Still...MOVING...

Yes. I. Am.

STRONG. check!
DOING IT.  no doubt!

So, last I blogged I was sharing with you my debut at the boot camp.  I have stayed with this adventure and if you don't think it's a killer...

One session we did 3 sets of 20 (we were going to do 5 sets, but SHE had mercy on us).  

1. high knee
2. butt kicks
3. pelvic lift with weight lift
4. the heisman
5. bench step up
6.  one leg squat with other leg behind & up on bench
7. stickman jumping jacks
8. double squat with weights
9. curtsy lunge with weights
10. standing calf raise with overhead tricep extension

That's right, ten different exercises in each set.  We meet twice a week and always do something different, mixing up the focus from upper to lower to full body workouts.

ALSO.

I'm seeing my trainer once a week.  My goal is to pick a day during  the week where I work out on my own doing the trainers routine.  Before each session with the trainer I do a warm up of 60 reps of the following

jumping jacks
squats
push-ups
sit-ups

My best time for getting through the warm up is 9 minutes and 51 seconds and my goal is 6 minutes.  I will get there.

So, I'm working out with the group 2x and the trainer once, but I feel like I need to do more and I Will.

Peace be unto you.

While on the Regimen & Cleanse...Move

This has been a good week for moving.  That is, the workout has made a comeback.

I was off from work on Monday and Tuesday, so I went to the gym both mornings for about 45 minutes.  I decided not to overdue things, injure myself and end up blowing the exercise off all together.

Then I went to an outside boot camp on Thursday.  OMG!  That boot camp! Even though the instructor worked with me and allowed me to do modified versions (supposedly easier versions) of the exercises, I was still delirious once the workout was over.  I felt like I had to throw up so I know I had a good workout.  

Since it was my first time at the boot camp the instructor informed me that I only had to do 20 repetitions of each exercise instead of the 50 that the rest of the group was doing.  Fifty?  What the what?

Jumping jacks, push ups, mountain climbing, jumping rope, lunges, modified squats (burpies???), shoulder press with squats and something else, but I just can't remember.  I told you I was delirious.  Before I did these exercises, the instructor had me do a light jog around the field.

While working out at the boot camp, I saw little bugs crawling across my mat and a couple of spiders passed over, but I just brushed them off and kept it moving.  The insects weren't bothering anyone else, so I pretty much ignored them.

Today, Friday, the hubs and I went to the gym for about 40 minutes (treadmill & elliptical) and I got a good sweat.

Move.

Peace.

The Fibroid Regimen & Cleanse

I started the cleanse on Tuesday, June 11th.  One thing that the detox did for me is to prepare me for all the pill taking and the new way of eating.

I feel no "pain" meaning no problem with the eating part.  Many more food choices are open to me during this cleanse and I get to eat cooked/steamed foods.

I do not find taking 5 pills for 6 different formulas a chore like I did with the detox.  I guess I am used to it now.  Plus I'm having great bowel movements (too much information?)  Oh, well.  You'll be all right.

Anyway, I'm still making smoothies, but I'm adding things like spirulina (blue/green algae?) and wheat grass.

It is Friday, June 21, 2013 and I must let you know that I have eaten some things that are restricted (red velvet cake, cheese, and chicken).  I know, but I'm just being honest.  If you fall off the wagon, get back on, which is what I shall do.

Peace be unto you...

Period That Could Have Been After the Detox

My period was not a good one; however, there are several reasons why my situation could have been as it was.  Remember, for the proper eating thing, planning and organization still remains key.  

1.  Last week I was in DC on work assignment and I did not have at my disposal my blender to make my smoothies or my hemp seeds for protein.  Also, I couldn't find a restaurant with beans on the menu.  Why aren't beans a more common restaurant food?  

Since I didn't have my regular sources of protein, I ended up having shrimp most days.  This could have contributed to my period pain and flow (not heavy/heavy, but more than what I expected.)  The only other things I ate differently from during the detox was grits, rice, potatoes and bread (more simple carbs).  I still ate veggies and fruits everyday. I ate no dairy, meat, or other stuff.

