Well, I've got the initial consult appt scheduled - June 8. Now the waiting period begins. I got a call today confirming they got my x-rays. I've got a LOT of paperwork to do before then. I've talked with my boss to get things rolling in terms of HR and leave and all that.
But what really sucks is when you have to have other people do things for you because you can't do them anymore because of the pain. It feels like you lose a little bit of yourself; your independence and even a little bit of zest for life. Luckily I have amazing friends (and boyfriend) who are helping me through this and an amazing family who is incredibly supportive. It's going to be a struggle for me to lay down my pride and ask for help when I need it instead of suffering.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
You dropped a bomb on me....
Ever have one of those moments where you get some news and you wish you could be anywhere but there? I had said moment on Thursday.
As some of you know, I have scoliosis and the pain has progressed over the past 2 years. I finally went to an orthopedist (read: back specialist) on Thursday. I had been to see a specialist when I was 18 and he didn't see any cause for concern, said to come back in 5 years. Well, 5 years came and went, I didn't have any pain - so no real reason for another visit. The last time I had seen x-rays of my back it was a 23 degree curve. Kinda freaky, but I could live with it with the hope that it would correct itself over time. Fast forward to Thursday. The second I saw the x-ray I started freaking out. So I go back to the exam room, and spend the next 45 minutes waiting for the doctor to show me the x-rays and talk about them. So he comes in all serious puts up the x-rays and says that my curve is now over 50% and that not only is there a curve but there is a rotation as well that part of my spine has rotated under my left scapula, causing the pain in my shoulder blade. *queue panic* So then he mentions the only way to correct this is with surgery - rods and pins *panic increases*, So we talk a little bit more and he says he's going to refer me to a spine surgery specialist. So now, I'm waiting for them to contact me regarding an appointment so I can in turn tell my parents who want to be there for this next consultation - it's when we'll talk about surgery, costs, recovery times, all that fun stuff. And possibly get it scheduled. So prayers through this whole ordeal will be GREATLY appreciated.
On a lighter note, the 5 pound increment weight loss goal/reward list I made for myself is doing its job - I am close to yet another 5 pound mark.
As some of you know, I have scoliosis and the pain has progressed over the past 2 years. I finally went to an orthopedist (read: back specialist) on Thursday. I had been to see a specialist when I was 18 and he didn't see any cause for concern, said to come back in 5 years. Well, 5 years came and went, I didn't have any pain - so no real reason for another visit. The last time I had seen x-rays of my back it was a 23 degree curve. Kinda freaky, but I could live with it with the hope that it would correct itself over time. Fast forward to Thursday. The second I saw the x-ray I started freaking out. So I go back to the exam room, and spend the next 45 minutes waiting for the doctor to show me the x-rays and talk about them. So he comes in all serious puts up the x-rays and says that my curve is now over 50% and that not only is there a curve but there is a rotation as well that part of my spine has rotated under my left scapula, causing the pain in my shoulder blade. *queue panic* So then he mentions the only way to correct this is with surgery - rods and pins *panic increases*, So we talk a little bit more and he says he's going to refer me to a spine surgery specialist. So now, I'm waiting for them to contact me regarding an appointment so I can in turn tell my parents who want to be there for this next consultation - it's when we'll talk about surgery, costs, recovery times, all that fun stuff. And possibly get it scheduled. So prayers through this whole ordeal will be GREATLY appreciated.
