I've been having issues with numbness and pain in my toes. The numbness occurs no matter what I'm doing, but more often when I'm walking/jogging/sitting with my feet propped up. I suspected it may be related to my spine, or circulation, but not being an expert I went to see my primary care physician. She believes it's related to my spine (possible nerve inflammation) because, 1) I have frequent lower back pain that can be unbearable, 2) I've had issues with spinal inflammation in the past, and 3) I have an S shaped curve in my spine due to a moderate case of scoliosis.
So, I get to take a weeks worth of steroids and my doctor had me do a couple x-rays in the meantime just to look things over again.
It's been awful when I jog, because halfway through I lose all sensation in my right toes. It comes back once I cool down and relax, but it's intermittent. Then my back hurts the rest of the night too, so while I feel invigorated from my workout, I also feel run down in general.
I really hope the steroids work.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
All over the place-
- My step-sister has a match, as a matter of fact she has a baby in her home this week! They've had one court hearing, but they have several more ahead of them. I believe in our state the final adoption hearing is after 6 months... so crossing my fingers that she doesn't have another disrupted match! He's beautiful, and every update just melts my heart. She's waited 6 years for this.
- We're in the midst of a major heatwave, like most of the US. It's 101F outside right now (and HUMID as hell). We bought a window a/c unit for lack of better options, and turned our dining room into a sitting room since it was the best room for the unit (Oh the joys of a 100+ year old home). It's so nice in here right now though. Not as cool as a home with central a/c, but it'll do! My kitchen feels like a damn sauna. At least V isn't grumpy because it's so hot, and he hasn't gotten heat rash since. Momma is happy about that.
- Rearranging the rooms put me into cleaning overdrive. I've just decided to declutter. Several bags of trash, and boxes for the thrift store later... I have more cleaning to do. Honestly, it's about time. I really need to simplify my life. All this junk just adds to my cleaning, and in recent years I've really come to value the statement "less is more."
- I finally took all the syringes from the fertility treatments/pregnancy and put them in containers for disposal. I have two large laundry detergent bottles full. I've been meaning to get rid of those so many times now, but I'm horrible about follow through. But, this week or next they are out of here.
- For someone who said I didn't think I could ever give myself an injection, I've sure given myself a ton.
- We were going to watch the fireworks tonight, but it's almost 8:30pm and still 101F. Not to mention we have a severe thunderstorm warning, and a messy front is moving in. It should hit sometime soon. The sky is pretty clear, but the radar tells another story. I don't think we'll be going after all. We really need the rain, but I'm hoping this storm is mild.
- V had his 6 month check-up on Monday. He's almost 19lbs and right on track. He had his shots, which made him grumpy. Man, I'd hate to be the nurse that does those injections. That poor woman; he screamed and screamed, then stopped the second she was out the door. I think he's on to her.
- A is taking vacation next week, and our anniversary is next Thursday (the 12th). We don't have any exciting plans, but it'll be nice to just spend some time as a family. I'm trying to think of fun things we can do, but I guess that'll depend on the weather. I can't believe it's been almost six years since we got married, nine since we started dating! That just seems like so long.
- I just bought brand new shorts two months ago, and they're already too loose. Having to buy new clothes because mine are too big? That is an amazing feeling! Heck, I found my old shorts that were too tight in 2010, and they're way too loose now too. Definitely an ego boost. I weigh less than I did when I was pregnant for the first time. I even weigh less than I did at my wedding.
- Sometimes I just need to brag and remind myself that all this hard work is worth it.
- We're in the midst of a major heatwave, like most of the US. It's 101F outside right now (and HUMID as hell). We bought a window a/c unit for lack of better options, and turned our dining room into a sitting room since it was the best room for the unit (Oh the joys of a 100+ year old home). It's so nice in here right now though. Not as cool as a home with central a/c, but it'll do! My kitchen feels like a damn sauna. At least V isn't grumpy because it's so hot, and he hasn't gotten heat rash since. Momma is happy about that.
- Rearranging the rooms put me into cleaning overdrive. I've just decided to declutter. Several bags of trash, and boxes for the thrift store later... I have more cleaning to do. Honestly, it's about time. I really need to simplify my life. All this junk just adds to my cleaning, and in recent years I've really come to value the statement "less is more."
- I finally took all the syringes from the fertility treatments/pregnancy and put them in containers for disposal. I have two large laundry detergent bottles full. I've been meaning to get rid of those so many times now, but I'm horrible about follow through. But, this week or next they are out of here.
- For someone who said I didn't think I could ever give myself an injection, I've sure given myself a ton.
- We were going to watch the fireworks tonight, but it's almost 8:30pm and still 101F. Not to mention we have a severe thunderstorm warning, and a messy front is moving in. It should hit sometime soon. The sky is pretty clear, but the radar tells another story. I don't think we'll be going after all. We really need the rain, but I'm hoping this storm is mild.
