Sam ~ Thanks, The picnic each year is always fun.

Cindy & Betsy ~ Yeah I certainly got a good work out moving the furniture yesterday.

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Woke up at 6:30 a.m. and I was out the door to wait on the bus by 7:00 a.m. I got to my doctor's appt. 5 mins before my appt. time. I was done 15 mins later so again I scheduled my return time a whole hour when it only took 15 mins. Oh well I'll get better at it. My doctor did take me off of the med. even though I told the truth and told her that I havent been on top of my dieting or exercise but she still took me off of it cause she said it works best at first but after awhile it just doesnt work as well anymore so she didnt think I need to stay on it but that I can finish what I have if I want too which is what I'll do. I'll gonna work out at 1:30 this afternoon to my WATP's dvd cause its too just hot in the afternoon to walk outside anymore. I hope everyone has a nice Tuesday. Take Care Everybody.

Howdy folks! I'm in a good mood because the first of three days in a row with medical app'ts went really well. Bob got back, and he's pleased to be able to sit down at the computer and socialize with his manga friends, instead of having to be "on" for his family all the time. His sister (he had two; now one is dead) apparently joked, "Bob's spent so much time with us—now it'll be five years before we see him again." (He does have a strong tendency to withdraw when under stress.)

But anyway, this week on Tuesday I saw Mike (Qi-gong instructor—pronounced "chee-GUNG," a branch of Chinese medicine) then tomorrow is Michael (psychiatrist), and Thursday the long-awaited app't with the neurologist. The improvement in my symptoms after dropping two of the serotonin-pathway drugs is so marked, Bob and I are basically waiting for the neurologist to tell me (I hope!) that there's nothing else wrong with me.

The session with Mike was amazing. I'm stlll in a wheelchair, of course, but in his presence I was able to stand up several times. He said my chi (Qi, whatever) was "high"—surprisingly so for someone who's gone through months of not being able to stand, walk, or climb the stairs. I feel so relieved that Mike could see how all my hard work of moving around (leg exercises!) as much as possible, is really making a difference. I don't think I'm going to need physical therapy to do my rehab: I can do it myself with Mike's loving help. (Mike and Michael are very close friends, so I gave them permission to collaborate on my treatment.)

As for my art, I came up with a technique for climbing the stairs using the banister with my left arm and Bob's arm (where he's about 2 steps ahead of me) for another balance point. I feel SO psyched about being able to get to my studio: probably that's what's got me jazzed, chi-wise. I hope Grace (my great niece and mentee) will be able to come over Friday without any glitches and work side-by-side with me on making new collages—yay!

Anyway, I think Michael's going to be tickled pink that I was able to stop taking Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) without any withdrawal problems. I haven't seen him in two months, because we usually meet once a month, but he was out of town last month. I've tried to get off some of these nasty meds I take before, but it didn't work. When the time is right.... actuallly I think the Qii-gong is playing a key role.

Anyway, here I am babbling away about my stuff and not responding to y'all's postings. Please be assured that I'm reading every word you write, am thinking good thoughts in your directions, and once I get caught up in my collage work, I'll be doing personals. May you all have peace and grace and weight loss! =big grin=

Cindy I'm right there with you. I seem to be an all or nothing type of person I have come to find out. I'm either always around or I'm not, or I'm all in with losing weight or I'm not. I seem to can't really find a middle ground with my life. That can be a good or bad thing I guess. I'm pretty sure my friend is over everything. We talked today so I think it's going good. I'm chalking it up to her hormones being all crazy with carrying a baby and all.

Rabid Glad the steak turned out at least edible...I think you did a better job than I could have done LOL....I love to hear you say your goal for this month is to cook more..That's great!! Cooking more and eating out less with weight loss will take you far! You're amazing!

