Update: Thyroid!

I wish this post was going to be about my success on the detox and my triumph over weight gain and hunger, but its not. I gained this week and I am miserable, because of the detox. Although I can't blame only the detox my thyroid is being a complete P.I.T.A. I am so over the treatment and wish they would clear me to have it removed. I am already in a position to be on meds for the rest of my life.

Quick run through: 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism after years of wondering why my body didn't work and a blood clot scare. I was put on Synthroid a synthetic thyroid (T4) replacement. After a few months of fiddling with the dosage I am now at .88mg and have been for a over a year. I get my levels checked regularly (3-4months) and everything (on paper) always 'looks good', 'is normal'. I have been calling my doctors bluff for about 6 months now as I struggle to lose weight, I find myself always cold and my moods uncontrollable amidst a dozen other thyroid (apparent) related symptoms. In October of last year (2011) my goitre returned and I underwent a barrage of tests including, chest scan (?), ultrasound and blood work. Again, my level came back at a normal range for both T4 and T3 (thyroid chemicals... I honestly can't think of the right word) BUT my ultrasound showed an enlarged thyroid and the diagnosis was Thyroiditis. I did an eye-roll and asked what that meant. The basic explanation was a viral infection that is attacking my thyroid and causing it to defend itself, by puffing up in size. It was explained to me that this is (could be) an Auto-Immune disease.

I met with a (useless) specialist who told me I was fine (I told him he was an idiot). I met with my GP who said just to ride it out and let it correct itself, but to keep an eye on it. And I met with a Naturopath who showed concern and wanted to rectify the problem before it got worse. She started me on drops (10 days ago) that are combined to force blood through the thyroid and flush it out. She told me this would fix it (hopefully) and even ease some of the symptoms I was still experiencing. After 5 days of drops my thyroid swelled to twice the size and was affecting my breathing and swallowing, plus it was pushing on my throat... which always makes me gag. Wednesday was a crummy day. She (my naturopath) told me to stop taking the drops for 3 days and start up again at a lower dosage. After 3 days (to yesterday) my thyroid was still swollen... I called her up again and she told me not to start the drops again until my thyroid was under control and if the swelling persisted through Monday to have another ultrasound done. 

In the meantime... on a restricted diet I have gained weight, my skin is a mess and, not to get to personal but, my nipples are SO itchy. I don't know if that is related, but it feels like it could be.

Never too much information... that's what I always say. I also did think about doodling a nipple, but thought that would be tacky. Sorry.

Its Friday. I should be thrilled to hit the weekend and strike another week off of my wedding countdown, but honestly I like the structure of work. I know when to eat, drink and exercise. We'll see how the weekend goes. There is no part of me that wants to continue this detox, but I made a commitment and I am going to stick to it.

Wish me luck!

Love!

UPDATE: I have a NEW endocrinologist (thyroid and metabolism specialist). I just spoke with my GP and I have a new referral; I picked the Doctor this time and I chose a woman based in Toronto. She is the top ranked endocrinologist in Toronto and I can't wait to work with her. As always I will keep you posted. I don't suspect my appointment will be in the next few weeks, but at least things are happening.

Pounds to Lose: 21

On a positive note (which should be a separate blog, but I am feeling lazy) last night was Thursday treat time! Every Thursday, detox or not, I get a treat. Typically I hunker down with a piece of milk chocolate, but since I can't have that during detox Richard took me to KindFoods in Burlington, an all Vegan Cafe/Bakery.

We decided on 'World Peace Cookies with vegan butter cream (I don't get it either). They're gluten-free, diary-free and nut-free. There are no chemicals either. I don't know how they hold it together or how they taste so DAMN good!

They were yummy, but we both had sugar highs. Yes, Richard and I shared them...

shame on you for thinking I ate ALL four.

I need to organize my thoughts...

... bear with me. It might get confusing. I had TWO doctors appointments yesterday and got some very valuable information. First I met with my GP for a physical. Everything looks good and I fully cleared to make a baby. Yay! I have to start on the pre-natals, but I haven't picked them up yet. Not to get ahead of myself... I am not trying to make a baby for a few months, but he suggested I get the vitamins in my system and I agree.

