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Monday, April 30, 2012

unexpected food reaction

Headache. Nauseous. Not feeling like doing anything.

It came directly after dinner. Catfish fried in corn mill (with pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder).... ooh, I used seasoning salt instead of plain salt. Could that be the trigger?

I don't know WHAT it is but I know that it is. In addition to the headache and nausea, there's an unpleasant sensation in my mouth that I've had before but never been able to determine why. It's where the gums meet the teeth on the inside of the mouth. It feels similar to being stuck right there but that's far from an accurate description.

Corn is an obvious possible trigger. It may have been a mistake to go on this Mexican spree I'm on. Catfish beginning today-- more corn-- and planning to finish the week with nachos-- corn again.

Perhaps these reactions without intentional testing will eventually make sense to me if I faithfully record them. Tag!? Mystery reaction. lol.

SN: My house stinks, like fish. It was my first time frying catfish. It came out pretty well.

lab work

My red blood count is a little low. It's 4.12. It should be no less than 4.2. I can't donate blood. Again. What can  I do about that?


Instructions 

    • Exercise regularly. Your body needs more oxygen when you exercise. Therefore, exercising on a regular basis sends messages to your body to increase red blood cell count. This allows your body to deliver a larger amount of oxygen during subsequent exercise sessions.
    • 2
      Make sure you consume proper levels of iron. Hemoglobin relies heavily on iron to help transport oxygen to your cells, so not having the proper iron levels decreases red blood cell count. Normal iron levels will vary according to age and sex.
    • 3. Consume the proper levels of Vitamin B-12 and folate. These compounds are important in the production of red blood cells. Thus, if you want to increase red blood cell count, you won't want to skimp on the fish and fortified breads. As with iron, proper vitamin B-12 and folate levels vary according to age and sex.
    • 4
      Train at higher altitudes. Oxygen is less abundant at higher altitudes, so your body's natural response is to increase the number of red blood cells. Doing this increases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to your body's cells.
       From http://www.ehow.com/how_5416655_increase-red-blood-cell-count.html

      Lack of iron in the diet leads to iron deficiency anemia. Sources of iron include red meat, organ meat such as kidney and livers, beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, dried prunes, dried raisins and egg yolks, according to MedlinePlus.


      Iron-Rich Foods

      Iron is a mineral needed by the body to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps carry and store oxygen in the body. Lack of iron in the diet leads to iron deficiency anemia. Sources of iron include red meat, organ meat such as kidney and livers, beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, dried prunes, dried raisins and egg yolks, according to MedlinePlus.

      Folic Acid-Rich Foods

      Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a B-complex vitamin that helps the body make new healthy red blood cells. Patients with low levels of folic acid often develop anemia. Patients can increase red blood cells in the body by consuming foods rich in folic acid. Examples of foods with high amounts of folic acid include enriched breads and cereals, green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, dried beans, peas and nuts.

      Vitamin B-12-Rich Foods

      Vitamin B-12 is a B-complex vitamin that is important for the DNA synthesis and production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Low levels of B-12 lead to abnormal cell division in the bone marrow that results in large immature red blood cells known as megaloblasts. Patients with megaloblasts suffer from megaloblastic anemia because the abnormal red blood cells cannot store or transport oxygen to tissues. Vitamin B-12 is naturally found in a wide variety of animal foods and is added to some fortified foods. Sources of vitamin B-12 include beef liver, fish, red meat, eggs, milk, dairy products, fortified breakfast cereals and nutritional yeasts.



Well, I take a b complex daily for adrenal fatigue. I have some B12....

I like red meat,beans, lentils, dried prunes (with cream cheese. dairy!), dried (?) raisins, and egg yolks. I can eat them. However, I'm trying to eat a few less egg yolks because of cholesterol. I also like nuts.

I will exercise (aerobic) more.

The foods listed that are removed from my diet during allergen elimination stand out to me. But I was not practicing the diet when I did this lab work.

