Pounds and pain management

This morning I overcame my procrastination and avoidance of the white contraption sitting on the floor of my laundry room. My scale. I was freshly showered and newly resolved to learn the real truth. I assumed that it would read the same as it had in weeks past, but that didn't stop my trepidation as I stepped on while looking straight ahead, took a new breath and glanced down.

Wait, I need to adjust my glasses, I thought. I wiggled them around a little on my nose, blinked a few times for good measure and focused in again. One hundred and sixty-five pounds. Yup, 165. That's a weight gain of six freaking pounds.

I am a bit surprised at that number because with the part-time, temporary job I do way more walking then I was doing before. Puzzling? I guess, not really. The problem is more motion equals more hunger and, admittedly, my food and snack choices aren't always on the good side of the calorie and fat level.

I'm sure it doesn't help that I've developed a peanut butter (and Peanut Butter M&M!) craving. That could be the culprit right there. So this morning I've decided to track my calories for the day and see if I'm on target. I'd gotten fairly adept and doing this in my head and estimating my 1,200-calories-a-day intake, but it's possible I'm in denial.

It's also possible that skipping out on posting my health and weight loss journal has removed my accountability, made me lazy and caused an extreme case of food denial. That and the fact that my stress has increased 100 fold making my resolve of not participating in emotional eating turn into me pretending I haven't been emotionally eating.

The current weight loss plan? Paying attention to my calorie intake and not only being aware of emotional eating, but resisting it as well.

Regarding my health. SIGH. The liver biopsy of course showed inflammation. We kind of expected that since my liver enzymes are always high. The doctor I saw quickly reviewed my previous lab results and notes, asked a few questions then determined that it looked to him to be autoimmune hepatitis. The look that got him was one of raises eyebrows and my standard nod. He explained that oftentimes individuals like myself who have other autoimmune problems (where the body attacks itself) - in my case fibromyalgia and sjrogren's disease - there are often other autoimmune diseases present.

The liver inflammation is causing my body to attack itself thus the rise in enzymes. (Yea, I know, not good.) He ordered MORE blood work and sent my biopsy back for further testing. I return in about six weeks to get the final diagnosis.

Right now the bad part (yes, there's something worse than the diagnosis) is the treatment plan if it is what I have:

Step 1 - About 6 to 8 weeks of steroids
Step 2 - Checking to see if it's working
Step 3 - If it works then decreasing the steroid and beginning an autoimmune drug therapy
Step 4 - As long as it continues to work the steroid will be decreased to almost nothing and the autoimmune drug increased

All the other steps in between? The terrible side effects of taking a steroid. HUGH GIGANTIC SIGH.

The current health care plan? Following up with the VA doctor, but what I'd really like to do is be under the care of the Progressive Medical Center in Atlanta.

One of the things that impressed me about the center is the belief behind its operation. It's a team of professionals who believe that the solution lies in the integrative medicine and not in habit-forming treatment methods. The staff is made up of on-site medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, a chiropractor, patient advocate, nutritionist, healthy cooking consultant, physical trainer and others. According to their literature they have one objective: "To guide each patient to a place of comfort and balance - the natural way."

The alternative (natural) treatments offered include Intravenous Therapies, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Infrared Detox Saunas and a comprehensive nutraceutical pharmacy... and those are just a few of the healing treatments being practiced.

I discussed my condition with Dr. Mike Gramazio, PhD, during a visit and tour several weeks ago. Dr. Gramazio spoke with me about BioElectric Therapy, which is used to treat pain caused by a variety of conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, shingles, gout, carpel tunnel and headaches (migraines, cluster, tension, etc.). His initial diagnosis of me, after hearing my history and test results, was right on target. He said with the fibromyalgia the scar tissue between muscle fibers, which causes my autonomic nervous system to be attacked. The same goes for my liver - my body is attacking it causing autointoxication.

His recommendations are electrotherapy and a supervised six month intoxication program, which will include a farinfrared light therapy and as a benefit of being treated at the center I will also have access to the nutritionist and ozone therapy. That's the loose version. Once signed on I will get a individualized plan of action.

The problem? I don't have traditional medical coverage; I receive care at the VA Center. I'm hoping to be able to get the VA to refer me there and take care of the cost that way. Otherwise, I have no idea how I will do it. I think this is one of the main problems of low income individuals when it comes to quality and specialized treatment. But that's an entirely different post...

Company transforms waste streams into beneficial reuse products

One of the fabulous things about the Internet is the ability to learn about all of the different things going on in the world. A company that's doing a lot, which many individuals don't know about, is N-Viro International Corporation.

This corporation "develops and licenses its technology to municipalities and private companies. They have a patented process that uses lime and/or mineral-rich, combustion byproducts to treat, pasteurize, immobilize and convert wastewater sludge and other bio-organic wastes into biomineral agricultural and soil-enrichment products with real market value." I don't know about you, but it's not one of those things that I know a lot. Maybe it'll help if you watch the video (posted below) and visit their site at http://www.bloggerwave.com/Bloggerwave/c/391/11420/0 for more information.

Going green is more than just the in thing nowadays; it's a process and method that will potentially make a difference in the Earth's resources and the damage that has been done to it. Learning more about what N-Viro is doing is just a click away.

Once you review the information (there's a wealth of information on their website), please come back and leave a comment letting me know what you think about it.

Sharing my experiences on Campus Talk Blog

Somewhere in between the bus careening down the road and the children from "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe," (I guess I shouldn't call myself old or my house a shoe) I scrapped together some time to take care of one of my commitments. And that’s as a contributing writer to Campus Talk Blog.
As a first-time college mom, I’m learning an entirely new world from a totally new perspective with my oldest daughter Amber coming to the end of her first year in college. Some of that perspective will be shared on CTB. I hope that my contributions to the blog, which is run by Rick Sherrell, lead to a little (read a lot) monetary gain, some recognition, additional traffic to “It’s a woman’s world,” usable advice for the college sect as well as connections to more assignments, deals, and networking and business relationships.
That’s not too much to ask, is it?

