Yesterday was my third visit with my acupuncturist. I'm just going to throw this out there... I was disappointed. I had really high hopes going into the appointment because I had my test results back and was excited to hear her interpretation and intervention.
At the appointment she did her normal collection of data and placed the needles and electrical current, but did not go over any herbs or recommend anything. I have to admit that I felt a little lost and without direction.
After talking with the nurse at my OBGYN last week, I was surprised at how fast they were willing to prescribe medications. Don't get me wrong, I would love to get pregnant... like yesterday! But, I realize that my body has (and has had for a long time, maybe forever?) issues with hormones and fertility. I am hesitant to pump more medications/hormones into a body that is not working properly all together.
After much thought, and discussion with Jeret we have decided to take a little break from interventions. This may be only 2 weeks or however long we see fit and feels comfortable. I'd like to try to continue to heal by body with the right foods (eliminating caffine/alcohol, limiting sugar/dairy/white flour) and exercise regularly for stress reduction. I am going to try a supplement that is OTC and recommended by many people for balancing hormones and see where this takes us. I am also going to continue the seed rotation diet. In a few months, if nothing has changed with my BBT charting, CM, ect then I will probably have more tests done at the doctors office. Just to check to make sure that there is nothing blocking my tubes.
So, that is where I stand. I picked up a few books at the library for some weekend reading: "The Infertility Cure" and "Making Babies". They both talk about the right balance of homeopathic and western medicine.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Beauty supplies
As I try to aim for a more healthy and simpler life, I am trying to be conscious about the type of chemicals that I am putting on my body. Through the many years of anatomy class in high school and college I know that skin is our biggest organ and is very absorbent! Plus, I'd just like to wear less make up. I am not sure if I could go completely makeup-less but minimal would be ideal.
In order for me to feel completely comfortable going commando in the make up department, I wanted to clear up a few things with my complexion.
First, I have to add that my acne in general has been so much better! Since I have limited sugar, dairy and white flour my actual pimples are non existent. I used to get really bad breakouts around my mouth and chin during menstruation. I have not noticed any pimples in the past month or so.
The area that has always been of huge concern is the pores on my nose. I remember even as early as 5th grade noticing that I had more pores on my nose than anyone of my other friends. They tend to be cleaner and smaller in the summer, but even then they have still been noticeable. My dad has the exact same pores but his skin is naturally dark olive toned which makes the pores not as noticeable.
Here's my plan of attack--
Gentle exfoliation. I am going to try for the time being a slurry of baking soda and water applied with a very soft toothbrush.
Poor cleansing with strips. I have to add that I tried this for the first time yesterday and was not overly pleased. Yes, there was dirt from the pores on the strip but still a lot remained in my skin
Pore Refining toner.
Basic Neturogenia face wash (the orange stuff) applied with a Clarisonic! I am super excited to try this. It was hard making the initial investment... over 100 whopping bones! But I am a huge advocate of the electric toothbrush, so if it can do the same with my face I'll give it a try.
Oil Free Neturogenia lotion
I am figuring this will take 2 - 4 weeks to see any results. Will keep you (you as in my make believe readers) posted...
In order for me to feel completely comfortable going commando in the make up department, I wanted to clear up a few things with my complexion.
First, I have to add that my acne in general has been so much better! Since I have limited sugar, dairy and white flour my actual pimples are non existent. I used to get really bad breakouts around my mouth and chin during menstruation. I have not noticed any pimples in the past month or so.
The area that has always been of huge concern is the pores on my nose. I remember even as early as 5th grade noticing that I had more pores on my nose than anyone of my other friends. They tend to be cleaner and smaller in the summer, but even then they have still been noticeable. My dad has the exact same pores but his skin is naturally dark olive toned which makes the pores not as noticeable.
Here's my plan of attack--
Gentle exfoliation. I am going to try for the time being a slurry of baking soda and water applied with a very soft toothbrush.
Poor cleansing with strips. I have to add that I tried this for the first time yesterday and was not overly pleased. Yes, there was dirt from the pores on the strip but still a lot remained in my skin
Pore Refining toner.
