Conversations in Tupperware

Yesterday, following my DR appt. I had to go to the Wally to get my medicine. 45min wait. So I bought stuff.

           I reminded myself that I needed some tupperware. I'm talking on the phone w/my husband and a lady comes down the aisle. I get off the phone...

        She starts talking to me, and for some reason lol I tell her I just came from the doc about my heart. She says she is 70 years old and had a heart attack at 40. She says she is feeling good. I am like,"WOW!" This lady looked about ten years younger to me.God really has a way doesn't He:) HOPE:)

I was thinking to myself...;)

 Last night was another night of couldn't go to sleep. I finally put four pillow under me and slept basically straight up. It helps me . I don't feel as much pressure there.

I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't scared, but I don't think I should waste my time worrying. Yes, I understand the seriousness...but I am not gonna waste away. I am gonna take action. Salad today healthier tomorrow. HA

Music has always had a special place in my heart;) SO I've decided to take action on the matter...much like http://lionslemonade.blogspot.com has...and share some musica:)

I've been listening to this cd: Group 1 Crew(Outta Space Love) Here's a double dose

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOfk-zkISCg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk-aE4lSjRQ



one heart

Yesterday, I came home feelig dizzy and all. I was bummed because I planned on jogging. I decided to attempt walking which turned into jogging...felt so good. While I jogged, I had no dizziness. Took a shower. I noticed my chest was hurting.dull n achy. Ugh.what is next. I go to bed thinking it will be gone in the morning.nope.Off, to work with my mom. One point in the day it got bad. I tried my best to relax. Pinching. Went to Beans n Strings tonight . I will post some pics. Chest starting hurting a little then backed off. Came home.showered.now at 1 in the morning. I'm still up. Couldn't sleep.took an aspirin. My chest hurts and I can't lay on my left.ugh.my whole arm tingles.which happens a lot, but this time my hand too. So here I am Wide awake. Attempting to relax. Pray for me PLEASE.

Couch potato

I woke with a head ache that stuck with me most all day. For lunch I baked talapia..yummy.A few minutes later, I was sitting on my couch when the world began spinning. Good thing I didn't go to t town today. Nausea set in...ugh. Just when I think I'm good. Lost ten lbs...but the nausea doesn't allow me to exercise. I am believing tomorrow will be better for sure. I'm gonna attempt to eat fruit all day to be safe.
I feel like I'm being lazy when I lay around all day. So, I cleaned my bathroom and did a little laundry.

I WANT TO BE AN ATHLETE. Nausea be gone.

Perfect Example

Today of all days is the perfect example.
Lately I've been feeling tired and discouraged which doesn't mean I'm defeated.
This evening Robyn, Natalie, and I went swimming.Part of me n Robyn's Iron plan. We swam a few laps n it happened. I got sick.ATTACK. I marched to the woods n blachhh. I've been ignoring my shaky hands. I guess I'm flared up for another round. What I wonder is..how do some people with celiac not get as sick as me. After I puked...Natalie starts crying because she wants to swim. I am shaky right now and feel all kinds of stuff. I'm angry at the stupid disease and the devil. I cry a little wanting to feel sorry for myself.Then I'm mad again.
Robyn brought me home. I took a shower..scared to shut my eyes because I'm nauseated.
I'm laying in my bed now waiting out my enemy. Crying on and off.Fighting emotion. I'm going to keep being strong. I'm not giving up. God is with me.

IRON woMAN

Everyday now I check http://lionslemonade.blogspot.com to see how and what is going on with the lioness. I have been inspired in such a way that I have become motivated! YES! I have learned to ask myself, "What motivates you?"

I have not shared a lot of my journey with Celiac Disease, because I didn't want to sound defeated. Now, I see how me sharing can help others. I didn't want feel like I was just accepting the disease. I'm not. I'm fighting it! BOOM BOOM POW!

A few years back, Josh (husband) and I divorced. We were apart for about 6months.

I was attending RN school & being a mom. I covered up the stress with excercise(running/walking 5miles a day) and dancing my weekends away. I felt tired a lot. Not a little tired...so tired that when I came in from school I would take long long long naps. I just contributed the fatigue to my lifestyle. I kept on going.

One morning I woke up, and decided to eat a few pretzels for breakfast. The minute the first pretzel touched my toungue: I vomited. I was clueless to why??? I had no idea.

