I will try to post daily from here forward to reduce the rambling. I need to think about a name other than Fibroid Journey - something witty and fun. Something along the lines of reclaiming back my uterus...
Today, Day 6, has been a relatively good day. Heavy on the print work schedule but I did manage to get my Roobios Tea down this morning along with some water. Blended up a smoothie before walking out the door to spend a few hours running the copier. Brought along my tasty snacks compliments of Raw Cuisine Delights (Chili Nuts & Pecan Wheels). Sustained me till dinner which was at 630p. Made spaghetti with meat sauce for the boys along with a spinach salad that included obviously spinach, feta cheese, strawberries, walnuts, and blueberries. I blended up a 16 oz smoothie to accompany my fresh picked tomato salad. Tonight's smoothie was stirred up with coconut milk & water along with some swiss chard to veer from the norm. My smoothie tonight definitely tasted more green than the others in the past - it was tolerable. That doesn't sound good, but it was, I've just mixed better in the past. Working a few more hours in the evening and more raw reading to conclude the night. Still need to mix up my Essiac Tea. Cross our fingers that happens tonight once I return home after a few more hours of printing.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Fibroid Journey Day 4 & 5
Saturday, Day 4, was Market day. I managed to pack myself in the wee dawn hour a raw walnut snack and some fruit to get me through my day. No more breakfast sandwiches from Fletchers Curbside Eatery ~ no more coffee either. When you're at a Market and there is an abundance of fresh produce raw food choices are not hard. It's a matter of what you want to pair together or not. I usually have my leatherman but seldom pack a kitchen knife. So tossing up a salad or breaking open a melon could be cumbersome. I opted for something simple. I got a nice sample serving of guacamole from The Flaming Avocado (best stinking guacamole ever) and sought out a nice medium size zucchini. Dean, the Market chef, was kind enough to slice it up and voila...I was a happy dipping queen.
Fast forward to the afternoon. I was tired. Been on my feet all day. Think I was feeling the after effects of hiking, rebounding & gastrointestinal junk that was still working itself out. My tailbone & hip flexors were screaming at me throughout the day. I laid down for an hour and rested. Got up took another shower for the day and proceeded to blend up a smoothie for the day. The family was headed to the Western Idaho Fair ~ and we know that Fair food is not raw-friendly food. I split my smoothie into (2) 16 oz servings and drank one on the way. Lots of walking around, lots of petting and talking to the animals, lots of fun and laughter as the kids explored all the rides they were qualified to ride. I ate an unbuttered piece of corn while everyone else feasted on gyros and butter delicious corn. Home about 11p and the rest of the smoothie down the trap. I failed earlier to get all my greens in for the day, I was hungry, so I opted to eat before bed. I fell asleep much sooner than I had anticipated. So - no tea for the night. I did try to drink the Gotu Kola/Holy Basil tea down (vericose veins, hemmerhoid, circulation) but Toni was right - it does not taste good. Next time I guess I'll plug my nose.
Sunday, Day 5, another Market day. This time East End Market at Bown Crossing. It's Sunday, I get to sleep in! With the ability to sleep in I had time this morning to prepare a smoothie before heading out for the day. I've been sticking to my base smoothie from Day 1 mostly to keep it simple and also because my fridge is packed with an abundance of other crap and I don't have much room. Early morning water drank, smoothie in hand and out the door I go. Good day in regards to feeling like the bloat is going away. About 9 pounds down from the last time I weighed with baby still in belly. Bought myself some triple olive spread from Urban Rustic Gourmet and sliced up some more zucchini as an accompaniment. Bought some kale and swiss chard. Lucky enough to receive in kind some gladiolas for the week, sweet corn and cucumbers. Again no coffee so I drank lots of lemon water compliments of Turk and Heather the Crepe car peeps. Home about 240p. Watched the end of a crazed wacked out movie with Nodzu. Took the dogs to the river to swim. Home around 530p and boogied our little booties to Periple Wines in Garden City where Boise Urban Market was being hosted. Great looking food. According to Jeff - great eats! He came stuffed...
