So, tomorrow, yours truly will be running with a gaggle of junior kindergartners for Terry Fox. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I'm doing it for my niece, Paige, and for the peace of mind for her parents. I think Paige is starting to get an independent streak and my brother's wife is worried she needs extra supervision...so in steps Super Auntie Mans to the rescue!
I'll get my exercise too, get a little jog in on the way to her school...try to herd them during the run, then get a little job back home. Geez, I hope I can handle these kids. I haven't babysat little kids in a while, especially not in mass quantities! I might need to nap before I go to dodgeball! lol
It was worth hearing my niece get really exciting when my brother's wife told her that her Auntie Mans was going to be running with her! She's done nothing but talk non-stop about Terry Fox and what she's learned about him, she's going to be a little pinball tomorrow.
I'm excited, this should be interesting! :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Many Roads to Happiness!
If you've been reading my blog, you may have noticed a change in my attitude lately; in earlier blogs, I would sit there and vent about something that ticked me off that day. Now, I've started to focus on the things that have made me happy! It's amazing what a change in attitude and a small adjustment in lifestyle can bring.
It's hasn't even been a week since I've decided to try a new direction in maintaining my Crohn's but...I've felt better in the past few days than I have in a month! I didn't realize just how much I was focusing on feeling ill instead of what I could do to make myself feel better. So, a week ago yesterday, I decided I needed to do something about it.
I let myself down and was giving into the self-pity that I loath so much. I used to always let myself have a moment, focus on how bad I was feeling and then get over it and do something proactive to change how I was feeling. I had lost touch of that and was spiralling downwards. Then, came the fantastic change! It's true what they say; sometimes you have to hit bottom before you pick yourself up and move on.
I hit that point, and now I've moved on! I have attempted before to focus on positivity and the good in bad situations but I now, feel like I was never putting in the effort required to really make a difference. Since I've started my own treatment and really, really focused on maintaining a positive outlook, I can see and feel the difference. I think it's the 'feeling' that I've noticed most! I have been trying a new technique of relaxing my body and calming my mind and I truly believe that I'm even more in touch with my body and my self than I ever have been before.
I feel like I've had a major revelation that is only going to get stronger and stronger and have a serious, positive impact on my life. I have finally let go of the negative feelings that I've been harbouring for way too long and, when I was able to do that, I literally felt a weight lift from my being! I don't know how to explain it, exce that I feel like I'm walking with my head higher, a lighter step and a truly natural smile on my face.
I've learned to tap into the movements of my body and understand how my body moves, how my mind comprehends things and how I've been perceiving things. I know it may sound kind of hokey to some people, but to the people that have ever experienced this...well, here's an unspoken moment between us because I really can't explain it any better!
I know this is a long-winded blog tonight, but it's worth it! I feel like I need to pass this feeling around in hopes that others may "get it" also! :)
It's hasn't even been a week since I've decided to try a new direction in maintaining my Crohn's but...I've felt better in the past few days than I have in a month! I didn't realize just how much I was focusing on feeling ill instead of what I could do to make myself feel better. So, a week ago yesterday, I decided I needed to do something about it.
I let myself down and was giving into the self-pity that I loath so much. I used to always let myself have a moment, focus on how bad I was feeling and then get over it and do something proactive to change how I was feeling. I had lost touch of that and was spiralling downwards. Then, came the fantastic change! It's true what they say; sometimes you have to hit bottom before you pick yourself up and move on.
I hit that point, and now I've moved on! I have attempted before to focus on positivity and the good in bad situations but I now, feel like I was never putting in the effort required to really make a difference. Since I've started my own treatment and really, really focused on maintaining a positive outlook, I can see and feel the difference. I think it's the 'feeling' that I've noticed most! I have been trying a new technique of relaxing my body and calming my mind and I truly believe that I'm even more in touch with my body and my self than I ever have been before.
I feel like I've had a major revelation that is only going to get stronger and stronger and have a serious, positive impact on my life. I have finally let go of the negative feelings that I've been harbouring for way too long and, when I was able to do that, I literally felt a weight lift from my being! I don't know how to explain it, exce that I feel like I'm walking with my head higher, a lighter step and a truly natural smile on my face.