I used to take iron but couldn't remember why so I decreased my consumption, then I stopped (ran out). Perhaps I should again take an iron pill or two per week.... or not. My face frowns when I think of that. Too many pills. Plus the doctor hasn't contacted me about being concerned about my labs.

My next slightly low reading-- chlorine. What is that??

A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat.

Why It Is Done

A test for chloride may be done to:
  • Check your chloride level if you are having symptoms such as muscle twitching or spasms, breathing problems, weakness, or confusion.
  • Find out whether you have kidney or adrenal gland problems.
  • Help find the cause for high blood pH. A condition called metabolic alkalosis can be caused by a loss of acid from your body (for example, from a loss of electrolytes through prolonged vomiting or diarrhea). You may also have metabolic alkalosis if your body loses too much sodium or you eat too much baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

Dag. Another symptom of having kidney problems. I reject that notion... or maybe I just weep at the thought. That being said, we know I have adrenal problems adrenal failure). I'll accept the low reading as being just that. I got a 95 with "98" being the low normal.

Also, it's an electrolyte, much like potassium, which I'm consistently low in (if unmedicated).

From http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chloride-cl

Hypochloremia (Low Chloride)

What Is Hypochloremia?
Hypochloremia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a low level of chloride in the blood.  The normal adult value for chloride is 97-107 mEq/L.
Chloride in your blood is an important electrolyte and works to ensure that your body's metabolism is working correctly. Your kidneys control the levels of chloride in your blood. Therefore, when there is a disturbance in your blood chloride levels, it is often related to your kidneys.  Chloride helps the acid and base balance in the body.
What Are Some Symptoms of Hypochloremia?
Causes of hypochloremia may include:
  • Loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fevers.
  • Drugs such as: bicarbonate, corticosteroids, diuretics, and laxatives.
What Are Some Symptoms of Hypochloremia To Look For?
  • Many people do not notice any symptoms, unless they are experiencing very high or very low levels of chloride in their blood.
  • Dehydration, fluid loss, or high levels of blood sodium may be noted.
  • You may be experiencing other forms of fluid loss, such as diarrhea, or vomiting.
Things You Can Do If Your Blood Test Results Indicate Hypochloremia :
  • Make sure you tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies).  Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin unless your healthcare provider permits this.
  • Remind your doctor or healthcare provider if you have a history of diabetes, liver, kidney, or heart disease. 
  • Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause you to have electrolyte disturbances.
http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hypochloremia-low-chloride.asp


Kind of interesting that my doctor's office didn't mail me information about these things, yeah? Maybe I'm close enough to range that they weren't going to mention it. I know the results because I requested a copy of my lab results. There are more areas out of range but this is enough for tonight.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

mole removal

As you know by now, this is where I store information that I need to find later. To that end, how to get rid of moles:

Home remedies for mole control are numerous. Pouring any of the following readily available home products into the mole tunnels is said to encourage moles to seek other habitats. Pickle juice, broken glass, red pepper, bleach, mothballs, rose branches, or human hairballs is said to be successful for controlling mole populations. Vibrators and ultrasonic devices are sold in stores for the purpose of getting rid of moles.

Castor oil is a popular ingredient in repellents. For a homemade repellent, mix 6 oz of castor oil and 2 tbsp of dish soap in one gallon of water to make a concentrate. Mix one ounce concentrate to one gallon of water. Apply to the lawn; reapply after rain or watering.

Cats are a natural predator of moles. Pour used cat litter into the run or mole hill to get rid of moles. This must be repeated until the moles have disappeared.

From http://thehousingforum.com/how-to-get-rid-of-moles-in-the-yard/

Saturday, April 28, 2012

migraine tracking

I think that maybe I have a migraine. Headache. Nausea. Pills not decreasing the sensations. This time, I am grateful because I did not let it progress as much as last time before I took medication. First, I took Tylenol. A few hours later, Excedrin migraine. Neither have really made me feel better but I like to believe they are keeping me from getting worse. I'm also down to open blinds and lamps. Staying off of this computer would help but....