Second I met with my naturopath, whom I adore. We talked about my weight gain, loss, struggles and successes. She is very concerned about my Thyroiditus which could mean I have an underlying auto immune disease, which is exactly what my doctor and the specialist said, only they didn't want to do anything about it. Nicole (my Naturo) suggested an herbal remedy to force the blood flow through my thyroid and hopefully clean it out. She explained it might help my meds work better and decrease the swelling; at this point I am game to try anything. I take 15 drops before breakfast and 15 before dinner. I have to continue this for 3 weeks and then we run the tests again.

She also pointed me down the detox path (as I was hoping she would) I start on Monday (after my martini themed Bridal Shower). It is the same detox I did this time last year and I feel good about it. I am prepared for the struggle and the frustrations, plus my food knowledge is tenfold compared to last time. The best part... Richard is going to detox with me. He has been feeling kind of crummy lately and knows he needs to do something about his diet, although the guy can eat garbage and still look amazing.

I am not going to write it all out again... its exactly the same as this. (and if you're curious about how it went last time check out this, this and this... yow!)

I am back on vitamins and protein shakes; Vitamin B and Rice Protein.

The trickiest part of this new regime is the timing. I have to take my Thyroid meds before breakfast and an hour away from any other meds. I have to take my drops before food, but away from my thyroid meds and I have to take my vitamins with food. (sidenote: How am I suppose to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of being awake? Which I heard is ideal) Its all a little jumbled, but I will get the hang of it. I am so excited to get started.

That's enough for today. Whewf!

Wish me luck.

Oh yea, I also entered the fitness challenge offered by Nicole. I have to do something physical everyday for 29 days (February) at the end of the month I have to submit my schedule and the winner will receive $100 of free product or services from Cornerstone Health Centre. Seems easy to me... I already hit the gym 6 days a week and on rest days I will convince Richard to walk with me.

Love!

PS - She finally did a FULL body analysis (I don't know why we didn't do one before). She determined my body fat percentage (35%) and my muscle percentage (I don't remember) she measured a number of things and was impressed by a few numbers in relationship to my work out schedule... its all in the numbers, and finally no one can call my bluff about working out. It felt good to know I was handling the fitness well and eating the right proteins. I know this is very vague, but she kept the little print out.

Pounds to Lose: 22

This week is a waste.

I haven't thrown in the towel, but I might as well. This week has been a slow week of excuses and extravagance.

Let's begin... Monday I made it to the gym and even doubled up on my timing (go me), but I was on my 4th day of 'being late' and the stress took away from the intensity of my workout. I also skipped the evening strength training, because (excuse number 2) Richard is working nights this week and is screwing with our routines.

Tuesday, I had the best intentions to go to spin class but finally a visitor arrived (you didn't think I would tell you I was pregnant like that, did you?) and I was in the worst pain, keeled over at my desk. I also got a new project that filled my morning.. and my afternoon. The very same afternoon I scheduled my annual review. Picture it... an intense meeting in my bosses over heated office with cramps tearing up my insides. Mmm.

I got home Tuesday night for a mad dash of frantic, with a splash of excitement as Richard and I prepared to taste the menu at Geraldo's, our wedding venue. The diet went to hell when the buffet opened and I was forced to sample everything... including wine and dessert. (Read about it here). We got home at 9p; Richard quickly changed and headed to work. Having already blown my diet I snacked...

Wednesday, the big day, I was off of work and headed to a doctors appointment, then planned a busy day of getting things done (fail). Let's talk about this Doctors appointment.

I arrived 15minutes early (at their request) to fill out paperwork. While I was sitting in the waiting room, with my paperwork, the receptionist decided it was a great time to openly mock past patients. I believe the conversation was something like 'Did you see that guys cold sore?', 'Yea, it was practically talking to me'. I tried not to listen and to not let their unprofessionalism taint my experience, but I was already feeling queasy anticipating bad news. Then a kid (I say this, because she was barely 18) asks me to step into the back room. She is wearing a deep purple valor leisure suit with a golden dragon spilling over her entire back. She escorts me into the back room for weighing and measurements. She doesn't allow me to take off my massive sweater or shoes, but weighs me anyways. This room is about 4 feet wide and 3 feet long, on one wall was a stack of random boxes, including one for toilet paper. Another wall was an old yellowing fridge (please remember I am at the specialist office) and half through the assessment the receptionist cuts through and giggles.