Josh and I decided to date again. We ended up remarrying. YAY!

I kept getting what I would call ATTACKS. I would get headaches, feel hot, nauseated, & extremely fatigued. ( the other symptoms were kinda gross) I didn't want to go to the doctor. I would go through spells of thinking I was dying to thinking I was just fine.

After a while, I got tired of it all. I felt like people thought I was crazy-like I was a hypochondriac.

THE DOCTOR

I decided to go to the doctor. Male doctors are not my piece of cake...no offense. I just feel more comfortable with female docs. Dr. Gastro came recommended by my mother. So ,I decided he would be the best choice. Off I went. (MARCH)

He listened to all of my symptoms, and prescribed me IBS meds. I started taking them. No change. He also scheduled a blood test. About a week later, I got a call from the Dr.'s office. They said that I had gluten sensitivity and some other junk, and they needed to do more tests. I was like,"What!?!" I had no idea what that meant, and was a little scared. I cried to my mama. It wasn't explained to me or anything. All I knew was that I had something wrong for real! All I could think about was Natalie.

Next: I have an EGD done. I was nervous, but didn't show it. They put this weird object into my mouth that held it open and a second later...I was out. I remember feeling like I was waking up. I could feel them in my throat...then out I went again. Nausea became a normal thing for me...and after I woke up from the EGD, I was very nauseated. VERY

Next was the colonoscopy. I had heard about the dreaded concoction. Yes, it's terrible. I puked up the last bit. The colonoscopy wasn't too bad...I made sure they gave me something for nausea.

LYMPH NODES

Before I went to sleep for my colonoscopy, I told Dr. Gastro about some lymph nodes on the left side of my neck that had me concerned. He felt my neck and said, "do you know what muscle that is?" and I said yes.
When I woke up at home, Josh informed me that Dr. Gastro said, "Bring her back in April. I'll prove to her those aren't lymph nodes." I  was offended. He just looked at my rear, and is being a smarty pants. I called his office and told them that I would just cancel my follow up, because I really didn't appreciate what he said to my husband. The lady said,"You really need to come in for the follow up at least." I said," okay. I'll come to that."

Next thing you know, I recieve a letter from Dr. Gastro saying he can't be my doctor anymore...basically because we couldn't get along. In my opinion, this is a cowardly act. I already didn't want to go...but they insisted. SO, I never got educated on Celiac Disease=not knowing how serious this was to my overall health. I went to another wonderful DR. and she felt my neck and confirmed the nodes. I had a PET scan, and yes they are lymph nodes...but they look normal. PHEW. Come to find out...swollen lymph nodes are a side of having Celiac Disease.

HERE WE GO

Now for the next two years I am educating my self. I am on and off of a gluten free diet.

I hate Celiac Disease! after living most of my life w/gluten. Living w/o gluten really sucked.  Being in the south doesn't help. Fried chicken, bisquits...I mean really?

A lot of people believe that CD causes you to lose weight...well no. I felt alone...like something was wrong with my body in particular. I went from 145-190lbs. I then decided to do my own research, and found that I wasn't alone. A ton of folks gain weight with CD.

We eat gluten free, our bodies are hungry for nutrients and stored everything and nom nom. Then, I would cave and eat some cake or a cracker and BLAHHHCK. Puke! I rebelled against the disease. But my body didn't. I thought," this is not fair." and etc. The usual pity party. Crying...then getting mad. Back and forth til I hit 190lbs.

HERE I AM

Eating gluten free the best I can. I test foods sometimes. A couple weeks ago, I tried to eat some chicken wings, not breaded, but covered in sauce.(most sauces contain gluten-modified food starch). I puked everything up that I ate that day. It was horrible.I haven't been that sick in a while.

Whenever I get sick, it makes me feel discouraged. I try not to be guided by my feelings, but the hope I have that comes from God. God keeps me strong.

Sunday morning I decided to have a little bit of cereal. I started feeling that lump in my throat on the way to church, and on the way home was very nauseated. I hold it down the best I can, and did not vomit. I know I should stop the lactose products, but it makes me so mad! I mean I already can't have wheat, rye, or barley. Which is in a lot of things. UGH!!! Eventually I will probably go lactose free. But I am currently fighting it!

