A follow up to my constant jaw pain consult — now I’m scheduled for a botox shot in my jaw!
Next up? Botox.
Category Archives: Health & Well-Being
Our first ever visit to urgent care
Owen came home from school complaining of a sore throat. He said the dreaded words: it feels like swallowing glass.
Unfortunately… there were no appointments available at the hospital as everything was shutting down for the storm. So…I researched which urgent care we could go to and off we went!
Thankfully it was just minutes from our house and we got in quickly. We had to wait for a rapid strep test plus they took a Covid test. Strep was negative so it was off to Target for some throat drops. We did a rapid Covid and it was negative…so I just think he had a cold with nasal drainage causing the sore throat.
The things you learn in a hospital waiting room.
It’s probably fibromyalgia.
Today’s the day I hopefully get SOME answers. I’m already annoyed because I never got a phone call with any results and it’s been over a month! I even called to check and they told me (paraphrasing) that he’s really busy and wears a lot of hats — implying that this wait is normal.
So the lab results and x-rays showed absolutely nothing. There was something in the lab work that was ever so slightly elevated but nothing to worry about at all. So at least there’s nothing like rheumatoid arthritis or anything serious going on.
So he wants me to see a rheumatologist just to see if they find anything else. But in the meantime he said he’s 95% sure it’s fibromyalgia.
In the meantime, I need to lose weight, watch my diet, and start taking blood pressure medication because my blood pressure is really high — HE WANTS ME TO LOWER MY SALT INTAKE AND EAT LESS RED MEAT.
When I told Tom, he said I needed a new doctor. LOL
Today’s tip? Don’t get old.
I apparently tweaked my back last night leaving the reception—and didn’t realize it until this morning when I tried to get up and out of bed and realized I had more than my usual amount of pain.
Walking out, I had half stumbled on some rocks (in my stupid heels—why did I try to be fancy?!) and “caught” myself. (But aren’t they fancy?! They looked amazing!)
I can walk (thankfully) but can’t bend at all. And Tom had to help me put my underwear and pants on. But isn’t that what marriage is all about?!
Four hours from door to door!
So I’ve had sore joints for about the last 3-4 months…some days are worse than others, but it didn’t seem to be getting any better. So I finally decided to get it checked out since it wasn’t going away.
So today I’m at the hospital (where all my docs are) to hopefully figure out what has been going on with me.
I just might be getting old. It might be arthritis. It might be something else entirely. I’m sure some of it has to do with all the weight I’ve gained but it can’t be the entire reason because, like, my toes ache in the morning. So, fingers crossed we get some answers.
I didn’t plan to be gone all morning but the doc ordered labs and x-rays and prescriptions—and wanted me to schedule a vascular surgeon consult and stop at prosthetics to get some compression hose.
I got three prescriptions, I have four pair of compression hose coming (yuck), I got about 20 x-rays on my ankles/knees/elbows, I got 6 vials of blood drawn, I am waiting for the referral to schedule the vascular surgeon consult, and now we wait for x-ray and lab results.
OH! And my blood pressure was really high. It has never been high except for a few rare and random times during pregnancy. So I’m taking it at home for a week or so to let him know if it continues. I’m sure losing weight will help with that, but in the meantime that’s a little scary.
All the feelings tonight.
It’s really strange being here at my dad and Lin’s house…and he’s not here. I keep expecting to see him shuffling in to say good morning, coming to the table for lunch, grabbing a Coke from the fridge, sitting in his rocker, sneaking some cookies, or giving him a kiss goodnight.
But at the same time — and of course something I feel immensely guilty about — is that it’s almost… easier? less stressful? a sense of relief? because there was so much involved in his daily care and dealing with his anxiety.
I’ve pretty much been avoiding any serious grieving before now because we only really saw him 2-3x a year so it was mostly “out of sight out of mind” (as crass as that may sound). But being here…and the memorial service is later this morning…well, I predict I will be a hot freaking mess. Just writing this is hard.
I don’t want to adult today.
Katie’s orthodontic consult!
Checking out her X-rays.
Her reaction to seeing her X-rays—gross!
She’s good for now but they want to keep an eye on it. We have to come back for a recheck in seven months.
Official Covid Day 6—isolation over!
My Covid isolation is over! Now I get to mask in public for the rest of my time.
I feel about 98% healthy. No more morning headaches. No more cough. Just a tiny bit of phlegm and my voice isn’t back to normal yet.
I’m on library/Kindle book #9—time for something a little different after all my chick lit and mystery titles.
Official Covid Day 4 report
Library book update: I finished book #4, read a super quick short story #5, and am 8% through book #6.
I actually feel pretty good today. Covid has not made me sleepy tired (just physically exhausted) so I was up reading until 1:30am—but then I slept pretty well (even considering I was 95% stuffed up) until 9:30! It was too hot and humid to read outside so I’ve been inside. I still get the morning headache but Excedrin still works. My voice sounds crazy but otherwise I think I’m on the mend.