Basic Neturogenia face wash (the orange stuff) applied with a Clarisonic! I am super excited to try this. It was hard making the initial investment... over 100 whopping bones! But I am a huge advocate of the electric toothbrush, so if it can do the same with my face I'll give it a try.
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| SOURCE |
Oil Free Neturogenia lotion
I am figuring this will take 2 - 4 weeks to see any results. Will keep you (you as in my make believe readers) posted...
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Test Results
Yesterday I received a phone call from the nurse at the OBGYN office. My test results were finally in! I had been checking my online "chart" at least three times a day daily to see if they were updated. The Thyroid and Prolactin scores were in within a few days because they were done in town. But the Testosterone, DHE A- Serum and Progesterone were sent to Mayo clinic in Rochester to be read.
DHEA- Is the principal human c-19 steroid. It has to do with androgens and estrogens in our body. Adrenal gland function? Acceptable range: less than 13. My score: 8.8
17-Hydroxyprogesterone- Checks for CAH- congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Acceptable range: less than 80. My score: Less than 40.
Testosterone: Checking for PCOS. Acceptable range: 6-80. My score: 24.
Prolactin: Pituitary gland function. Acceptable range: 3-23. My score: 12.5
TSH Sensitive: Thyroid function. Acceptable range: .5 - 6. My score: .98
I'm not sure what to think about the scores. If they had found something, at least I would have a reason for my irregularity. Trying to not worry about it. I would like to see how long this cycle lasts by charting my BBT. This will also help me to find out if I am ovulating. Today is only day 16, so I would like to give it at least 35 days to see if I ovulate. If not, then we will probably try a dose of Clomid. I am interested to find out what my Acupuncturist thinks of the scores and Clomid.
DHEA- Is the principal human c-19 steroid. It has to do with androgens and estrogens in our body. Adrenal gland function? Acceptable range: less than 13. My score: 8.8
17-Hydroxyprogesterone- Checks for CAH- congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Acceptable range: less than 80. My score: Less than 40.
Testosterone: Checking for PCOS. Acceptable range: 6-80. My score: 24.
Prolactin: Pituitary gland function. Acceptable range: 3-23. My score: 12.5
TSH Sensitive: Thyroid function. Acceptable range: .5 - 6. My score: .98
I'm not sure what to think about the scores. If they had found something, at least I would have a reason for my irregularity. Trying to not worry about it. I would like to see how long this cycle lasts by charting my BBT. This will also help me to find out if I am ovulating. Today is only day 16, so I would like to give it at least 35 days to see if I ovulate. If not, then we will probably try a dose of Clomid. I am interested to find out what my Acupuncturist thinks of the scores and Clomid.
Indulging in some M & M's. Shame on me! You can even see Milo in action with his ball on the right hand side of the photo.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Diet Update
It has been about a month since I have "revamped" my diet, so to speak. I just wanted to jot down a few thoughts.
Some thoughts:
Some thoughts:
- Coffee. During the week, I rarely even think about it. I tend to have a tall glass of water and small glass of pure orange juice instead. I am busy getting ready for the day, so there is not much time to think about what I am missing. On the weekends, it is an entirely different story. Especially with the temperatures below zero, a warm cup of jo is so appealing! Jeret tends to sleep in (not late but later than me) and I miss lounging around, catching up on blogs, pinterest and new recipes while sipping some hot coffee with cream. I'm over the caffeine addiction. I did have headaches the first week or two but then they were gone. It's just the pure taste of coffee that I miss. I wish coffee was naturally decaffeinated.
- Sugar. I have made huge strides on the sugar intake but I have not given it up completely. I have made a few healthier options to desserts, but all still had sugar in them of some sort: honey, maple syrup, agave, ect. With that being said, I am so glad that I am not stopping at the gas station for an apple fritter or eating the cookies at work anymore. That was terrible for me!
- White flour. Now, this I don't really miss. I have been pretty strict with this one. I have had a few cheats (ie half a pretzel roll with my turkey sandwich for lunch today) and pizza when my husband makes dinner. You just can't say no to my husbands pizza from scratch. It is that good! I have pretty much given given up gluten except for breakfast. I have 1 piece of Ezekiel 4:9 bread toasted with almond butter and my ground seeds for the day. It is the easiest way to eat those darn ground flax/pumpkin seeds. And the seeds/sprouts that make up that bread doesn't seem to bother my digestive track.