On a lighter note, the 5 pound increment weight loss goal/reward list I made for myself is doing its job - I am close to yet another 5 pound mark.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
100 reasons to exercise
100 Reasons to Exercise Now
By Nicole Nichols
www.sparkpeople.com
1. Because it makes you feel confident
2. Because it helps you get stronger
3. Because exercise helps combat depression
4. Because you'll feel proud of yourself
5. Because you have goals you want to reach
6. Because you'll feel bad if you don't
7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
9. Because it improves your heart health
10. Because you want a great butt
11. Because it prevents diabetes
12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
15. Because your body was made to move
16. Because you want to be an athlete
17. Because you want to look better
18. Because it lifts your mood
19. Because you want to stand taller
20. Because it reduces back pain
21. Because it feels good
22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
25. Because strong is the new skinny
26. Because dieting only works so much
27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
28. Because it helps you lose weight
29. Because it allows you to eat more food
30. Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
31. Because it helps you de-stress
32. Because it's cheaper than therapy
33. Because you want a strong core
34. Because you want to take care for yourself
35. Because you take pride in your body
36. Because it strengthens your legs
37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
38. Because you want to push yourself
39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
40. Because moving your body feels good
41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
44. Because it gives you energy
45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
46. Because you want to look younger
47. Because you want toned arms
48. Because it improves your balance
49. Because it burns off last night's dessert
50. Because it boosts your immune system
51. Because sweat is sexy
52. Because you want to live longer
53. Because you want to get better at your game
54. Because you want to catch someone's eye
55. Because exercisers earn more money
56. Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
58. Because you want to breathe easier
59. Because you want to see the scale drop
60. Because exercise improves your sex life
61. Because you are worth it
62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
63. Because you promised yourself that you would
64. Because you deserve a better life
65. Because it'll help you drink more water
66. Because you want to do real push-ups
67. Because it reduces your health care costs
68. Because you'll miss fewer days of work
69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
70. Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
71. Because it'll makes clothing shopping more fun
72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
73. Because exercising can be fun
74. Because it'll help you sweat out toxins
75. Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
76. Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
78. Because you don't want to let yourself go
79. Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
80. Because it strengthens your spirit
81. Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
82. Because you'll be able to reward yourself
83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
84. Because you're tired of being tired
85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
86. Because it's a great way to spend time outside
87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
88. Because you're tired of starting over
89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
90. Because you're not a quitter
91. Because it improves your cholesterol
92. Because it boosts your metabolism
93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
97. Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
99. Because not working out isn't working out for you
100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip
By Nicole Nichols
www.sparkpeople.com
1. Because it makes you feel confident
2. Because it helps you get stronger
3. Because exercise helps combat depression
4. Because you'll feel proud of yourself
5. Because you have goals you want to reach
6. Because you'll feel bad if you don't
7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
9. Because it improves your heart health
10. Because you want a great butt
11. Because it prevents diabetes
12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
15. Because your body was made to move
16. Because you want to be an athlete
17. Because you want to look better
18. Because it lifts your mood
19. Because you want to stand taller
20. Because it reduces back pain
21. Because it feels good
22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
25. Because strong is the new skinny
26. Because dieting only works so much
27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
28. Because it helps you lose weight
29. Because it allows you to eat more food
30. Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
31. Because it helps you de-stress
32. Because it's cheaper than therapy
33. Because you want a strong core
34. Because you want to take care for yourself
35. Because you take pride in your body
36. Because it strengthens your legs
37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
38. Because you want to push yourself
39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
40. Because moving your body feels good
41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
44. Because it gives you energy
45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
46. Because you want to look younger
47. Because you want toned arms
48. Because it improves your balance
49. Because it burns off last night's dessert
50. Because it boosts your immune system
51. Because sweat is sexy
52. Because you want to live longer
53. Because you want to get better at your game
54. Because you want to catch someone's eye
55. Because exercisers earn more money
56. Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
58. Because you want to breathe easier
59. Because you want to see the scale drop
60. Because exercise improves your sex life
61. Because you are worth it
62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
63. Because you promised yourself that you would
64. Because you deserve a better life
65. Because it'll help you drink more water
66. Because you want to do real push-ups
67. Because it reduces your health care costs
68. Because you'll miss fewer days of work
69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
70. Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
71. Because it'll makes clothing shopping more fun
72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
73. Because exercising can be fun
74. Because it'll help you sweat out toxins
75. Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
76. Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
78. Because you don't want to let yourself go
79. Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
80. Because it strengthens your spirit
81. Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
82. Because you'll be able to reward yourself
83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
84. Because you're tired of being tired
85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
86. Because it's a great way to spend time outside
87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
88. Because you're tired of starting over
89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
90. Because you're not a quitter
91. Because it improves your cholesterol
92. Because it boosts your metabolism
93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
97. Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
99. Because not working out isn't working out for you
100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip
Goals
Well friends, Lent ends today and what a month and a half this has been! First off, let me update on things that happened since my last post.
Vacation was WONDERFUL! It was great seeing my family and getting to spend some time with friends there. We all had a great time and have some hilarious albeit strange quotes. We did eat moderately healthy thanks to my mom's OUTSTANDING cooking. And we went to Kool Beans Cafe for Sunday brunch which was AMAZING! (If you live in Tallahassee and haven't been there yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!) And honestly, this is about the 5th or 6th week that I've done okay with just one soda a week and I can't say I miss it. Finding other beverage options that offer more health benefits (tea - mainly to get over my cold) or when I'm craving something with flavor: lemonade. Still working on the eating habits and exercise.