Betsy Yeah the me time is definitely few and far between in my life. You think I'd be used to it but at the same time I like to be alone I hate being alone. Not sure if that makes any sense or not lol...Every now and then on the weekends I'll leave the house even if it's just to go walk around the mall and window shop...Just to get out the house and away from having to really engage in conversation with anyone. I haven't done that in awhile. Maybe it's time for another one of those days. As far as my friend I'm pretty sure she's over whatever little tiff that was yesterday. She is already a very self conscious person and easily moved by emotions, but being pregnant makes it worse and I kind of forgot about that the last time around. The last time she was pregnant she did the same song and dance that she has no friends on facebook, blah blah blah...She's my friend so of course I'll be there for her, but I just got to remember the crazy hormones turn her into Godzilla.

So my friend and I were supposed to go on a walk today after I got off work. It looked like it may rain but I didn't want her to think I didn't want to go with her so I made sure to ask if we were still going. She took too long to answer me so I ended up working out at home and find out she didn't answer until after the rain started. I'm thinking she didn't feel like going, but who knows. I'm ok with it either way. DH had mentioned when I told her she didn't answer right away (BTW this girl LIVES on her phone) that she seems to always do this when I make the initiative to do something with her. I never really thought about it, but he is right. She cries wolf when no one hangs out with her, but then stands people up when they make the effort. Did I ever mention I do a lot better hanging out with guys than girls? Yea, it's for this exact reason. I can't deal with the drama. I think at a certain age girls thrive off of drama, but I think about 3 years ago I just couldn't deal with all the crap anymore and ended up cutting friends out of my life because their lives were nothing but drama. I just feel too old for the stupid childish games girls like to play sometimes. Does that make sense? Anyway enough about all that haha

Had a good day today...Wasn't too busy with work. I have a feeling this month is going to be a little less busy for me since I got the majority of my monthly work done last week. Did cardio when I got home and now waiting on DH to return home from the store. We're having baked chicken with green beans, and DH will probably have a potato with his.

I'm pooped and need a shower. Have a great night friends!

Today was my Endoscopy. No evidence of cancer but the Doctor took several biopsy samples to be sure.

Findings were:

1. Moderate Hiatel Hernia (not new)

2. Barrett's Esophogus (not new)

3. Moderate Gastritis (new finding, they want me to talk to Cardiologist about stopping baby aspririn)

4. Schatziki's Ring ( re-occurance. they dialated my esophogus)

Pending a negative biopsy I will go though this again in 3 years.


My first ZERO CARB day!!

Due to the scope this morning, breakfast started at noon.

Breakfast
Sunny Meadow - Grade A Eggs (Extra Large), 3 egg
Kraft - Mayo, 3 Tbsp

Lunch
Polar - Herring Fillets, Smoked, Boneless, In Vegetable Oil, 7.2 oz

Dinner
Home Made - Extra Large Hard Boiled Egg, 2 egg

Total: 1,410 Calories, 0g Carbs, 123g Fat, 62g Protein

Goal: 1,400 Calories, 18g Carbs, 109g Fat, 88g Protein

Here's a treat, at least for those who like gals, cats, and/or natural cuteness: two photos of Grace (15-yr-old great niece, mentee) with Oscar (year-old oriental shorthair). One of peace and repose and one of action.

Cooking went well last night, I have three more servings of shrimp-fried rice in the fridge. I ate a HUGE serving last night, very tasty! One thing I've noticed is that when I cook more, my kitchen ends up messier -- go figure! I did wrangle it into order this morning.

My weight continues to fluctuate wildly between 321 and 327, I have no idea what's up with that. Since I don't track calories it's kind of hard to figure out what's going on, I might have to in a few weeks if it's still an issue. Though eating will be challenging (and so will calorie counting) for the next two months as I have three business trips, plus a personal vacation. Two of the trips are week-long ones, too.

Good morning all. The streak of gorgeous weather continues, excepts it's supposed to be in the 70s today instead of the 80s. We Northwesterners don't do 80s (and you should see us if it gets into the 90s!).