2.  I didn't get in front of the period pain.  Starting Thursday, I started spotting.  I got home Friday night and then turned around and went back out of town on Saturday morning for my sis's anniversary and b-day.  I had hoped that since the detox my periods would be a breeze as it had been in 2010; however, I was so wrong.  Even though on Saturday I was experiencing some pain, I hoped that would be the extent of my discomfort.  Again, I was wrong.

I know my situation and that I am to ALWAYS have my ibuprofen with me when my period is looming.  My hope lead me into not taking the necessary precautions that someone with my history must follow.  If I need the pain killer, I have it.  If I don't need it, I'm still good.

So Saturday night, or should I say Sunday morning (1:00 am), I was in so much pain that I couldn't sleep.  I was flip flopping in the bed; up/down and just could not get any peace and consequently neither could my husband.  Since we were staying in a hotel, I went downstairs to get ibuprofen and water from the high-priced hotel store.  I downed 800mg of the pain killers and some water and got back into the bed.  

TIP TO SELF (I already know this):  At the first hint of period pain take medication because if not it will take a very long time to get rid of the pain.  And this is exactly what my situation turned into.  The pain never, ever, ever goes away on its own.

I was finally able to get to sleep.

I'm not really sure what to say, but tomorrow I will start the fibroid regimen and cleanse.  Perhaps all the simple carbs and shrimp messed me up or maybe the large fibroids that I now have did me in.  I did not have large fibroids back in 2010.  Also, I had a stressful week in DC with my workload.  Whatever the case, I'm still pressing forward trying to figure out just what I need to do to be healthy and pain free.

Peace.

The Day After

This morning I bid farewell to the empty bottles from the detox program, Formulas #1 - #6, with a smile on my face.    Over the last 20 days, the various formulas were working to remove the toxins, mucus and other bad crap out of my major organs and out of my body.  It's so, so nice not having to remember to take the capsules.

I cheated yesterday and had some Kettle sea salt potato chips - I do not feel bad about it at all.  I was just as happy eating those chips!

Anyway...

For breakfast this morning I had sliced Roma tomatoes, sliced avocado, grits, and a blueberry/strawberry/banana/ hemp seed smoothie.  It was so nice to have those hot grits!

For dinner I cooked kelp noodles mixed with red onions, and yellow and green bell peppers all sauteed in coconut oil; steamed cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots; sliced Roma tomatoes; sliced avocado; and boiled potatoes.  I snacked on pecans and cashews throughout the day.

I ended the day with a banana/pineapple/strawberry and hemp seed smoothie.

Peace.

Detox - Day 18 of 20

It was such a great feeling today to open the various formula bottles and be able to see the bottom of the bottles.  Only two more days to go with the detox.

But

I have no intention of making a run for the Fatburger Burgermeister!  Earlier I was having a discussion with my parents about how good all of the foods I use to eat tasted.   I went into the Target yesterday to pick up some furniture polish and happened to notice goldfish cheddar-flavored crackers.  I thought to myself how something so simple tasted so good, but how stuff like that can't be on my list any more.

I'm all good (almost).  I've been printing off raw,vegan and vegetarian recipes.  It's all about planning and being organized as I said my 5/12/13 post here .  

Wish:  I wish I had taken the time to prepare some of the raw recipes and I wish I had used all organic fruits and veggies.  Oh well...I did the best I could at the time I suppose.

It will be nice not having to remember to take the capsules all throughout the day and into the evening.

As I think I've mentioned before - I'll take a week off (but staying on a vegetarian/vegan menu) taking the formula capsules and then I'll start on the fibroid regimen and cleanse.  On this program I'll be able to have steam veggies, rice and a whole assortment of other things. (still no meat, dairy, processed foods, starches, etc.)

I haven't had a period yet since I've been full on the detox, but my expectations are high for a pain-free period!

Peace be unto you.

Detox - Day 16 (My Twisted Electric Lemonade A Bust)

Greetings and Salutations!  I'm in a great mood!

So on the electric lemonade - it's not my friend's fault.  Her recipe called for

spinach (updated 5/29/13)
lemon herbal tea (brewed and left to cool)
mangoes
bananas
blueberries

I, on the other hand, used 

a whole mango
one banana
2 cups of blueberries
1 lemon

I know, I know - it was tart and not good, but guess what?  I drank all 30 ounces of it anyway.  Okay, well, probably about 27 of the 30 ounces of it.  It was bad and I just couldn't....

