding success using Vitamin E for better liver health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the beginning of the summer (about 3 months ago), I was beginning to feel the effects of my liver being enlarged again. It wasn't as bad as when I ended up in the ER the end of June 2012, but I could feel it was trying to head in that direction. After the thorough ER ultrasound in 2012 uncovered that my liver was enlarged, I put two and two together and realized that my liver had been overtaxed from decades of chronic stress from the endometriosis. My doctor and I had already determined that the ripple effect of the endometriosis had caused damage to how each gland in my endocrine system talks to one another and my body. This most likely caused my fibromyalgia. So it made perfect sense that my liver had also been a victim. My enlarged liver was an indication that I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).<br />
<br />
<b>What is NAFLD? </b><br />
One of the main functions of the liver is to metabolize fats in the food you eat. When there is a build up of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by the consumption of alcohol, you end up with NAFLD. It's normal for the liver to contain fat cells. The liver is the second largest organ in the body weighing about 3 pounds, is shaped like a football and resides under the rib cage on the right side of your body. It is normal for 5-10% percent of the liver's total weight to be fat cells. But more than that and your liver is no longer in the healthy range anymore.<br />
<br />
<b>What causes NAFLD?</b><br />
According to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/fatty-liver-disease" target="_blank">WebMD.com</a>, although the cause of the disease is unclear, there are several factors that can cause the liver to fall victim to NAFLD (I've underlined the ones that probably led to mine):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Medications</u></li>
<li>Viral hepatitis</li>
<li><u>Autoimmune</u> or inherited liver disease</li>
<li><u>Rapid weight loss</u></li>
<li><u>Malnutrition</u></li>
<li>Gastric bypass surgery (rapid weight loss combined with diet)</li>
<li>Hepatitis C</li>
<li>An overload of iron</li>
<li><u>Diet</u> </li>
<li>Recent studies show an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and other changes in the intestine may be associated with NAFLD</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>NAFLD doesn't have to be permanent</b><br />
The good news is that the liver is one of the most resilient organs in the body. It can regenerate itself as long as there is healthy tissue to regenerate. Even though my enlarged liver was definite evidence that I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), I could reverse it as long as the situation didn't persist long enough for the liver to begin to form scar tissue. Once scar tissue replaces the damaged tissue throughout an enlarged liver, the cirrhosis stage has begun and the liver can't regenerate from scar issue. Cirrhosis can't be reversed. But NAFLD can. So my goal since June 2012 has been to heal my liver.<br />
<br />
<b>Following my gut (pardon the pun)</b><br />
With the onset of symptoms that my liver was unhappy again after a year of babying it, I felt the urge to do some online research about possible vitamin, mineral or nutritional supplements that could help me in trying to increase the health of my liver and get it back on track to healing.<br />
<br />
As I often do, I turned to Google first and typed in "vitamins to help non alcoholic fatty liver disease".<br />
<br />
The third hit on the Google search results led me to <a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01792115" target="_blank">ClinicalTrials.gov (a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health)</a> and a current study being performed by the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center entitled <a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01792115" target="_blank">"Treatment for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver With Different Doses of Vitamin E"</a>. The study started in February 2013 and appeared to still be actively recruiting. I wasn't all that excited about being a participant in a clinical study, but I continued to read the outline of the study and found that it documented exactly what each control group would be taking.<br />
<br />
I decided to follow my gut instinct. Instead of officially participating in the study, I would put myself on the same dose of Vitamin E as the control group with the highest dose of 800 IU/daily. I determined that if I had an adverse reaction, then I would scale back to the next highest dose of 400 IU/daily. And if necessary scale back to the lowest dose of 200 IU/daily.<br />
<br />
<b>My results</b><br />
I found Vitamin E soft gel caps (pictured above) that were 400 IU each. I started taking two a day for a total of 800 IU a day. I started taking them every morning with the rest of my vitamins and meds.<br />
<br />
It only took a couple of weeks for me to notice changes. The swelling in the region of my liver began to reduce about that time. The pressure on my stomach began to reduce and the burping on an empty stomach (the tell-tale sign my liver was overstepping its boundaries into my stomach's territory) began to subside.<br />
<br />
As the weeks passed, my discomfort was less and less. I knew I had seen success when it dawned on me that I hadn't thought about my liver in a while, because it wasn't causing me discomfort. Around the month and half mark, I noticed my energy levels coming back. I noticed I had more stamina. I also noticed that my fibromyalgia flare-ups were happening less frequently. I continued to manage my stress with conscious lifestyle choices to see if the trend continued and it did.<br />
<br />
Of course, I continued to be extra vigilant about what I ate (as I had been since my ER visit in June 2012). I knew that for me appropriate nutritional choices were a key component to the overall equation. I knew just because I was taking the Vitamin E didn't mean I could go back to eating trigger foods like ice cream, soft cheeses and fried foods. And I still had to continue to eat my healthy foods: walnuts, brazil nuts, pistachios, organic whole wheat pastas and breads, dark leafy greens, foods prepared in a Mediterranean style with olive oil, tomato sauces instead of cream sauces, organic fruits and veggies, and eating lean meats sparingly. And a small helping of frozen yogurt every day.<br />
<br />
The major factor I continually work at every day is to <u>actually eat</u>. I <u>must</u> give my body sustenance regularly. I can't forget meals like I am prone to do. I <u>have</u> to nourish my body despite my brain's propensity toward thinking "the less I eat, the better". If I don't, than I am malnourished. And my liver will suffer.<br />
<br />
To this date, I am still taking 800 IU of Vitamin E every day. I don't anticipate that I will ever stop, given the positive results I've experienced. My liver is happy. The rest of my body is getting happier because my liver can do its job again. And I have Vitamin E to thank for it.Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-70559165574928279132013-07-11T15:48:00.000-07:002013-07-11T15:48:46.219-07:00One of the most important videos I've ever watched<center><iframe width="450" height="252" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rixyrCNVVGA" framborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
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I highly recommend that everyone watch this frank video of Robyn O'Brien giving a talk at TEDxAustin 2011 about the ramifications of the little known but staggering changes made to the U.S.'s food supply in the mid-1990's that are having a direct effect on all our health and wellness.<br />
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The video is only 18 minutes long, but it could be the most important 18 minutes you spend on yourself.<br />
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It was for me.
Also, thanks to this video, I now know the real reason why we have epidemic numbers of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, food allergies and gluten intolerance in the U.S. and it isn't fast food or sugary drinks. Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-14566069708114655402013-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:002013-01-16T18:32:04.410-08:00Getting ready to quietly celebrate an important two year anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January 25th will mark the two year anniversary since I underwent the surgery that removed all the endometriosis that was growing inside me and wreaking havoc on my digestive tract.<br />
<br />
As I head toward this important milestone I am reminded of how much healing my body has been able to do in the past two years. I realize that I can sit and work at my computer for much longer periods of time without having painful repercussions. I am so much more mobile than I was before surgery. I can do the things in my garden that I wanted to do before, but couldn't. My fatigue levels aren't nearly as debilitating either.<br />
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It isn't all roses and sunshine, however. I am still learning how to manage the chronic conditions that are a permanent part of my life thanks to three decades of the chronic stress caused by my body being assaulted by the disease. There's only so much a body can take before the endocrine and other systems become affected. I am no exception.<br />
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Little by little I'm learning to manage my fibromyalgia. My flare-ups are fewer and farther apart if I manage my stress and nutrition correctly. I found out the hard way over the Christmas holiday that stress and creamy desserts like cheesecake will trigger a flare-up like no other. I've also learned to pay attention to my left shoulder because a flare-up will always start and end there.<br />
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I've also learned that I have to baby my liver with the nutrition found in a good solid Mediterranean diet. Even though the rest of me is Scot-Irish-Hispanic-Swiss-German my liver must be Italian. It digs olive oil, bruschetta, hearty pastas with a red meat sauce, and gelato (or sorbet). But give it ice cream, cheesecake or a cream sauce and it throws a fit. I'm convinced my liver and fibromyalgia are in cahoots and the best of BFF's.<br />
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I've discovered the blessings of taking large daily doses of Vitamin D. The same is true for my Omega-3-6-9 supplements. I also know that I can't got without my daily dose of anti-inflammatory snack of walnuts or I will be very very sorry. And I've discovered that 1 ounce of super dark chocolate daily is a necessity that doesn't make me gain weight so there's no need to feel guilty in the least for consuming it for the same reason I eat the walnuts.<br />
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I've learned that sitting in the sun for 30 minutes a day (particularly during the winter months) is a critical component to managing my wellness on many levels. And I've changed my thinking so I almost don't feel guilty about every one of those precious 30 minutes spent soaking up the warm rays like a cat in a patch of sun. I do it without earbuds in my ears so I can be quiet. The pondering and meditation it makes possible heal and rejuvenate me. I continually remind myself that I will not feel guilty for giving myself this gift.<br />
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And although I've known it for a long time, I've come to terms with the reality that the vacuum cleaner and I will never be best of friends. As much as I want a perfectly vacuumed floor all the time, it just isn't going to happen. The vacuum is too mean to my back. I can haul wheelbarrows of sand and rocks around all day long in the garden, but for some reason the vacuum cleaner can defeat me and my sciatic nerve in less than 30 minutes. I've decided to choose my battles wisely--this isn't the hill I'm willing to die on. Hubby can forge a close friendship with the vacuum cleaner. And in the meantime, I can pretend I don't see that dust bunny over there in the corner.Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-25887064733308157012012-11-02T14:30:00.005-07:002012-12-18T20:46:41.662-08:00Factors not being properly considered as causes of obesity (Part 2)<div>
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<i>In <a href="http://rosehavencottagehealth.blogspot.com/2012/10/enough-is-enough.html" target="_blank">a previous post</a> I mentioned some factoids that I've gleaned from years of searching for answers as to why I am obese. I have discovered that my obesity is a result of several key factors that I have yet to see scientists fully explore in their research.