I have starting taking a med to help me lose a little weight. I take the minimum dose, and it helps me not feel so tired. In 2weeks I have lost about 10lbs. Helps curve my appetite. You see...when I went gluten free my body began craving sugar.(Think about it...I cut out all white flour=bread products) In case you were wondering, there is no medication for Celiac Disease.

People do die from this disease. It is so important that my family and friends understand how important it is for me to follow this life change of no gluten. Most of all, I want to be healthy enough to continue to see my daughter grow up and live her life.

The Lioness doesn't know how much her blog has changed my life. Her battle seems so much more than mine...yet I feel we are in some way the same. She is special to me;)

God has put so many new people into my life this year:)

Memarie=is a young teen w/Crohn's disease...she understands lots of how I feel.

(talented too)

her mom-Tracy=aka the manager=she encourages me to keep going and stop whining:) God is my strength! I love her for that! We're going to see Dolly!

MY MUSIC CLASS=once a week I get to hang out with some of the coolest folk on the planet...they have encouraged me so much...and God has used them to pour into my life...He used them to show me how much He loves me and that I am somebody:)

of course there are more.

My daughter is a constant reminder that I need to stay healthy. I want to be an example.

Sunday afternoon, I watched an Iron Man competition special. I was inspired again. My goal is by the time I am 40 to be in the most awesome shape of my life. ME and my Robyn are gonna train like an Iron Woman.I say this with a litle nervousness. I love a challenge, but I hate to fail.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16

^{I will get back up again! Belee DAT!}

I have so much more to say, but I guess I'll save it for next time:)

http://lionslemonade.blogspot.com

1 out of 133 have Celiac Disease

(autoimmune disease)

http://www.celiaccentral.org

there are tons of sites.

I want a Lemon Tree!

I've been saying, " I want a lemon tree." I love homemade lemonade. Ain't nothin' betta!
I noticed on my FB that a classmate of mine has been blogging frequently. I nosed in and read her blog. She has overcome so much, and is sharing her experience with the world. She has always been beautiful and bubbly and not to forget a super smart girl. Follow along with me:)

Most of my family and close friends know I have Celiac Disease. I was diagnosed a few years back. Stress caused the disease to flair up. I would feel nauseated, hot, have a headache, feel extremely fatigued, vomit, and other things... I have struggled with adjusting to the diet change. I have gained aboug 40-50 lbs. They say folk with the disease tend to lose weight. I didn't...and there are a lot of others who gain as well.  Our bodies are like,"NOM NOM NOM vitamins".
I would eat gluten-free and then cheat and get sick. Then fuss and have my own pity parties about how it wasn't fair.(everybody does this...admit it) My faith in God has gotten me through. Now I have control. I have cut out gluten, and feel so much better. http://www.celiac.org

Reading my classmates blog has also helped me. I feel like...it's not so bad...look at her sharing and overcoming. I feel inspired.
So go and check it out for yourself. http://lionslemonade.blogspot.com
BE INSPIRED!

A Birthday to Remember

Robyn and I embarked on an adventure we'd never forget. 

 

I decided that for my 29th birthday, we'd go canoein'. YES!

Upon our arrival...there are several sights to see that tickle our fancy.

and being teased about alligators ...I start to wonder....hmmmm.

Practicing.(self-explanatory) 

Self-explanatory.

The van arrives. We jump in to the ...unknown(for effect) and are drivin' to an location were we are to be dropped off and shoved into the river.

Two fishermen laugh...,"Bahahaha", as they watch the terror of Robyn appear on her face. She doesn't show it. We are ready.

                                                                        We are quickly jump into a canoe and row away into......the unkown.

Here we go! Turning out.

What's that...?

Beautiful...just Beautiful. We got it easy.

No rain. We can see the bottom of the Flint. Water is low due to no rain.

Is this a dodo bird?

Everything is so nice and peaceful. 

We are delighted to hear and find a little spring.

This part was not in the brochure.

We see there is only one way to go...to the far left. There is another boater coming up as we are going down. We can't stop. I say ,"We are gonna run into you I think." The nice man response,"Oh it's okay. Ya'll come on." We run into the man's boat, and he hits the side of the bank. Everybody makes it out great. In fact, you can here the laughter of the 2 adventures as they begin their journey!

( I learn I have remembered what my daddy taught me as just a wee one)

We feel confident that we are gonna make it! BOO YA!