However, using pineapples and bananas I had frozen for making another smoothie was not a bust. Usually, when I make my spinach, and/or kale, banana and pineapple smoothie (add water), it comes out at room temperature and I drink it that way or refrigerate until cold.  I usually make enough for several servings and drink a portion of the smoothie immediately at room temp.  

With my frozen fruits I got a cold smoothie ready for consumption.  I am so excited that I thought about this, since I never added ice to my smoothies (especially now in using distilled or alkaline water).  Now, unless I'm going to peel and eat the bananas, I'm going to freeze them as well as the pineapples.

Now I just have to see if the coconut oil will liquefy in the cold climate of the frozen blended ingredients.  Smoothies are best served up cold!

As a side - the dherbs.com and dheathstore.com websites have some great recipes that would have added some nice variety to my detox menu; however, I am what?  Lazy, so I stayed on a basic eating plan that I got sorta bored consuming.  I do plan on trying out some of those recipes in the future.

Peace

Detox - Day 15

Last night I was coughing up and out mucus that needed to be released from my body.  This coughing went on for about 30 minutes.  Afterwards, I drank some water and was finally able to get some sleep.

I had to make myself eat throughout the day today.  With the detox, it seems like much of my appetite is gone or I'm too lazy to eat - Yes, unbelievable I know. However, the booklet that came with the detox package indicated that my appetite would be curbed.

Breakfast - Banana, strawberry, hemp seed smoothie left over from yesterday.  Raw pecans and cashews.

Lunch - Kelp noodles with cut cucumbers and tomatoes drizzled with the homemade salad dressing.  Also had pecans and a strawberry/banana/hemp seed smoothie that I made this morning.

I had 3 pineapples and 7 kiwis that needed to be peeled and cut up for consumption.  Earlier today I had washed the 5 cameo apples that I bought yesterday.  I started on my first pineapple, but was cutting too much of the pineapple off with the rough outer portion.  So hubs cleaned off all 3 pineapples so I could cut them into cubes and bag them up.  He also peeled the kiwis.  I cut those up, bagged them and then washed off the blackberries and bagged.  I put a some of the pineapples in the freezer as I did with the bananas I cut up this morning.  Frozen bananas and/or pineapples will make for a nice cold smoothie without having to add ice.

I'm eating pecans, cashews and sunflower seeds throughout the day.  Dinner will probably be a salad

One of my girlfriends told me about a smoothie with lemon.  I'm going to try it, but add my own twist to it.  I'll let you know how that turns out.

Peace...

Detox (Day 14)

This morning it seemed constipation was trying to set in (probably due to me not eating enough yesterday).  So today I'm trying to make sure I'm getting plenty of nutrients.  


Breakfast - Banana, pineapple and coconut oil (organic, extra virgin) smoothie.   A good friend told me about adding the coconut oil.  What a great idea!  It was delicious!  I wonder if I had the smoothie cold would the oil would solidify?  Anyway, about a half an hour later I had a mango, strawberry and hemp seed smoothie.

Thought waking up this morning - Stop worrying and let God handle things.  Stop worrying about other people, what they are doing and trust God that He will work things out.  With that thought, a peace and calm came over me.  Prayer changes things...Jesus will work it out.

Lunch - Salad with the usual ingredients, pecans and more of the mango, strawberry and hemp seed smoothie.

I did some grocery shopping today for my fruits and veggies, and picked up some alkaline water to round out my last week on the detox.  Distilled and alkaline water are recommended for the detox, with alkaline being suggested for the last week.  Alkaline water is best and best for everyday consumption, according to my readings.

Snack - Pecans all throughout the day.

Dinner - Salad and pecans. By the way, my dressing on the salad is the suggested extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper that I beat until creamy.

I finished off the day with the strawberry/mango smoothie while watching Public Enemy being inducted into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame.  Congratulations PE!  

Peace.

The Detox vs. The Cookout: What Do I Do? (Day 13)

Today hubby and I had a cookout at the house.  So you may say, "Why oh why would you have a cookout when you're detoxing?"  Not only are we cooking out today, I was the one that went to buy all of the foods that I can't have on the detox.