I've learned to tap into the movements of my body and understand how my body moves, how my mind comprehends things and how I've been perceiving things. I know it may sound kind of hokey to some people, but to the people that have ever experienced this...well, here's an unspoken moment between us because I really can't explain it any better!
I know this is a long-winded blog tonight, but it's worth it! I feel like I need to pass this feeling around in hopes that others may "get it" also! :)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Out with the Negative, In with the Positive!
As I've been on this search to improve my Crohn's, I've also decided that I need a huge attitude adjustment! It's not that I'm a downer and always thinking of the worst, I've always considered myself prepared for the worst but hoping for the best. Not exactly the best attitude to overcome things!
My eyes have been opened to the concept of focusing and constantly being diligent about concentrating on positivity. I've begun to research articles about the techniques used in visualization and getting in touch with my inner energy. One article I read said it may take up to 6 weeks of dedicated visualizing to see results! But, as with anything, it will all pay off in the end.
I've also bought a new book that teaches the techniques of something called Quantum Touch. It's considered a type of meditation, as I've understood it, and teaches you to pull the energy from your body to your hands where a 'vibrating' will occur. Once this sensation is accomplished, you place your hands on various points on your body to heal ailments and illnesses while focusing on positivity.
The other technique is energy tapping. This uses the combination of a personal positive mantra and tapping on pressure points to turn negative energy into good. It's similar to Reiki.
I am reading the Quantum Touch book right now and learning how to control my breathing and energy throughout my body. Now I realize this won't happen overnight, but baby steps is what I'm going for here! The more I can tap into my personal energy and use the focus and visualization techniques, the more I can control the connection between my mind and body and really engage and benefit from a positive attitude.
Wow, kind of exciting! :)
My eyes have been opened to the concept of focusing and constantly being diligent about concentrating on positivity. I've begun to research articles about the techniques used in visualization and getting in touch with my inner energy. One article I read said it may take up to 6 weeks of dedicated visualizing to see results! But, as with anything, it will all pay off in the end.
I've also bought a new book that teaches the techniques of something called Quantum Touch. It's considered a type of meditation, as I've understood it, and teaches you to pull the energy from your body to your hands where a 'vibrating' will occur. Once this sensation is accomplished, you place your hands on various points on your body to heal ailments and illnesses while focusing on positivity.
The other technique is energy tapping. This uses the combination of a personal positive mantra and tapping on pressure points to turn negative energy into good. It's similar to Reiki.
I am reading the Quantum Touch book right now and learning how to control my breathing and energy throughout my body. Now I realize this won't happen overnight, but baby steps is what I'm going for here! The more I can tap into my personal energy and use the focus and visualization techniques, the more I can control the connection between my mind and body and really engage and benefit from a positive attitude.
Wow, kind of exciting! :)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Making Progress with Treatment Options!!!
So, my excessive research seems to be paying off! I've found more natural treatments that may actually be able to benefit the maintenance of my Crohn's.
I've created a list of all the supplements I've found so far and included all of the research notes that I've gathered on each, respectively. Now I have some ammunition when my gastroenterologist tries to push pharmaceuticals on me. I can come back at him and ask why these natural ones won't work. I'm hoping to be educated enough on as many different ones so I sway him into a natural treatment path.
Some of the supplements I found include:
- hemp seed oil
- aloe vera juice (which I am currently taking 2 oz daily of)
- goldenseal (which may be the next thing to try)
- flax seed oil
- licorice root
- ginger root
- lactobacillus acidophilus
- oil of oregano
I'm hoping that a combination of some of the above, diet and exercise with improve my Crohn's symptoms and lessen my flare-ups.
Fingers crossed! :)
I've created a list of all the supplements I've found so far and included all of the research notes that I've gathered on each, respectively. Now I have some ammunition when my gastroenterologist tries to push pharmaceuticals on me. I can come back at him and ask why these natural ones won't work. I'm hoping to be educated enough on as many different ones so I sway him into a natural treatment path.