I will address each of these factors in a multi-part series here on my blog. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://rosehavencottagehealth.blogspot.com/2012/10/factors-not-being-properly-considered.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the first part of this series</a></i></div>
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<b><u>Factor 2--Endocrine Disruptors</u></b><br />
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As a long-term sufferer of endometriosis, my endocrine system is extremely compromised. It happened because of the chronic state of stress my body was under while the endometriosis (believed to possibly be an autoimmune disorder itself) wreaked havoc unchecked for decades.<br />
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Here's what Dr. Andrew Cook has to say about this phenomenon:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The human body has a wonderfully complex inter-relationship of organ systems. The body acts as a buffer system, processing and eliminating both internal and external factors. Multi-System Disease (MSD) describes an overall decrease in the functionality of multiple organ systems, resulting in an overall decline in health and functionality of the person as a whole.
The initial agent, or 'insult' that starts the process, can be any one of countless possibilities [<i>e.g., endometriosis</i>]; but it is one that chronically stresses the body's buffering capacity. Over time, additional factors accumulate, adding an increasingly large burden on the buffering capacity of the body. This is much like adding straws to the camel's back until it finally breaks.
The different organ systems which can be involved include the endocrine system (this includes all of the various hormones released by the body – estrogen, progesterone, androgens, thyroid, growth and the stress hormone cortisol), the nervous system, including the autonomic nervous system with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system (including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), many aspects of the immune system, and possibly even the coagulation system.
In its most severe form, this disease process results in virtually a complete decompensation of almost all of the vital organ systems, and thus the decompensation of the overall health of the patient. He or she can be left in a state of such low body function that performing even routine functions becomes nearly impossible. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I believe that women with advanced endometriosis have MSD. This is a good example of a disease process where truly integrative approaches, including surgical, traditional medical and alternative therapies, are required for successful treatment.
The endometrial implants are a disease in the body that must be removed surgically. This anatomic disease is like a boat anchor that drags down the health of the individual. No matter what other treatments are instituted, the body will have to deal with the disease, since there is no non-surgical way to remove endometriosis from the body. Conversely, the endometrial implants present in the pelvis may not represent all of the ill health of the patient. Patients with systemic (overall body) symptoms may well be suffering from MSD. This is one reason that even complete surgical removal of the endometrial implants may only treat part of the overall disease process of endometriosis patients. These patients in particular will most likely benefit from an overall approach to improve their underlying health to maximize the buffering capacity of their bodies, and thus the ability of their bodies to detoxify and regain optimal health." (<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/treatment-considerations/multi-system-disease-msd.php" target="_blank">from VitalHealth.com</a>)</blockquote>
I have experienced what Dr. Cook describes above. I have fibromyalgia, Vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance and odd thyroid function to name just a few of the things that I do know that have gone wrong in my endocrine system.<br />
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<u><b>What is an "endocrine disruptor"?</b></u><br />
<u><br /></u>
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A. Endocrine disruptors may be found in many everyday products– including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. The NIEHS supports studies to determine whether exposure to endocrine disruptors may result in human health effects including lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis and some cancers. Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming." (<a href="http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm" target="_blank">NIEHS.com</a>)</blockquote>
A large percentage of endocrine disruptors fall into the category of what is called "obesogens":<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Obesogens are foreign chemical compounds that disrupt normal development and balance of lipid metabolism, which in some cases, can lead to obesity. Obesogens may be functionally defined as chemicals that inappropriately alter lipid homeostasis and fat storage, change metabolic setpoints, disrupt energy balance or modify the regulation of appetite and satiety to promote fat accumulation and obesity." (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesogen" target="_blank">from wikipedia</a>)</blockquote>
Dr. Oz did <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/understanding-obesogens" target="_blank">a great write-up about obesogens on his website</a> after doing a segment on his show. Included in his article is a list of common places to find obesogens:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>In your faucets:</b> Pesticides seep deep into the soil and find their way to the water table and into your tap water. The main obesogen in tap water is atrazine. Banned in Europe, but found around the United States, atrazine slows thyroid hormone metabolism. Another culprit found in tap water, tributylin, a fungicide painted on the bottoms of boats, stimulates fat cell production. </li>
<li><b>Cans and water bottles:</b> Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen used to make plastics hard which has been banned from baby bottles, but is still present in many other plastics (especially sports water bottles) and the lining of most cans, has been shown to increase insulin resistance in animal studies. </li>
<li><b>Nonstick pans and microwave popcorn:</b> Animal studies have shown that early exposure to a chemical used to make items non-stick – Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – leads to obesity in later life. It also is known to affect thyroid glands, which are important regulators of hormones that control weight. Found mainly in products like Teflon pans, it’s also hidden in microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes. </li>
<li><b>Shower curtains and air fresheners:</b> Phthalates, chemicals found in vinyl products such as shower curtains and fragrance products such as air fresheners, may lower testosterone and metabolism levels, causing you to gain weight and lose muscle mass. They’re also found in vinyl flooring and industrial-grade plastic wrap used to shrink wrap meat in the grocery store.</li>
</ul>
Dr. Oz then goes on to point out <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/understanding-obesogens?page=3#copy" target="_blank">helpful ways to avoid obesogens</a>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Buy wild fish (such as salmon, which is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids) and meat products that are hormone- and antibiotic free. </li>
<li>Install a granular activated carbon filter on your faucet to filter out chemicals such as atrazine. </li>
<li>Use aluminum water bottles or those that are BPA-free. </li>
<li>Steer clear of plastics with the number 3 or 7 on the bottom, which may leach BPA. Instead look for the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, which are unlikely to contain BPA. </li>
<li>Keep water bottles cool (warm temperatures increase BPA leaching) and never microwave plastic. </li>
<li>Eat fewer canned foods. Opt for frozen or fresh instead. Tuna can be found in pouches that do not contain BPA. </li>
<li>Get rid of your non-stick pans if possible. If you must use a Teflon pan, never use a metal implement on it that can scratch the surface and release the chemicals inside, and throw away any scratched non-stick pans. </li>
<li>Buy meats straight from the butcher counter (instead of pre-packaged) and ask that they wrap them in brown paper. </li>
<li>Skip the air fresheners, open the windows, and try a vase of dried lavender instead.</li>
</ul>
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<u><b>What changes I've made and the result of each change</b></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
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Over the past year, I have progressively incorporated certain changes into my life. Like a lot of people, I have to start gradually so I'm not overwhelmed by too many big changes all at once. But little by little I've incorporated significant changes into my life and seen positive results from them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Buy and eat only organic fruits and vegetables</u><br />
I started out by deciding to buy only organic fruits and vegetables at the store. I wanted the endocrine disrupting pesticides out of my diet. I had to be pretty ruthless when it came to corn (I love corn). Corn is a huge culprit because of the highly prevalent GM corn grown (do a Google search on "gmo corn bt toxin" and you'll be amazed at what our corn contains). Now I only eat organic corn if I eat it at all. And I try to avoid all corn products in other forms unless it's organic. I've noticed significant digestive improvements once I implemented these changes. If I do consume something at a restaurant that isn't organic, my digestive system lets me know.<br />
<br />
<u>Buy and eat only organic milk and dairy products</u><br />
I also started out by deciding to only buy organic milk and dairy. Milk can be one of the biggest culprits in introducing endocrine disruptors into one's diet. So I did some research and found that <a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/" target="_blank">Organic Valley brand</a> goes the extra mile in making sure that the cows are fed pesticide-free grass in addition to no antibiotics or growth hormones (not all organic milk goes that extra mile). The bonus is that Costco carries Organic Valley milk at a great price. We also switched to organic butter, cheeses and eggs. I've seen an incredible result from this change. I feel better. My digestive system is much happier.<br />
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<u>Stop consuming artificial sweeteners</u><br />
That meant no more diet sodas. Yeah, it hasn't been easy. But I feel so much better.<br />
<br />
<u>Get rid of all non-stick pans</u><br />
This was a hard one because cookware isn't cheap and my husband is a stickler for having nice chef-quality cookware. He'd acquired quite a collection of cookware with non-stick surfaces. But it was necessary to make this change because I was noticing that the non-stick surfaces were beginning to leave little flecks in some of my foods like scrambled eggs and omelets. My solution was to take Hubby shopping at TJ Maxx. We were able to put together an entire replacement suite of stainless steel cookware to replace what he already had. The cookware he found was top-notch and the greatly discounted prices meant we got an entire new set of pots and pans for less than $300. My health started to improve once we did.<br />
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<u>Stop microwaving plastic</u><br />
It took a lot of discipline to do this one but I've trained myself to heat leftovers and other meal items only on ceramic plates. I noticed that my food tasted better and I started feeling better after I implemented this change.<br />
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<u>Stop using bug spray in the house and garden</u><br />
This was so hard. I grew up in a house where the solution to any errant fly, moth or spider was to spray a spritz of Raid at it. After I implemented this one, I had a lapse of judgment and used some bug spray on a moth or two. Boy, was I sorry. I felt physically ill for days afterward. I've recommitted to not using bug spray again just so I can avoid feeling so horrible.<br />
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<u>Install a granular activated carbon filter on the kitchen faucet to filter out chemicals such as atrazine</u><br />
Although I was already drinking filtered water through the water dispenser from our fridge, I needed to also have filtered water when preparing foods and cooking. The filter isn't uber-chic as far as my design aesthetic goes but my health was more important than how my kitchen looked. In the end, a water filter took up permanent residence on our kitchen tap.<br />
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<b><u>Conclusion</u></b><br />
I have many more changes that I can still make to remove endrocine disruptors (obesogens) from my life. But like I said before, I am taking a gradual approach. Each change I make brings about an added layer of wellness.<br />
