OK, I am really starting to freak out a bit now. My surgery is tomorrow and feeling very very real. I have to be at the hospital at 12:15 and surgery is at 2:15 for an estimated hour and a half-two hours, and then discharged home on Tuesday if everything goes as planned. I know it will all be OK, but I am still nervous as hell, mainly again with the emetophobia issue. I don't care that they are cutting me open, I just don't want to get sick. I would rather die on the table to be honest, no joke.
I am presently on a clear fluid diet and drinking 2 pouches of Pico-Salax to prep for the surgery. It is so yucky with even yuckier effects. Not so pleasant. I am just tired and stressed out and rambling, don't mind me. I am trying to relax and breathe and minimize my anxiety, but it is hard. I am the type of person who analyzes things to death, so trying shut my brain off and relax is a very foreign concept.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Surgery on Monday and Emetophobia
Wow, am I ever starting to freak out. Surgery is on Monday, and the nerves are kicking in, in full force. I honestly don't care that they are cutting me open, I am just such a severe emetophobe that I am terrified of getting sick. It puts me into full panic attacks.
I went in for an anaesthesia consult at the hospital on Monday, and the poor anaesthesia resident. He was so nice and helpful, and I kept grilling the poor guy about anti nauseants and less emetogenic anaesthesia and techniques, aggressive re-hydration via IV etc. This guy probably thinks I am a total nutcase, but I honestly would rather die on the table then feel a hint of nausea or God forbid get sick. I think I need some Valium...
I went in for an anaesthesia consult at the hospital on Monday, and the poor anaesthesia resident. He was so nice and helpful, and I kept grilling the poor guy about anti nauseants and less emetogenic anaesthesia and techniques, aggressive re-hydration via IV etc. This guy probably thinks I am a total nutcase, but I honestly would rather die on the table then feel a hint of nausea or God forbid get sick. I think I need some Valium...
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Yellow Shirt Day 2009
Tomorrow, Monday March 2 2009 is Yellow Shirt Day 2009. What is Yellow Shirt Day? It is an international effort to draw awareness about endo, give accurate information to the public and medical community, show support for your loved ones who suffer from the disease and to find a cure. It is absolutely unacceptable that the average woman with endo suffers for 9 YEARS before an accurate diagnosis is made. For a disease that affects an estimated 5-10% of cycling women, even 9 weeks is an unacceptable diagnosis delay. It shouldn't be that hard.
My other biggest peeve is that about 98% of gyns have absolutely no idea how to treat endo. They laser or cauterize the few lesions they can recognize and balk at you and prescribe even more hormones when you are back in pain 1 month later because they didn't remove all of the disease.
***To all the doctors out there and all current and future endo patients: Endometriosis can only be diagnosed with an EXCISION and a BIOPSY of the disease. Laser and cautery do not allow for biopsy, nor do they destroy the entire lesion, just the surface which leaves the "roots" in tact. Hence the disease is not treated. Lupron and Danazol are clearly not the answer. Sampson's theory is the biggest load of bullshit I have ever heard. Hysterectomy and pregnancy are not cures nor viable "treatments". Cramps and menstrual pain are not normal. They are common, but so is type II diabetes. Common and normal are two very different things. If you know something is wrong and doctors keep brushing you off, don't give up! There are endo specialists out there who can help you without injecting you with scary hormones or pressuring you into a hysterectomy that you don't need and won't help. Don't give up!***
OK, I am done ranting for now. I have a bit of passion on the subject :)
I am wearing yellow tomorrow. The question is, are you?
My other biggest peeve is that about 98% of gyns have absolutely no idea how to treat endo. They laser or cauterize the few lesions they can recognize and balk at you and prescribe even more hormones when you are back in pain 1 month later because they didn't remove all of the disease.
***To all the doctors out there and all current and future endo patients: Endometriosis can only be diagnosed with an EXCISION and a BIOPSY of the disease. Laser and cautery do not allow for biopsy, nor do they destroy the entire lesion, just the surface which leaves the "roots" in tact. Hence the disease is not treated. Lupron and Danazol are clearly not the answer. Sampson's theory is the biggest load of bullshit I have ever heard. Hysterectomy and pregnancy are not cures nor viable "treatments". Cramps and menstrual pain are not normal. They are common, but so is type II diabetes. Common and normal are two very different things. If you know something is wrong and doctors keep brushing you off, don't give up! There are endo specialists out there who can help you without injecting you with scary hormones or pressuring you into a hysterectomy that you don't need and won't help. Don't give up!***
OK, I am done ranting for now. I have a bit of passion on the subject :)
I am wearing yellow tomorrow. The question is, are you?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Supplement Protocol
I have mentioned before that I take quite a few nutritional supplements in addition to diet changes to support my endo and personal health concerns, and have recently added a few with the help of the ND.