Some of the supplements I found include:
- hemp seed oil
- aloe vera juice (which I am currently taking 2 oz daily of)
- goldenseal (which may be the next thing to try)
- flax seed oil
- licorice root
- ginger root
- lactobacillus acidophilus
- oil of oregano
I'm hoping that a combination of some of the above, diet and exercise with improve my Crohn's symptoms and lessen my flare-ups.
Fingers crossed! :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
F-You Doctors, I'm doing this all myself!
As you may or may not know, I have Crohn's disease; a real "crappy" stomach disorder. In general, my body has a hard time digesting food, absorbing nutrients/minerals and maintaining healthy living. My weight fluctuates at random, I've lost 7 pounds this past week, and problems with my complexion in a constant issue too, not awesome for a 30-year old woman! I also have what they call 'extra-intestinal manifestations'. These present themselves as edema, eyrthma nedosm, anemia, acne and could have been the cause of my kidney stone a couple months ago.
So, now that that's all explained...I have decided, finally, to treat myself with holistic, natural remedies. I was on 16 pills a day at one point, steriods that made me puffy and antibiotics that made me even more sick. Needless to say, I'm done with whatever drug my doctors are going to push at me! I have an MRI, ultrasound and 4 doctors to see in the next 2 months so I can't wait until I tell them that!
I have done a lot of research and reading into different natural medications that help different aspects of Crohn's and related stomach ailments. I've found a wide amount of options, which is so exciting! I've decided to start with aloe vera juice which helps heal stomach lesions from the inside out and also benefits skin complexion and hydration issues. I have also started taking B12 injections to up my B12 levels, which are drastically low causing some major fatigue and edema issues. Next thing I'd like to try if these work well for me might be something called Goldenseal capsules which directly aid in repairing intestinal problems.
Of course, medication alone is not going to help reverse my symptoms of Crohn's. I've altered my diet by eliminating red meat, pork, excess ruffage, refined sugars, deep-fried foods, alcohol, caffiene, sweets and blah, blah, blah....there's a lot of things I've changed and even things that I've added! I've also decided to suck it up and get back to some serious exercising regardless of how much it may hurt! I am doing some serious stretching in the mornings and evenings, trying to run 3 times a week and continuing with my weight training and stability work. I'm also going to get more involved again with yoga and back to meditation.
I've noticed over the past three weeks that my health has taken a downhill slide. It's been since I've gotten back from my trip to Miami and Bahamas, actually! My attitude has also taken that slide too. I used to be a person that can take almost anything and work through it. I even said that a week ago! Now, I feel like I am falling apart a little more each day which is not going to help my stress level and that always affects my Crohn's! I need to get back to focusing on myself and my health to ensure that I don't fall into the negativity and ill health again.
So there we are, another blurb about my life and the thing that makes me who I am. I've learned that I can't escape Crohn's and that I'm going to have to deal with it for the rest of my life. This disease has defined who I am for over 12 years now and I've got a lot more living to do! If I don't start really taking care of myself from the inside and out, both mentally and physically, I'm not sure how long my body's going to last!
If anyone else has any advice or suggestions, I am a sponge! Help me out, I can use anything you've got!
I think I might be blogging about this for a little while, I find that this helps me get my brain straight and work out some issues...who knew "talking" to my laptop could do such a thing?! :)
So, now that that's all explained...I have decided, finally, to treat myself with holistic, natural remedies. I was on 16 pills a day at one point, steriods that made me puffy and antibiotics that made me even more sick. Needless to say, I'm done with whatever drug my doctors are going to push at me! I have an MRI, ultrasound and 4 doctors to see in the next 2 months so I can't wait until I tell them that!
I have done a lot of research and reading into different natural medications that help different aspects of Crohn's and related stomach ailments. I've found a wide amount of options, which is so exciting! I've decided to start with aloe vera juice which helps heal stomach lesions from the inside out and also benefits skin complexion and hydration issues. I have also started taking B12 injections to up my B12 levels, which are drastically low causing some major fatigue and edema issues. Next thing I'd like to try if these work well for me might be something called Goldenseal capsules which directly aid in repairing intestinal problems.