- V had his 6 month check-up on Monday. He's almost 19lbs and right on track. He had his shots, which made him grumpy. Man, I'd hate to be the nurse that does those injections. That poor woman; he screamed and screamed, then stopped the second she was out the door. I think he's on to her.
- A is taking vacation next week, and our anniversary is next Thursday (the 12th). We don't have any exciting plans, but it'll be nice to just spend some time as a family. I'm trying to think of fun things we can do, but I guess that'll depend on the weather. I can't believe it's been almost six years since we got married, nine since we started dating! That just seems like so long.
- I just bought brand new shorts two months ago, and they're already too loose. Having to buy new clothes because mine are too big? That is an amazing feeling! Heck, I found my old shorts that were too tight in 2010, and they're way too loose now too. Definitely an ego boost. I weigh less than I did when I was pregnant for the first time. I even weigh less than I did at my wedding.
- Sometimes I just need to brag and remind myself that all this hard work is worth it.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Friday night-
Friday was forecast to be much the same. Heading those warnings, and not having air conditioning in our home, we headed out of the city to cool off with some retail therapy. Poor V had gotten a little heat rash and I was worried about him.
We don't have cable, but I check the weather online. It said we have a 10% chance of thunderstorms. That really didn't seem like a big deal.
When we left to go home it was sunny. It was beautiful, but terribly humid.
When we got closer to our city, we noticed it was dark. I commented to A that it was probably that 10% chance they predicted. We crossed the storm threshold, and the car buffeted almost off the road unexpectedly. We proceeded much below the speed limit the rest of the way into town as branches, hail, and high winds tried to knock us off the roads.
That was the scariest car ride ever.
When we got into town, it was like a disaster area. It was still pouring, there were branches and trees scattered on the roads. There were police and ambulances everywhere. Almost every single streetlight was out. Some streets were flooded. Our side of town got the worst damage; on our street alone there were several tress knocked into people's homes, two taking power lines down with them. We skirted the first one, it was literally on the street, but the second one was next door. A giant tree sized limb had fallen in their yard, taking lines down with it. A giant limb was in our driveway. The photo is our side fence, a limb busted off one of our trees in the front yard and the wind slammed it around to the side of our house and banged our fence up pretty good. There are roof tiles littered in our back yard.
Thank goodness that was the worst of the damage, and that we were okay.
When we got in the house, the power was one but then shut off. It came back on though, and stayed on.
My mom, 30 minutes away in another county, wasn't that lucky; lightning struck their transformer. My cousin and her were without power until midnight. My friend (an hour away) was without power until today. There were street lamps, street signs, utility poles knocked down all over. I know other states got it worse, and I can't even imagine. I mean, I'm in Ohio and we had to declare a state of emergency. Crews were out here at midnight cleaning up this tree and power lines in the neighbors yard. Some street lights are still out.
It was intense.
But we were pretty lucky, considering how bad it could have been. I am super thankful for that!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
6 months-
We have a lot of his stuff we keep meaning to take to the thrift store, but we just keep putting it off. Things are piling up. I have stuff of his that need to go in the attic too. Part of it is having a hard time letting go, but another is finding the time. There's so much I mean to do, but I'm just so busy anymore.
The kid is getting really mobile now. He still can't sit on his own, but he is a master of rolling both ways. When he wakes up in his pack'n'play now, the first thing he does is roll over onto his belly, rotate towards his toys, and use his legs to push against the sideboard to get to them. It's awesome, and it's scary... I have some preparing to do before he gets really mobile! But I have a feeling it won't be long now. Yikes.
I'm trying my hand at making homemade baby purees. I think it might be cheaper, and probably healthier too. We've tried jarred purees so far but I made some homemade tonight... so I guess I'll find out how that goes tomorrow. I made apples and carrots to start, since I know he normally likes those.
He's been going through a "cling to mommy" phase. He won't go down for a nap unless he falls asleep in my arms, or on the bed snuggled up next to me. Most of the time I can move him from me to the pack'n'play with no issues, but often enough he wakes up, then screams when he realizes what I'm doing. Sometimes I don't mind, I'll just cuddle him and watch TV for an hour. Sometimes though, it's really hard because I have dishes that need done, a floor that needs swept/mopped, I need to jog, I need to prepare dinner, etc... and I only have two arms. I keep hoping that it's a passing phase, but it's been almost a month now. It's been a lot worse this past two weeks. And this past week, he's been waking up at 5am to either cuddle or eat... he normally goes to bed at midnight and wakes up at 8-9am. So it's been rough.
And, he's up from his nap! I better go get a bottle ready.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Monthly weigh in-
I managed to get up to 3mph. Heck yeah! I still struggle with it, but I'm definitely getting stronger.