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I've found that my body doesn't hold on to weight as much as it did prior to the changes. I haven't had weight "falling off" my body in huge amounts, but I've noticed my clothes are looser and I'm slightly smaller. Over time, my body may find a more appropriate set point weight. That would be nice.<br />
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But what is more important to me is that I am feeling better. My energy levels are more even-keeled, my pain levels are lower and I feel like I'm fighting against my body less and less. Over time I hope that I will continue to see the improvement I've seen in the past year or so. </div>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-90068921164020964412012-10-13T04:36:00.001-07:002012-11-02T23:02:44.028-07:00Factors not being properly considered as causes of obesity (Part 1)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
In <a href="http://rosehavencottagehealth.blogspot.com/2012/10/enough-is-enough.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a> I mentioned some factoids that I've gleaned from years of searching for answers as to why I am obese. Uninformed individuals would simply say (or silently think), "It's because you eat too much. Duh!" Or the other go-to explanation is, "Well, you gotta get up and move, move, MOVE you lazy lump of lard!" Those uninformed individuals also probably assume that everyone dealing with extra adipose tissue (body fat) is that way because of the choice that fat individual makes every day to eat too much and move too little.<br />
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I am not going to make excuses for every obese person because I don't know everyone's individual circumstances. I think there are indeed some obese individuals who are that way because they consume too many daily calories on a regular basis. Notice I said "some". I do not fall into that category.<br />
<br />
I am not going to say the hackneyed phrase, "I have a glandular problem" and then watch the eye-rolling ensue. I won't blame it all on genetics either. And, surprisingly, I won't play the "I don't have a choice" card. But you'll probably be surprised at what I <u>will</u> say.<br />
<br />
I can <u>most definitively</u> say that in my own experience, my obesity was and is not caused by eating too much and moving too little. In fact, I have discovered that my obesity is a result of several key factors that I have yet to see scientists fully explore in their research.<br />
<br />
I will address each of these factors in a multi-part series here on my blog. If it seems that my language gets a little too scientific in places, hang with me because I will always come up with some cool analogy or word picture to make it all click.<br />
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<b><u>Factor 1--Consumption of trans fats (aka hydrogenated oils)</u></b><br />
I was raised on margarine. A lot of kids my age were. That's what responsible American moms fed their kids in the 1960s and 1970s, because they were told it was the "healthy" alternative to butter. Butter was so absent in my childhood and adolescence that when I became an adult I had to develop a taste for butter in order to like it. I was also raised on skim milk and can't stand the taste of whole milk... but I digress.<br />
<br />
When the big hubbub about trans fats started a few years ago, I wanted to know what it was all about. To simplify things (because I don't want to go into a big explanation that you can read on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat" target="_blank">wikipedia</a>) I found out that trans fats (aka hydrogenated oils) are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsaturated_fat" target="_blank">unsaturated fats</a> that have hydrogen atoms added to them through a process called hydrogenation. This is done so the fat will remain a solid at warmer room temperatures (just think of Crisco and you'll get the picture). It's also done to prevent an unsaturated fat from going rancid as quickly as it would left not hydrogenated. The process increases the shelf life (again think of Crisco).<br />
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"Okay... what's wrong with that?" I asked myself.<br />
<br />
I searched and searched for an answer. Finally, I found one that gave me the scientific explanation for which I was looking. Here's the short quote I found that made it all click for me:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><u>Why trans-fats are bad for health </u><br />Trans-fats are destructive to health because the body misreads them. Trans-fats have the same chemical signature as omega-3s and omega-6s, so the body uses them for the same purposes. But they are structurally straight rather than bent, so the part of the cell membrane that needs to be porous becomes tight and rigid instead. This causes a variety of health problems—including insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. [from <a href="http://www.supplementquality.com/news/omega3.html" target="_blank">SupplementQuality.com</a>]</i></blockquote>
A-ha! The body doesn't know what to do with a trans fat when it encounters it during the digestive process. Thanks to a great chemistry professor in college, when I think of the digestive process I imagine my body's digestive tract looks a lot like a sorting center with all the food that's been broken down going along a conveyor belt. Little workers stand along the conveyor belt. Each worker is tasked with looking for a different shaped puzzle piece that will fit into a corresponding slot in a cell that only a certain shape will fit into. When a worker sees the right shaped piece, they pull it and put it in a cell where the piece fits.<br />
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I know it's ridiculous, but just go with me here...<br />
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The crew that's in charge of finding omega-3s and omega-6s is standing there at my conveyor belt all those years I ate margarine. They are encountering little trans fats that look an awful lot like the omegas they're assigned to look for. Every time they encounter a trans fats they take it and slot it into a cell where an omega belongs. But it's the wrong puzzle piece! It's a piece that doesn't even belong in my body! So the cell that a trans fat gets incorrectly slotted into, over time, can no longer absorb insulin because it's spongy absorbant membrane has been filled with tight and rigid trans fats that don't have the wonderful porous surface an omega would have if it filled the same spot.<br />
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I hope you see where I'm going with this.<br />
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Overeating or not overeating has no relevance in this scenario. It's all about <u>what</u> I ate not <u>how much</u> I ate. And since I was a typical American child born in the 60's, I was raised on foods that contained hydrogenated oils. That's just the way it was. It was the food of the future. It was everywhere and in every thing.<br />
<br />
Now multiply my own scenario by how many people were born in the United States between say 1960 and 1975. Imagine all of those people being fed the same diet riddled with trans fats. They aren't overeating. They are just eating what mom gives them to eat because mom is doing what responsible modern moms were being told was good for their growing children.<br />
<br />
How many people ended up walking around with insulin resistant cells? And insulin resistance is a condition that can evolve into Type-2 diabetes. Diabetics that are Type-2 because of insulin resistance still have a healthy pancreas that's producing enough of the insulin hormone to properly remove sugars (blood glucose) from the bloodstream. But the cells are not able to take in glucose, amino acids and fatty acids if trans fats have made the cell membranes non-absorbant. So sugars aren't removed from the bloodstream. This leads to high blood sugar which can become toxic and lead to neurological damage if left unchecked over the long-term.<br />
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I propose that the consumption of trans fats during the time period aforementioned is a main factor in the rise of Type-2 diabetes, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance" target="_blank">insulin resistance</a> and the other endocrine system related maladies found in the United States in individuals between the ages of 35-50. I also propose that this rise in insulin resistance has a direct correlation to the increasing number of individuals in that same age group that struggle with obesity despite normal daily caloric intake and activity. <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance" target="_blank">Insulin resistance can cause the following signs and symptoms</a>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Brain fogginess and inability to focus</li>
<li>High blood sugar</li>
<li>Intestinal bloating – most intestinal gas is produced from carbohydrates in the diet, mostly those that humans cannot digest and absorb</li>
<li>Sleepiness, especially after meals</li>
<li>Weight gain, fat storage, difficulty losing weight</li>
<li>Increased blood triglyceride levels</li>
<li>Increased blood pressure</li>
<li>Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with cardiovascular disease</li>
<li>Acanthosis nigricans</li>
<li>Increased hunger</li>
</ul>
<br />
Hmm... there are several things on that list that obesity is usually blamed for.<br />
<br />
So to break it down to the point of bordering on the ridiculous... eating margarine (or Crisco or any hydrogenated oil) causes insulin resistance. And from above list (from good ole' <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance" target="_blank">wikipedia</a>) it appears that insulin resistance causes obesity.<br />
<br />
That would explain why I can reduce my daily caloric intake drastically over a long period of time (believe me, I've done it) and still not lose an ounce of weight.<br />
<br />
What I can't figure out is why this connection and science never gets properly communicated to the masses.<br />
<br />
<br />Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-30938925081789245762012-10-02T19:06:00.001-07:002012-10-05T12:59:03.575-07:00Enough is enough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
For months now I've contemplated whether I should write this post. And for months, I've crammed the thought back into the recesses of my brain and decided to just move forward with as much positive attitude as possible. But today, a friend shared <a href="http://www.upworthy.com/bully-calls-news-anchor-fat-news-anchor-destroys-him-on-live-tv?g=4&c=la3" target="_blank">a video link on Facebook of a news anchor calling out a bully on live television</a> and at the bottom of the video's page is a link to a blog called <a href="http://www.fatnutritionist.com/" target="_blank">The Fat Nutritionist</a>. And after watching and reading, I've chosen to write this post.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Not everything went away</u></b><br />
Before my January 2011 surgery, amongst my other issues I could feel a large lump on the right side of my rib cage. The size would fluctuate up and down, but it was always firm and at least the size of my palm when I palpated it. I assumed that it was digestive related because I would burp after pressing on it. I figured it would go away once my digestive tract was all surgically "unstuck" (for want of a better term) and could flow freely after I'd gone through the post-op healing process.<br />
<br />
A year post-surgery, the lump was still there. In the spring of 2012, the same symptoms I'd had prior to my surgery began occurring again. I burped a lot even on an empty stomach and antacids didn't provide any relief. By late spring, I was miserable with pressure and bloating that seemed to center around my stomach and right side of my rib cage. I decided I had to do what I was dreading and find a general practitioner. Hubby needed one too.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Finding a doctor--strike one</u></b><br />
We decided to make appointments with a local practitioner that is both an OB/GYN and family practice doc. He came highly recommended by friends from our church congregation. It seemed like it would be a good fit considering his background and the complexities of being a long-term endometriosis sufferer that now has to deal with non-gynecological repercussions from living with the disease for so long (<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/treatment-considerations/multi-system-disease-msd.php" target="_blank">click here to read more about Multi-System Disease</a>).<br />
<br />
Prior to my appointment, I was very thorough in providing all my surgical records and my medical history to the new doc's office staff via email as requested. I wanted this doc to be fully informed before I landed in his exam room. I know my case is complex and I never want to blindside anyone.<br />
<br />
In mid-June when the appointment day finally came, we went to the office. I was taken aback to find his waiting room full of advertisements for various doctor-prescribed treatments like expensive sunscreen and botox treatments. Why would a family practitioner be giving botox injections? In the pre-appointment screening room where patients' vitals are taken I found more advertising posters and the like. I was uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