I on the other hand was lucky to come upon Raw Cuisine Delights and indulged in a sort of cabbage salad with corn, cilantro & fresh lime squeeze with an apricot, date dessert that was made with a walnut crust. I bought myself some snacks to take home and try: Greens to Go (which most would probably not like...it's VERY green tasting ~ trust me); Fire Fritters(?) spicy, sticky, gooey bar kind of concoction; Chili Nuts that included walnuts and almonds dehydrated with some chili spices, garlic powder, and Braggs amino acid; and then a little cookie treat,Pecan Wheels (?) that were kind of macaroon like. The little cookie delights were made with squash, coconut, agave nectar, vanilla. A super yummy and healthy cookie I'd be glad to pack in Te's lunch pack. A little Roobios tea downed for the night & more raw reading to conclude the night.
Fast forward to the afternoon. I was tired. Been on my feet all day. Think I was feeling the after effects of hiking, rebounding & gastrointestinal junk that was still working itself out. My tailbone & hip flexors were screaming at me throughout the day. I laid down for an hour and rested. Got up took another shower for the day and proceeded to blend up a smoothie for the day. The family was headed to the Western Idaho Fair ~ and we know that Fair food is not raw-friendly food. I split my smoothie into (2) 16 oz servings and drank one on the way. Lots of walking around, lots of petting and talking to the animals, lots of fun and laughter as the kids explored all the rides they were qualified to ride. I ate an unbuttered piece of corn while everyone else feasted on gyros and butter delicious corn. Home about 11p and the rest of the smoothie down the trap. I failed earlier to get all my greens in for the day, I was hungry, so I opted to eat before bed. I fell asleep much sooner than I had anticipated. So - no tea for the night. I did try to drink the Gotu Kola/Holy Basil tea down (vericose veins, hemmerhoid, circulation) but Toni was right - it does not taste good. Next time I guess I'll plug my nose.
Sunday, Day 5, another Market day. This time East End Market at Bown Crossing. It's Sunday, I get to sleep in! With the ability to sleep in I had time this morning to prepare a smoothie before heading out for the day. I've been sticking to my base smoothie from Day 1 mostly to keep it simple and also because my fridge is packed with an abundance of other crap and I don't have much room. Early morning water drank, smoothie in hand and out the door I go. Good day in regards to feeling like the bloat is going away. About 9 pounds down from the last time I weighed with baby still in belly. Bought myself some triple olive spread from Urban Rustic Gourmet and sliced up some more zucchini as an accompaniment. Bought some kale and swiss chard. Lucky enough to receive in kind some gladiolas for the week, sweet corn and cucumbers. Again no coffee so I drank lots of lemon water compliments of Turk and Heather the Crepe car peeps. Home about 240p. Watched the end of a crazed wacked out movie with Nodzu. Took the dogs to the river to swim. Home around 530p and boogied our little booties to Periple Wines in Garden City where Boise Urban Market was being hosted. Great looking food. According to Jeff - great eats! He came stuffed...
I on the other hand was lucky to come upon Raw Cuisine Delights and indulged in a sort of cabbage salad with corn, cilantro & fresh lime squeeze with an apricot, date dessert that was made with a walnut crust. I bought myself some snacks to take home and try: Greens to Go (which most would probably not like...it's VERY green tasting ~ trust me); Fire Fritters(?) spicy, sticky, gooey bar kind of concoction; Chili Nuts that included walnuts and almonds dehydrated with some chili spices, garlic powder, and Braggs amino acid; and then a little cookie treat,Pecan Wheels (?) that were kind of macaroon like. The little cookie delights were made with squash, coconut, agave nectar, vanilla. A super yummy and healthy cookie I'd be glad to pack in Te's lunch pack. A little Roobios tea downed for the night & more raw reading to conclude the night.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Fibroid Journey Day 2 & 3
My week went to shit quickly. Just a lot of work and not a lot of time to nurture myself. Your day takes on a different appearance when you have to mindfully care for yourself. I was able to get down to smoothies yesterday - 1 fruit smoothie compliments of Tree City since it was 4pm and I was still running pick ups and deliveries (a slight detour from my regimen since it had frozen yogurt). Minus 2 bites of sauerkraut & a pear it was all I had in my belly. Finally whipped up a veggie smoothie on my way to work at 9pm for another 3 hours with a handful of grapes. Managed to get my Rooibios tea down. Still need to mix up my Essiac to drink with my Red Clover before bed. Won't have time to make the Essiac tea until Saturday night since it's a process. I'll have to can it. Only a slight headache.