My workout consists of carrying 2lb weights in each hand for about 8-10 minutes, while jogging at 3mph. Then just jogging (with no weights), until I complete 2 miles. I usually walk to cool down for about 10-15 minutes. All in all, my workout has been taking me about 50-55 minutes. I used to only jog at 2.5mph, and do 30 minutes. So my workout has increased dramatically. Sometimes it just flies by, but other times (especially when I increase my speed) it's a real struggle.
My eating... I stay around 1,500-1800cal, more often towards the upper limit than I'd like, and I know I would do better if I kept myself at 1500cal. It's really hard, but I'm working on it.
My weight has been at a standstill for the past 2 weeks, I also recently increased my workout so maybe things are just regulating. It's a little disheartening, but I know that if I stick with it, and maybe tighten in my calories more, I can get back on track.
So, my weigh in... I started at 227lbs, and I'm at about 211lbs now. I believe I've lost 6lbs this month. I can definitely see the progress now too.
Since March 17, 2012:
Weight loss: 16lbs
Inches off hips: 4in
Inches off waist: 3.5in
Since New Years 2011 though? I'm down 39lbs from my original starting weight of 250lbs. I've lost 6.5in off my waist and 4.5in off my hips. My neck is also 2in smaller, I'm down 2 pants sizes, and my bra size has went down 3 band sizes.
Not bad!
My workout consists of carrying 2lb weights in each hand for about 8-10 minutes, while jogging at 3mph. Then just jogging (with no weights), until I complete 2 miles. I usually walk to cool down for about 10-15 minutes. All in all, my workout has been taking me about 50-55 minutes. I used to only jog at 2.5mph, and do 30 minutes. So my workout has increased dramatically. Sometimes it just flies by, but other times (especially when I increase my speed) it's a real struggle.
My eating... I stay around 1,500-1800cal, more often towards the upper limit than I'd like, and I know I would do better if I kept myself at 1500cal. It's really hard, but I'm working on it.
My weight has been at a standstill for the past 2 weeks, I also recently increased my workout so maybe things are just regulating. It's a little disheartening, but I know that if I stick with it, and maybe tighten in my calories more, I can get back on track.
So, my weigh in... I started at 227lbs, and I'm at about 211lbs now. I believe I've lost 6lbs this month. I can definitely see the progress now too.
Weight loss: 16lbs
Inches off hips: 4in
Inches off waist: 3.5in
Since New Years 2011 though? I'm down 39lbs from my original starting weight of 250lbs. I've lost 6.5in off my waist and 4.5in off my hips. My neck is also 2in smaller, I'm down 2 pants sizes, and my bra size has went down 3 band sizes.
Not bad!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Pushing through it-
I completed my first 5k yesterday. Walking, mind you. My friend and I came in dead last, but you know what? It doesn't matter, because the only thing we wanted to do was to finish that race. And we did it. It took us an hour and four minutes.
The pace we set was a fast walk, and we were going as fast as I jog. Which dealt me a fair blow to my ego. But, considering I had to use my inhaler just walking it... well, asthma blows. I really want to jog/run faster, right now I'm only at 2.8mph, which is a drop in the bucket. It's the fastest I can go though. I tried going faster, but a minute on 3mph and my asthma started acting up, despite using my inhaler.
That scares me. I don't think some of the people in my life understand this, but asthma is a scary disease. It terrifies me to be taking deep lungfuls of air, and yet feeling like I'm suffocating. My legs burning with exertion, I can power through, but that? No way. I use my inhaler, and I breathe easier but in by no means solves the problem; it just helps.
I used to have nightmares of being chased by bad people or monsters, and not being able to run fast enough, having an asthma attack, and dying
I used my asthma as a crutch for many years, saying, "I can't run, I have asthma." Or, "I can't play that game, I have asthma." And while to a certain extent that's true, I could still have done something. I wasn't handicapped, I could have used my inhaler or sat down at any time. I would hope that the people in my life would have understood. But it was just easier, and less frightening, to say, "I can't do that."
I don't want to live like this anymore. I have to find the balance between my limitations and what I can do.
I really like jogging, I like the feel of my feet hitting the treadmill, listening to a rhythmic song on my mp3 player, and letting my mind wander. I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I make it to the next mile.
It's not the best exercise for someone with asthma. But man, I love it.
The pace we set was a fast walk, and we were going as fast as I jog. Which dealt me a fair blow to my ego. But, considering I had to use my inhaler just walking it... well, asthma blows. I really want to jog/run faster, right now I'm only at 2.8mph, which is a drop in the bucket. It's the fastest I can go though. I tried going faster, but a minute on 3mph and my asthma started acting up, despite using my inhaler.