Monday, a migraine began. At one point, I thought my head hurt because my blood pressure was up. I didn't do a good job of locating my pills and my pill box at the same time this week. I found the pills, I took them. My head continued to pound. By the time taekwondo was over I felt like shit. Thursday, I finally stopped walking around with sunglasses on all of the time. This migraine surprised me a bit because I no longer take Trammadol; I thought that was causing the increased frequency of migraines. Then I reasoned, maybe it has to do with my period and changing hormone levels; wasn't that a past theory on why migraines came to me? Sunday & Monday (TMI), I bled like I was getting rid of what a normal person might pass in 4 days. Monday afternoon, it calmed down but the migraine began. (I check here before going to the doctor, okay?)

Today, I have no guesses on why, only that it is. It's like there are knots on my shoulders and I keep rubbing the back of my neck. My pain is on both sides of my head, the temples.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Carlton Pearson Documentary

I think the documentary is called "Is Hell Real?" I call it "The story of how and why the church kicked Carlton Pearson out"












Week 1: Partial Allergen Elimination Diet

I have now completed 1 week of trying to detox from things that make my body hurt. Yea!!! But I feel no difference. This does not surprise me, because I think that's how it's always been, but it does disappointment me.

I've done a fair job of complying with the technical requirements of the diet this go-round: no dairy, no nightshade plants, no yeast, no gluten, and & no nitrates. I've done a much worse job of implementing the common-sense aspects of it: less pickles, little sugar. This weekend, I've begun thinking about other things that can't be healthy to a detox, such as coffee (as I enjoy my morning cup now). I have made no special efforts with raw food this week and raw is good to detox. I did order milk thistle and a detox tea, both begun on Friday evening.




Thursday night is $1 night at our minor league baseball stadium. $1 entry, hot dogs, popcorn, beer, and sodas (tiny cups). Small Town Progressives went. It was my largest turn out yet-- 4--lol. Monica & Susan finally met and Susan adores Monica. I adore them both. The 4th person was a newbie and male. My favorite thing about the Red Birds Stadium in Memphis is the food. Yum, yum! I wanted to know if Pringles Park measured up so I had to (chose to) deviate from the diet to compare, but I enforced limits and resisted a lot of yummy and strongly suggested things during our evening. I went in with the agreement that I would try the hot dog and polish sausage (gluten, yeast, & nitrates), so those are all of the forbidden items I had that night. And soda, maybe aspartame now that I think about it. They were both yummy but I can't wait to go back to get some nachos and that delicious looking ice cream everyone was going on about. This was major deviation 2.

Major deviation 1 was Tuesday at the Bakker's Rack. The Bakker's Rack has delicious blackened catfish, served with salad, so I can absolutely eat there. But my *love* there is the poppy seed chicken. It appears as their daily special once every other week (recent knowledge) and was the special the first time I ate there back in early fall (or longer). I have NEVER seen it there again since that first time. Sometimes I call and hope; I always check when I go in. Never. Until it was off limits. I ordered it. I ate it. If anything, I wish I had requested a double serving, no sides. Gluten and dairy from what my table and I gleaned.

But at home-- no blatant rule breaks, minus 1/2 gluten-free beer before the baseball game to help me not have beer there. I started the week with a plan in mind of what I could eat and managed to get by. Lunch is always the most difficult. I bought catfish Friday then later realized I don't know if that place cooks using corn mill (okay) or that fish fry, which contains gluten. So there's definitely been potential for mistakes of which I'm not aware but I'm sure that always happens.