I am taken to another crowded little room and asked random questions about thyroid cancer, followed by all the questions I just answered on the forms I came in early to fill out.

I head back to the waiting room, where the receptionist are at it again. This time mocking the doctor and all his 'stupid questions'. After 45 minutes (10:45a, my appointment was at 10a) my name is called. I get up and walk to the chatty receptionist and she gives me a dumb look than says 'back there' and points randomly down the long hallway behind her desk. I ask where and she says just head down there you'll find him.

I find a little room at the end of the hall with a man lounging behind a desk cluttered with papers, garbage, food and more. He invites me to sit down and asks why I am there, I mention my thyroid and a few sympt-- he cuts be off and says 'excuse me. I am reading.' as he scans my chart. Thanks. He then mumbles, in an accent I don't recognize, about Dr. Hart. I say-- wait, this is better in dialogue.

'you see he-art docter?' he said.

'I'm sorry who?' I try to sound polite.

'Card-EE-log-eye-gist?' He says slowly.

'I'm sorry I don't uderstand' I respond even slower.

'HEE-ART' He says, 'He-ART Doc-tear'

'Heart Doctor? No.'

'Yes'

'No'

You get the idea... he was reading my chart all the way back to 2008, thanks for being thorough, but let's skip ahead. (PS. No, I never saw a heart Doctor, even in 2008... he misread the chart).

I start to tell him why I am there, the incurable symptoms, my concerns and the few details I've read online. I ask about other treatments. He stares blankly and mutters 'I don't know.' Then his perils of wisdom tell me, the Internet offers only a  misdiagnoses; his example -- like when someone is having chest pain, they make think it is a heart attack, because of the Internet, but it is actually something else. I said 'Great, am I having a heart attack?' My heart was racing. He said no, but your symptoms might not be related to your thyroid. I countered with 'what could they be related too?' He said 'I don't know.'

He told me my levels were normal and I was fine. I asked why I was there. He said 'I don't know'. He did a physical examination and determined that my thyroid was/is enlarged. I asked why and he said... I don't know.

I am typically VERY patient with people, but I could read this guys face 'look at the lazy fat girl, looking for a quick fix and a reason why she is gaining weight. Maybe you should stop eating, fatty.' I have seen that look before. The doctors don't believe for a second that I eat well and exercise. I loose my temper when that glazed over look appears. I excused myself, left the office and have no intention on going back, but my doctor, my lovable GP will hear about this.

I cried in the car. I has prepared for news... news of something, something curable. Not nothing. Not another 'its all in your head', but that is precisely what I got.

The best part about my week... Richard was home, warm and snuggly in bed. I drove home tears in my eyes and climbed into bed. We slept all afternoon and it was perfect. I didn't go to yoga or get anything done, but my heart was healed and I loved it.

Sleep turned my eating schedule upside down and I skipped lunch, but ate an early dinner with Richard around 3. We bounced around the house for a few more hours, before I went to bed and he went to work. It is confusing, but ok for just one week.

Today (Thursday) I packed a healthy lunch, with good snacks. I went to step class and pushed through the high intensity of the class. I feel ok with myself... disappointed, but ok.

Tomorrow is Friday and I have all the intentions in the world to go to the gym and eat well, but its Friday and I still have all those errands to do. So I may skip certain healthy options, besides I am a chocolate craving maniac at this time of the month.

That is why this week is a waste... Next week will be better and February 1st will be amazing, because I have more doctors appointments, including my naturopath, who will fix everything. Sigh

Love!

First Day Back!