Terra Isn't that always the way with trying to time doctor's appointments. If you've schedule too much time, then they go lickety split. Too little, and they'll take forever......actually any appointment falls into that routine! Sounds like taking you off the drug if it loses its efficacy makes sense. You can do this on your own -- portion control, good choices, and exercise (I need to needlepoint that and put it up in my kitchen!).
Fi WOW! What a difference a few days make. Your post is a 180 from your previous ones -- so happy for you that you are beginning to see the light at the end of this very long and very dark tunnel. Glad that Bob made it home safe and sound and laughed over his family's comments. Love the pictures of Grace. What a pretty young woman and what a joy for you to have in your life.
Sam I'm beginning to wonder if we aren't related somehow as your explanation of the me time and the girl drama avoidance really hits the nail on the head. You are a good friend to just understand that pregnancy hormones really do a number on their bodies. They get even wilder right after birth although coupled with lack of sleep, it may just be a combination of bodies with too much stress. Glad things are going well for you at work -- always nice to have a little slow period to catch one's breath.
Rabidstoat Imagine that -- your kitchen gets messy when you cook. It's so much better for you than eating packaged foods or my worst approach, grazing (I tend to end up looking like a cow when I graze!). My weight tends to bounce around a lot, too. If you track your foods, you'll probably find that it's either higher carb counts or higher salt intake or a combination. When it bounces like that, it's usually water being held onto and then the next day (usually when a long car trip is involved!) your body sheds it. Or at least that's what happens with me.
Larry I don't think I've ever seen anyone not have any carbs! Do you have any trouble with not having enough energy? Congrats on the good findings from the endoscopy. Don't know if you are on Medicare yet or not, but I saw where they won't cover endoscopy tests unless they're for high risk patients. I'm assuming that either you are either pre-Medicare or else the Barrett's cells make you high risk.

Toby got his summer hair cut yesterday and while I'm still not very good at doing it, he's short haired and clean and cooler. Today I'm driving a friend up to the airport (Seattle -- about 100 miles round trip) and need to stop at Costco for stuff I forgot last week.

Got my meals mapped out for today. I'm still struggling with mapping out healthy, on plan meals and then eating other stuff -- always in the sure-to-cause-trouble list of chips, chocolate, and ice cream. Lately, it's been anything that has some carbs in it. If the drug companies want to invent a good pill, it would be one that eliminates carb cravings!

OK, must have some breakfast, hit the gym, and then drive up to Seattle. Hope everyone has a great day.

Betsy Since going low carb my energy levels have increased a lot. I used to be quite a couch potato, but that is no more. I am outside doing things now. I am not sure where I read this but it was brought to my attention that for hundreds of years the Eskimo's in the far North had a zero carb diet. They did quite well without carbs. Makes you wonder?.

I am 70 years old going on 71 next month and I have been on Medicare for five years now. The info I have found on Barrett's is that you can have up to 125 times increased chance of developing cancer of the esophogus. I also have a ring stricture in my esophogus which requires stretching from time to time and that is also prone to cancer development.

Checking in before bed...been a long day full of errands after work and I'm pooped. I'll catch up with personals tomorrow. Hope everyone is well!

Hi everyone.

Fi, it's so good to hear you in such a good mood. I'm really happy that you're finally getting your appointments in. I hope the one with the neurologist tomorrow goes well. Thanks for sharing the picture of Grace and one of the kitties.

Sam, I don't think I could deal with girl drama at any age, and certainly not now. I have unfriended friends on Facebook because I don't want to see or read it. I also completely get your explanation of "me time". Maybe you, Betsy and I are all related.

Larry, good news on the endoscopy results.

Betsy, I think I'm ready to move to Washington. I strongly dislike the humid 80 and 90 degree summers we have here. 70s sound wonderful. We have had some beautiful days recently in the 60s and 70s, but official summer hasn't begun yet.

Our grandson's baseball game was canceled last night due to thunderstorms and is now rescheduled for 8 AM Saturday morning ugh, but we will be there unless it rains, and so far it is supposed to.