We had chicken, pork ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, potato chips, sour cream potato chips, tortilla chips, tossed salad, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, baked beans, veggie tray, salsa, guacamole, all the condiments, beer, sodas, etc.

I had may strawberry, pineapple, banana and hemp seed smoothie and some mangoes.  I've been eating pecans and cashews throughout the day, had a tossed salad and a banana so far.  It is now 4:31pm.

I've looked at the food and everybody around me is eating it, but I haven't been that tempted to indulge.  And the food is good too!  Everybody has a smile on their face.

Why have a cookout?  It's just nice having family and good friends over.  Playing cards, throwing the ball around, talking it up and just enjoying.....

It's still early and a few more friends may stop by, but as for me, I'm about to have my spinach, banana, pineapple smoothie.

Peace.

Update:  (May 26, 2013)

Whew! I made it through the cookout without cheating.  There were a few potato chips left in a small bowl that I was eyeing hard and I really thought "what could it hurt to finish these off?"  But I just turned my attention to other things.

My husband must have taken care of the chips because when I came into the kitchen this morning, the bowl of chips on the counter was gone - probably long gone from last night.

The News Flash That Wasn't

You, being the up-to-date and in the know person that you are probably already knew this news since it happened back in 2011.  I, on the other hand, have evidently been living under a ________ .

If you read my post titled "The Best Period" then you know I talked about how going on Djehuty Ma'at-ra of Dherbs detox was a great experience.  I also mentioned Dherbs in my post "Back to the Past..." and so I thought I should make a correction.

Djehuty is no longer a part of Dherbs, but has started an online store on his own called dhealthstore.  Check it out.  It you are ever in the Los Angeles area then you can head over to the brick & mortar spot.  Dhealthstore online is probably where I will purchase my products in the future.

Peace be unto you

Detox - Days 6, 7 & 8

I decided to skip posting a few days figuring you didn't need a blow by blow account of what I'm eating.  Based on the previous detox postings you probably have a good idea of the regimen.  If I decide to introduce anything new such as a recipe (i.e. coconut pancakes or something) I'll let you know.  This week I've added in red seedless grapes and kiwi.  I know I probably didn't eat enough today, but I'm trying to do better. 

I'm posting this entry from a lounge chair in the Barnes and Noble bookstore.  My husband and I needed to be out of the house for a bit.

Even though there is music in the background and I can hear the music (Kanye) from the computer of sis sitting across from me, it's peaceful and relaxing sit here.  I feel calm.

Feeling sort of introspective today.  Over the weekend I heard a soloist sing "I Won't Complain" and the words of the song moved my spirit.  Today I found the lyrics on the Internet, printed them out and read over them.  I started crying (bawling - silently).  I was at work and my co-worker had just come in so my mouth was wide open with no sound coming out and tears were streaming down my face and I was bent over in my chair.  Yep - emotional.  

Here are just a few of the lyrics (by Paul Jones) from the song 


I've had some good days 
I've had some hills to climb
I've had some weary days
And some sleepless nights

But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Outweigh my bad days
I won't complain

Sometimes the clouds are low
I can hardly see the road
I ask a question, Lord
Lord, why so much pain?
But he knows what's best for me
Although my weary eyes
They can't see
So I'll just say thank you Lord
I won't complain

The Lord
Has been so good to me
He's been good to me
More than this old world or you could ever be
He's been so good
To me

He dried all of my tears away
Turned my midnights into day
So I'll just say thank you Lord

The Lord has been so good to me.  And I do say thank you and am grateful.  I have so many things that make me thankful.

When I get home I'm going to have either a green smoothie (with the spinach and kale) or some other type smoothie and add the hemp seeds.  Yum.

Peace be unto you....

Detox - Day 5

Watched Scandal last night for the first time ever.  It was great!  Sorry I haven't been following this show; I don't even know what season just ended.  Wish I could see the previous episodes.  If I watch this in the future, I'll need to record it for later and watch earlier in the day.  Ten at night is way to late for me during the weekday.

Sore throat this morning?  Not so much today, but still some nausea and diarrhea. 