Plus, and this is the fun part, it fuels my blogging addictions and desires, my love of writing and sharing, and my need for connecting and informing. It seems like a win/win, right?

With that said I’m sure you know what I’m going to say next: Stop by and check it out. If you know someone who works at an institution of higher learning or someone who attends then pass on the link to them. I look forward to sharing me and my daughter’s college journey with you.

Stop the bus!

That's really all I can say right now to describe how I'm feeling.

With any luck I will catch up on book and product reviews, my fascinating everyday life entries, regular paid posts and the more-than-occasional randomness very soon. I'm also hoping to visit you more often, comment like crazy and participate in your blogging activities.

See you soon!

Drip, drop, plop, whallop, WOW

I was on my way home early this afternoon. The sky was dark and gray, as it had been for a couple of days, but the temperature was comfortable. Before I could make it into my front door, giant drops of rain began plopping onto my windshield. I was a bit amazed by the watery display because I don't recall seeing raindrops quite that large.

They started off slowly then continued to pick up speed until there was almost a continuous sheet of liquid falling from they. I pulled into my driveway - with thoughts of the inappropriate shoes I had on - and decided to nudge my garbage can to the house instead of sloshing through the accumulating water. I tapped it a little with the front end of my van and it moved a few inches forward. Another little tap and it moved a few inches forward and to the right. I stared at it daring it to move off to the side where I wouldn't be able to push it. I tapped, pushed and paused for about five minutes 'til the can got to a point that it would go any further without falling over.

I still got a smile and a little chuckle from doing that even though it wasn't completely successful. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure it has something to do with the delay of getting out of the van into the pouring ran... Maneuvering through the puddle that collects at the bottom of my driveway close to the house...

Or it could be because I witnessed the most amazing thing: As the rain poured from the sky, extremely tiny dots of white hails fell as well. At an entirely different pace from the rain. I stopped and marveled in it for a moment then thought I had been seeing things. This weather may be drippy, but it sure is miraculous.

Young people, listen up!

I'm going to avoid a lecture here so chalk this up as a life lesson you need to get and get quickly:

Competition.

Keep that word in mind as you're in college, getting an internship, applying for your first job, grant, international studies... whatever it is; always remember it's competitive.

In my new part-time, temporary job my direct supervisor's supervisor is 25 years old. That's 17 years my junior. Young people nowadays often have at least two degrees, years of experience, community service as well as awards and achievements to pad their resume. Put in 110 percent to be at the top and don't settle for mediocre.

If you settle you'll look up when you're 40-something and wish you had taken a different path. The energy you will put into regret is best used now! Put it into your studies, your business and entrepreneurial ideas, your inventions, your opportunities to network, apply and succeed... put it into the places that you can look back on and smile with satisfaction that you rocked while you had the chance!

Good luck, young people.

Anti-aging skincare products

Over the years companies have been creating and improving upon skincare treatments to best determine how to make individual's skin younger looking, more supple and healthier. Skin Care Natural specializes in anti-aging products and has the Klapp Skin Care system.

The Klapp Skin Care has C Pure products that are enriched with large amounts of vitamin C, which is known to promote brighter skin and is added to creams, cleansers and tonics that are applied directly to skin and evenly dispersed for maximum effect. Klapp also produces a Caviar Power collection that incorporates the anti-aging properties of caviar DNA, which is touted as being able to deliver collagen and moisture to sagging and aging skin.

With those things in mind, those concerned with the condition of their skin and interested in utilizing premium products should try out Klapp Caviar Power Serum, the Klapp Caviar Power Eye Care or the Klapp Caviar Power Anti-Aging Gift Set.

The set includes the Caviar Power Serum with a choice between the Caviar Power Face Cream in the daytime or nighttime variety and the Caviar Power Cleanser. These products include the vitamins, proteins and phospholipids that specifically help aging skin to look young again.

This set normally retails for $364 and is available for $247 at Skin Care Natural. That's a price that, when compared to the effects and benefits of the products, is worth the investment for the diehard skincare loving sect.

Uh... I have no idea...

My mind is numb.

I must admit that I don't really feel like blogging right now, but I do so want to talk to you. Yes, you - my dear blogging friends. I've missed you and it's only been four days. It feels like 40. I'm not going to get caught up in saying anything that could be deemed inappropriate to employers and in this particular position (government job) as a Be Counted Clerk (I was given the incorrect title when I got the phone call) I'm not supposed to talk to the media. {GIGGLE.} When they told us this I said, "So this means I can't write about the job on my blog."

"Uh, no... no blogging about it."

{CHUCKLE.}

I am exhausted.

This has been a very interesting four days and I have discovered that my reasoning for wanting to make my work-at-home business successful is valid. Physically, I am unsure of how long I can do this. I've even taken a nap late this afternoon and I have barely been able to function this evening. If you're familiar with "my story" then you know that chronic pain and exhaustion are my friends (enemies?) and I'm prone to attacks. I'm hoping an attack isn't coming 'cause I need the weekend to do the dishes, finish the laundry, clean the house and every other number of things that I'm sure you know about it.

My body is throbbing... what do I do? I'm a little discouraged knowing that I'm getting behind on other things and not sure I can get through this assignment, which may end on or about May 1st. I hope some energy or something kicks in and this entire post will be irrelevant. For now, just know that I'm wishing I didn't have to be away, but I'm not sure I can get everything done so something has to suffer. Unfortunately, it's more than likely going to be blogging, housework and whatever else will suffer but not die.