My AF Journey Journal

[techie]

My AF Journey Journal

Hi papmom - I was reading about your pond challenge. I had installed one at my previous home. I had others neighbors that had ponds as well. To me, they never ever looked level. Why that is I don't know. Perception maybe.

I know you have been working hard trying to maintain a healthy diet and weight. Thought you might be interested in these links regarding chia. I've been using it for a few years as a nutritional supplement. It has recently been touted for its weight loss benefits as well!

Dr. Bob Arnot On The Newest Superfood Chia Seeds and Their Benefits ? Vitals Spotlight ? We Give the Doctor an Exam


Chia for Health - Dr. Weil

[Doggygirl]

My AF Journey Journal

Hi P3. I'm very sorry to read of your diagnosis. My Dad is Type II. He has a lot of issues but his blood sugar became MUCH easier for him to control (even on meds) when he started following this doctor's recommendations: Amazon.com: Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars (9780316167161):…

You are right - low fat AND low carb AND low protein would be the starvation diet.

Strength and hope to you as you sort this all out. One thing is for sure, it will be easier both mentally and physically to do it AF.

DG

[Johnny]

My AF Journey Journal

Regarding ponds and levels guys. Often the setting in which a pond is set will not be a completely regular shape and likewise ponds tend to be irregular too. We only look with our eyes and we actually see with our brains and in order for our brain to make sense of what our eyes see it uses cognitive processing tools such as environmental cues (see 'the muller-lyre illusion'). If the surrounding area is irregular, it is difficult for the brain to focus on an appropriate cue and the 'sensation' that something is level doesn't occur. The fact that the bottom of a pond lining is not flat compounds this issue. I am a self declared official authority on this subject as I dig big holes for a living and studied cognitive processes at college for my degree! Of course there is the possibility that it's just not level!

[Meech]

My AF Journey Journal

Wow Johnny that's impressive. I don't have a clue what it means but I won't be digging a pond anytime soon. :H

Papmom, I'm so sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. I wish I could give you a hug right now. Sounds like some very helpful links could get you in the right direction. And going through this AF is so much better for you.

:l:l:h

The human body is amazing in how it can heal and repair with the right course. Major changes in your lifestyle have already started. I know you can do it. You are so strong and you inspire me to be a healthier person. Yes really. Take care and I will check in later.

[papmom3]

My AF Journey Journal

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write and send me virtual hugs and some great links.
Johnny and Techie-So I'm at my sister's tonite and I'm talking about my ordeal with the pond (my wonderful nephew asks why I didn't text him to come over and help!! I almost did but my sis tells me he slept until 1:30 anyway-too late!) and my BIL says-water is the true level. So I ask, is there a leveling tool that floats? Cuz how else would I measure how level the water is!! Anyway, after getting home tonite and staring at the darn thing some more, I think he's right and Johnny's right and I've got to let it go. I think once I get plants in and around it it won't be so noticable and I'll be able to relax and enjoy it. I kind of miss my smaller pond as I could just fidget with it even when it had water in it. But, it's gone to a new home and I got this pond for my accidental fishies so I have to live with it. And yes Johnny-I'm very impressed!!

As far as the diagnosis and diet goes, you are all absolutely right-it will be easier to deal with AF and it HAS to be dealt with AF. I no longer have a choice especially since I am convinced AL got me into this mess. It kept my BP high which as you know does all sorts of bad things. I guess I always thought my liver would go first and when that turned out OK earlier this year I figured I had dodged the bullet.
I will take a look at those links tomorrow (Techie, when I saw Chia, all I could think of was the Chia Pet!!) as I'm too tired to digest anything but my dinner (which was awesome and very healthy BTW) tonite.
I promise I will stay strong through this. I have no choice. I have my pets and my extended family to stay alive and healthy for and of course all of you.

thanks again everyone-you are all amazing!!
:l :h

[spuddleduck]

My AF Journey Journal

hey papmom. all that health news is a lot for you. as ive said before, im diabetic (type 1), if i can help with anything feel free to post me. when i was diagnosed i read loads of info on the subject and found i can work my life around it quite easily.. its a good reason to eat more healthily and take more exercise. i actually found the 'proffessionals' gave me a lot of contradictory advice so i researched and found the best way for me. also another good reason not to drink and a perfect excuse if you need to make one

[patrice]

My AF Journey Journal

Hi Papmom.. I'm sorry for all this scary news being thrown at you all at once, but maybe just look at one issue at a time. My mother was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and the doctor was adament she had it but when she also looked at literature given to her by the hospital, she thought is must be a misdiagnosis. She spent 2 weeks freaking out until it was actually found out to be the wrong diagnosis..Doctors do get it wrong!!
Once you perfect the healthy diet you won't look back.. raw, unprocessed food, keep away from hormone and anti- biotic saturated meat and chicken.. really its not expensive to eat healthily most of the time and not as time consuming as you might think.

Techie...I have heard about chia - I have a sample packet but it looks just like seeds - what do you do with it? Put it in Salad?
A really good website for excellent quality supplements and information is Independent news on natural health, nutrition and more

Take Care
Patrice

[papmom3]

My AF Journey Journal

Thanks Patrice and Spuddles!! You both have made me feel better!!
I did go out and buy a glocose meter tonite. I just can't wait until Sept to see if the test results were wrong. I'm getting all of them faxed to me tomorrow morning so I can see for myself exactly what is going on.
Still going way over on the sugar-it's so hard!!
talk to everyone later.
:l

[Meech]

My AF Journey Journal

You are sounding much more positive. Very glad.