- Processed Foods. I am so glad that I have made this a goal and that I am more mindful. My acupuncturist asks me a lot of questions at the beginning of our meetings about how I feel and any ailments that I have had this past week. And I honestly can say that I have had high energy, sleeping well, no acne and overall pretty darn good mood because of the diet changes alone.
- Exercise. I still have improvements to make in this arena but I am making an effort to exercise at least 3 x per week. But boy am I looking forward to spring and getting outside to walk/run!
- And I have lost a few pounds. Definitely not the goal, but much welcomed. :)
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Car trouble, again.
The past few days I noticed a slight grinding noise coming from my left rear tire/brake. At first I thought maybe it was a large piece of ice hitting the tire as I slowed down. After I noticed the noise for a few days, I realized there was definitely something wrong with the brakes. Thankfully, I only had two nursing homes to visit on Friday and they were both in Madison.
I drove straight home and waited for Jeret to get home from work before running any errands. I didn't want to go anywhere that I didn't have to incase I had car trouble. After dinner, Jeret took me to all of the places I needed to go. It really felt like the olden days.
This morning he got to work on the brakes. I am so thankful for a husband that is unafraid to try something he has never done before. I am amazed at how well he can problem solve and figure out how to fix rear brakes without any experience.
Not to mention he saved us lots of $$$. Rear Brake Pads/Rotors Est: 415$ Jeret's cost: 85$ Boom!
I drove straight home and waited for Jeret to get home from work before running any errands. I didn't want to go anywhere that I didn't have to incase I had car trouble. After dinner, Jeret took me to all of the places I needed to go. It really felt like the olden days.
This morning he got to work on the brakes. I am so thankful for a husband that is unafraid to try something he has never done before. I am amazed at how well he can problem solve and figure out how to fix rear brakes without any experience.
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| Excuse the mess. Jeret working on the brakes in a freezing garage! |
Friday, February 1, 2013
Student Loan Paid OFF!
I had to document the day we (and I say we because my husband whole heartedly accepted my debt as his own) paid off my student loan! We had two other small loans that we paid off earlier in our marriage: ie my ring and my car. But today is special because my student loan wasn't dinky or small or in the four digits. It was 6 whole digits (25k) long! Now, that is a lotta money!
I am proud that the only debt we have is our mortgage. And we hope to get that paid off early too. ;)
#daveramsey
#cheapos
#onlyeatoutforspecialoccasions
#secondhand furniture
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| 20 year loan paid in 2.5 years BOW CHICK A WOW WOW |
#daveramsey
#cheapos
#onlyeatoutforspecialoccasions
#secondhand furniture
Acupuncture Round 2
Today was my second appointment with the acupuncturist. She was pleased to hear that I had had some blood work done. I was sorry that the results were not in yet, but they should be ready for next week!
She went over my basal body temperature chart and talked about a few other things: cervical mucous, ect.
This time she applied the needles in different spots. She also applied an electrical current to the needles in my stomach to help activate the ovaries. That was an interesting sensation. You feel little "pricks" of electricity. But about half way through the treatment I couldn't feel them any longer.
I felt much more relaxed at this appointment. I really tried to meditate and focus on body healing and balance.
P.S. After the treatment my mom called, so I was filling her in on my experience. When I told her about the electrical current she said that my little eggs were jumping around doing summersaults! What a great thought!
She went over my basal body temperature chart and talked about a few other things: cervical mucous, ect.
This time she applied the needles in different spots. She also applied an electrical current to the needles in my stomach to help activate the ovaries. That was an interesting sensation. You feel little "pricks" of electricity. But about half way through the treatment I couldn't feel them any longer.
I felt much more relaxed at this appointment. I really tried to meditate and focus on body healing and balance.
P.S. After the treatment my mom called, so I was filling her in on my experience. When I told her about the electrical current she said that my little eggs were jumping around doing summersaults! What a great thought!
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