Of course, medication alone is not going to help reverse my symptoms of Crohn's. I've altered my diet by eliminating red meat, pork, excess ruffage, refined sugars, deep-fried foods, alcohol, caffiene, sweets and blah, blah, blah....there's a lot of things I've changed and even things that I've added! I've also decided to suck it up and get back to some serious exercising regardless of how much it may hurt! I am doing some serious stretching in the mornings and evenings, trying to run 3 times a week and continuing with my weight training and stability work. I'm also going to get more involved again with yoga and back to meditation.
I've noticed over the past three weeks that my health has taken a downhill slide. It's been since I've gotten back from my trip to Miami and Bahamas, actually! My attitude has also taken that slide too. I used to be a person that can take almost anything and work through it. I even said that a week ago! Now, I feel like I am falling apart a little more each day which is not going to help my stress level and that always affects my Crohn's! I need to get back to focusing on myself and my health to ensure that I don't fall into the negativity and ill health again.
So there we are, another blurb about my life and the thing that makes me who I am. I've learned that I can't escape Crohn's and that I'm going to have to deal with it for the rest of my life. This disease has defined who I am for over 12 years now and I've got a lot more living to do! If I don't start really taking care of myself from the inside and out, both mentally and physically, I'm not sure how long my body's going to last!
If anyone else has any advice or suggestions, I am a sponge! Help me out, I can use anything you've got!
I think I might be blogging about this for a little while, I find that this helps me get my brain straight and work out some issues...who knew "talking" to my laptop could do such a thing?! :)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pain = Gain!!!
Well it seems I'm getting back to my usual self; the person that pushes herself 'til she almost breaks and doesn't know the meaning of stop. Ah, feels kinda good...slightly painful, but good!
I went to Killarney last Saturday and had an amazing yet punishing canoe and hiking trip. We went to the French River Tourist Centre then the Trading Post before preceding to Johnny Lake. It was an awesome day, perfect for paddling, the water was really calm and the sun wasn't too hot. We were about an hour and a half with three short portages to get us to the start of the Silver Peak trail. I thought I was holding my own on the trail and doing really well, until we took the infamous left turn! I still didn't think it was too bad, then, we took another turn...this time straight up! We were climbing over rocks the size of truck tires for what seemed forever. It only took and hour and a bit to reach the top, but I seriously thought it took a couple years off my life!
Once we reached the top though, it's a whole different attitude that you take on. I felt no pain, I felt calm and even a little proud of myself. I have to admit, I sucked it up and let the great person I was with help me over some rocks instead of being my usual bull-headed self.
On the way back, everything hurt even more. I finally bonked when the last part of the paddle was over, I actually closed my eyes or stared at my blade in the water so I wouldn't see how far we were from the end!
It was an awesome trip! I had a really great time and learned to stop being so stubborn sometimes and accept the help offered to me. (Thanks for that ;)
Now, another weekend has come along. The Oro Fair tomorrow night, which I've never been too even though I've lived in Barrie for over 16 years! Then my Hillsdale ball tourney Saturday and riding for Terry Fox on Sunday. I might have to remember my lesson from last weekend! I haven't been on my bike in a very long time but, gotta start somewhere right! At least I'll be getting into shape for the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing season! ;)
I went to Killarney last Saturday and had an amazing yet punishing canoe and hiking trip. We went to the French River Tourist Centre then the Trading Post before preceding to Johnny Lake. It was an awesome day, perfect for paddling, the water was really calm and the sun wasn't too hot. We were about an hour and a half with three short portages to get us to the start of the Silver Peak trail. I thought I was holding my own on the trail and doing really well, until we took the infamous left turn! I still didn't think it was too bad, then, we took another turn...this time straight up! We were climbing over rocks the size of truck tires for what seemed forever. It only took and hour and a bit to reach the top, but I seriously thought it took a couple years off my life!
Once we reached the top though, it's a whole different attitude that you take on. I felt no pain, I felt calm and even a little proud of myself. I have to admit, I sucked it up and let the great person I was with help me over some rocks instead of being my usual bull-headed self.
On the way back, everything hurt even more. I finally bonked when the last part of the paddle was over, I actually closed my eyes or stared at my blade in the water so I wouldn't see how far we were from the end!