And I am doing good. I forgot my *crackers, which means no morning snack, but I'm good. I even made it down to the gym for a spin class. Actually I can't take all the motivational credit on that one... **Tim dragged me down to the gym. I am glad I went. I am glad I went with him, because I wouldn't have followed through if he hadn't challenged me. Today is Tuesday. Tuesday means Kerry is teaching and although I hate spin. I love Kerry, but Kerry wasn't here (or there) today. ***Ron was there. I tried to run in the other direction (on the treadmill of course), but Tim caught me and threw me on the bike. 45 minutes later and I am bored, his music is NOT spin worthy, but sweaty.

I feel good about myself and making it back to the gym... it did spark the gym-fiend inside of me and I can't wait for my next work out... which is a great segue into, tonight is my FIRST at home Nike Fit Club workout. Thanks to my new iPhone.



Look how fancy it looks.
This is a screen shot of tonight's work out.



Its an app I have used before, but lost because my old phone wasn't up to date enough to run the updated app. Any who... I have decided that every night after work I am going to take 60minutes for me, before I fall into the housewife roll of ****making dinner and prepping lunches. 60minutes will give me 30 minutes of weights and 30 minutes of relaxing... stretching, showering, lounging etc.

I think it is a great way to work on my muscle tone and keep my sanity.

Tonight should be interesting too... I will be home later than normal tonight. I have a Doctors appointment this afternoon. A he-needs-to-see-you-ASAP kind of doctors appointment. I am a little nervous, but at least we can a reason for all that ails me and hopefully it is something easy to fix. Cross your fingers for me... this thing in my neck is growing quickly and I want it resolved.

Ok... I am also in charge this week at work so I am a little overwhelmed with everything.

That being said... I have to run.

Love!

Pounds to Lose: *****26 pounds

*They are plain brown rice crackers... no yummy buttery toppables for me.

** Pro-Spinning co-worker in amazing shape for a 58 year old.

*** The substitute teacher with bad music and even worse hair.
**** PS. I love to cook, this is not a chore, remember I am a Foodie
***** I know! What the hell happen?!

No Fitness today.

Not yet anyways, but I did do a little breathing exercise... which has to count today.

I met with a breathing specialist today to try and rectify the lack of height in my breath... ie. Shortness of breath (see what I did there?) It starts with a little machine and a spit collector... WAIT it started with a nose plug... **If you were unaware I HATE having my nose touched. In fact, it is the punishment Richard uses to keep me in line with an outreached pincher fingers ... check out the picture, only for you kids. Then the spit collector, to which you wrap your mouth around (I don't have a picture) and after three normal breathes you breath in as deeply as you can and than out as forcefully as you can and HOLD it. My face turned purple and I felt VERY light headed, but apparently I did well. This is to measure the capacity of your lungs. Then she shoot you with asthma meds that open your airwaves. Then you do the test again and they compare. I won't know my results until next week, but the bigger the difference between test one and test two the better.

Interesting fact: Smokers carry extra air in their lungs, so when they do the test on the exhale will ALWAYS be more air. Its this extra air that lingers in your lungs and causes all the trouble.

So my breathing exercises kept me out of the office, which means NO lunch break and NO gym. Sad Tuba

Tomorrow I will run... my first day of week 3. Yay!

Love!

Look... Canada's Got Talent, who knew?

Woot!

Maybe that was a preemptive 'woot' I have nothing to celebrate, but I feel better today... its been a stressful week and I didn't think it would resolve so quickly, but it has and I feel 10pounds lighter.

On the fitness front it will be another day of no gym... I know you're angry and so am I. I hear what you're saying, its pathetic and weak. I know, but - and hear me out - its to go and try on my wedding dress. I have a fitting this afternoon, which has taken over my 'gym time'. I would plan to run today, but it is snowing and I have my limits... maybe I will be feeling strong this evening, but let's not hold our breath.

How did the ultrasound go? Weirdly uncomfortable and thought provoking. I had a scan of my thyroid, because I believe it is not working any more, much like when I was first diagnosed. I am more concerned now based on the technicians concern and inability to tell me anything... I think she told me to follow up on Monday 7 or 8 times... and every time she stressed the importance. Could be nothing, but doesn't feel like nothing. We'll see.

Ok... more work to do.

Wish me luck with my dress.

Love!