The Flint River is so low....I take a quick picture. This is why I love a canoe.Probably ankle deep.

                                      I sneak a picture of a dragonfly.

Things change. We hear the sound of the mini rapids and throw our arms ad oars in the air in excitement. Robyn says," We need seatbelts!"

We realize our great navigating skills as we dodge this rock. The Flint River has tons of rocks.(note it's name)

Beautiful!

We pass two men in the middle of nowhere fishing. "Looks like they came out of  the woods." Ann shouts," Ya'll want us to sang you a song?" 2 men," YEAH!" We sing ,"Swing Low"! They love it!

It's high noon, and hot! We finally reach the half way mark. The landmark is a sign that sits up high on each side of the river, "GAS LINE". nice....

"HURRAH!" we  shout in excitement! We made it half way.

We graze on our snacks:beef and chees, chips, almonds, and etc.

It gets hotter. WOAH. I remember I forgot the sunscreen in my truck.

H2O is good to us. We take turns splashing each other. After each splash, we laugh madly!

"BAHAHAHAHHAHAAA!"

Okay...phew...how much longer. It's hot and the river looks so good.

"MAN! We haven't seen any gators. I wanted to see at least one."

Look is that the tower...the landmark for where we get off?-Ann

Maybe so...he said the river gets narrower-Robyn

Listen-Ann

shshhshswishhhhssshhshshshabbblyshehhw-river

uh oh, I think we need to turn left, those rocks are a dead end-Ann

Yeah looks like it's narrower there, Let's go, whoo hoo!-Robyn

We turn...and notice...since the river is more narrow...the river have more of its "mini rapids". YES!!!

I see a flag!....AH! a scuba diver! Thought it was a manatee...lol-Ann

Yeah. A manatee. lol- Robyn

whahahahaaahaha-both

more little rapids-fun!

(babooommm)

Did you feel that?-Robyn

Yeah.lol...-Ann

Hit my butt-Robyn

Lotta rocks here-Ann

Those people are gettin' some sun-Robyn

I think we need to go around this cove-Ann

Look that man is fishing over there in those little rapids....which way are we gonna go?-Ann

Which ever way you want to go-Robyn

uhhh...right...no room on the left...-Ann

okay let's do it!-Robyn

YAY! we are almost there! We made it!-Both

Babababababadooom-Rock on bottom of canoe

(the canoe spins all the way around)

We are dying laughin' at this point...and so is the man and his wife...and his little girl.

We are the entertainment(big smile)-Robyn

Yeah. Next we are gonna sing!-Ann

BAHAHAHA!-Everybody

 There on the bank we see the man. He pulls us up, and we get out.

How far did we go again?-Ann

8 1/2 miles-Man

YES!-Ann(on the inside...not out loud)

It's so hot outside. We have to decide to swim or not to swim.

We go!

We meet a girl and her dog(5months old dog)

We see a man swim across the river.

"Look let's swim across the river."-Robyn

"I don't think that is a good idea"-Ann

Yeah let's do it-girl

"uh Might not be safe w/the dog"-Ann

Ah sound good to me-girl

We take off to the other side of the river(note this is a swimming area...many folk swim here)

The girl can't help her dog. It goes back and forth between us. The girl and her dog make it safely across...thanks to Robyn n I.

There's a current-Robyn

Scissors...swim diagonally-Ann

I'm skerd-Robyn

Swim for your life-Ann

We make it across.

Then the man points out that we would have just drifted to the shallow area where everybody can stand ....oh

We swim back...only this time the girl definately can't help her dog...so the HERO man swims the puppy across.

Robyn makes it aross.

I am still swimming.

YAY! the girl and her dog make it...looking exhausted.

Robyn and I laugh!

This was fun!

Now you can say you swam across the Flint on your birthday:)-Robyn

Yep!-Ann

We trudge up the hill to the truck and head home.

Exhausted and satisfied.

That was my 29th birthday. I will never forget it.

SHORT VERSION

Canoed 8 1/2 miles down Flint River

Hit a mans boat

Went through mini rapids

Sang for some fishermen

ate

skid over a rock

got very hot

got startled by a diver

saw a couple tanning

got spun around in the canoe

entertained a family

swam a little

Swam across the flint

got almost stuck in the current

realized we were in no immediate danger

saved a dog

met some nice strangers

hiked up a hill

and still made it out alive