Day 3, today has been more manageable. Still crazy busy in the afternoon but was able to go for a morning hike & get my bimonthly massage. I had a massage last week too since I got all junked up. Junked up again this week in the shoulders - I told Shawna it all came about Wed when my week went to shit. In a couple weeks we'll work on my abdomen, etc. since everything should be purged & the hCG out of my body.
Drank one smoothie today that consisted of: 1 c plain goat kefir, 1 c OJ, 6 kale leaves, 1 c spinach, handful of parsley, 1 c strawberries, 1/2 c raspberries, 1/2 c blueberries, tsp of kelp and a tsp of brewers yeast. (not too shabby)
My late afternoon snack & again part of dinner included: 2 c of cherry tomatoes, basil, 1/8c of raw walnuts, sea salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp of kelp, 1/2 tsp of brewers yeast and a light drizzle of Extravanganzo Garlic infused Olive Oil.
Dinner included: tomato salad,a strawberry, blueberry & broccoli salad, and more sauerkraut. For some reason stinking sauerkraut is the bomb ditty bomb.
Managed to make it to the Co-op to pick up some Sun Warrior protein powder. All day I've had a stinkin' backache. We'll see if it resolves itself here soon when my bowels get back in order. I've been having movements daily but I seriously need to unload and my body just isn't there yet. Otherwise I feel pretty good. I was terribly tired on Thursday and a little tired today - which might be resolved once I get a full 8 hours without interruption...
I'll add photos once my computer cooperates.
Day 3, today has been more manageable. Still crazy busy in the afternoon but was able to go for a morning hike & get my bimonthly massage. I had a massage last week too since I got all junked up. Junked up again this week in the shoulders - I told Shawna it all came about Wed when my week went to shit. In a couple weeks we'll work on my abdomen, etc. since everything should be purged & the hCG out of my body.
Drank one smoothie today that consisted of: 1 c plain goat kefir, 1 c OJ, 6 kale leaves, 1 c spinach, handful of parsley, 1 c strawberries, 1/2 c raspberries, 1/2 c blueberries, tsp of kelp and a tsp of brewers yeast. (not too shabby)
My late afternoon snack & again part of dinner included: 2 c of cherry tomatoes, basil, 1/8c of raw walnuts, sea salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp of kelp, 1/2 tsp of brewers yeast and a light drizzle of Extravanganzo Garlic infused Olive Oil.
Dinner included: tomato salad,a strawberry, blueberry & broccoli salad, and more sauerkraut. For some reason stinking sauerkraut is the bomb ditty bomb.
Managed to make it to the Co-op to pick up some Sun Warrior protein powder. All day I've had a stinkin' backache. We'll see if it resolves itself here soon when my bowels get back in order. I've been having movements daily but I seriously need to unload and my body just isn't there yet. Otherwise I feel pretty good. I was terribly tired on Thursday and a little tired today - which might be resolved once I get a full 8 hours without interruption...
I'll add photos once my computer cooperates.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
I am addicted to cofffee...shit!
So I had to admit at the end of Day 1 that I am indeed addicted to coffee. I can randomly break the habit at times ~ and everyone suggests not doing it cold turkey ~ but really why should I prolong the process? I had to take a nap in the late afternoon so I didn't have to medicate myself. It helped. I still have a slight headache today but nothing I can't manage. I just keep reminding myself of the bigger picture and the decision is not hard. I do however love my coffee ladies. So yes - I'll be that freak lady asking for a cup of hot water for my tea just so I can visit with my girls. (They've become quite good friends over the past 2-3 years.)
I fortunately already have a K-Tec high tech blender that I use on occasion. In fact I used it a lot when I first learned about my fibroids ~ it will mill grains, make soup, etc. All that fancy shit.
Day 1 Food included:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup hemp milk, 1/2 c orange juice, 1/2 c water, 6 kale leaves, 1 cup spinach, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 an avocado, handful of parsley.