Mondays

I have a serious case of the Mondays (holiday Mondays are WAY worse than every other Monday that isn't in December) I really thought I wouldn't hate Christmas this year, but oh yes I do. I find it stressful and overwhelming... I have had a migraine for 4 days. So I hate myself for this, but I am not going for a run. I am not going because my head hurts, I have tons of work to do and I have Doctors appointment this afternoon... so I don't want to be all sweaty. I also have an insanely long day because of above doctors appointment and probably won't get dinner (I have sent Richard to a friends house... I sound like a Mom... not his Mom, just a Mom. For reference visit my wedding blog listed below) I just want to go home and go to sleep... the perk to stress, frustration and anger is no appetite. So I am not too worried.

As for the stress, which scares me, its wedding planning, an overbearing Mother-in-law, Christmas, Dad and work... the reason it scares me is because I never used to be this stressed about my world, but suddenly I am not allowed to make any of my own decisions and I start having a panic attack. I hate having to consult someone for everything I do, all day every day. Even scarier, if I am this stressed out now... what about when I do have kids?!??! I don't want to be one of those HIGH strung out mothers.

It all relates to fitness because I can't work out when I am stressed and I want to avoid everyone and everything so I tend to hide out in bed and get fat... yes, that is still possible while starving; at least in my world.

I also recently learned almost everything that ails me is stress related... when will it end? After the wedding? I wish... I doubt it, I will always have the mother in law issues. Argh (no 'hmpf' today while the groom and I are bickering.)

As for the doctors appointment... its to get an ultrasound of my thyroid, things aren't working right and its time to fix them, although the timing is crap.

Sorry there was no advent doodle yesterday... I can't be creative when I am angry (more so than today).

Love!

A blog a day! Woah!

Hey Kids!

I survived... I am down a pint (did you know the average woman only carries around 8 pints of blood??) and tired, but I feel good. I feel like I am doing something to help Dad... even if he doesn't need it yet.

Have YOU donated blood? Its quite the adventure and it gets very personal. I mean stealing my blood is already quite person, but with their questions... holy yeow!

The most thought provoking question for me was... Have you ever had gay sex with a man from Africa? Now let's break that down for a second. Why does it matter where this man I am having gay sex comes from? And how is it 'gay sex' if I, a woman, am involved? Its a thinker, plus the lovely volunteers our so nonchalant with the questioning I had to ask her to repeat herself... making a little joke about how my fiance (we're in separate private rooms) better have the same answers I have (many of the questions also involved paying for sex with either drugs or money in the last 6months). I understand the need to ask these questions and the seriousness of the answers, but its all a little giggly if you know us.

So we passed the test... the finger prick test was by far the worst part and we were on to the chairs (the best lounge chairs EVER) where they hook you up to the machine, which I originally thought was a pumping machine, and the blood leaves your body. Richard is a flow-er (he has good flow... he is NOT a flower, with petals and a stem) and without trouble he got started... I was a little backed up and things needed to be moved around... great, the chick who hates needles has to have someone fiddle with a needle WHILE IT IS IN HER ARM. Hmpf. It burned for a minute, but wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it might be.

Then we sat there cracking jokes with the nurses (who were great) until the little timer buzzed and my bag was full. The whole process took about an hour, but most of that was because we were first time donors and they wanted to over monitor us (especially me) just in case.

I am more fascinated by blood now... How it works? How your blood type is determined? (not the test, but the actually making of you from your parents) If my brother and I will be the same type? If I am a match to my Dad? How many pints I need inside of me to exist? How long it takes for my body to replenish the missing blood? (24 hours, which also begs the question if in 24 hours I have all my blood back than how am I not exploding from blood production?) And how my body just knows what to do? I also heard that a mother with positive blood can have a baby with negative blood, but needs to get a shot before delivery because the bloods won't like each other. Crazy?! I could grow something inside of me that is completely offended by me.

Whewf... where is the fitness in this blog? Here it is. I am tired. I was tired last night, I am tired today... good thing I only have to hop on the elliptical today, which I am still going to attempt.