On the way back, a friend and I agreed to do a "beta test" (this is a major nerd thing and we talked about the phases of software development (pushes glasses up on her face), but mostly a reference to 'The Big Bang Theory' where Penny and Leonard agree to do a beta test of their relationship) and we have been dating ever since. No one was surprised - all our friends just said, "it's about time!!"
In the past several days however, we had a trip to the ER. He has pneumonia and a SLEW of other health problems which scared us both pretty bad into making some changes for the better. I bought a couple books on nutrition (see previous post on how addicted I am to books) and we did a 5k (my 4th one thank you very much!) on Saturday (his idea to join us and walk it with pneumonia....) we're talking about making some other changes as well. One thing that his being sick has brought out is how much I NEED to take care of myself before I can take care of others (the Pathways mantra!). I've had to say no quite a bit in the past couple of days so I can stay healthy and I'm realizing how many of my goals relate to taking care of me in more ways than just appearance.
I must admit, I've fallen off the bandwagon in terms of keeping up my water and limiting my soda. But every day is a new day right?
I DID however get to check off one of my 28 by 28 - the doctor visits. I have seen my (now) primary for a check up, been to the dentist (sadly I have 2 small cavities..but they are the first cavities in 27 years...that's pretty good!), and have an appointment with the orthopedist to get my scoliosis checked out.
I also made a list of goals (I know, me and lists right?) in 5 pound increments of rewards I'll give myself for losing that 5 pounds. They're all "things" - I want to get better about rewarding myself with things other than food. I'm almost at my second goal (like 2 pounds away!) !! Some of the things include cut and color, teeth whitening, new glasses, a dress from modcloth when I lose more weight, clothes, shoes, you get the idea. I know I've got a long way to go, but by helping me focus on the short term goals I think I can be much more successful (and props to my friend Marie for suggesting this!!). Now I'm just thinking about putting up a daily reminder on my mirror or somewhere in my room....post it or dry erase marker - suggestions?
One thing I love about where I work is the incentive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and once every few months they do a "healthy me" challenge - the first one I did was about eating habits - eating breakfast every day, not skipping meals, eating more vegetables and I won $50! The one I'm doing this month is about being active - the goal is to get at least 64 points (1 point = 10 minutes of activity - walking, dancing, yard work, household chores) so the weekly goal would be 15 points a week and then on the last 2 days of the month do 2 each day for the total of 64. I did make my goal of 15 points this week (thanks to the 5k) and am looking for things to do this week to help keep me active and meet my goal. The gal that sends out the reminders to log points sent a list of motivations this week - some were ones I hadn't even thought about (see NEXT post for the list). But are good to keep in mind.
What things do you use to help keep you on track?
Vacation was WONDERFUL! It was great seeing my family and getting to spend some time with friends there. We all had a great time and have some hilarious albeit strange quotes. We did eat moderately healthy thanks to my mom's OUTSTANDING cooking. And we went to Kool Beans Cafe for Sunday brunch which was AMAZING! (If you live in Tallahassee and haven't been there yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!) And honestly, this is about the 5th or 6th week that I've done okay with just one soda a week and I can't say I miss it. Finding other beverage options that offer more health benefits (tea - mainly to get over my cold) or when I'm craving something with flavor: lemonade. Still working on the eating habits and exercise.
On the way back, a friend and I agreed to do a "beta test" (this is a major nerd thing and we talked about the phases of software development (pushes glasses up on her face), but mostly a reference to 'The Big Bang Theory' where Penny and Leonard agree to do a beta test of their relationship) and we have been dating ever since. No one was surprised - all our friends just said, "it's about time!!"
In the past several days however, we had a trip to the ER. He has pneumonia and a SLEW of other health problems which scared us both pretty bad into making some changes for the better. I bought a couple books on nutrition (see previous post on how addicted I am to books) and we did a 5k (my 4th one thank you very much!) on Saturday (his idea to join us and walk it with pneumonia....) we're talking about making some other changes as well. One thing that his being sick has brought out is how much I NEED to take care of myself before I can take care of others (the Pathways mantra!). I've had to say no quite a bit in the past couple of days so I can stay healthy and I'm realizing how many of my goals relate to taking care of me in more ways than just appearance.
