This rambling "journal entry" is mostly about my health, and keeping a positive outlook is one of the best health-savers there is, I think. It helps me stay on a diet that is good for me, and motivates me to take a quick 25 minute walk most week-day mornings, both of which also make me feel good and boost that positivity.
Yesterday I finally made it into the clinic for a brief check-up and prescription renewals. I had been out of my thyroid medicine for nearly six weeks - a big no-no, but due to poor planning on my part, the prescription ran out at a time I couldn't pay for a doctor visit. I was really beginning to feel the effects, too - fatigue, depression, difficulty staying on task, reduced mental functions! Thank goodness I had not gotten to the point of hair loss. I'm planning now NOT to be in this predicament again!
I had forgotten that depression was a symptom of hypothyroidism. The FNP seeing me reminded me of that when I dithered embarrassingly about possibly needing to go back on the antidepressant I haven't taken for so long. Whew! I won't be starting that up again.
I was irritated at the guy for his lack of "bedside manner". He didn't introduce himself, he looked at what he was writing instead of at me, he asked me questions like when did we check your TSH (lab) last, when a more accurate answer could be obtained by flipping a few pages in the chart. Like I can really remember! (Memory difficulties and irritability are also hypothyroid symptoms.) I will take my pills daily for a month, then go back in for the lab to be sure of the correct dosage. Actually, he took care of my needs quickly and efficiently without acting pissed at me for being off the medication, which he had every right to be.
At Wal-Mart, while waiting for my prescription to be filled, I wandered around the store. I went to look at sports bras, but hadn't found them yet when I was distracted by sleepwear. Then I thought I'd get Jack some new socks, which he really needs, in the men's department nearby, but *bling!* ended up with a nice casual shirt for him instead. I did get a couple of cartoon dvd's and some slippers, both of which were planned purchases, and a few groceries on my list.
(Part of my purpose in writing about this is so I can compare my abilities or lack thereof in a couple of months. Meanwhile, I choose to be amused at myself.)
More positive notes:
I still highly recommend getting this book: Chef MD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine. Most useful to me has been looking up what foods to avoid or to eat more of to help with specific ailments. I believe I am successfully treating, with diet, conditions that would otherwise have led to more doctors, more drugs, and more expensive medical procedures.
My daughter tells me that the basic, no-frills, gym membership at Planet Fitness is only $10 a month, and you get the use of all the equipment! I had always figured a gym membership would be out of my reach. It's a little far away, distance-wise, since I don't have a car. I'm working on a plan to get me there at least two-three times a week.
I'm noticing a much more positive outlook in Jack as well since the new year began. He seems happier, is showing an interest in planning with me for the home projects we need, and we spent a weekend working outdoors together. I'm not really sure of the reason for this. They do say, "if you want your mate to change, change yourself."
Yesterday I finally made it into the clinic for a brief check-up and prescription renewals. I had been out of my thyroid medicine for nearly six weeks - a big no-no, but due to poor planning on my part, the prescription ran out at a time I couldn't pay for a doctor visit. I was really beginning to feel the effects, too - fatigue, depression, difficulty staying on task, reduced mental functions! Thank goodness I had not gotten to the point of hair loss. I'm planning now NOT to be in this predicament again!
I had forgotten that depression was a symptom of hypothyroidism. The FNP seeing me reminded me of that when I dithered embarrassingly about possibly needing to go back on the antidepressant I haven't taken for so long. Whew! I won't be starting that up again.
I was irritated at the guy for his lack of "bedside manner". He didn't introduce himself, he looked at what he was writing instead of at me, he asked me questions like when did we check your TSH (lab) last, when a more accurate answer could be obtained by flipping a few pages in the chart. Like I can really remember! (Memory difficulties and irritability are also hypothyroid symptoms.) I will take my pills daily for a month, then go back in for the lab to be sure of the correct dosage. Actually, he took care of my needs quickly and efficiently without acting pissed at me for being off the medication, which he had every right to be.
At Wal-Mart, while waiting for my prescription to be filled, I wandered around the store. I went to look at sports bras, but hadn't found them yet when I was distracted by sleepwear. Then I thought I'd get Jack some new socks, which he really needs, in the men's department nearby, but *bling!* ended up with a nice casual shirt for him instead. I did get a couple of cartoon dvd's and some slippers, both of which were planned purchases, and a few groceries on my list.
(Part of my purpose in writing about this is so I can compare my abilities or lack thereof in a couple of months. Meanwhile, I choose to be amused at myself.)
More positive notes:
I still highly recommend getting this book: Chef MD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine. Most useful to me has been looking up what foods to avoid or to eat more of to help with specific ailments. I believe I am successfully treating, with diet, conditions that would otherwise have led to more doctors, more drugs, and more expensive medical procedures.
My daughter tells me that the basic, no-frills, gym membership at Planet Fitness is only $10 a month, and you get the use of all the equipment! I had always figured a gym membership would be out of my reach. It's a little far away, distance-wise, since I don't have a car. I'm working on a plan to get me there at least two-three times a week.
I'm noticing a much more positive outlook in Jack as well since the new year began. He seems happier, is showing an interest in planning with me for the home projects we need, and we spent a weekend working outdoors together. I'm not really sure of the reason for this. They do say, "if you want your mate to change, change yourself."
