So far we are encouraged by what we have seen with my Mom. Yesterday, the neurologist drained 38 cc's of cerebral spinal fluid from her lower lumbar region to see if it improves her gait. She was doing the Alzheimer's "shuffle".
They also shot dye into this fluid and they are going to do a brain scan shortly to see if the valves, that drain the fluid, are working properly.
I have found out that the neurologist is going to be doing these same diagnostic tests over the next few days. If her gait improves, and according to my sister and my Dad it has, then she will have surgery to put the shunt in. My sister also thought Mom seemed to be more alert after this procedure, which is good news.
The surgery for the shunt will be performed at Barrow's Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Thankfully Mom lives close to one of the best hospitals in the world for this.
As for me, I spoke with my nutritionist last week. We think I'm a protein type so we have increased my protein intake. Meat, fish or foul at EVERY meal...eggs don't count for me. Eggs are good for me, but if I have them, I still have to have another protein source. I have found this is hard to do, especially living in a remodel mess and not feeling the greatest to boot. We are having a real problem getting the quality of groceries I need. If I don't make it to the Farmer's Market, I'm up a creek. It's frustrating living an hour away from the food sources I need. Waa, waa, waa, I know. Don't worry, I'll get over it and I'll keep praying we can finish our house, put it on the market, and that it will sell quickly for asking price...even in this down market.
We also went over my lab test results. My cholesterol levels are actually too low so I'm taking 2 teaspoons of oil at each meal. This can be fish oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. I have been putting the oils on my veggies and in my protein drinks to make them palatable.
The nutritionist thinks that I may be gluten intolerant so now I'm going gluten free. There seems to be some sort of absorption problem in my gut. I'm low on magnesium and zinc so I have restarted those supplements. She also gave me some recipes I can use after I have my oral surgery. The receptionist at the oral surgeon's office was telling me I could have comfort foods such as mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, pudding...I wish!
I recently found a website that rates the toxicity of cosmetics. I have read in several places now that if you wouldn't eat it, don't put it on your skin. Anyway, you can check this out yourself at the link to the right called, "Cosmetic Toxicity Database". Some ingredients in cosmetics can not only cause cancer, they can disrupt other bodily systems such as the endocrine system. I'm going makeup free until I find a pure source. I have heard that MiEssence is a good one...now I just have to find it.
More pieces of the puzzle are coming together. Hopefully we will soon have the full picture of what is going on with not only me, but my mother as well.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Pray for my Mom!
I'm really going off the subject here a bit, but I wanted to ask all of you to keep my Mom in your prayers. As many of you know, my Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimers while in her 60's. It has progressed to the point where my Dad was going to put her in a care facility really soon. My Dad takes meticulous notes of everything the dr.'s tell him concerning my mother and he dropped these notes off to her neurologist. Within an hour, the neurologist calls him back and tells him he thinks she has NPH or Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, not Alzheimers. He did a CAT scan and said there is fluid on the brain. So, probably the last week of September,
the neurologist is going to do an imaging exam to better determine if
there is enough fluid there and possibly/probably to put in a shunt to
drain it out. Dad says the neurologist claims that draining it will
cure Mom. NPH's 'symptoms mimic that of Alzheimers. So, that would be awesome!
Pray Pray Pray!
I told my sister that if Mom really gets cured, I'll have to fly down to Phoenix and we will all celebrate. Let's hope and pray I get to do that soon. In the meantime, I'm making travel arrangements for my trip to the oral surgeon in Indiana. Looking at airlines, rental cars, Priceline for hotels...
Oh, and as promised, I'll tell you a little bit about your cells and diabetes. The easiest way to put this is that you want to keep your cells permeable. You do this partly by eating a healthy diet with no trans fats! If you are eating food with trans fats, then your body will use these fats to reconstruct your cells. The trans fats are tough; they are not permeable and therein lies the problem. The insulin is the key to the door of the cell, but the glucose can't get in if the cell wall is too tough. When that happens, then the glucose builds up in the blood stream instead and thus, you have high blood sugar. I have greatly simplified the process and there can be many factors that can cause these cell walls to be less permeable.
What I have read to cure this is that you can take flax seed oil orally. The following book tells all about this and gives recommendations for dosage: Insulin, Our Silent Killer.
That's all for tonight. Thanks for reading and be well.
the neurologist is going to do an imaging exam to better determine if
there is enough fluid there and possibly/probably to put in a shunt to
drain it out. Dad says the neurologist claims that draining it will
cure Mom. NPH's 'symptoms mimic that of Alzheimers. So, that would be awesome!