Breakfast:  banana, blackberries, mangoes, pecans, SF seeds

Snack:  blackberries, mangoes

Snack:  Green smoothie (kale, spinach, pineapples, banana)

Lunch:  remainder of salad from yesterday, pecans

Snack:  pecans, SF seeds

It seems like I'm eating all the time and have to eat so much to feel full.  I feel hungry, but I don't feel like eating.  Crazy huh?

Got home from work and made a banana, pineapple, banana and hemp seed smoothie.  Just drank a little and finished off the rest later.  

I'm getting kinda bored with the food so I'm going to look up some other stuff on the Dherbs website and other sites to find something suitable.

Peace

Detox - Day 4

I got up this morning all good to start.  After being up for a short while and getting ready for work, the sore throat feeling came back.  I made two smoothies before leaving for work

pear, banana and pineapple (drank on the way to work)

spinach, kale, banana and pineapple smoothie (meant for lunch or some time during the day)

Mid-morning:  mangoes, pecans and sunflower seeds

Late morning:  banana

Lunch:  Salad with romaine,  yellow, green, red, orange (YGRO) bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), apple cider vinegar (ACV) and lemon juice mixed as a dressing.  Also ate pecans and sunflower seeds.  I did not have my green smoothie that I made this morning so I'll have it tomorrow.

Mid afternoon snack:  blackberries and pecans

Early evening snack:  banana before heading out to the softball game.

By the time I got back from the game I walked for about 35 minutes.  Once I got back in, showered and   lounged, I didn't really feel like eating.  I'll have some green smoothie and pecans.

The end.

Peace

Detox - Day 3

I have a sore throat because mucus is running down my throat.  Not trying to be gross.  I only mention this because the dherb site talks about all of the mucus buildup from the foodstuff we eat.  The exit (or release) of mucus was also listed as a symptom under "what to expect."

Still dealing with some diarrhea, but not like yesterday.

Breakfast - leftover smoothie from last night, banana, apple, pecans

Snack - snacked the rest of the day and really did not do lunch or dinner.  I was very busy at work but need to remember to put me first.  I had an appointment after work and when I got home from work I had to go right back out.

Snacked on - pecans, sunflower seeds, mangoes, and a banana throughout the rest of my work day.

When I got home from work I had a banana, strawberry and pineapple smoothie with hemp seeds and also ate sunflower seeds.

I know, I know - I need to do better.  Just seems like I'm doing a lot of going, going, going....

At some point during this detox perhaps I'll get some walking or yoga into my program.

Peace

Detox - Day 2

Got up this morning still feeling blah from my period and with a sore throat.  Had a papaya, banana and pineapple smoothie with hemp seeds.  Tried to eat some pecans but they didn't taste good.

Diarrhea, going once
Diarrhea, going twice
Diarrhea goes to the girl running to the grocery store restroom!(Diarrhea can be a symptom / part of the cleansing process of the detox)

I was tired / exhausted and in some discomfort (PAIN) from my period.  I ate some sliced pears that were dry and awful.  Pears tasted like they had dust on them.  Ate some pecans.

For a late lunch I had a kale, spinach, pineapple and banana smoothie.  Ate some pecans.

I realize that I have not eaten properly today, but between being exhausted and the diarrhea, I don't really feel like eating.  I have been taking my formula capsules on schedule though.

I would love some tortilla chips, but.....

Sitting, resting, blogging, watching TV with a heating pad on my lower back.  The time - 3:30 pm.  My thoughts - don't really have any at this point.

After taking my last capsules I ate some pecans, a banana and drank a smoothie.

Detox - Day 1

I got up around 7:30 am and drank 8-10 oz. of distilled water.  I poured more water into my cup and took 5 of the Blood & Lymphatic formula capsules.  I then drank some of my smoothie that I had previously made which consisted of a lemon, lime, grapefruit, some pineapples, an apple, flax seeds, about 2 tbsp. of turmeric and water.  The contents of this smoothie are supposed to be good for inflammation.  Afterwards, I ate an apple, pecans and a papaya, banana, strawberry and hemp seed powder smoothie.  Hemp seeds are supposed to be good for protein.

I'm feeling eh, but again, my period is on - so.... humped over (due to pain/discomfort) and exhausted.

Started reading "Whatz In Your Womb?" by Ma'at em Maakheru to help me release some of the emotional hurts built up over the years.

Had some hot raspberry tea.

