Accepting the changes

I have to be honest for a quick minute.
I hate change.
I despise going to the doctor's and my medicines changing, or there's a new study, or they think I have just eliminate this, or add some of this to my diet, I will see some changes.

So as to no surprise, when I first heard that I needed to begin eating the FODMAP diet for my entirety(instead of just doing the essential diet, and then going through the challenge phase), I was more than a little disturbed.

How are you going to tell a recent 21 year old that everything that she envies in food-doughnuts, chicken nuggets, everything fried and covered in grease, is a no-no?

At first, I said too bad. I wasn't going to follow it. The doctor's could kiss my butt. I would try to do FODMAP-and I would fail by lunch-time, and then over indulge and candies and chocolates and everything fattening in the world.

But after my endoscopy, I learned some disheartening results. Because I chose not to listen, I have now developed celiac disease and the bacteria that was once growing in my stomach, is now all up in my esophagus and wrecking my body. So the doctor gave me the option. I could continue how I eat, and remain in pain and cause my body more harm, or I could get over my stubborn attitude and actually follow their advice and maybe gain some relief.

So now I sit here. Spending my time researching, studying, reaching out to fellow FODMAP foodies, and trying to learn more about this way of life and figure out how to follow it.

As of right now, I am on Day 2. Yesterday seem to go fairly well-I had to splurge and eat some cheese(ok-so I didn't have to, but I didn't prepare in advance so I had to eat what I have) but it seems to go fairly well.

This morning I actually woke up on my own, without my alarm, and with full alertness and energy which hasn't happened in I don't know how long.

Will I stick to it? I can only hope. I only have so many options left.

Know anyone on the fodmap or have tried it before? Let me know!

I will post a picture of what exactly the fodmap is so everyone can have a little glance!

Updating when there's no new news

I find it quite difficult to post when there is nothing to share with the online world. How's life you ask? Work seems to consume my life-I am back up to 40 hours a week and I also got a promotion to be a case manager assistant. This was so exciting to me and it has been awesome to begin  my journey.

As far as health goes, I seem to be doing ok. Routine and mental health seems to effect me more than normal. Although I am not seeing as much progress as I would like, I am overall feeling better. I had an endoscopy done yesterday-it showed some nodules, some plaque, and an even possible fungal infection. I am never surprised when I hear news like this. I even made the statement yesterday that I "always awake to bad news". It doesn't seem like something that I should grow comfortable with, but it is never changing. I hope and pray for good news, but as the saying goes, I always tend to plan for the worst. I should get the biopsies back within 2 weeks and then hopefully we will have a better understanding of what is going on.

I'll write again soon.

xoxoxox

Finding a balance

There isn't too much new in my world. I have returned to work-but due to some work conflicts, my schedule is out of wack and I am only working 2-3 days a week. Between work and having at least one appointment a week, I am finding it hard to balance a normal life. Sure 2-3 days a week doesn't seem like much, but it always seems to be the most inconvenient days. Not to mention, the hours have changed and now I am getting home at 5:30 instead of 3. That creates a huge difference in my schedule. I am bed by 7 pm on working days and I just can't seem to get everything done.

As far as health, I am so-so. I went to an endo specialist for the mass on my ovaries, only to be directed to another specialist. That appointment isn't until February 21. So between now and then I sit in more pain than imaginable and try to continue with my daily life. I am also awaiting many test results that will hopefully help explain my right flank pain. Will there be surgeries in my future? Who knows. For right now, I can only take it day by day and hope for the best.

Bringing In 2014

This post is obviously late, but with my schedule it has been hard to find time to engross in the computer.

For starters, I had an amazing time on vacation! Magical does not begin to describe my trip to Disney. Although my trip was exhausting(walking around parks for 4 days was not my friend), I had the most memorable trip of my life.

Here's just one picture from my trip. I will be completely honest, when they lit the castle, I actually cried from the beauty. If you haven't seen it or made the trip to Disney, it is certainly worth doing.


Then we come upon a new year. Reading over my posts from 2013, I had a stressful year. Not only were my situations stressful, but I made no effort to take care of myself mentally or relieve the stress.

Which leads me to my cheesy New Year's resolutions. I am not a huge fan of resolutions, but this year I feel it's necessary. My goal is to do what makes me happy, and to pick up some stress relieving activities. I spend all of my time worrying about my physical health and working, that I don't always take care of myself mentally.

Keep tuned to see what will be new in Rachel's world...maybe some yoga, or knitting? Who knows what this year might bring!

Tis the Season!

I spent all last week in bed.
On Tuesday/Wednesday we suspect that I had a seizure, with several small ones following.
When I finally went to the hospital on Friday, they diagnosed me with low magnesium but are sending me to get some EEG's done on my head.
Since I started the mag supplement, I must say I am feeling much better! I still have a  migraine that won't go away even with fioricet, but I am regaining energy and almost completely back to normal.

With feeling better, I am ready to get in the Christmas spirit.
Over the next week, all of the presents I have ordered should be arriving and then my favorite part will commence-wrapping! I just love the look of wrapped presents under the tree.

I've searched the internet high and low to find a simple, gluten free gingerbread man recipe-which I have found and cannot wait to try it out.

I have borrowed Christmas movies, and hopefully, I will find some others on sale to purchase.I just love the movie Elf.

My schedule is all laid out showing who we are to see and when-I just love spending time with my family.

Most people get so stressed during this time of year-just make a plan, turn on some christmas tunes, drink some egg nog and relax!

xoxox

Finding a home

Yesterday, I hit a roadblock.

Actually, the road block began Wednesday night in the midst of our travels to my father's house. 

At 21 years old, I have finally come to the conclusion that my family will never be "normal".

Every holiday I must choose who I want to spend my time with.

This year, my family was spread out not only over one state, but two.

I was finding it hard to be thankful when I was stuck in this sticky issue.

Where do I go? Who do I choose to be with?

Then I remembered.

I'm breathing.

I'm not in the hospital fighting for my life at this moment.

Why does it matter so much who I am with?

What I am doing is most important.

Celebrating life, love, and happiness.

The tears then started to clear up, and I was able to enjoy my holiday with some of my closest family members.

How was your thanksgiving? 

A week full of accomplishments!

Well, lets see here-I am a little excited today.
This week was the first week in months that I had more good days than bad.
Unfortunately, so many good days put me on the couch Thursday and Friday with a fever and unbelievable pain.

But back to the good days!
1-I got up around 8 am(some days earlier) everyday except for Friday. That is an easy way to add 4 hours to your day.
2-I was able to make it work on Tuesday. I worked for 6 hours and enjoyed every minute of it. To top it off, I even made it to my boring work meeting on Wednesday. I wasn't as much excited for the meeting, but the fact that I was able to make it made me happy.
3-I went to GI on Wednesday and made a lot of progress. All of my meds are being swapped around and were going to consider doing the surgery for my esophagus in January.
4-All of my appointments are now lined up and I am getting super excited for Disney!

What did you do this week?