Here is what I take everyday. It seems like a lot, but I believe that nutrition and supplementation is why I went from 18 months to 4.5 years between laparoscopies.
*This is what works for me, it may or may not work for you, this is not intended to cure, treat or prevent endometriosis in any person. I claim no responsibility whatsoever for your personal health, choices and/or actions in relation to this blog and my personal story and the therapies I choose to use. Consult your doctor and a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist before starting any nutritional or supplementation program. By reading this blog, you release all liability from the author, www.blogger.com and affiliates, and any and all products or doctors mentioned. *
My personal routine:
B complex 50mg 2x a day
CLA 1000mg 3x a day
Prenatal vitamin, 1/2 with breakfast, 1/2 with dinner (taking the whole thing at once makes me nauseated)
Organic cold pressed flax oil, 2000mg 3x a day
Organic cold pressed evening primrose oil 1500mg 3x a day
Calcium and Magnesium 400mg 1x day
Vegetarian digestive enzyme 1 before every meal
High quality probiotic 3 capsules in the morning
Estrosense 2 tablets 2x a day
Chlorella 3 tablets 2x a day
Traumeel oral drops, 15 drops 3x a day in water
Tissue salts Comb N, up to 6 tablets daily, as needed
Red raspberry leaf tea, especially during the luteal phase and menstrually.
In terms of nutrition, I do quite a bit there as well. I am a vegetarian, and try to have as much organic food as possible. I avoid wheat, sugar, alcohol, trans fatty acids, rancid or heated poly unsaturated fats and try to keep dairy and soy intake to a minimum. I make sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and at least dark leafy green vegetable a day. I use organic, first cold pressing oils, and store them in dark glass bottles away from heat and light. Organic raw nuts and seeds or avocado should also be consumed daily in moderation. Only whole grains should be consumed, whole sprouted naturally leavened breads are the best choice if you must have bread. Otherwise stick with brown rice, quinoa, spelt, kamut, oats, barley and rye. Avoid wheat and all processed flours and yeasts. If you must eat meat, make sure it is in moderation and organic, free range and cage free. make sure the animals are eating their natural foods, not a commercial grain feed or "livestock feed". Legumes, nuts, seeds, chlorella, and small amounts of soy or dairy can be combined with whole grains and produce for complete proteins.
Only 3 weeks left to go until surgery...
Here is what I take everyday. It seems like a lot, but I believe that nutrition and supplementation is why I went from 18 months to 4.5 years between laparoscopies.
*This is what works for me, it may or may not work for you, this is not intended to cure, treat or prevent endometriosis in any person. I claim no responsibility whatsoever for your personal health, choices and/or actions in relation to this blog and my personal story and the therapies I choose to use. Consult your doctor and a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist before starting any nutritional or supplementation program. By reading this blog, you release all liability from the author, www.blogger.com and affiliates, and any and all products or doctors mentioned. *
My personal routine:
B complex 50mg 2x a day
CLA 1000mg 3x a day
Prenatal vitamin, 1/2 with breakfast, 1/2 with dinner (taking the whole thing at once makes me nauseated)
Organic cold pressed flax oil, 2000mg 3x a day
Organic cold pressed evening primrose oil 1500mg 3x a day
Calcium and Magnesium 400mg 1x day
Vegetarian digestive enzyme 1 before every meal
High quality probiotic 3 capsules in the morning
Estrosense 2 tablets 2x a day
Chlorella 3 tablets 2x a day
Traumeel oral drops, 15 drops 3x a day in water
Tissue salts Comb N, up to 6 tablets daily, as needed
Red raspberry leaf tea, especially during the luteal phase and menstrually.