When the doc came in to interview the two of us, I was dismayed to discover that his office staff had not even opened the emails containing the pre-appointment paperwork I had been asked to fill out let alone print them for the doctor to review. So the doc had no idea of my pre-existing conditions or complex medical history. This made me even more uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
He introduced himself and began scanning my vitals that had just been taken by his medical assistant as well as the brief form I'd filled out in the waiting room to make up for the "missing" forms I'd already filled out and sent via email. I made a point of mentioning that he was supposed to have a copy of my medical history prior to our appointment so he could review it because it was complex. He nodded and asked for a brief explanation of my history. He scratched down notes while I spoke.<br />
<br />
Then he looked up from his papers and said, "Have you ever discussed the option of gastric bypass surgery with any of your previous doctors?"<br />
<br />
I was stunned.<br />
<br />
I proceeded to get very terse and told him a) I was morally against having the procedure for myself; b) I had been firmly instructed by a highly competent psychiatrist that <u>under no circumstances</u> should I <u>ever</u> be considered for the procedure given my history with eating disorders (which I had documented clearly on the pre-appointment paperwork he never received); and c) given my recent surgery to repair significant damage to my digestive tract, I didn't think it was wise to mess with it again particularly since I was currently in significant discomfort in that region.<br />
<br />
I thought that would suffice and he would move on. But it didn't. Instead, he proceeded to talk to me (more like lecture me) for 10-15 more minutes trying to convince me to go through the pre-screening process for the surgery with our local hospital system. In the course of those infuriating 10-15 minutes, he revealed that he himself had recently lost almost 75 pounds in less than a year on the HCG diet (a highly controversial calorie-restricted diet). Huge red flags started going up for me.<br />
<br />
I sat as patiently as I could as he interviewed Hubby. Not once did the doc mention that Hubby should consider gastric bypass surgery. He didn't even mention his weight at all.<br />
<br />
By the time we walked out to the reception desk to pay our co-pay, I was steaming. The last straw was when I noticed a sticky note hanging next to the computer the staff member was working on. It noted how much a 30 day supply of HCG cost so she would know how much to charge a patient.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The aftermath of discrimination</u></b><br />
When we got back to the car, I cried tears of anger. I felt victimized, belittled, and confused. Questions raced through my head:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Will I ever find a doctor who won't discriminate against me because of my weight?" </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"How many more times will I have to hear a doctor suggest gastric bypass surgery?" (that doc had brought my total count to 4 in the last 10 years) </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Will I ever receive adequate medical care as an obese patient with anorexic eating habits?" </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"What am I going to do about the lump under my rib cage and the constant bloating and discomfort?" </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Do I just not eat anything anymore from now on and go on a liquid diet as if I've had gastric bypass surgery?" </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Do I just go ahead and lie my way through the pre-screening process for gastric bypass surgery and then have the surgery just to prove to everyone that it won't work?"</i></blockquote>
<br />
I was in a very dark place. I wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out. I felt disgusting, unacceptable and repulsive. I questioned whether I should ever go out into public again.<br />
<br />
Hubby's loving kindness was the only thing that pulled me through.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Yelp to the rescue--doctor number two</u></b><br />
Together we scoured reviews on Yelp.com for other doctors within a 30 miles radius that might be good candidates so I could at least have someone maintaining my prescription medications that treat my fibromyalgia. I literally need the meds to function or my body attacks itself with it's own toxins. If I didn't need the meds to survive, I would have gone off my meds long ago (I've already tried unsuccessfully) just so I'd never have to encounter another doctor again.<br />
<br />
We made an appointment with a promising prospective practitioner for the following week and went through the gyrations of providing my complex medical history to the doctor prior to being seen. On the initial visit, he was kind and courteous. My weight was never mentioned once. It's a good thing too because I had privately vowed to get up and walk out if he did. He agreed to take over my meds and wanted me to get a full blood work-up to find out what was going on.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Landing in the ER</u></b><br />
The next day, I woke up feeling nauseated and dizzy with an electric shock sort of pain zapping me every so often under my right collarbone. I tried to tough it out to attend a dentist appointment to get my teeth cleaned in the afternoon. By mid afternoon sitting in the dentist office waiting room, I was suffering from chills and sweats and shaking profusely. Hubby raced me to our new doctor before the office closed for the weekend. I was given an EKG in the office to rule out a heart attack. Then the doc strongly encouraged me to go directly to the ER. I wheedled and pled with him asking if it was really necessary. After the third or fourth time he told me "I strongly encourage you to go to the ER," Hubby told me it was no longer optional and we were going. We drove directly to the best medical facility in our area and spent the rest of the evening in the ER with the docs running tests on me, x-raying me and giving my chest and abdomen a very thorough ultrasound. To my surprise, not one of the ER staff mentioned my weight or made me feel like I was anything but just a patient with an urgent medical need. I was impressed and relieved.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Diagnosis</u></b><br />
Just before midnight, a very kind ER doc informed me that my heart was fine and everything looked normal except the ultrasound had revealed that my liver was enlarged. That was what the lump on my right side was--my liver! It was so enlarged that it was pressing on my stomach causing the bloating, burping and discomfort. My liver was also pressing on a nerve that was sending those pains up toward my collarbone. Essentially, I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).<br />
<br />
<b><u>"Knowing is half the battle"</u></b><br />
Once I had a diagnosis in my grubby little hands, I could work with something... FINALLY! I immediately went to the Mayo Clinic website to read everything they had to say and find out what causes NAFLD.<br />
<br />
Imagine my shock and rage when I found the following on the list of conditions that can increase ones' risk for NAFLD:<br />
<ul>
<li>Gastric bypass surgery</li>
<li>Malnutrition </li>
<li>Rapid weight loss</li>
</ul>
<div>
Only NINE DAYS after seeing the doctor that lectured me on how important it was for me to get gastric bypass surgery, I was in the ER with severe complications from an enlarged liver that would have been compromised <u>even more</u> by the very treatment he was advocating! And his own method of losing weight, the HCG diet, would have been just as detrimental (if not worse) to my liver!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It turns out that NAFLD can also be caused by chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome. In my case, my entire endocrine and metabolic system is compromised from being a long-term sufferer of Stage 4 endometriosis. It's called Multi-System Disease (MSD).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But apparently there is a large contingent of doctors out there that think everything hinges on how much food a person consumes. And if a person eats less, then that has to be better, right? WRONG!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Final thoughts</u></b></div>
<div>
I've seen size prejudice and discrimination come from the obese as well as the skinny. Some of the worst cases of discrimination come from formerly obese individuals that become evangelicals thinking that everyone else should do as they have done and "just lose the weight!" and do it the way they did. I've now personally witnessed one of the worst cases where one of those evangelicals is also a medical professional (I hesitate to even use that term given my experience). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If medical professionals are jumping on the misinformation bandwagon then how are people like me getting proper medical care? The bottom line is we probably aren't. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would guess that thousands of people in my age group in the U.S. have been through the same lifetime experience I have. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were raised on margarine instead of butter because medical experts said butter was bad for you. But the margarine filled our bodies with hydrogenated oils that is now known to cause cells to be insulin resistant (and science wonders why there's an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in this country). (<a href="http://www.supplementquality.com/news/omega3.html" target="_blank">Click here to read more</a>) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When our weight didn't match the standardized height and weight charts being published and sent to everyone from our P.E. teachers to our doctors, we were told that an all-protein diet was the best solution to lose weight and do it quickly. So we did that too and became deficient in important vitamins that can only be derived from food and not a pill. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were told to <u>avoid all fat</u> so we removed even healthy fats like olive oil and nuts from our diets and thought we were being so "good" when we were really starving our bodies of Omegas 3, 6 and 9. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We learned that carbs are "bad" and especially any wheat-based carb (nasty, nasty carbs). So we stopped including those in our diets and lives. The result? A complex-carb starved body doesn't have the food needed to easily produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (the essential neurotransmitter for your body to regulate mood, digestion, breathing and the heart). No wonder we live in a society of road rage, depression and anxiety. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were told that everything hinged on what we put in our mouths. We believed that the government was ensuring our food was safe and healthy for us even though starting in the early 1990s, unbeknownst to the public, the controls over the American food supply began to be loosened so that chemicals, pesticides and other harmful toxins were legally entering our food supply without our knowledge. "Wholesome" foods like a tall glass of cool milk, fresh corn-on-the-cob (buttered or not) and the apples in Mom's apple pie weren't so "wholesome" anymore (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rixyrCNVVGA" target="_blank">click here to learn more</a>). You can thank corporate lobbyists with deep pockets for this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Frankly, I've had enough! I will not tolerate being told that all my problems are because I'm fat. All my problems are because I was afraid of getting fat. I just should have ignored everybody and eaten a Mediterranean diet like the Italians. I'd be slightly plump with an extra 10-15 pounds (maybe even 20), but I'd be sporting a healthy liver right now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I vow one last thing... I refuse to be told one more time that I should consider gastric bypass surgery. Future doctors beware.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Postscript:</b> <i>The reason why I went for over 25 years with undiagnosed endometriosis that raged through my body until it was at the worst level (stage 4) was because of medical professionals who ignored my pleas that something was wrong with me. Instead, I was told that it was normal "women stuff" and/or that I really needed to focus on losing weight. Discrimination against my size resulted in my quality of life being destroyed by an insidious disease for decades. I can't get those years back. And I can't glean from life what I should be right now because of being saddled with the aftermath of issues I face. But if my story can help others to not lose years of a quality life, that can somehow make up for it. </i></div>
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-67417329091069352202012-01-07T23:45:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:33:10.101-08:00A new year, a new lease on lifeIn a few short weeks it will have been a year since my surgery. I've done so much healing since then. In order to keep proper perspective, I have to keep reminding myself how bad I felt a year ago. In reflection, I've realized that my body was shutting down last year. It is sobering to come to terms with that reality. But it also fills me with gratitude for the second chance I've gotten to live a full life.