Pray Pray Pray!
I told my sister that if Mom really gets cured, I'll have to fly down to Phoenix and we will all celebrate. Let's hope and pray I get to do that soon. In the meantime, I'm making travel arrangements for my trip to the oral surgeon in Indiana. Looking at airlines, rental cars, Priceline for hotels...
Oh, and as promised, I'll tell you a little bit about your cells and diabetes. The easiest way to put this is that you want to keep your cells permeable. You do this partly by eating a healthy diet with no trans fats! If you are eating food with trans fats, then your body will use these fats to reconstruct your cells. The trans fats are tough; they are not permeable and therein lies the problem. The insulin is the key to the door of the cell, but the glucose can't get in if the cell wall is too tough. When that happens, then the glucose builds up in the blood stream instead and thus, you have high blood sugar. I have greatly simplified the process and there can be many factors that can cause these cell walls to be less permeable.
What I have read to cure this is that you can take flax seed oil orally. The following book tells all about this and gives recommendations for dosage: Insulin, Our Silent Killer.
That's all for tonight. Thanks for reading and be well.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Toxic People ~ Get them out of your life!
I know in my last post that I promised to get into the cellular level of things in this post, but I'm going to postpone that for today. Something came up and hey, you have to be flexible in this life.
I had an interesting conversation with someone yesterday. She brought up the topic of toxic people. Looking back through my life, I've had a lot of these people in my life. Maybe you have too. Some have abused my trust, some have said unkind things, some are critical or judgmental. All have affected my perspective of life in some way.
The good news is that there are ways to overcome the feelings these people evoke. I'm not going to say the first thing that comes to mind right away, because you have probably heard it.(I'll mention this later, though, just in case!) What I am going to say is that you can learn to replace those negative thoughts associated with those people with positive thoughts. "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Phillipians 4:8 (amplified Bible)
Does this work? Yes, I truly believe it does. How do I know? Because I used to stew on things. I still find myself stewing on things. I used to say I was blessed and cursed with a good memory. But now when I find myself stewing, I make a conscious effort to stop. Stop those negative thoughts in their tracks and start replacing them with positives about yourself. Say it aloud if you have to. The more you say it, the more you will believe it. And the more peace and happiness you will enjoy. I know. It's working for me. Abuse of any kind is a hard thing to overcome. However, it can be overcome. If you believe in Christ, you may find His words comforting. John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" quoted from the amplified Bible.
Another thing you can do is stop hanging around some of these toxic, negative people. They will only drag you down. Find some true friends instead. Ones that will challenge, uplift, and encourage you, being honest with you at all times. Sometimes the truth hurts, but if the motivation behind it is one of love, then maybe see if there is something negative in your life that you need to take care of. If you can't find it or don't agree with the person, then thank them for caring enough to mention it and forget about it. They may be off, but a true friend won't be out to harm you. They will only have your best interests at heart.
Some of you may ask, "But what if it's my boss?" or another person in authority over you. Well, you can pray the person will have a change of heart, pray they get moved to a different department or pray you find a different job where you are appreciated for the God-given talents you do have. It could be time to move on. Who knows? The point is that you CAN do something about it.
And what do you do if YOU are the toxic person? Change. Recognize your effect not only on others, but on yourself. Think before you talk. Encourage rather than discourage. Edify instead of criticize. I think you will be amazed at the results.
So what does all of this have to do with staying healthy? According to some researchers, everything. Stress is one of the major causes of illness. According to the book I'm currently reading, Feelings Buried Alive Never Die, your whole body is affected by negative/positive emotions right down to the cellular level. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around some of what they are trying to teach in the book, but I think I'm getting it.
Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Hmmm Maybe there is a lot to this. In the meantime, stay away from those toxic people in your life. They aren't good for your emotional or physical health. And you will be a lot happier without them.
Oh, and what was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of overcoming toxic people? Prayer. Our Father in heaven is always there to listen and the Holy Spirit will help guide you into all truth.
I had an interesting conversation with someone yesterday. She brought up the topic of toxic people. Looking back through my life, I've had a lot of these people in my life. Maybe you have too. Some have abused my trust, some have said unkind things, some are critical or judgmental. All have affected my perspective of life in some way.