In terms of nutrition, I do quite a bit there as well. I am a vegetarian, and try to have as much organic food as possible. I avoid wheat, sugar, alcohol, trans fatty acids, rancid or heated poly unsaturated fats and try to keep dairy and soy intake to a minimum. I make sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and at least dark leafy green vegetable a day. I use organic, first cold pressing oils, and store them in dark glass bottles away from heat and light. Organic raw nuts and seeds or avocado should also be consumed daily in moderation. Only whole grains should be consumed, whole sprouted naturally leavened breads are the best choice if you must have bread. Otherwise stick with brown rice, quinoa, spelt, kamut, oats, barley and rye. Avoid wheat and all processed flours and yeasts. If you must eat meat, make sure it is in moderation and organic, free range and cage free. make sure the animals are eating their natural foods, not a commercial grain feed or "livestock feed". Legumes, nuts, seeds, chlorella, and small amounts of soy or dairy can be combined with whole grains and produce for complete proteins.
Only 3 weeks left to go until surgery...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me
Yes, it finally came, the day I have been dreading... my birthday. I feel so old, it is disgusting. I am 26 and looking into everything anti aging that I can. I am seriously thinking about Resty or Juvederm injections in my lips, in addition to the additional work previously mentioned.
I am not looking forward to V-Day tomorrow, or SAD, singles awareness day. I have never had a good V-day, I always seem to be single when my birthday and V-day roll around. I wish it were easier to meet great cute funny smart passionate affluent successful sweet straight guys here. I like my space but at the same time I would like to finally meet the right guy and settle down.
In terms on endo pain, I did have some shooting and cramping pain today. I think I must have ovulated, because it was just on my left side and didn't hurt like my endo normally does. So I took some pain meds and curled up with my heating pad for a bit. I am sorry, I seem to be whiny and annoying again today.
*Takes a step back to gain some perspective*
I am not looking forward to V-Day tomorrow, or SAD, singles awareness day. I have never had a good V-day, I always seem to be single when my birthday and V-day roll around. I wish it were easier to meet great cute funny smart passionate affluent successful sweet straight guys here. I like my space but at the same time I would like to finally meet the right guy and settle down.
In terms on endo pain, I did have some shooting and cramping pain today. I think I must have ovulated, because it was just on my left side and didn't hurt like my endo normally does. So I took some pain meds and curled up with my heating pad for a bit. I am sorry, I seem to be whiny and annoying again today.
*Takes a step back to gain some perspective*
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Allergies, Allergies
I decided to get ELISA allergy testing done, as a way to naturally help myself and reduce inflammation. Women with endo very often have undiagnosed food allergies, sensitivities, and candida imbalances. I got the blood work about a week and a half ago, the day before I got sick, and received the results back today. Wow I am allergic to EVERYTHING, gluten and yeast being the biggest two, although allergic to many other things including apples, blueberries, milk, mushrooms, olives (and oil), tomato, cocoa, black pepper, lettuce and pineapple among other things :/
WTF, I can't even eat lettuce anymore? It is a sad, sad day.
So I am planning on eliminating my allergies ASAP, so I will update as my with drawls go on. I am a nutritionist, so I do eat very healthy and follow the "endo diet" as it is, and am a vegetarian. So I am just going to have to be creative and come up with a plan. Tomorrow is my birthday (I am having a mid 20's crisis), however, so I will probably eat pasta and a mini gourmet cupcake, but apart from that planned cheat, I do plan on sticking to the new allergy protocol. Ice cubes and air it is. *Sigh*
WTF, I can't even eat lettuce anymore? It is a sad, sad day.
So I am planning on eliminating my allergies ASAP, so I will update as my with drawls go on. I am a nutritionist, so I do eat very healthy and follow the "endo diet" as it is, and am a vegetarian. So I am just going to have to be creative and come up with a plan. Tomorrow is my birthday (I am having a mid 20's crisis), however, so I will probably eat pasta and a mini gourmet cupcake, but apart from that planned cheat, I do plan on sticking to the new allergy protocol. Ice cubes and air it is. *Sigh*
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Acupuncture Denied
Yesterday I went in for acupuncture, but the yummy ND took one look at me and said no way. He was worried that because I have been so sick and hadn't eaten in a week that I would pass out on him. So I had a vitamin shot instead, which seems to be working because I am starting to feel better today. Ugh, it has been a week of hell, I seriously can't remember being so sick. My mouth really hurts today, it feels like it has been burned, which is strange because I haven't had anything hot since before I got sick. Whine whine whine... yeah... I'll shut up now and get back on topic next time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