That scares me. I don't think some of the people in my life understand this, but asthma is a scary disease. It terrifies me to be taking deep lungfuls of air, and yet feeling like I'm suffocating. My legs burning with exertion, I can power through, but that? No way. I use my inhaler, and I breathe easier but in by no means solves the problem; it just helps.
I used to have nightmares of being chased by bad people or monsters, and not being able to run fast enough, having an asthma attack, and dying
I used my asthma as a crutch for many years, saying, "I can't run, I have asthma." Or, "I can't play that game, I have asthma." And while to a certain extent that's true, I could still have done something. I wasn't handicapped, I could have used my inhaler or sat down at any time. I would hope that the people in my life would have understood. But it was just easier, and less frightening, to say, "I can't do that."
I don't want to live like this anymore. I have to find the balance between my limitations and what I can do.
I really like jogging, I like the feel of my feet hitting the treadmill, listening to a rhythmic song on my mp3 player, and letting my mind wander. I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I make it to the next mile.
It's not the best exercise for someone with asthma. But man, I love it.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Rough week-
It's just been a rough week. V is spitting up a lot and cranky. I'm covered with bruises because I am coordination challenged, my favorite mishap seems to be walking into the coffee table. Although I did walk into the end of the wood framed futon the other day, and I have a hand sized bruise on my thigh to prove it. Ugh. I also seem to enjoy hitting my elbows on the cupboards- resulting in yet more bruises! I don't know what's wrong with me.
Oh, and then we had a small electrical fire the other day. We were damn lucky I was downstairs and awake when it happened, and the cats alerted me to the issues... in case the thumping/popping/buzzing noises weren't enough to clue me in. I quickly put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, and ran to the basement to flip the breaker switch to kill the power. So then we spent the rest of the night fixing that and cleaning up the mess from it. Luckily it didn't spread anywhere except that outlet, it didn't get the floor or the curtains... it was as contained as it could be. But it was SCARY as HELL.
I don't know if I ever mentioned on here, but my biggest fear (aside from the zombie apocalypse) is having my house catch fire. My great-grandmother died in a house fire when my grandma was only six. She had ran back in because she thought the kids were still in the house, and then she died a few days later in the hospital as a result of that fire. I don't know why, but that has been a huge phobia of mine since I heard that story. So there you go... But, everything is alright. The house is okay, we're okay; I'm a little shaken, but I'm fine.
We went to a gaming convention today, hoping to get a photo with some geeky stars we love. We missed them because we were running late, and won't have a chance to try again tomorrow unfortunately... so I'm a bit bummed about that. That's really not a big deal though, considering! However, while we were there I noticed that I developed a migraine. Now, I used to get migraines several times a week, and until today I didn't even realize that I've been migraine free for months. Like, I didn't even NOTICE. I've gotten 1-3 migraines a week since I was a child, I got used to them and I learned to function through the pain (it sucked)... and yet, I just went months without one. Now I want to know what I did to bring this one on... or rather, what was keeping them away in the first place? I mean, I got a headache here and there over the past few months, but I honestly can't remember my last migraine. I forgot how much they sucked. Ugh.
So, rumble ramble... I'm grumpy, the week hasn't been going to plan... but we're okay.
Oh, and then we had a small electrical fire the other day. We were damn lucky I was downstairs and awake when it happened, and the cats alerted me to the issues... in case the thumping/popping/buzzing noises weren't enough to clue me in. I quickly put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, and ran to the basement to flip the breaker switch to kill the power. So then we spent the rest of the night fixing that and cleaning up the mess from it. Luckily it didn't spread anywhere except that outlet, it didn't get the floor or the curtains... it was as contained as it could be. But it was SCARY as HELL.
I don't know if I ever mentioned on here, but my biggest fear (aside from the zombie apocalypse) is having my house catch fire. My great-grandmother died in a house fire when my grandma was only six. She had ran back in because she thought the kids were still in the house, and then she died a few days later in the hospital as a result of that fire. I don't know why, but that has been a huge phobia of mine since I heard that story. So there you go... But, everything is alright. The house is okay, we're okay; I'm a little shaken, but I'm fine.
We went to a gaming convention today, hoping to get a photo with some geeky stars we love. We missed them because we were running late, and won't have a chance to try again tomorrow unfortunately... so I'm a bit bummed about that. That's really not a big deal though, considering! However, while we were there I noticed that I developed a migraine. Now, I used to get migraines several times a week, and until today I didn't even realize that I've been migraine free for months. Like, I didn't even NOTICE. I've gotten 1-3 migraines a week since I was a child, I got used to them and I learned to function through the pain (it sucked)... and yet, I just went months without one. Now I want to know what I did to bring this one on... or rather, what was keeping them away in the first place? I mean, I got a headache here and there over the past few months, but I honestly can't remember my last migraine. I forgot how much they sucked. Ugh.
So, rumble ramble... I'm grumpy, the week hasn't been going to plan... but we're okay.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)