I must admit, I've fallen off the bandwagon in terms of keeping up my water and limiting my soda. But every day is a new day right?
I DID however get to check off one of my 28 by 28 - the doctor visits. I have seen my (now) primary for a check up, been to the dentist (sadly I have 2 small cavities..but they are the first cavities in 27 years...that's pretty good!), and have an appointment with the orthopedist to get my scoliosis checked out.
I also made a list of goals (I know, me and lists right?) in 5 pound increments of rewards I'll give myself for losing that 5 pounds. They're all "things" - I want to get better about rewarding myself with things other than food. I'm almost at my second goal (like 2 pounds away!) !! Some of the things include cut and color, teeth whitening, new glasses, a dress from modcloth when I lose more weight, clothes, shoes, you get the idea. I know I've got a long way to go, but by helping me focus on the short term goals I think I can be much more successful (and props to my friend Marie for suggesting this!!). Now I'm just thinking about putting up a daily reminder on my mirror or somewhere in my room....post it or dry erase marker - suggestions?
One thing I love about where I work is the incentive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and once every few months they do a "healthy me" challenge - the first one I did was about eating habits - eating breakfast every day, not skipping meals, eating more vegetables and I won $50! The one I'm doing this month is about being active - the goal is to get at least 64 points (1 point = 10 minutes of activity - walking, dancing, yard work, household chores) so the weekly goal would be 15 points a week and then on the last 2 days of the month do 2 each day for the total of 64. I did make my goal of 15 points this week (thanks to the 5k) and am looking for things to do this week to help keep me active and meet my goal. The gal that sends out the reminders to log points sent a list of motivations this week - some were ones I hadn't even thought about (see NEXT post for the list). But are good to keep in mind.
What things do you use to help keep you on track?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Never gonna give you up
"There is a limit to enjoyment, throught he sources of wealth be boundless; And the choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation." - Martin Farquhar Tupper, Proverbial Philosophy (Taken from January 2012 Issue of Real Simple)
Yes, I'm just now getting around to reading this issue. And yes, page 7 is as far as I've gotten before I saw that quote and decided to grace the intrawebs with my online presence.
I thought that quote fitting since the season of Lent is among us. You may have heard many people talk about giving things up for lent: soda, candy, fast food, alcohol....I said that I would give up soda....then realized that it was on my list to cut back....even after going 3 days without it prior to my statement.
Sometimes it takes weeks, months or even years before something someone has said to me strikes me or actually registers. This time it was a conversation with my doctor when she was inquiring about my soda drinking habits in an attempt to find foods/beverages I could cut out to help me lose weight. Here where I work, they only serve soda in the 20 oz bottles. I told my doctor as much. She said that one of those 20 oz bottles of soda a day equates to 25 POUNDS of sugar a year (which I did the math....equates to about 12.5 pounds in a year.....forget about blaming breakups on weight gain in college...it was my 3 sometimes 4 a day mountain dew habit that did me in!!) Not exactly sure when it was last week when this kicked in, but at some point I realized "I'd rather EAT my calories than drink them" and I can proudly say that I met my "1 soda a week" goal last week - Friday was the only day I had soda. Sadly this revealation also made me take a look at my Starbucks habit - trips to the starbucks IN the hospital or on my way to work add up to more calories than a soda. So I also proudly admit that I only had Starbucks ONCE last week. I also met my goal of eating out less than 3x (twice to be exact). ALSO (I know, ANOTHER thing to admit?!) I kept a clear water bottle on my desk and drank one every day (that I was at work at least....I did however drink an entire nalgene bottle of water on Thursday) AND I walked 2 days last week for at least 30 minutes.
Whoever said some of the best things are in moderation was right. Too much candy and you get sick, too much and you don't appreciate the thing you craved so much. Maybe this is why I don't drink Mountain Dew anymore. I got tired of it.
Are you giving anything up for Lent? Is there something you overiindulged in that you no longer enjoy?
Yes, I'm just now getting around to reading this issue. And yes, page 7 is as far as I've gotten before I saw that quote and decided to grace the intrawebs with my online presence.
I thought that quote fitting since the season of Lent is among us. You may have heard many people talk about giving things up for lent: soda, candy, fast food, alcohol....I said that I would give up soda....then realized that it was on my list to cut back....even after going 3 days without it prior to my statement.