The good news is that there are ways to overcome the feelings these people evoke. I'm not going to say the first thing that comes to mind right away, because you have probably heard it.(I'll mention this later, though, just in case!) What I am going to say is that you can learn to replace those negative thoughts associated with those people with positive thoughts. "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Phillipians 4:8 (amplified Bible)
Does this work? Yes, I truly believe it does. How do I know? Because I used to stew on things. I still find myself stewing on things. I used to say I was blessed and cursed with a good memory. But now when I find myself stewing, I make a conscious effort to stop. Stop those negative thoughts in their tracks and start replacing them with positives about yourself. Say it aloud if you have to. The more you say it, the more you will believe it. And the more peace and happiness you will enjoy. I know. It's working for me. Abuse of any kind is a hard thing to overcome. However, it can be overcome. If you believe in Christ, you may find His words comforting. John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" quoted from the amplified Bible.
Another thing you can do is stop hanging around some of these toxic, negative people. They will only drag you down. Find some true friends instead. Ones that will challenge, uplift, and encourage you, being honest with you at all times. Sometimes the truth hurts, but if the motivation behind it is one of love, then maybe see if there is something negative in your life that you need to take care of. If you can't find it or don't agree with the person, then thank them for caring enough to mention it and forget about it. They may be off, but a true friend won't be out to harm you. They will only have your best interests at heart.
Some of you may ask, "But what if it's my boss?" or another person in authority over you. Well, you can pray the person will have a change of heart, pray they get moved to a different department or pray you find a different job where you are appreciated for the God-given talents you do have. It could be time to move on. Who knows? The point is that you CAN do something about it.
And what do you do if YOU are the toxic person? Change. Recognize your effect not only on others, but on yourself. Think before you talk. Encourage rather than discourage. Edify instead of criticize. I think you will be amazed at the results.
So what does all of this have to do with staying healthy? According to some researchers, everything. Stress is one of the major causes of illness. According to the book I'm currently reading, Feelings Buried Alive Never Die, your whole body is affected by negative/positive emotions right down to the cellular level. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around some of what they are trying to teach in the book, but I think I'm getting it.
Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Hmmm Maybe there is a lot to this. In the meantime, stay away from those toxic people in your life. They aren't good for your emotional or physical health. And you will be a lot happier without them.
Oh, and what was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of overcoming toxic people? Prayer. Our Father in heaven is always there to listen and the Holy Spirit will help guide you into all truth.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Blood Test Results and How I Achieved them with NO drugs
Welcome back! The rest of my blood test results are in and I'm basically a really healthy individual except for the high blood sugar and a thyroid issue. They did a thyroid peroxidase test and the result was 54. Normal is under 35. So what does this mean? It means I have autoantibodies present that should not be there. Here is the definition from medicinenet.com.
"Autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (abbreviated TPOAb) are produced by the body itself. TPOAb can attack the thyroid and damage thyroid function."
I have these antibodies, but not in the T3 and T4(thyroid hormones). The TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone)produced by the pituitary gland is also normal. It will be interesting to see if this autoantibody issue goes away after my root canal teeth are pulled on October 4th. From a previous post, I had mentioned that the teeth in question can affect the thyroid.
This blood test also verified that I do have elevated bilirubin levels. My result was .3 and the normal range is less than or equal to .2. The dr.'s still don't seem to be too concerned with this.
A surprising result of this blood work was that my insulin levels are in the normal range. A lot of diabetics have hyperinsulinemia, which means that their pancreas is pumping out insulin like mad trying to lower the blood glucose levels. Eventually the pancreas will experience a "burn out" from this. Either mine is burning out or it is functioning normally. Let's pray for the latter.
Now for some good news. My HBA1C tested at a 7. Less than 6 is normal so I am almost there without drugs! I went from an 11.6 in January to this so I am ecstatic. So what is the HBA1C test anyway? It basically measures your average blood sugar for the previous 3 months. Since my blood sugars are continuing to drop, I expect to be in the normal ranges by the end of the year.
So how DID I do this with no drugs? I started educating myself through the internet and books. I have read all of the books located in my health booklist to the right and started changing my diet. In a nutshell, I have cut out almost all white flour, most grains, sugar, soda pop, caffeine and processed foods. I buy organic when possible or go to the local Farmers Market. I have cut way back on microwave use. With the help of my nutritionist, I am figuring out what my metabolic type is so I can eat right for my body. I will delve further into this in my next post. When I discovered the diabetes, I was already doing Jazzercise 3 times per week and I kept doing that. I have started taking baths in Epsom salt to help myself relax.
The result from all of this is a healthier body, increased energy, a more positive outlook on life and some hope that I will get better. I am so glad I didn't listen to those who said things such as, "Well, if you would only take your medicine, you would be okay." If I had blindly followed my first dr.'s advice or caved to the pressure of well meaning friends, I wouldn't know about the thyroid issue or the dangers in our food supply chain. I am willing to bet my blood sugar would not be this low either. Many diabetics end up taking more and more drugs trying in vain to get their blood sugar under control and suffer the side effects of these drugs until they die. I don't plan on being one of them. If you ever have a health issue, please, please, please do yourself a favor and educate yourself. You just never know what you may find. It could just change the outcome of your life.