Large Fuji apple & handful of raw unroasted walnuts
1/4 cup of fresh sauerkraut
Dinner Smoothie: 1 cup hemp milk, 1/2 c orange juice, 1/2 c water,6 kale leaves, 1 c spinach, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup strawberries, 2 tbsp coconut oil, teaspoon of brewers yeast.
1/4 cup of fresh suaerkraut
Liquid: red clover tea; roobios tea, lemon water
I would like to get to the point where I can drink a warmer smoothie. Don't get me wrong - I don't want it hot - but closer to body temp so my spleen is allowed to work less. I believe my body is too damp & wet. I need a little more fire. So if I remember today I'll throw in some cayenne to spice me up!
I fortunately already have a K-Tec high tech blender that I use on occasion. In fact I used it a lot when I first learned about my fibroids ~ it will mill grains, make soup, etc. All that fancy shit.
Day 1 Food included:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup hemp milk, 1/2 c orange juice, 1/2 c water, 6 kale leaves, 1 cup spinach, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 an avocado, handful of parsley.
Large Fuji apple & handful of raw unroasted walnuts
1/4 cup of fresh sauerkraut
Dinner Smoothie: 1 cup hemp milk, 1/2 c orange juice, 1/2 c water,6 kale leaves, 1 c spinach, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup strawberries, 2 tbsp coconut oil, teaspoon of brewers yeast.
1/4 cup of fresh suaerkraut
Liquid: red clover tea; roobios tea, lemon water
I would like to get to the point where I can drink a warmer smoothie. Don't get me wrong - I don't want it hot - but closer to body temp so my spleen is allowed to work less. I believe my body is too damp & wet. I need a little more fire. So if I remember today I'll throw in some cayenne to spice me up!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
YO! Momma. Wake up!
This is the beginning of a new path I am pushed to pursue after numerous years of neglect. I have this trait (like many others) where I can ignore myself and not so much everybody else. This past year I've experienced many growing pains ~ especially in the last 4-5 months - that have made me ponder what really is important in my life. First beginning with the fact that Jeff & I had a "coming to Jesus meeting" back in late March. Our marriage was failing because we were both neglecting our relationship and each other. We lost sight of each other. Plain and simple.
Skip forward to June. (I missed my period in May and attributed it to stress. Yes I took a pregnancy test that came back negative. Having a baby at this juncture in time was not particularly welcomed since Jeff & I both needed to actively pursue each other with no additional distractions then what was already present.) The undying question for a few weeks was "got your period yet?" "No. If it doesn't come in June I'll go see the doctor." If I didn't get my period it was either I was pregnant or my fibroids were causing problems. On our way home from camping at Hells Canyon we started discussing being "one and done." We had Te we were happy. No need to go down the endless sleepless nights and dirty diapers regimen again. We were good. Te is 6. Te is pretty independent.
As always the Universe had something else in mind. A couple days later I pee-ed on a stick. We were pregnant.
I started spotting around mid July. Not a big deal really. I mostly spotted in the morning when I first woke up but throughout the day I rarely did. Had an ultrasound the first week of August and we attributed it to a fibroid that was resting on my cervix.
Monday, August 8, as the day was breaking I was experiencing a complete miscarriage in an outhouse at the Riviera (Marley property on the river near Sandpoint - my usual August haunt). Right at 14 weeks. I didn't realize I was in labor until the whole process was done and over. Lasted about an hour before I caught the baby. (The experience was way more intense and crazy then I need to write here). It looked just like they say - a baby. All 10 fingers and toes, ear buds forming, eyes rotated around, bright white fingernails. It was really quite amazing - and mortifying at the same time.
Saturday, August 13, I thought I was prolapsing. Completely freaking out in my head - didn't engage Jeff on my freaky ride. This experience was worse than delivering the baby. My mind was playing horrible, horrible tricks on me!
Monday, August 15, after seeing the doctor I finally had had enough and had a slight breakdown. I know I have fibroids. I know they grow in pregnancy. It's been 7 years since I really gave a shit about them. I discovered that my largest one is the size of a baseball and it's resting on my rectum. I discovered I had an ovarian cyst (probably a result of the pregnancy) the size of a plum resting on the fibroid on the rectum. My next biggest fibroid rests against my bladder. No wonder I thought I was prolapsing. All the shit is putting pressure on my vaginal canal. Good news - I'm not prolapsing!