Richard and I are also now in direct competition with... everyone (?) Him with Dave (his best friend) and Me with my Doctor (the one that insisted I donate) to get the new cards... if this sounds confusing. After you donate you get a card (I didn't know this) it has your name and blood type on it. Every time you donate you get a little stamp... after 25 donations you get a new card... a fancier one. After 50 you get an even better one and so on... I want the lifetime card, which you get at 200 donations... that seems like a lot, but you can donate every 56 days (another cool fact I learned... its 56 days because although you have the same amount of blood after 24 hours your Iron levels take 56 days to rebuild which is why I am tired today... no iron). Richard was all for donating several times a year (he is a good person), but more because he is competitive with his best friend, who we just found out is a regular donor, has been for years... we have some catching up to do ;)

Ok... ramble over. Work to do.

Happy Friday!

Love!

Advent doodle... yay!

Where are we?

I wrote to you on Wednesday morning... which means you missed my very proud moment. I ran. yes, I do run all the time, but I also make excuses all the time. I would like to believe yesterday warranted a great excuse (stiff neck and blood test... ie. hole in my arm), but I didn't give in to the temptation to skip my workout.. I didn't even give in to my want to shorten or lighten my workout. I did my Week 2, Day 2 run... which is... run for 32 minutes and run 2/walk 1 for 6 minutes. I even did the much hated stretch. Ok. I don't hate stretching... I love stretching. I hate stretching at the gym.

I was also amazed at how 'easy' it was (it is never easy, but it wasn't as hard as it typically is, but that didn't fit beautifully into a sentence, in fact, neither does this. Oh well) I found my groove and kept pace. I felt good. I didn't get bored... I have a lot on my mind lately, most of which is wedding or Christmas... there are a few other ideas floating around in there, but nothing exciting.

As for today (to remain topical) I went to step class... I found it 'easy' as well (see above). Does that mean the class was in fact easier, or am I finally building muscles? I should get my blood tests back today or tomorrow... I know 'no news is good news' but I hope my doctor calls me with the results. I hate when he tells me I am fine, when I am not. I also scheduled all my appointments (which is adding to my busyness) I have a ultrasound for my thyroid on Monday and a breathing test the following Monday. I am going tonight to donate blood and find out my blood type... Dad is AB+ so hopefully we match. Not that we need to yet, but I want to be ready should things require me to be.

Hmmm... What else to discuss... it on the tip of my tongue... oh right, my wedding. Yup, its another monthiversary (can it be a monthiversary (or anniversary) before the event... is it written somewhere an anniversary an only happen after the fact? hmmm.) 7 months today I will be in my dress with my hair done wondering what all the fuss is about as my mother cries about her little girl growing up. I think we're doing really well on the wedding front... a few current conflicts, but I don't feel like caring about them today.

Rambling over.

See you kids tomorrow!

Love!


Let's do an advent CARTOON calendar... I don't doodle enough. Enjoy!

Doctors and Needles and Bad News OH MY!

Ok... so we don't have the bad news yet. Hopefully there is NO bad news to even discuss. As we know I headed to my favorite place in the whole wide world... the doctors office. This is where I sat for 2 hours waiting to get acknowledged. I hate waiting, but in my old age I have grown wise and brought a book to read... I got 12 chapters done, just to clarify the amount of almost wasted time.

Any who... I got into the office, just for a 'check-up', but I brought a laundry list of symptoms and ailments to discuss. I only venture to the doctor every couple of years... over my time away I put together a list of all the things that I want to discuss so I don't forget (one the list - bad memory, ironic). Then I sit in the cramped little office and tell my doctor of 17 years what I want to know.

This visit had a VERY long list, because I am in baby prep mode and want to work out all the little kinks early so making a baby is not only fun, but effective *cheesy 1950s smile* and maybe *swiping thumbs up*.

Cut to the chase you're all begging... 'WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?' Relax, I am getting there.

The main reason I went to this appointment was a sneaking suspicion my Hypothyroidism is acting up, my doctor confirmed my suspicions and sent me on a journey of tests and treatments. I have blood tests, X-rays, Ultrasounds and a breathing test, just for fun. We think the goiter is back and if you've been a long time subscriber you'll know that a goiter is what started this whole mess 2 years ago.