It was an awesome trip! I had a really great time and learned to stop being so stubborn sometimes and accept the help offered to me. (Thanks for that ;)
Now, another weekend has come along. The Oro Fair tomorrow night, which I've never been too even though I've lived in Barrie for over 16 years! Then my Hillsdale ball tourney Saturday and riding for Terry Fox on Sunday. I might have to remember my lesson from last weekend! I haven't been on my bike in a very long time but, gotta start somewhere right! At least I'll be getting into shape for the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing season! ;)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Getting Back Into The Great Outdoors!
So, as of recently, I have met someone that I have an immense amount of things in common with! One major thing, loving the outdoors. It's been a while since I've been able to actually go on hikes, canoe and do the things I used to love doing. My Crohn's has limited me to doing the minimal amount of activities.
But, alas, I have met someone who is very involved in the outdoors and is willing to put up with my problems and, for once, has more experience than I do in the outdoors!
I hope my Crohn's stays in check and allows me to really enjoy the day, the person I'm with and not embarrass myself on the side of a trail! lol
I also hope that he knows what he's getting himself into! ;) Who knows, maybe I'll be back on my bike sooner than I thought too!
But, alas, I have met someone who is very involved in the outdoors and is willing to put up with my problems and, for once, has more experience than I do in the outdoors!
I hope my Crohn's stays in check and allows me to really enjoy the day, the person I'm with and not embarrass myself on the side of a trail! lol
I also hope that he knows what he's getting himself into! ;) Who knows, maybe I'll be back on my bike sooner than I thought too!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
It's ironic how things work out in the end.
So, I'm back from the best trip possible to turn thirty! South Beach, Everglades, Key Largo and a cruise to Bahamas with 3 awesome friends...well so I thought.
Everything was great during the whole trip. I thought I was having that revelation moment I mentioned in a prior blog on the first day of the cruise, the 27th of August, my birthday. I was surrounded by 3 awesome friends and having a great day around the pool followed by a wonderful dinner. As the cruise went on I thought, as did 2 of the other people, that things were rocking and all was well. Then everything came to fruition on the last night. I'm not going to get into specifics to save face and have the remaining respect for the person that is left. But shit went down, I have now parted ways with a good friend and am left with a void in my life. I'm not sure if things are going to come full circle and apologies offered. If they don't, I know where I stand.
I am a strong, independent, thirty-year-old women and things are meant to happen for a reason. I think I may see what that reason is, and if I haven't seen it yet, I'm sure I'll see it soon.
If all else fails, I came away from the trip with another friend that I know for sure will be a friend for life! Things happen for a reason whether we like it or not. It's how we deal with it and learn from it that matters. So this experience will only make me an even better person and help me strive for what I want and to continue on the path I am, which is the path I know is right for me!
And in the end, I had an amazing trip and still got to enjoy my 30th birthday with that friend before we parted ways. I will not let any of those issues taint my milestone birthday. I will remember all of the good times and only those!!!!
Everything was great during the whole trip. I thought I was having that revelation moment I mentioned in a prior blog on the first day of the cruise, the 27th of August, my birthday. I was surrounded by 3 awesome friends and having a great day around the pool followed by a wonderful dinner. As the cruise went on I thought, as did 2 of the other people, that things were rocking and all was well. Then everything came to fruition on the last night. I'm not going to get into specifics to save face and have the remaining respect for the person that is left. But shit went down, I have now parted ways with a good friend and am left with a void in my life. I'm not sure if things are going to come full circle and apologies offered. If they don't, I know where I stand.
I am a strong, independent, thirty-year-old women and things are meant to happen for a reason. I think I may see what that reason is, and if I haven't seen it yet, I'm sure I'll see it soon.
If all else fails, I came away from the trip with another friend that I know for sure will be a friend for life! Things happen for a reason whether we like it or not. It's how we deal with it and learn from it that matters. So this experience will only make me an even better person and help me strive for what I want and to continue on the path I am, which is the path I know is right for me!
And in the end, I had an amazing trip and still got to enjoy my 30th birthday with that friend before we parted ways. I will not let any of those issues taint my milestone birthday. I will remember all of the good times and only those!!!!
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