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the past 5 months, I've tried various adjustments in meds and supplements. I think I've found the right combination... finally. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Interestingly, my increased Vitamin D levels have made my seasonal affective disorder more tolerable this winter. I'm very thankful for that.</div>
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With this new lease on life, I wonder what 2012 has in store for me. So many possibilities.</div>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-67793261455636319122011-07-04T14:33:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:33:40.846-08:00This year I'm looking at freedom from a slightly different perspective<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Today on July 4th (the U.S.'s Independence Day) I'm reflecting on the many freedoms I enjoy. I'm also reflecting on the more personal health-related freedoms I hope to enjoy in the future as my body heals. Ironically, just this last week I had a follow-up Skype appointment with Dr. Cook to discuss my latest blood test results.<br />
<br />
I was happy to find out in my appointment with Dr. Cook that my Vitamin D levels have risen to 47 (I was at 10 just prior to surgery). That's a very good sign things are headed in the right direction. However, I wasn't very pleased that my lab results showed my body hasn't responded to the thyroid medication. But Dr. Cook assured me that I had been on a very low dose and the next step was to slowly increase the amount I'm taking daily to try and get results.<br />
<br />
I was also pleased to have Dr. Cook tell me that <a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/about-the-practice/meet-the-staff.php#mark-howard">a new physician, Dr. Howard, has just joined his staff at Vital Health Institute</a>. In fact, Dr. Cook said he'd just added Dr. Howard's bio and philosophy to the <a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/">Vital Health website</a> that very morning. Dr. Cook told me that if after another couple of months my body isn't responding to the meds as he'd like, Dr. Howard would be able to join the case to look at things on an even more granular level.<br />
<br />
After my appointment, I headed over to the website to read up on Dr. Howard, an Integrative and Function Medicine physician. I was very intrigued and impressed by his philosophy (<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/about-the-practice/mark-howard-philosophy.php">click here to read it</a>) as well as his background and credentials (including almost two decades as an ER doc). I feel like I'm in good hands with all the staff at Vital Health, but to have Dr. Howard joining them seemed like an especially choice blessing.<br />
<br />
The next day after my appointment, another serendipitous thing happened. A posted link on Facebook led me to a very eye-opening presentation (see below). As I listened, I felt like I was being given me more tools and information to improve my health. I sent the link to Hubby, and after watching the video we decided to spend that evening shopping at two local sources I researched online (<a href="http://www.lunardis.com/">Lunardi's</a> and <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods</a>) to purchase organically grown produce and organically produced dairy and meat products including one of my favorite foods and calcium sources, cheese. My life would seem very bleak without cheese. Because of my past issues with an eating disorder, eating is often more of a chore or a "to-do" than a pleasure for me. So I was determined to find organic versions of every staple I enjoy so I wouldn't trigger any of my old issues. <br />
<br />
Because my endocrine system is already teetering on the fine line between wellness and non-wellness, I needed to find dairy products and meats that were produced without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, synthetic growth or breeding hormones, antibiotics, and genetically engineered crops in livestock feed. That's a tall order. But there are brands like <a href="http://www.organicvalley.coop/">Organic Valley</a> that do meet those requirements.<br />
<br />
Lunardi's had some Organic Valley products and organic meats, but not much. I was pretty discouraged as we exited that store. However, our shopping trip was a success thanks to Whole Foods. I was able to find an organic version of everything including sandwich meats like turkey and ham as well as American cheese! We came home with butter, whole wheat bread, meats, cheeses, cherries, strawberries, apples, spinach, lettuce, and more. I've spent the last 3 days eating this wholesome fare and it's been a treat instead of a chore.<br />
<br />
Yes, buying organic means we'll be spending more money. But I can't afford to go back to where I was 6 months ago. And Hubby and I figure since we won't be eating out anymore at any place that doesn't serve completely safe foods for me to consume, the money we save from that will go toward all the organic foods we buy. And we'll probably end up saving money in the long run.<br />
<br />
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-19927859818146427252011-06-17T17:44:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:33:55.150-08:00Well, my temperature's rising... and that's a good thing!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because of the thyroid meds Dr. Cook has me on, I've been tracking my body temp for almost 3 weeks now, and I've been pleased to find that it has consistently been above 97F (36C) and often above 98F (37C). My average temp has been 97.9F. That's much better than the 96F temp reading I had when I was in the doctor's office the last time.<br />
<br />
Dr. Cook explained to me that there are enzymes the body uses for metabolizing things that need a certain level of warmth in order for them to be most effective. So even a degree or two low and those enzymes don't work efficiently.<br />
<br />
I've also been pleased to find that I haven't gotten sick with a virus since I've been taking the 6000 iu of Vitamin D daily for the past 3 months. I was always getting sick with something, so this is a major milestone for me too.<br />
<br />
I can feel my body finding balance again. It's very subtle, but I can feel it.<br />
<br />
I have a Skype appointment with Dr. Cook coming up to go over my latest blood test panel results (I had seven). I'm hoping the results show that my body is moving in the right direction. And if not, I'm hoping that it will help Dr. Cook zero in on any other issues that need to be tackled.<br />
<br />
I've been very good about not pushing my body beyond its limits, so my pain levels have been mostly low to non-existent. It's funny that of all the things I face, keeping myself from overdoing it is the biggest challenge. I think it's an issue many women would face.</div>
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-26304209936250718182011-06-01T19:07:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:39:10.759-08:00Taking two steps forward and one step back... but at least it's progress<span style="text-align: left;">Progress of this sort always frustrates me... particularly when it comes to my physical well-being. But I have to keep telling myself that at least it's progress of some sort instead of where I was prior to surgery.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Last week was a full week with me traveling multiple times to do the flowers for a niece's wedding that was being held 3 1/2 hours away from where I live. Early in the week, I traveled by Amtrak down and back in a span of less than 24 hours to accept delivery of the fresh flowers and get them in water. And then two days later I traveled by car down the same distance to do the arranging and then came home after the wedding. I ended up spending long stints of time sitting while constructing the various arrangements (35 in all).<br />
<br />
My body isn't happy with me at all right now. I've had to take my heavy-duty pain meds for the first time in weeks. I took some time yesterday to watch some more of my surgery DVD (I'd only watched the first 40 minutes before). And it confirmed what my body has been telling me... Dr. Cook really had to do a lot of work in my pelvic cavity to remove all the damaged tissue. Like he said, "We really picked on you down there." He wasn't kidding. It's been 4 months since surgery, but when there's that much surgical work involved there's also a lot of healing involved. I just can't seem to get that through my thick head.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the wedding flowers were the last pre-surgery obligation I made. Now I have a a free calender that I will not let myself fill so my body can take the time it needs to heal. Anyone have any suggestions on things to watch on Netflix?</div>
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-23487913771905120772011-05-16T16:03:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:34:20.260-08:00Listening to the "internal iPod" in my head<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've had the lyrics of a song running through my head today. Very often when this happens, I need to pay attention to the words that replay over and over in the "internal iPod" in my head, because I'm supposed to glean something from them--hope, insight, inspiration.<br />
<br />
The song is by Shania Twain. I don't even know if she's officially recorded it. I've only seen it on her new television show, "Why Not". Fortunately, she has chosen to share the segment from her show on <a href="http://youtu.be/AuiTm9cKALQ">youTube</a> so I could listen to it again and transcribe the words. I definitely needed this today. Thank you, Shania.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Today<br />by Shania Twain</span><br />
<br />
You got what it takes you can win,<br />
Today is your day to begin.<br />
Don't give up here, don't you quit.<br />
The moment is now, this is it<br />
<br />
Today is your day<br />
And nothing can stand in your way<br />
Today is your day<br />
And everything's goin' your way<br />
Today<br />
Today<br />
Today<br />
Today<br />
<br />
Just take one step at a time<br />
Oh I promise that you will be fine<br />
<br />
Today<br />
Today<br />
Today<br />
Today<br />
I say today<br />
Today</blockquote>
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-3887784178833148172011-05-04T13:26:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:34:50.597-08:00Chocolate can cure just about everything... except sheer stupidity<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
Yesterday marked 14 weeks since my surgery. And if it wasn't for my own stupidity, I'd probably be doing really well right about now. But leave it to me, "The Sledgehammer Queen", to try to take on a task that's far too big for someone in my post-op state to manage.<br />
<br />
I'll give you the truncated version:<br />
<ol>
<li>ordered a pallet of huge slabs of flagstone (important to note they were stacked <span style="font-weight: bold;">vertically</span>)</li>
<li>leveled an area in the front garden and installed a flagstone patio for a small fountain</li>
<li>felt fine afterward so thought I'd do more in the back garden (<span style="font-weight: bold;">big mistake</span>)</li>
<li>rolled "just one more" slab off the pallet which shifted the weight</li>
<li>pallet of flagstone tipped over and landed a few feet over our property line onto the neighbor's driveway</li>