*I just went back and read my original entry to the blogging world and no I didn't explain that I had a goiter or that it started everything. I also didn't explain what a goiter is... Oops. A goiter is a growth (or swelling) in the throat it is typically a result of an underactive thyroid that has swelled in size trying to keep up with the workload. Its treatable, but not curable... much like Hypothyroidism. I think Home Improvement best explained it in 1996... Enjoy!

Back on track... So I have this thing in my throat again and we need to work out what it is, probably another goiter which can be sorted out with an adjustment to my thyroid meds. I also went in for shortness of breath (which is unrelated) and I am scheduled for a breathing test AFTER a chest X-ray... nothing serious, but worth resolving before baby. You can almost hear my biological clock ticking in these words.

Whewf... this post grew into something long and rambly... sorry.

Funnily enough though this appointment forced me to make an appointment at the blood donor clinic... to be a good person --- you know there is more. I asked my doctor for my blood type; with my Dad's recent diagnosis I know he will need blood and he is a rare blood type (O-) I think. I want to know my blood type to make sure I can help. My doctor told me... wait this is better in story telling land.

"My Dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and I want to know my blood type to be able to help him." I leaned in waiting for the traditional 'I'm sorry'.

"Then donate blood and they will tell you." He said without looking up from the keyboard.

"I've never donated blood, needles scare me." I added an awkward laugh.

"Its an expensive test and I am not running it for no reason."

"The reason is I want to know."

"Then donate." He smiled and looked at me. "If you're not a match, then where will your Dad get the blood he needs from?" He dramatically pauses.

"From a blood donor clinic" I reluctantly reply.

"Then donate be a good person."

"I am a good person."

"Be a better person." He laughs "I have donated 80 times."

"A better person doesn't brag about his good deeds."

"Donate" And he closed up and walked out.

Hmpf. When did my doctor become such a preacher... granted, he is right, but I just wanted a simple answer to my simple question. So on Thursday (tomorrow) I am taking Richard with me to donate blood. Go me... forced or not its a good deed.

Ok... I'm done. I have a pile of work to do and despite my sore neck I intend on running this afternoon... 32 minutes of straight run and then 6 minutes of intervals... I get tired just typing it.

Oh yea and on the fitness/weight loss front... nothing to report, although I think my scale is broken... not in a Ah-its-going-up-it-must-be-broken kind of way, but a it-made-a-weird-sound-and-wont-read-anymore kind of way. In fact, just this morning I was up 24 pounds... so I think it is broken.

Ok... I am really leaving this time... enjoy Home Improvement... you're on your own for part 2 & 3.

Love!

Oops!

I am not sick... actually let's re-phrase with 'I am not sick enough to write a one sentence post about being sick' thats more accurate.

I was linking previous posts and clicked the wrong button without realizing until later... Oops. Sorry if I caused concern and I will promptly return the chicken noodle soup delivered lovingly to my door... Kidding! I am not returning anything.

As for today... its a whole new day. I am having a terrible, no good, very bad day. I woke up 4 times through the night; the first was because Richard fell asleep with the TV on... on wrestling. The Big guy was in the middle of yelling at the bigger guy and it all seeped into my dreams. I woke up angry and confused, slapped Richard (unintentionally) and made him turn the TV off. All of this was even more awkward, because of how sore every fiber of my being was/is. Why am I so sore you ask. I decided to run. Outside. In November. In Canada. I have this running schedule that hangs over my head and in sharing it with Richard he lays a mighty fine guilt trip when I make excuses. Its good and motivating, but sad and depressing when I am running in the dark to meet my goal. I did a 45minute run and ran just over 6k... go me! I came home with a runny nose and every part of my body ached... see my previous post in regards to the stairs that I faced to get out of the rain and into my warm house.

Wait... where was I? Right, today sucks. So not only am I tired, from being woken up (a second time involved a vivid dream about my teenage children) but while styling my mane (see picture) I through my neck out... at least that is what I think I did, because I have never done it before I can't be sure. As of right now I can't turn my head or accurately navigate my left arm without pain. On top of all that it is raining and oh yea, I fell down the stairs. Hmpf. Its really the only word to correctly grasp this kind of day. Hmpf.