I've been 100% on track with eating since Sunday's cheat day. I've lost the pound I gained from that little adventure and I hope to report a loss soon.

I found out DH has volunteered us to host a grandson's high school graduation party on the 4th of July. I'm hoping the weather is nice so we can have it outside, but we have a lot of work to do to get the yard and house in shape before then. It's always something.

I hope you all have a good day tomorrow.

Just a quick check in, I wrote a long post last week and the interweb ate it..

So I'm doing ok scale is generally moving in a downward motion. I had an unscheduled cheat day...and Aunt Flo is visiting so not expecting any big movement for a while. Im going to workout and stay on plan so hopefully I don't gain.

Nothing else really to report, Hope everyone else is doing well.

Good morning everyone. I'm sitting here at my desk with the window open debating whether I should get up and close it -- definitely cooler than it's been the last several days. It feels wonderful -- I'll definitely be having my coffee out on the screened porch this morning.

Larry Thanks for the info on your energy levels. I've been experiencing the opposite, but then we're both at that age where we have enough things "wrong" with our bodies that many things could impact how we're feeling! Since I've got the Barrett's cells, too, I'm glad that they will pay for the test. I'm sure it will involve going through some approval process but that's ok. Interesting about the Eskimos, but I imagine that in that environment there wasn't a lot of gardening or gathering.
Sam Thanks for checking in and we'll look forward to your post tomorrow.
Cindy So how long do the doctor's think that DH will be in the hospital for volunteering to host a graduation party without checking with you first? You know what -- I bet everyone will have a great time even if everything isn't perfect at the house and yard. Or, since it sounds as though you have at least a couple of grandkids old enough to do some serious yard and housework, get them to help with the cleanup and decorating. Our summers are nice out here, and I know what you mean about hot and muggy. I grew up in central Illinois and when I've gone back to visit I realize that it would take a lot to get me back there even as much as I enjoy catching up with old friends. Good job on staying on plan and getting that pound off so quickly!
Obsidian Isn't it a wonderful feeling when you wake up and the scale has moved downward!!! Good for you. It's so hard to string days of staying on plan -- especially with your visitor -- so kudos!

In my Internet search for a reason why I've got such bad joint and muscle pain, I've stumbled upon aspartame poisoning. Not a true poison, of course, but basically it does get digested and goes into your tissues and can cause the joint and muscle pain. I do tend to drink a lot of Diet Coke, so I'm stopping that and will be watching the artificial sweetener intake. One fix is to use activated charcoal, but there are too many drug interactions with the meds I'm on. Another site said to drink lots of water and have betweeen 50-75% of my food be from raw sources and mainly plant based. That's doable. I imagine this is a thing of getting the stuff out of my system. I'll miss my diet drinks but not as much as I hate all of this pain!

This week has been much more successful in terms of eating better. I'm allowing myself 1200 calories a day and keeping the carbs under 100g/day. That seems to be resulting in losing a couple of pounds a week which I'll take.

Need to get to the gym and then the yard boy is coming to load up all the stuff that is going to the dump. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Y'all think I did a 180 and swung joyously from Bob-in-California to Bob-back-home, good meetings with Mike (QiGong) and Michael (psychiatry)? It's true, I did... but try this on for size: in our long-awaited meeting this morning with the neurologist, we heard that the only abnormality in ALL those torture-machine tests I had was mild carpal tunnel in my right (dominant) hand. (I've already had the carpal-tunnel release surgery on both hands, so it's not a problem so long as I don't overwork that hand.) Also: no tumor, no vascular issues, no seizure disdorder, no neurodegenerative disease (MS, ALS, etc.)—no this, no that, no problems at all except for needing rehab & reconditioning to get me standing, walking, driving, doing QiGong exercises, dancing to rock-n-roll again! Even the neurologist herself was having fun and smiling from ear to ear while delivering that news.