So how did this change in diet really help at the cellular level? I will address that in my next post.
"Autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (abbreviated TPOAb) are produced by the body itself. TPOAb can attack the thyroid and damage thyroid function."
I have these antibodies, but not in the T3 and T4(thyroid hormones). The TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone)produced by the pituitary gland is also normal. It will be interesting to see if this autoantibody issue goes away after my root canal teeth are pulled on October 4th. From a previous post, I had mentioned that the teeth in question can affect the thyroid.
This blood test also verified that I do have elevated bilirubin levels. My result was .3 and the normal range is less than or equal to .2. The dr.'s still don't seem to be too concerned with this.
A surprising result of this blood work was that my insulin levels are in the normal range. A lot of diabetics have hyperinsulinemia, which means that their pancreas is pumping out insulin like mad trying to lower the blood glucose levels. Eventually the pancreas will experience a "burn out" from this. Either mine is burning out or it is functioning normally. Let's pray for the latter.
Now for some good news. My HBA1C tested at a 7. Less than 6 is normal so I am almost there without drugs! I went from an 11.6 in January to this so I am ecstatic. So what is the HBA1C test anyway? It basically measures your average blood sugar for the previous 3 months. Since my blood sugars are continuing to drop, I expect to be in the normal ranges by the end of the year.
So how DID I do this with no drugs? I started educating myself through the internet and books. I have read all of the books located in my health booklist to the right and started changing my diet. In a nutshell, I have cut out almost all white flour, most grains, sugar, soda pop, caffeine and processed foods. I buy organic when possible or go to the local Farmers Market. I have cut way back on microwave use. With the help of my nutritionist, I am figuring out what my metabolic type is so I can eat right for my body. I will delve further into this in my next post. When I discovered the diabetes, I was already doing Jazzercise 3 times per week and I kept doing that. I have started taking baths in Epsom salt to help myself relax.
The result from all of this is a healthier body, increased energy, a more positive outlook on life and some hope that I will get better. I am so glad I didn't listen to those who said things such as, "Well, if you would only take your medicine, you would be okay." If I had blindly followed my first dr.'s advice or caved to the pressure of well meaning friends, I wouldn't know about the thyroid issue or the dangers in our food supply chain. I am willing to bet my blood sugar would not be this low either. Many diabetics end up taking more and more drugs trying in vain to get their blood sugar under control and suffer the side effects of these drugs until they die. I don't plan on being one of them. If you ever have a health issue, please, please, please do yourself a favor and educate yourself. You just never know what you may find. It could just change the outcome of your life.
So how did this change in diet really help at the cellular level? I will address that in my next post.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Labor Day really WAS Labor Day!
Hello everyone!
I pray you all had a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. We spent one day remodeling floors in our house and one day shopping, of course! But more than that, we celebrated my 3rd daughter's 6th birthday. Six years ago was another labor day. I was making jokes to everyone that she would be born on Labor Day, never expecting it to happen. I was to be induced on Sept 4th, but our little cherub decided to come early the night before. This should have been my first hint with this one because she doesn't like to wait...for anything! Isabella is smart as a whip, funny, determined, sensitive, stubborn, loves to laugh and loves life in general. She is both a challenge and a joy. What more could a mother ask for? God gave us a wonderful gift in little Isabella and we will cherish her always.
I am off to the chiropractor and then I will come back and post my most recent blood test results. There is good news and not so good news. However, it is all good news since now I have some answers and can start working toward better health. Stay tuned...
I pray you all had a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. We spent one day remodeling floors in our house and one day shopping, of course! But more than that, we celebrated my 3rd daughter's 6th birthday. Six years ago was another labor day. I was making jokes to everyone that she would be born on Labor Day, never expecting it to happen. I was to be induced on Sept 4th, but our little cherub decided to come early the night before. This should have been my first hint with this one because she doesn't like to wait...for anything! Isabella is smart as a whip, funny, determined, sensitive, stubborn, loves to laugh and loves life in general. She is both a challenge and a joy. What more could a mother ask for? God gave us a wonderful gift in little Isabella and we will cherish her always.
I am off to the chiropractor and then I will come back and post my most recent blood test results. There is good news and not so good news. However, it is all good news since now I have some answers and can start working toward better health. Stay tuned...
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