Official Covid Day 3 report
I’m on library book 4. (I started and finished book 3, A Room Full of Bones, last night.)
If I didn’t know better, I’d think I just had a head cold. I’m stuffed up and I have phlegm. Still have the headache in the morning but Excedrin fixes that. Didn’t sleep great but I generally don’t. Overall I’m just TIRED and moving slow.
I’m excited (again) to be able to sit outside for a little bit—fresh air and a change of scenery. Plus I get to cuddle with Olive…
And watch her be cute and have fun in the yard. She loves laying on these inflatable sleds (for the waterslide).
The kids took a break from the slide to try and take Olive over to it. She made it to the side but hopped off once they set it down and tried to push her down the slide!
Official Covid Day 2 report
I slept pretty well. Woke up with a killer headache. Still have a random little cough and some phlegm. I guess I’m a little stuffed up, too. No fever. Really it just feels like being sick.
I’m thankful it’s not a billion degrees outside this morning so I can sit out here and read while the rest of the family is inside…but I already hear my bed calling me.
A few hours later…
Thankfully it’s not unbearable outside so I’m still on the porch. Different egg chair, though, for a bit different view.
And then this happened.
Well, it’s happened.
I tested positive this morning.
Thankfully it’s nothing too awful—a minor sore throat, a random cough, slight body aches (but that could just be me being old), and the worst is a nagging headache but it’s manageable with Excedrin. It really all just feels like an annoying cold. Vaccines and boosters for the win.
The kids feel fine. Tom has tested negative. And apparently dogs can get Covid so if I want to cuddle Olive I need to mask.
At least I have a cute cuddle buddy!
And Katie decided to get out Legos right here. For the first time ever.
I finished it!
Yes I picked Owen up like this.
This is what might happen if I’m in the middle of doing my hair when I get a phone call from the school nurse to come get Owen because he got hit in the face in gym. (He’s fine overall but just felt a bit “wonky” and wanted to come home.)
At least my makeup was done?
Can I finish in time?
Today took an unexpected turn when I got an email that this book was due in two days and couldn’t be renewed and it was on hold for someone. So I vowed to finish it in time—and read the whole book in 24 hours like I used to do as a teen. I’m almost half done so I’m on track!
What was the last book you read? Friend me on Goodreads if you’d like!
One month in and I’m down 15.9#!
Notes on my first month?
✔️ I can definitely feel my clothes loosening a bit so that’s exciting.
✔️I still haven’t taken measurements so that’s on my to do list.
✔️I haven’t been walking as much as I’d like since it’s been so cold.
✔️I am legit eating about 1/3 the amount of food I was eating before — but don’t worry, I’m definitely not starving myself. We honestly just don’t need that much food to survive.
✔️I have only had that one shot of tequila about two weeks ago — and no other alcohol. For a month. That hasn’t happened since pre-pandemic times.
✔️The only sugar I’ve really had was a bit of brown sugar on a dessert pizza (with pancetta), syrup on half of a homemade waffle, and a tiny nibble of a pseudo-Crumbl sugar cookie.
I really think I can do it this time. All my other attempts failed after 2-3 weeks.
Does this look say “I’m getting my first colonoscopy today” to you?!
I debated doing everything from absolutely nothing to a completely full face and ended up in the middle with CCTM, brows, blush, and a very light eye look (skipping mascara).
Wish me luck!
And a few hours later, done! Easy peasy!
And the results?
Based on the size and number of polyps you had, the current guideline recommendation for follow up exam to evaluate your colon for polyps is 10 years.
If you’re of a certain age…it’s that time. IYKYK.
It wasn’t too bad going down…but I didn’t like the aftertaste so I also had my first “meal”of the day.
I feel so slow and plodding…
I did not want to go outside. It was gray and windy and 25° and my feet hurt. But I made an effort. Not my best day but better than staying on the couch.
I keep wondering “Was I this slow way back when?” Because of course I can only remember the good times from when I was thin and speedy.
So I’m just telling myself I’m happy I’m out moving.
I feel slow as a damn turtle but at least I’m doing it.
#170by50
Week 1 check-in!
Week 1 check in — down 5.4# and 4% of my goal completed. #170by50
I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit disappointed. Usually the first week checks in at about 9-12. I could have walked more but I think 3 out of 7 days for my first week is pretty good.
“Breakfast” was H2OJ and lunch is garlic cheese curds and garlic kielbasa with spicy dill pickle almonds. Which turned out to be too much—I’m full after half!
Don’t worry, I won’t be doing a full check-in every day. Today was just weigh-in day!
Convinced the old man to go on a walk with me today.
We aren’t setting any land speed records but I’m getting out there! (We also stopped for about 7 minutes to play Pokemon.)
I’m giving myself 19 months.