And she acknowledged it openly: I was taking a poisonous soup of too many antidepressants, and the whole cascade of my recentt months' decline in function started with....let's all say it together: serotonin toxicity. No mystery—just history. Live and learn.

So now I need to get on the phone and schedule the rehab and the extra app'ts with Mike.

Whoopee! Finally, at long last, I am happy to be 60. It's the age I want to be! And the age I will be when I lose more weight and make more art.

I don't usually go for emoticons, but this moment inspires me:

I Love this Atkins 20 Induction Plan.

My scale was down another 2 pounds today!!



This makes 34 pounds lost in 51 days on Atkins.

In case anyone is wondering, I only count even pounds. I do not count tenths of a pound. This just makes it easier for me to track.

Fi The kitties are so beautiful!! It's been a real treat getting to see them grow from just babies. Grace is beautiful!!! It's so nice to put a face with a name now. I am so glad that you've finally gotten the answers for everything and are on the road to recovery. I love hearing (reading) how happy you seem as the clouds part ways and the sun starts to shine on your recovery . You're a big part of this group whether you know it or not, and I'm glad that things are turning around for you lovely.

Rabid Glad the cooking is going well for you. I have learned that counting calories, fat, protein and carbs is a good tool just to see where you stand, but you shouldn't over analyze it too much. It'll give you a headache. I use My Fitness Pal and it's helped me a lot with making sure I don't eat too many carbs, which is what I have been watching the most, and getting more protein in which has been a little hard for me but I'm getting there.

Betsy We just may well be related haha...You never know right! I just don't have the desire or the time to deal with BS. I bet Toby feels great with his new haircut. Function I think is what you were going for anyway right? I'm sure he doesn't care if it looks bad. As far as the joint pain being connected to aspartame you may be on to something there. DH drinks nothing but diet sodas and the occasional water. I try to get him off it because I know it can't be doing him any favors but like we discussed in a previous post, no point in fighting over something we can't change. It'll click for him eventually. I will every now and then take a sip of soda but I have been sticking to those sparkling waters that have no artificial sweeteners in it, no sodium, nothing. It's basically soda water with flavoring in it. That has helped me a lot when I want something fizzy.

Cindy Does the girl drama stop at any age? It seems like some people will always be filled with drama. I don't get it. I'd rather live a happy life and be in my own bubble than worry about what everyone else is doing. I think a lot of times the drama is created on their own and if they didn't want to deal with it they could truly stop it. Glad you lost the pound that was gained on cheat day. You're doing great, keep it up!!

Today was a pretty good day at work until towards the end of the day where I got bombarded with crazy stuff. I have a house that I am seeking out insurance for that's worth about 1.3 MIL...It's gorgeous!! I still have to work on it more tomorrow but I hope I get this account it would be great to have on the books.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it but ever since my doctor's appointment about my lump on my abdomen I've been trying to find a psychiatrist to take me on as a new patient so I can make sure I have the right prescription of medication and everything for my bipolar disorder. I've been calling places for 2 weeks and finally today a psychiatric nurse that has her own practice that I left a message for called me back right away. She was very nice and I have an appointment with her Tuesday afternoon. I hope everything goes well and I get the medication I need. We are going to discuss what is going to be good for me to take with wanting to have children in the future. My time frame for kids is within the next 5 years I'd like to have one. I'm thinking if it doesn't happen within that time I just need to be ok that it might not ever happen. I don't like to put time frames on anything because anything can happen when you aren't planning on it, but that's a small mental note I've made. I'm really nervous about this appointment because I'm going to have to talk about my whole history and it's going to be hard for me. I hope it goes well.

Tonight I did a quick 20 minute cardio session and then worked on arms. They feel like wet noodles now LOL...I was too tired to cook and the meat that we had thawed out a couple days ago was no good so I went to Chickfila and got me some grilled nuggets and a side salad with no dressing or extras. It's something that's quick and easy for me to eat and is still on plan so it was nice for a change.

Tomorrow is Friday and I am so looking forward to the weekend! Take care everyone!