<li>in a state of impaired judgment I decide to move <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> slabs back onto our side of the property line by sledgehammering into liftable chunks and carting them by wheelbarrow to the back garden... <span style="font-weight: bold;">by myself</span></li>
<li>Need I say more?</li>
</ol>
Needless to say, the tissue in my lower abdomen and pelvic cavity are <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> happy with me. I've been swollen for over a week now. Now instead of being able to go out into the garden where I find a great deal of satisfaction, serenity and enjoyment doing small tasks like weeding and pruning, I can't do anything. It's my own dumb fault.<br />
<br />
You'd think I'd learn. But the family motto "How hard can it be?" must have a genetic component that runs deep in my veins because I <span style="font-weight: bold;">never</span> seem to learn.<br />
<ol><br /></ol>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-16105380601768142092011-04-21T14:36:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:39:49.693-08:00Okay, can I just whine for a wee little bit?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I hate getting used to new meds. Right now I feel like the flower above... kind of there but a little worse for wear yet still looking toward the light on the horizon. Dr. Cook told me that it would take a week or two for my body to acclimate to the Metformin I'd be on. Hubby already went through the experience firsthand years ago and concurred. It all sounded so nice in theory. <br />
<br />
Being only 12 weeks out from surgery probably doesn't help. There's a lot of grumbling and unhappiness in my digestive tract that's different from the intestinal distress I was told to expect. My insides are probably saying, "Haven't we been through enough? Now what are you doing to us?" <br />
<br />
All I can say is, "Sorry" and then feel like a lump while my insides try to work it all out--all the while repeating little mantras I say to myself...<br />
<br />
"There's a light on the horizon... keep your eye on it."<br />
<br />
"This is all very temporary."<br />
<br />
"I've been through worse... remember what it was like before surgery?"<br />
<br />
"It could be worse... it could be raining."<br />
<br />
Oh... it has been raining? Well, never mind that one.</div>
</div>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-73470406271811434412011-04-08T12:15:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:36:07.416-08:00On to post-op phase 2: Tackling my other health issues<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
I celebrated my 10 week post-op milestone with a Skype appointment with Dr. Cook to discuss my progress and the results of my recent blood tests. It was so cool to sit in the comfort of my own home and meet with my doctor. Technology is the best! And a technologically savvy doctor is even better!!!<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago Dr. Cook had me go in for a 3 hour glucose tolerance test. At the same time he had them take blood for a 3 hour insulin test to compare the numbers. I also had my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycated_hemoglobin">A1C</a> tested that identifies the average plasma glucose concentration in my body over a prolonged period of time.<br />
<br />
Dr. Cook didn't like the numbers that came back. I'm used to a lot of the jargon and baseline numbers because Hubby has Type 2 diabetes, so I didn't like the numbers that came back either. My A1C is too high at 6.3 and my insulin and glucose numbers over the 3 hour period indicate pretty strongly that I am <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance">insulin resistant</a>. Basically, this means that the insulin in my body is less effect at lowering blood sugars than it should be. I'm not diabetic but my numbers indicate pre-diabetic levels. And since my diet and nutrition is already very close to the one followed by diabetics, Dr. Cook highly recommended that I begin taking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin">Metformin</a>. Dr. Cook also wants me to take two <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutraceutical">nutraceuticals</a>--<a href="http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/MetaGlycemX">MetaGlycemX™</a> and <a href="http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Insinase">Insinase™</a>.<br />
<br />
Once we discussed the insulin and glucose issues, we moved on to discuss the results from my thyroid panel and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_triiodothyronine">reverse T3</a> test. Those numbers weren't pretty either and indicate that I have an under-performing thyroid. My low body temp of 96.7F (35.94C) was the doctor's first indication that this was the case, and the tests confirmed it. So once my body acclimates to the metformin then I will begin taking a thyroid med.<br />
<br />
I know that a lot of people may have been overwhelmed and stressed by the results and the discussion of the solutions, but for me it was a relief. I have suspected for years that my thyroid wasn't right and also suspected insulin resistance. I've asked previous doctors to please refer me to an endocrinologist to explore why my body is so "off", but it always fell on deaf ears. To finally have Dr. Cook (an endocrinologist as well as an endometriosis surgeon) order the right tests and then interpret them correctly is a huge relief. I finally have a battle plan and am armed so I can tackle what I've wanted to tackle for years.<br />
<br />
In a perfect world, I'd rather have a perfectly functioning body. But that has never been my reality. I'm simply happy with identifying the issues and then actively addressing them so I can have health and wellness finally... even if I've had to wait until I'm 44 years old to finally get it. The spring of 2011 is turning into a symbolic springtime for my life in many ways and it's blossoming with possibilities.Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-43392567061867324292011-03-16T15:12:00.000-07:002015-01-14T19:35:36.116-08:00Post-op update 7 wks: Seeing myself from the inside<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday marked the 7 week mark since my surgery. Interestingly, the dvd of my surgery came in the mail the day before, so Hubby and I found ourselves watching a portion of the dvd yesterday evening. This may seem odd to some, but we both found it fascinating.<br />
<br />
Because the surgery was laparoscopic, Dr. Cook had to use cameras to see what he was doing inside me anyway. So it stands to reason that what the camera was "seeing" would also be recorded digitally. None of the surgical prep is included on the dvd (thankfully). It only shows what the laparoscope "saw" as it showed Dr. Cook what he needed to see. "Ports" (looking like short sections of plumbing) were put into each of the three small incisions that were made--one through my navel and one over each hip. The camera and surgical equipment were put into each one and switched around throughout the surgery depending on the area being addressed. It was interesting to watch the footage when the camera was being switched from one "port" to another--one of the few times anything outside my body was visible.<br />
<br />
It is a rare opportunity to get to see inside one's own body. I was amazed at what I look like. Of course, as an artist, I noticed all the different colors of the tissues and organs. Who knew I was so many different shades of pink in there?<br />
<br />
It is also a rare opportunity to get to witness a surgery being performed on one's own body. I consider it a wonderful privilege afforded me by modern technology to get to see the artistry of my surgeon as he used a CO2 laser to perform <a href="http://www.obgyn.net/women/women.asp?page=%2Fendo%2Farticles%2Fcook_001">vaporization</a> of the nasty endometriosis and adhesions that riddled my internal organs. Watching the dvd has further deepened my gratitude for Dr. Cook as well as the medical advances that made such a procedure possible. Most adhesions looked like thick cobwebs stringing one organ to another. And one by one I got to watch that laser focus on each one and literally vaporize them into curls of vapors swirling around in front of the camera. I'm telling you, it is fascinating stuff!<br />
<br />
An interesting additional benefit of seeing the video is that I have been given a better understanding of how to allow my body to heal going forward. I was feeling tempted to push myself to resume all normal activity once the 6 week mark rolled by. I realize now that I need to take things slower. I've allowed myself to take a longer leave of absence from my creative career activities instead of trying to push through the muscles spasms up and down my trunk that happen every time I try to sit and create in my studio.<br />
<br />
Normalcy will come.<br />
<br />
I know that.<br />
<br />
But for now, since I've literally seen myself from the inside, I know I need to let my insides take the time they need to heal.<br />
<a href="http://www.obgyn.net/women/women.asp?page=%2Fendo%2Farticles%2Fcook_001"><br /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.obgyn.net/women/women.asp?page=%2Fendo%2Farticles%2Fcook_001"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Curious about the surgical techniques for the removal of endometriosis?<br />Dr. Andrew Cook, a world-renowned surgeon specializing<br />in the treatment of endometriosis,<br />discusses the various methods for removal and<br />shares his philosophy on these options in<br />a great article on OBGYN.net<br />To Excise or Not to Excise</span></a></div>
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-72392383971844023532011-03-07T11:55:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:40:18.813-08:00Post-op update 6 wks: Cleared for take off!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last Friday, I had my final post-op appointment with Dr. Cook that finalized the "surgical phase" of my treatment. I have been feeling so good for almost a week now that I was honestly able to tell him my pain levels were zero at the appointment (and I didn't have any pain meds in my system). Dr. Cook cleared me to resume all activity that I feel good enough to engage in as long as I take it in stages and don't overdo it. He also cleared me to do hot tub therapy and massage therapy. I feel like I've passed a <span style="font-weight: bold;">major</span> milestone!<br />
<br />
The next step is to address the secondary issues Dr. Cook is concerned about--namely my low body temperature (I was 96.7F at the appointment--two degrees below normal). In the next week or two, I have to do a glucose/insulin 3 hour test and some other specialty blood work to determine if I have a thyroid issue or not.<br />
<br />
Dr. Cook is also addressing my Vitamin D deficiency (normal is a level of 50-100 and I'm at 10). I'm now taking 6,000 i.u. of Vitamin D a day as directed by him. After taking the Vitamin D for two months, I have to do more blood work to see if my levels have gone up.<br />
<br />
I'm focusing a lot of my efforts on adding more nutrients into my diet from whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Since I'm a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supertaster">supertaster</a>" and taste things with far more intensity than most people, eating some vegetables has always been a challenge for me because I taste unpalatable nuances in foods that others don't (e.g., fresh tomatoes taste like I'm eating the tomato plant instead of the fruit). So Hubby (who does all the cooking) is going to begin employing techniques used by Jessica Seinfeld in her cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deceptively-Delicious-Simple-Secrets-Eating/dp/006176793X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1299528300&sr=8-1">Deceptively Delicious</a> so I can get the good nutrition from the veggies without being able to taste those nuances.<br />