So the "me journey" begins. I was told if I wanted to have any more babies I would have to have a myemectomy. Before I got pregnant I didn't think so much about a second child. Once we got pregnant - you get excited - and now I think I would like a second child. However, it will be a result of whatever God & the Universe thinks is true. If I can bring my body back to homeostasis through diet, yoga and just mindfulness - and am able to shrink and or eliminate the fibroids - we will try for a second child. I desperately do not want to be cut open. If I have to have a myemectomy to try for baby number two, baby number two will be a true blessing.
Now I recognize all the innuedos of my body that are a result of the fibroids. I want to eliminate them so I don't get constipated, so I don't have to pee ALL THE TIME, so I don't have back pain, so I don't have bloat, etc. etc. Most if not all of my discomfort that I've adapted to are a result of the fibroids. So today - although my story was not too brief - is when I start the mindful dietary changes and physical recognition of me coming back into balance.
Skip forward to June. (I missed my period in May and attributed it to stress. Yes I took a pregnancy test that came back negative. Having a baby at this juncture in time was not particularly welcomed since Jeff & I both needed to actively pursue each other with no additional distractions then what was already present.) The undying question for a few weeks was "got your period yet?" "No. If it doesn't come in June I'll go see the doctor." If I didn't get my period it was either I was pregnant or my fibroids were causing problems. On our way home from camping at Hells Canyon we started discussing being "one and done." We had Te we were happy. No need to go down the endless sleepless nights and dirty diapers regimen again. We were good. Te is 6. Te is pretty independent.
As always the Universe had something else in mind. A couple days later I pee-ed on a stick. We were pregnant.
I started spotting around mid July. Not a big deal really. I mostly spotted in the morning when I first woke up but throughout the day I rarely did. Had an ultrasound the first week of August and we attributed it to a fibroid that was resting on my cervix.
Monday, August 8, as the day was breaking I was experiencing a complete miscarriage in an outhouse at the Riviera (Marley property on the river near Sandpoint - my usual August haunt). Right at 14 weeks. I didn't realize I was in labor until the whole process was done and over. Lasted about an hour before I caught the baby. (The experience was way more intense and crazy then I need to write here). It looked just like they say - a baby. All 10 fingers and toes, ear buds forming, eyes rotated around, bright white fingernails. It was really quite amazing - and mortifying at the same time.
Saturday, August 13, I thought I was prolapsing. Completely freaking out in my head - didn't engage Jeff on my freaky ride. This experience was worse than delivering the baby. My mind was playing horrible, horrible tricks on me!
Monday, August 15, after seeing the doctor I finally had had enough and had a slight breakdown. I know I have fibroids. I know they grow in pregnancy. It's been 7 years since I really gave a shit about them. I discovered that my largest one is the size of a baseball and it's resting on my rectum. I discovered I had an ovarian cyst (probably a result of the pregnancy) the size of a plum resting on the fibroid on the rectum. My next biggest fibroid rests against my bladder. No wonder I thought I was prolapsing. All the shit is putting pressure on my vaginal canal. Good news - I'm not prolapsing!
So the "me journey" begins. I was told if I wanted to have any more babies I would have to have a myemectomy. Before I got pregnant I didn't think so much about a second child. Once we got pregnant - you get excited - and now I think I would like a second child. However, it will be a result of whatever God & the Universe thinks is true. If I can bring my body back to homeostasis through diet, yoga and just mindfulness - and am able to shrink and or eliminate the fibroids - we will try for a second child. I desperately do not want to be cut open. If I have to have a myemectomy to try for baby number two, baby number two will be a true blessing.
Now I recognize all the innuedos of my body that are a result of the fibroids. I want to eliminate them so I don't get constipated, so I don't have to pee ALL THE TIME, so I don't have back pain, so I don't have bloat, etc. etc. Most if not all of my discomfort that I've adapted to are a result of the fibroids. So today - although my story was not too brief - is when I start the mindful dietary changes and physical recognition of me coming back into balance.
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