Ironic though... all these things go wrong on the day I have a doctors' appointment... my first in 13 months. He's going to cringe as I shake out my laundry list of ailments for him to work out. The most important will be my Hypo symptoms... followed quickly by my neck pain. I think that testing will involve blood work too... so my very bad day will be complete with a needle. Hmpf.

I hope you enjoyed my pain... it almost makes it all worth it.

Love?

Week 1 - Done!

I finished my first week of running. I feel good. I do love running... and today I feel even more like a runner, a dedicated, work through the pain runner. This is because, without realizing it, I ripped the nail off my middle toe. Don't picture it. It's purple and painful. I didn't even realize it till my post run shower... it just kind of hurt.

Sadly I wear it proudly... injuries (that aren't life threatening) make me feel like I am doing something, anything. I know that is weird, but its true. A sore muscle, a busted toe, a bra wound means I am working... I am not just coasting along.

I ran outside yesterday, in Canada, in November... it was 14 degrees. I am enjoying the weather, but I know we will pay for it in the months to come. It's Canada and it is never this warm without consequence. Ew. Now running outside my speed/pace changes with my mood, inside the treadmill determines my pace (based on my direction)... anyways it is easier to fluctuate without the treadmill. I thought this would mean slower... let's face it, I am naturally lazy, but to my surprise I ran faster; 0.35km faster. I can explain... week one is the same for every workout so I can watch my progress.

Day One - 35 minutes; 4.18km (treadmill)
Day Two - 35 minutes; 4.04km (treadmill.. I thought I was going SO much faster)
Day Three - 35 minutes; 4.53km (outside)

I always prefer to run outside... it keeps me entertained, which I why I think I gave up running in the first place. I can't read a book on the treadmill and it gets boring staring at the wall for an hour, while on the elliptical I can read a book. I like books Thus the STOP running mystery is solved.

The only known downside to running outside (at home) is all the stairs. I believe I have told you about my house of stairs... after a run I do not want to walk up 100 stairs to get to the shower.

So much stairs

And finally picture of the much complained about stairs... although, I have to tell you my bum has never looked better since we moved into the house of stairs.

No running today (unless weather allows) because I have a lunch thingy to go to and its worth it. Its a going away lunch for my work husband... I can't say much more than that or I will cry... *Sniff*

Week TWO should start tomorrow... right after I go to the doctor to fix my lingering Hypothyroidism symptoms... wish me luck!

Love!

Where AM I???

Tuesday
Spinning: 45minutes
Sit-ups: 10minutes
Calories: 839

Pounds to Lose: 15



For your viewing pleasure!



Wednesday (SNOW DAY)

Tobogganing: 25minutes (it was COLD)

Calories: 153

Pounds to Lose: 14

Thursday

Step it Up!: 45minutes

Calories: 688

All this house non-sense and snow business is clearly taking away from my blogging.

I am still making it to the gym... or to the bunny hills, which by the way TOBOGGANING is NOT what it used to be and Crazy carpets have gone downhill... literally ;)

I stayed home yesterday and worked from my warm, comfy bed. I love snow days. I also managed to lunch break on the snow hill, meet my girlfriends for lunch and go to the doctor (for a surprise pap, thanks).

We also have been battle with banking and borrowers about this mortgage business and its not pretty. Frankly I am exhausted, but I wouldn't dare miss Angela's step class... so, today I stopped the overflow of paper in my inbox and headed to the gym.

I am happy to say I kept up for the entire CLASS! Woo!

I am still successfully not consuming dairy. Actually I have never felt better... and already dropped weight. I am not sure if they're related, but it has definitely curbed my snacking... I am a sucker for crackers and cheese!

Hope this rambling mess all makes sense. I have to jet!

Wish me luck on the scales tomorrow.

As for January... I lost 4 pounds. I am happy with it, but wanted more... hopefully February and no dairy works out for me :)

All my love!

Wish me luck with the house, too! I need it.

Love!

Pounds to Lose: 14