<br />
In the past few years I've removed almost all trans fats (hydrogenated oils) from my diet and increased my intake of whole grains. I'm now trying to eliminate almost all processed flour as well as make sure the majority of my food is as close to fresh and unprocessed as possible.<br />
<br />
Little by little as we tackle all the "mystery stuff", I know my health will increase even more. The surgery gave me the freedom. Dr. Cook gave me the clearance for "take off". Now I just need to make sure I'm fueled properly and ready to go.Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-32892165317714313762011-02-18T14:13:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:35:56.237-08:00Post-op update 3.5 wks: A week of mini milestones and stopping to smell the flowers<div style="text-align: center;">
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Another week has passed filled with more healing and more progress toward wellness. It feels so good to be on an upward trend instead of being on a downward one as I was before surgery.<br />
<br />
I've forced myself to not work. I'm determined to keep myself from doing so until the 6 week mark has passed. Working would mean spending a great deal of time sitting in my office chair creating. I know myself well enough to know that once I'm in "creative mode", I lose track of time and everything else--including the common sense that would tell me when to stop because my body is hurting and doesn't like it. It's just best if I don't do any creating until after 6 weeks have passed.<br />
<br />
Because that huge part of my life has been put on the shelf for the time being, I've found myself engaging in a lot of introspective activities. <br />
<br />
This week, Hubby and I took a walk up and down half of our street and discovered the ornamental plum trees on the corner are in bloom. We also discovered that ornamental plum blossoms have a faint floral aroma. I never knew that before.<br />
<br />
I felt up to strolling the garden this week. I found the little jonquils at the base of the olive tree are still in bloom. When the sun shines on them (and if I stand in just the right spot) their heady fragrance wafts up to my nose.<br />
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Later in the week, I learned how to delegate a major gardening activity to Hubby when our huge potted New Zealand flax blew over in some strong winds and needed to be up-righted and transplanted to a larger heavier pot. It was hard to stand aside and give verbal directions on what needed to be done, but I managed to do it. And dear Hubby was so patient as I tried to articulate what needed to happen (lots of hand signals were involved). I did pull a few weeds from some raised planters while we were out there... until Hubby caught me and told me to stop.<br />
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This week also marked the addition of some more regular foods back into my diet. Because of all the surgical work that was done around my digestive tract, I've had to be very selective about my food intake and follow a modified B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast). I was feeling like I could try and add some things back in and was pleased that my body cooperated pretty well. Last night, Hubby made me a wonderful hamburger with fresh ground beef on a whole wheat bun with some ketchup and some caramelized pan-sauteed onion. It was the first beef I've had since surgery. It tasted so good and didn't cause problems--another great milestone reached!<br />
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I am reminded of the movie "What About Bob?" and the line "Baby steps to four o'clock..." Every day I take baby steps toward wellness. They are small and often hardly noticeable, but they are baby steps <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">forward</span> and that's the direction I want to be headed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OA6646"><span style="font-size: 85%;">"Could be worse... could be raining" is now available in a Kindle Edition<br />Click here to subscribe so you can read at your leisure and on-the-go</span></a></div>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-71857259161134339272011-02-11T12:54:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:36:18.932-08:00Post-op update 2.5 wks: The nitty gritty of what my surgeon found<div style="text-align: center;">
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Even though my second week in recovery has had its ups and downs with a minor setback due to a reaction to antibiotics I had to take, I'm doing very well. And since I received my copy of the surgery report, I have gained perspective in how well I'm really doing considering what Dr. Cook found and what procedures were performed in my abdomen.<br />
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Here's what Dr. Cook noted in his "findings" in my surgical report:<br />
<ul>
<li>Stage IV endometriosis</li>
<li>extensive omental and bowel adhesions</li>
<li>adhesions extending from the umbilicus down into the pelvis</li>
<li>a band of adhesions also in this area</li>
<li>the bowel densely adherent over the bladder and both pelvic sidewalls</li>
<li>a complete obliteration of the pelvic cavity</li>
<li>upper abdominal organs were normal</li>
<li>appendix was normal</li>
</ul>
I won't publish the entire procedure here in detail, but here are the highlights:<br />
<ul>
<li>Interior of the bladder was examined via a scope inserted through the ureter and found to be normal</li>
<li>Three incisions were made for the laproscope--one in the belly button, one of the left side of the lower abdomen and one of the right side</li>
<li>Bowel adhesions were dissected off the bladder</li>
<li>Descending colon was dissected off the left abdominal side wall</li>
<li>Sigmoid colon was dissected off the left pelvic brim</li>
<li>"Slowly, but surely" (an exact quote from the report) the planes were developed in spite of complete obliteration of the pelvis ["obliteration" means "to make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring"]</li>
<li>Bowel was dissected off the cervix and both pelvic sidewalls</li>
<li>All peritoneum and fibrosis was resected</li>
<li>Ureters were dissected out of the entire pelvic sidewalls</li>
<li>All fibrosis was resected out of both perirectal spaces as well as the rectovaginal septum</li>
<li>Superficial endometriosis and fibrosis was resected off the rectal serosa</li>
<li>Bladder was dissected off the cervix</li>
<li>Cervix was removed</li>
<li>Suturing and close-up happened</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm_lD-7xV6_YVK6tdxXTfAiPsMC4JdhKz27ORq-_AocqMahiYiea9pBT1bMU9af0h7zpN4YYdL7DVFve8OC0TmKmE3457Lfm8n3ZHH-vdYtOLalWTNM78uaJabsWjcM-2_lSWu1m_O4BW/s1600/Picture+4.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm_lD-7xV6_YVK6tdxXTfAiPsMC4JdhKz27ORq-_AocqMahiYiea9pBT1bMU9af0h7zpN4YYdL7DVFve8OC0TmKmE3457Lfm8n3ZHH-vdYtOLalWTNM78uaJabsWjcM-2_lSWu1m_O4BW/s400/Picture+4.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572538536004738690" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 208px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 273px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">I know the above illustration is small but it's the largest I could find on the web that showed everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Pathology Report</span><br />
<br />
The pathology report was attached to my surgical report. A total of 6 specimens were taken and submitted to pathology from the different areas that were operated on during the procedure. Of the six specimens, <span style="font-weight: bold;">three</span> came back showing that I had <span style="font-weight: bold;">active endometriosis</span> on my right and left pelvic sidewalls as well as on the rectovaginal tissue.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Insights and Thoughts</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 100%;">Holy cow! No wonder I felt like I did!</span></li>
<li>A hysterectomy doesn't cure endometriosis! My case proves that even after a hysterectomy, endometriosis can still thrive and grow without reproductive organs being present. <span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">If you're told otherwise, seek a second opinion!!!!</span></li>
<li>Just like a cancer survivor, I don't think I can ever have complete peace of mind that the disease is completely gone. But I can start marking my time from this point forward and enjoying the freedom I've been afforded thanks to Dr. Andrew Cook's surgical expertise.</li>
<li>I <span style="font-weight: bold;">definitely</span> need to take the entire 6 weeks of suggested recovery time and let my body rest so it can heal. Although I am always tempted to jump the gun in this department, this time I'm going to exercise every ounce of self-restraint and take it slow.</li>
<li>And, finally, I am very hopeful that now that my omentum, descending colon, sigmoid colon and bladder are freed from being stuck to things they shouldn't have been stuck to my body will find a proper balance and I can begin to lose weight and find true wellness for the first time in a very long time.</li>
</ul>
I owe so much to my extremely talented and compassionate surgeon, Dr. Andrew Cook. He has a great blog where he chronicles his road to becoming who he is today. If you have the time, I highly recommend reading his story. It's great reading! Links are below:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/dr-andrew-cook/freezing-nails/">Freezing Nails</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/endometriosis/amazing-mentor/">Amazing Mentor</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/endometriosis/the-benevolent-dictator/">The Benevolent Dictator</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/dr-andrew-cook/award-winning-scientist/">Award Winning Scientist</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/dr-andrew-cook/a-computer-at-my-fingertips-reaches-around-the-world/">A Computer at My Fingertips Reaches Around the World</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/endometriosis/core-lessons/">Core Lessons</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/endometriosis/vital-health-institute-provides-comprehensive-multidisciplinary-health-care/">Vital Health Institute</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vitalhealth.com/blog/about-vital-health-institute/meet-the-team-of-healthcare-professionals-at-vital-health-institute/">Meet "my" amazing medical team at Vital Health Institute</a></div>
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-417987333274952962011-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:36:27.855-08:00Post-op update 1.5 wks: The joy of living in stretchy pants<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's been a week and half since my surgery and my body is cooperating in the healing process. I still have to take pain medication regularly in order to maintain a level of comfort that is conducive to healing (just as Dr. Cook instructed). My energy levels are better than I anticipated, and I'm also surprised how easily I was able to go back to a regular food diet.<br />