Okay, friends. Be gentle with me. 🥰
This is completely embarrassing to post because it shows my failure. And the before pictures are awful. 🤮 But I’m hoping that my journey might help inspire some of you here as well so…
I was soooo proud of myself back in 2015-2016 when I lost 141#! I was on top of the world! 🌎
I was finally thin for the first time in my life. I swore I would keep the weight off because it had been technically easy to lose and the process was easy enough to maintain.
Until it wasn’t.
A few pounds here, a few pounds there. It’s okay, I told myself, I’ve still lost 130#! Then 120. Then 100# is still amazing! 🤦🏻♀️ The saying is true—you can’t gain 20 if you don’t gain 10.
But it continued. A PCS (military move), no friends, a new lifestyle, excuses, no exercise (I missed my most awesome walking trail through the woods). But I was still able to wear the clothes I had (I had kept a single size above my lowest weight).
But then we had friends! YAY FRIENDS! And we were always having dinners and parties and cookouts and drinking and all the things.
🦠And then COVID. And we drank even more than we used to. And didn’t exercise. And ate even more. I tried halfheartedly a few times and would lose 10-15 but would then immediately gain it back.
But about a week ago I decided it was time to get serious. My acid reflux is back with a vengeance (I totally forgot I used to have that), I’ve had to obviously buy fat clothes again, I’m winded by the easiest things, I have arthritis in my knee, and my skin feels tight all over because too much fat is stuffed in there. 🐖
I think my body knew I needed a serious reset as I got struck with a stomach bug that kind of jump started my new (old) lifestyle. I haven’t really been hungry in a week so I’m enjoying it while it lasts. And I’ve started walking again (which I posted in here the other day). 🚶🏻♀️
🎯My goal is to lose EVERYTHING again by the time I’m 50… which gives me 19 months. And I’m posting publicly so I will have major accountability. And to ask y’all for support, whether it’s via your thoughts, your keyboard, or in person. This is much harder this time around but I know I can do it. I HAVE TO DO IT.
HERE WE GO!
Owen’s home again.
Thankfully I was feeling a lot better because I got a call from the nurse’s office saying Owen had a bad stomachache.
UGHHHHH.
He has no other symptoms (thankfully no vomit or diarrhea) so I’m honestly curious if he’s sick or not. Kids are hard—they haven’t had enough experience to know what they can suck it up and work through or if they’re really sick. I did try to suss out if there was anything going on at school that he might be trying to avoid and he assumed me there wasn’t. So… He’s home. And I’m back in bed resting.
Stomach bug, round 2.
Soooo. Now it’s my turn.
Yesterday I started not feeling great but I rested off and on and did okay. But then during our friend dinner I realized something just wasn’t right. I could barely eat any dinner and then fell asleep on the couch while we were all watching TV. So we called it an early night.
Then sometime in the middle of the night…all hell broke loose.
Uncontrollable diarrhea. No warning whatsoever. It was awful.
Suffice it to say the sheets and mattress pad went in the wash. Clothes. Bath mats. And for a bit I was pretty much stuck on the toilet for fear of destroying carpet or anything else. I felt pretty okay otherwise so I was legit working my business from the toilet.
But the best part? I was able to take the meds that Tom had brought home because it was exactly what I needed! So for awhile I lived in the chair in our room on a waterproof pad — close to the bathroom but not in bed because:
I survived on a few graham crackers and Powerade (something else we had on hand from Tom’s issue).
I’ve never ever had this happen that I can remember. Probably sometime in my youth but certainly never since Tom and I have been together. Or even since high school or college.
It got a little better and I was excited…but then…chills. So as soon as the bed was made, I got back in it and slept most of the day. Let me say it again—it was awful.
I made Tom go to the doctor.
So Tom had been having some lingering effects from his time with the stomach bug, so I finally convinced him go to the damn doctor. Well…
Long VA medical care story short, he ended up in the ER getting fluids because he was really dehydrated. They ran a bunch of tests and bloodwork but he just came home with anti-diarrheal and anti-cramping meds. Turns out his stomach was just still not happy and was creating problems.
I’m just gonna say this could have started to be resolved a week ago…but men.
I discovered this bruise today.
I don’t remember anything that happened that would have caused this.
Owen braces, round 2.
Yes, round 2. Thankfully our new insurance covers braces again so we’re only out another $2500 (this round is about $3k more than the last one but the coverage is better).
I did ask if he wanted to reschedule (since we obviously had no idea two months ago what we’d be doing this morning) and he said no.
I wasn’t going to take any pictures but then during the process Owen asked if I would…so of course I did!
WE’RE ALL HEALTHY!
Yippee! Katie was a hot mess yesterday but today you’d never know she was even sick! Damn kids and their bouncing back so quickly!
So we’re watching Moana and enjoying an easy Saturday morning because we have nothing on our schedule.