Week 2: Slated to stay in the control phase. I'm thinking of adding a 18 hour fast to it-- a period of not adding junk for my body to wade through to empty out the bad. I am slightly frightened that the corn, soy, sugar, pickles (acid), or something else in my diet will prevent me from feeling that drop of pain that I desire and need in order to test a specific category. But I press forward. I will tell the difference because I'm taking in less. Yes. Today, I am making artichoke chicken and trying to hit up Cindi to find out how she made that simple artichoke we once shared. I think I just microwave it.... Today, I will juice more vegetables and see how that goes. Today, I will plan my week's menu. Again, I can do this.

Blessed be.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

new commitment

Tomorrow, allergen elimination begins. But it won't be as extreme. No dairy, no nightshade plants as I know they increase my pain. No gluten, no yeast, no nitrates; these are my categories to test. I look forward to the day when I test something and my body does not wig out. I've eaten hoards of things I will not be able to eat these past few days and I feel the effects.

My plan, this time, is to work the control stage for 2 weeks. I will pick up something to help with this detoxing phase, perhaps some milk thistle. I understand that raw and more fiber help detox. Week 3- test 1 category. Week 4- test the other. Week 5- it's over.

Today, I spent a good deal of time cooking for the week. I made a dozen waffles, flax seed added. 4 apple cinnamon muffins with flax seeds. 2 egg scrambles. pizza. I'm covered for breakfast this week. Monday's lunch will be my super yummy pizza-- is it the pesto or almond cheese that made it so good? Rice with zucchini and mushrooms is another option for the week. Possibly leftovers. Lunch will be the most challenging. For eating out, I can eat at Abby's, salad (but salad dressing?!), beef patties, grilled chicken, Stevo's Wings (teriyaki chicken) .... maybe there will be more to come.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

chapter 7: metta loving kindness

Chapter 7: Soothing the Body, Mind, & Heart

Gee. I'm tired of being sick so coming back to this blogging series right about now is surely a good thing. Chapter 7 starts, "Metta, Loving-Kindness, is the act of well-wishing toward yourself and others. You settle on a set of phrases and then recite them silently over and over." I think my "I am healthy, wealthy, and wise" is in the path of metta practice, but perhaps I should word it as, "May I be healthy, May I be wealthy, May I be wise." "Ease of well-being" is a beautiful, peaceful phrase in this chapter. "May I have ease of well-being as I awaken for the day and discover what my body has for me." "May I have ease of well-being upon awakening." "May I have ease of well-being." Waking up has been a tough time for me lately; did you notice?
Her metta practice as a forgiveness practice also sounds like something i do, though something I learned from her. "Thank you, body, for being brave and waking up on today," or her example, "Be peaceful, sweet body, working so hard to support me." I think of them as gratitude statements, instead of forgiveness, but I do suppose it is speaking kindness when it would be natural to be angry at our bodies for the ways in which it is disappointing us.

With metta kindness practice, you start with yourself then work out to someone with whom you are not pleased:
1. Self
2. Someone to whom you feel gratitude
3.Someone you're conflicted about
4. Someone for whom u feel nothing or have neutral feelings (nothing) e.g., store cashier
5. Someone that causes anger or other negative emotions when you think about them


Okay. Let's practice.

May I have good health
May my Spirit sustain
May my body be strong
May my wisdom grow
May I have ease of well-being
And be free


2. Someone to whom you feel gratitude- Co-worker
3.Someone you're conflicted about- Friend that I miss
4. Someone for whom u feel nothing or have neutral feelings (nothing) e.g., store cashier- Cashier at Scott's BBQ
5. Someone that causes anger or other negative emotions when you think about them- Distant Co-worker

*

*

Okay, done. Praying for co-worker felt really good. Try it. Friend that I miss didn't work as well. I'm not conflicted about her. I'm only conflicted about our (lack of a) relationship and what I should do about that (if anything. I figure she just doesn't want to be friends. I miss her.) And yes, #5 was the hardest but in it (stmt 2), I had a little empathy. This metta thing is working the magic it's supposed to work. Love. Agape.

Monday, April 2, 2012

checking in

in this moment, i am tired of being sick.