<br />
Although I'm tempted to push myself and just "go go go", I'm forcing myself to follow doctor's orders and give my body the full 6 weeks of post-op recovery that he said I will need. Who knows what I'll be like around week 4.<br />
<br />
I have yet to receive my own copy of the written surgery report and the dvd of my surgery, but that will come eventually. I want to know all the details involved in the procedure but I'm doing well being patient as I wait. Once I have the report in my hot little hands, I'll be pouring over it in great detail.<br />
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For now, I'm enjoying a recuperative "vacation" spent in oh-so-comfy lounging togs (aka stretchy pants, sweats or PJs) while watching copious amounts of HGTV and all my fave shows on the dvr and Netflix.<br />
<br />
And when I need a little "action"... I go up and down the stairs a couple of times in one day.Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-72351181286052024972011-01-30T14:18:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:36:41.582-08:00It's real! The endo is really "out-o" and my journey toward wellness begins<div style="text-align: center;">
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When I've shared the above photo, I've been asked "Is this real?" My answer is, "Yes! I was at the marina with camera in hand and happened to look up at just the right time when a seagull flew in front of the sun. Luckily, I snapped the shutter in time."</div>
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Since my surgery last Tuesday, both my husband and I have been asking ourselves the same question... "Is this real?" There is so much that occurred on Tuesday that seems unbelievable. We're still trying to wrap our heads around it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
In my last pre-op appt on Monday, Dr. Cook had me sign off on all the consents necessary prior to surgery. The list of possible surgical actions was pretty extensive and included things like the possibility that my appendix might have to be removed; the possibility of hernia repair; and the potential of bowel resection in case a section of my bowel needed to be removed because of endo damage. That long list of "possibles" made estimating the length of the surgery difficult. A total of 300 minutes (5 hours) had been blocked out for the operating room and staff, but Dr. Cook said it could go longer... much longer. I was mentally prepared for that.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On Tuesday a little after noon, I went in to surgical admitting at Good Samaritan in San Jose. All my vitals were taken. I was very calm. My very kind admitting nurse said I won the best blood pressure award for the day (124 over 79). I got changed into a lovely lavender-periwinkle surgical gown, got my I.V. put in and finished my pre-op interviews with the admitting nurse. I signed and initialed more consents with the long list of "possibles" on them. </div>
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One of my OR nurses came and introduced herself. I liked her right away.</div>
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Then I met my anesthesiologist. I liked him right away too. He informed me that in order for Dr. Cook to have the best access during surgery, my body would be positioned at a steep incline with my head down. He then told me that I would probably wake up puffy and possibly have blurry vision from the pressure that could build up in my head.</div>
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Shortly after that, I was wheeled to the OR. I gave hugs and kisses to my husband, my mom and my sister-in-law before I was wheeled through a set of restricted-access double-doors and into the OR. I met my other OR nurse there and liked her right away too. I felt so calm and at ease. Everyone on my OR team was so kind, confident and capable. I closed my eyes and fell asleep assured that I was in excellent hands.</div>
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When I started to wake up from the anesthetic in post-op recovery I was surprised that the only discomfort I felt was the feeling of an overly full bladder. Even though I had a catheter in, my bladder tissue was in spasm causing me the sensation (it was rectified with a dose of peridium in my I.V. once I got settled in my room where I would spend the night). My vision was blurry as I had anticipated. I finally asked someone what time it was and how long the surgery had taken. Imagine my surprise when I was told it was only 4 1/2 hours from the time I'd gone to sleep! It was the first time this week I asked myself, "Is this real?"</div>
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Dr. Cook's first words after greeting my family following surgery while I was waking up were, "Mission accomplished!"</div>
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My wonderful sister-in-law took great notes when Dr. Cook met with them. Her notes read:</div>
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<li>4 1/2 hour surgery</li>
<li>harder than expected</li>
<li>scar tissue and bowels stuck</li>
<li>was over the bladder</li>
<li>getting back to normal anatomy</li>
<li>got cervix removed</li>
<li>did well overall</li>
<li>appendix was fine--didn't have to remove it</li>
<li>face is puffy from being upside down</li>
<li>will take catheter out in morning</li>
<li>first 2 weeks will be sore</li>
<li>by 3 weeks will still be tired but better</li>
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Dr. Cook had taken fascinating photographs through the laparoscope and had them in-hand when he met with my family post-op. He told my family he wished he'd taken more. I think he was too busy concentrating on the tasks at hand.</div>
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He then repeated his initial statement, "Mission accomplished." He had gotten <b><i>all</i></b> the endometriosis and all the scarring/adhesions out. It was gone. My body was free. I was back to normal anatomy. My husband found himself thinking, "Is this real?"</div>
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Five days later both of us catch ourselves still thinking the same thing. My post-op discomfort and pain has been so minimal with the help of the pain meds that it seems too good to be true. I've been up and moving around since only a few hours following waking up from surgery. </div>
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Yes. It is real. The endo is gone. It <b><i>is</i></b> real. My journey on the road to wellness has begun.</div>
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I'm anxious to get the official surgical report so I can read it. I'm also looking forward to watching the video of the actual surgery to see what Dr. Cook saw. I will share some of that here on the blog once I get it (not the video so don't worry). </div>
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In the meantime, I'm resting a lot. Sleeping is something my body wants to do all the time right now. And if I stay on schedule with taking my pain meds (generic Norco), sleeping is comfortable and restful. I'll post more in the days and weeks to come. Right now, it's time to rest again.</div>
Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-4999824580114806102011-01-24T22:28:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:36:50.984-08:00Facing the dawn with my sunny face on<div style="text-align: center;">
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I had my last pre-op doctor's appointment today, and everything is a go! Although my surgeon was very realistic and frank with me about what my post-op recovery will most likely entail, I still feel peaceful and happily anticipatory at the prospect of finally having each future day be a day of healing instead of a day of waiting.<br />
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Endometriosis is such a tricky disease. I've learned that over the past few months in my self-imposed crash course of learning what I didn't know before. Dr. Cook and his staff have been instrumental in a lot of that learning. I am hopeful that once he's got his laparoscope inside that he (and eventually me) will have even more knowledge.<br />
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Many people may not think this is cool, but the fact that the entire surgery is being digitally recorded and that I get to have <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">my own</span> dvd of the surgery to keep afterward really intrigues me. Quite frankly, I'm curious to see what's been invading my body for about three decades. I doubt I'll invite friends over for popcorn when I view it though, so you can all rest assured you won't have to figure out a way to decline an invitation.Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364383850912466124.post-64029970861080102982011-01-13T20:28:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:37:33.175-08:00Killing time working the pre-op checklist<div style="text-align: center;">
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When I initially met with my surgeon, I was given a neat and organized folder with all the helpful paperwork I would need before and after surgery. One paper, in particular, caught my attention... the checklist! <br />
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I love checklists. <br />
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And now with less than 2 weeks until surgery, I can finally turn to that checklist to occupy my impatient self! It's a great way to kill time. And it diverts my attention so I don't whine as much to my long-suffering husband. <br />
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There's lots of "fun" stuff on the checklist like: when to get my pre-op blood work done; when to stop taking certain medications and/or herbal supplements; and when to purchase and take priobiotic, magnesium citrate, and laxatives. I told you... "fun" stuff.<br />
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This week I got my blood drawn by a wonderful phlebotomist that did such a great job I didn't feel a thing even though it took two tries to find a vein, and there were over a dozen vials that needed to be filled. I was amused to see another phlembotomist's framed certificate on the shelf of the blood draw room we were in. The woman's last name was "Hurts". There was a wedding photo on another wall, so I began to wonder if "Hurts" is her married name or her maiden name? Did she choose her profession with that last name or did the last name get given to her after the fact? As you can tell, I had a lot of time to think up lots of inane questions. <br />
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This week also marked the date on the checklist that I can no longer take certain medications until after the surgery. There were lots of herbal supplements on the list too but since I don't take any I didn't really have to worry about them. But I do have to go without taking any pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin until after surgery because they're considered blood thinners. Since ibuprofen is the only pain med that works for me, I'm having to tough it out. <br />
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I'm finding prayer to be a great pain reliever... that and copious amounts of orange sherbet ice cream.<br />
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Cindy Garber Iversonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15543940998038589239noreply@blogger.com2