Sometimes it takes weeks, months or even years before something someone has said to me strikes me or actually registers. This time it was a conversation with my doctor when she was inquiring about my soda drinking habits in an attempt to find foods/beverages I could cut out to help me lose weight. Here where I work, they only serve soda in the 20 oz bottles. I told my doctor as much. She said that one of those 20 oz bottles of soda a day equates to 25 POUNDS of sugar a year (which I did the math....equates to about 12.5 pounds in a year.....forget about blaming breakups on weight gain in college...it was my 3 sometimes 4 a day mountain dew habit that did me in!!) Not exactly sure when it was last week when this kicked in, but at some point I realized "I'd rather EAT my calories than drink them" and I can proudly say that I met my "1 soda a week" goal last week - Friday was the only day I had soda. Sadly this revealation also made me take a look at my Starbucks habit - trips to the starbucks IN the hospital or on my way to work add up to more calories than a soda. So I also proudly admit that I only had Starbucks ONCE last week. I also met my goal of eating out less than 3x (twice to be exact). ALSO (I know, ANOTHER thing to admit?!) I kept a clear water bottle on my desk and drank one every day (that I was at work at least....I did however drink an entire nalgene bottle of water on Thursday) AND I walked 2 days last week for at least 30 minutes.
Whoever said some of the best things are in moderation was right. Too much candy and you get sick, too much and you don't appreciate the thing you craved so much. Maybe this is why I don't drink Mountain Dew anymore. I got tired of it.
Are you giving anything up for Lent? Is there something you overiindulged in that you no longer enjoy?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Catching up
Whew!! What a week! I've felt like I've gone non-stop for a solid week!! I worked Sunday-Wednesday, then Thursday morning got up and did the bible study and hung out with my sister, Friday was my doctors appt, yesterday (my birthday) I met my sister at La Madeliene for breakfast then went to this AMAZING spa for pedicures. Then I went home, practiced, had lunch, drove to NRH where we had rehearsal for Onward and Upward from 2-5:30 then I came home, changed and we partied until 11:30 last night when I crashed.
So now it's time to get caught up on the other goals for the week and the photo of the day for the 2nd through the 5th.
First, an update on the goals. I had my doctor visit on Friday, so far so good, found out that what I thought was a panic attack a couple weeks ago was my scoliosis, she gave me some pain medication for when it gets really bad - its basically a pinched nerve.
Did better with the eating out and less soda. Speaking of which...my doctor said that 1 20oz bottle of soda a day equates to 25 pounds of sugar a year!!!! And that's not including any other sugar!! I can tell you who is going to be better about dropping that bad habit!!
In terms of the reading, I finished 'the Little Prince' which I would HIGHLY recommend.(it's a super quick read) I grew up watching the movie and was always drawn to it, having read the book as an adult I know why. It talks about keeping your childhood enthusiasm for life. My roommate got me the last 2 Hunger Games books for my birthday (best roommate ever right?!!) so I will start on those at some point.
day 4: stranger (it counts right?)
So now it's time to get caught up on the other goals for the week and the photo of the day for the 2nd through the 5th.
First, an update on the goals. I had my doctor visit on Friday, so far so good, found out that what I thought was a panic attack a couple weeks ago was my scoliosis, she gave me some pain medication for when it gets really bad - its basically a pinched nerve.
Did better with the eating out and less soda. Speaking of which...my doctor said that 1 20oz bottle of soda a day equates to 25 pounds of sugar a year!!!! And that's not including any other sugar!! I can tell you who is going to be better about dropping that bad habit!!
In terms of the reading, I finished 'the Little Prince' which I would HIGHLY recommend.(it's a super quick read) I grew up watching the movie and was always drawn to it, having read the book as an adult I know why. It talks about keeping your childhood enthusiasm for life. My roommate got me the last 2 Hunger Games books for my birthday (best roommate ever right?!!) so I will start on those at some point.
day 2: words
day 3: hands (mine)
day 5: 10am (creative, I know)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Photo a day challenge
So one of my goals was to take more pictures - so I'm going to participate in the Febuary photo a day challenge.
1. Your view today: my view for the next 8 hours (my desk at work)
and yes, we do keep it dimly lit. Keeps the computers cooler. (plus I like to think it makes it more relaxed)
1. Your view today: my view for the next 8 hours (my desk at work)
and yes, we do keep it dimly lit. Keeps the computers cooler. (plus I like to think it makes it more relaxed)
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