Just like quitting alcohol it's going to take some time and creativity in your cooking to help curb those sweet cravings. It's too bad you have to wait till September for more answers.

I can't remember who suggested it early on your thread (maybe Spuddleduck) to research, research, research. Don't rely on the Doc for all your answers as they might not be ALL the answers you need and it may take way too long to get them. Take matters into your own hands. Google like crazy. There's good information out there to help.

Let the learning curve for your own healthy life start now. :l

[papmom3]

My AF Journey Journal

thanks Meech!!

I got my test results faxed to me yesterday and it clearly shows I do NOT have diabetes yet, but am heading that way. I bought a glucose meter and so far everything has been within range. The more I read on the A1C test the more I understand that somehow our blood cells have memory and this test can actually read how much sugar the body has had to process over the past 3 months and then somehow averages it. Amazing. So, if we count backwards, 3 months from June 2nd was right before I stopped drinking. We know it takes awhile for the AL to totally leave the system, and that probably includes the sugar from it. We also know that I had 2 slips during the past 3 months so I'm not surprised the number was what it was. I fully expect it to be significantly lower in Sept, especially if I can get my sugar intake under control. I'm feeling much better about that. I'm still worried about the renal function which is still in the chronic disease range but only just and improved from 2 weeks ago. I had the renal US last nite so hopefully will hear the results in a week or so maybe sooner.

I was able to switch nutritionists on the advice of a friend and got an appointment for one month earlier. I'm on the wait list for a cancellation.

Went food shopping tonite and did pretty well on finding low sodium and low sugar foods that I seem to can't live without: breads, juice, pasta sauce etc. Even found a fairly low sugar ice cream treat so that I don't feel totally deprived. Definitely feel better now as I really was down about not being able to find low sodium foods. You just have to look really hard and read the labels.

Not very optimistic about my weigh in at WW tomorrow. My dailyplate.com tracking shows that I was over my calorie goal most days and didn't do the exercise I should have due to the heat this week. Same with the points tracker. Pretty depressing but ODAT. Back in the saddle tomorrow!!

[Meech]

My AF Journey Journal

That's good news about your diabetes. Or not being diabetic. And getting into a nutrionist sooner. I think your body is healing and has been the last 3 months and the tests are going to keep improving. You are SOOOO on the right track.

Can you get up early to walk and beat the heat? Might be a great start to the day too and getting the exercise done and overwith.

I check in later. Very happy things are looking up. :l

[techie]

My AF Journey Journal

patrice;891764 wrote: Hi Papmom.. I'm sorry for all this scary news being thrown at you all at once, but maybe just look at one issue at a time. My mother was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and the doctor was adament she had it but when she also looked at literature given to her by the hospital, she thought is must be a misdiagnosis. She spent 2 weeks freaking out until it was actually found out to be the wrong diagnosis..Doctors do get it wrong!!
Once you perfect the healthy diet you won't look back.. raw, unprocessed food, keep away from hormone and anti- biotic saturated meat and chicken.. really its not expensive to eat healthily most of the time and not as time consuming as you might think.

Techie...I have heard about chia - I have a sample packet but it looks just like seeds - what do you do with it? Put it in Salad?
A really good website for excellent quality supplements and information is Independent news on natural health, nutrition and more

Take Care
Patrice

Yes Patrice I sprinkle on salads and on cereal!

[Doggygirl]

My AF Journey Journal

P3 that is really positive news!! Are you tyring to minimize sugar AND fat? If sugar is the bigger issue for you (it is for my diabetic Dad - fat is OK for him) he follows a lower carb protocol much like the one in that book link upstream.

Carbsmart (by Breyers I believe) makes some great sugar free ice cream treats. (assuming you are OK with artificial sweeteners)

Like anything else, you will get plugged in to the brands and food items that will work for you.

I hope the renal test results improve too!

DG

[papmom3]

My AF Journey Journal

thanks for the responses Meech and DG. It's going to be quite the journey to get healthy but I'm up for it.
Yesterday was busy at work and hot!! They shut of the AC at 3pm due to some contract we have with the Elec Co. Once we hit our max whatever, off the AC goes. Should be a F**king great summer here. At least today is less humid as we had severe storms roll through last nite. The microbursts didn't hit my area but as I was getting devil dog into the car a bolt of lightening and crack of thunder hit right overhead and caused the ground to shake!!! Thank god DD didn't bolt as I had the crate door and hatch open!! I thought I was going to climb in with him!!
Agility was good but hot. This morning I actually took the dogs for a run/jog at the college before work. Yea me!! I sprinted the last 220.
At Weight Watchers I only lost .2 lbs but I'm taking it as I should have been up what with the crap I ate last weekend.
Hope everyone has a great day. I'm going for a pedicure with my sis after work and then do some errands. Tomorrow i have to work at the RE office and Sunday I'm off. Hoping to get the pond landscaped so I can show you guys a pic. Fishies going to their new home on Sunday!!

[Meech]

My AF Journey Journal

Happy Friday Papmom,

Hope the AC stays on today. Next week it's suppose to get pretty hot here. I hope it's hot at the farm (other side of the country) because I plan on swimming a lot in the pool.

Considering you may not have had the leanest diet this week I think being down anything is a succuess! Next week even better.

Great job getting up early for a walk and sprint while it was not too hot out.

I have no children in my house. I have a mountain of clean laundry that needs to be folded and put away - BUT I'M IGNORING IT. I'm going to listen to my CD's. The laundry will not be going anywhere just yet.

Talk later. have a great day. Hope there's no thunderstorms tonight - just rain to cool things down. I personally am terrified of lightning. Uncle was struck and never was the same.