I took a bath to get relief from pain/exhaustion.  Already had sea salts so I put that in along with about 40 drops of tea tree essentioal oil.  Already had this oil and others (lavender, basil, rosemary, etc.) for my natural hair concoctions.  The tea tree oil (cleansing) and sea salt bath was great! - so relaxing.

Around 10:30 am drank more distilled water and took the 5 Cardiovascular formula capsules.  Continued more reading and ate some sliced up apples and mangoes and pecans.  Had some hot raspberry tea.

Later, had more of the lemon/lime/grapefruit smoothie.

Around 12:30 pm I had the 3rd formula - 5 Liver, Gallbladder & Spleen formula capsules.  I also had my lunch between 12:30 and 1:00 pm - a salad with romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red peppers, yellow peppers, orange peppers (all bell peppers), broccoli, and that's it I think.  I drank distilled water.

I know I'm supposed to be detoxing, but my period pain is getting to me and I'm tired, so I took some pain killers and went to sleep.

I didn't go to sleep; instead, I drew another hot bath but this time with sea salt and lavender essential oil.  Afterwards at around 2:38 pm, I had the 4th formula - 5 Lung & Respiratory formula capsules.

I ate some pineapple, pecans and cashews, got in bed, watched TV and the TV watched me as I fell asleep.  When I woke up it was around 5:01 pm and the phone was ringing.  It was my mother-in-law who I talked to for a little bit.  After our conversation, I started watching TV again and got caught up.  I took the 5th formula -5 Kidneys, Bladder & Adrenals capsules and ate more pineapples, pecans and cashews around 5:48 pm.

The hubster came in talking about "I brought some cupcakes home."  I said "Man, I'm on my detox; I'm only eating raw vegetables and fruit."  He said "Oh."

I ate the other half of the salad from lunch and more pecans and cashews.  Hubby had gone out to the store and came back and threw a Twix candy bar on the bed, "Here you go!"  
Me:  Didn't I tell you I'm only eating fruits and vegetables? I can't        have a Twix.
He:  Oh, yeah.  Well, I'll eat it.
Me:  That was your plan all along.

At 7:30ish pm, I had formula #6 - 5 Colon & Digestive Tract capsules and more pecans and cashews.

Finished off lemon/lime/grapefruit smoothie - 8:49pm.  (This smoothie was made with spring water at the time, but I wasn't going to throw it out based on the wrong type of water.)

I took the last formula around bedtime - #7 Carbon/Activated Charcoal.

My thoughts:  I'm eating all throughout the day and popping capsules, but I know it's going to clean out my systems.  I'm so glad I already had everything cut up.  Having to deal with my period was an added challenge in doing my first day of the detox, but since today was the 2nd day of my period, tomorrow should go smoother and I should be able to focus better on the detox.

In one of my earlier posts I mentioned how much I love food.  I have to learn to love me more and focus on my wellbeing.

Excuse any grammar or spelling errors, but you'll be all right.  Detox posts to follow will focus on my food intake and any thoughts or "revelations" as I'm going through this process.

Detox - An Exercise in Organization and Planning

May 12, 2013

If you've had a moment to check out the Dherbs website regarding the detox that I'll be doing, then you know the importance and vital role of raw vegetables and fruits.  So today, my Mom and I went shopping and here is a list of the things I purchased.

Romaine
Roma tomatoes
Cucumbers
Red onions
Broccoli
Red, Orange, Yellow & Green Bell Peppers 
Carrots 
Mangoes
Pineapples
Apples
Pears
Bananas
Lemons
Limes
Grapefruits
Blackberries
Distilled water
Plastic quart zip bags

When we got home, we commenced to peeling, slicing, dicing and bagging the fruits and veggies making them ready for my week's consumption.  Thank God for Mama - I wasn't feeling that great today and she suggested that I get the produce while I was home so that she could help me prepare them.

 Having the proper foods accessible and ready is key.  I already had papaya and cantelope, and pecans and cashews and will probably purchase some sunflower and pumpkin seeds.  I also plan to purchase some spinach and kale.

One of the mistakes I made in 2010 with my detox was not eating enough food nor drinking enough of water.  When eating such as this, I should have been eating more than 3 or 5 times a day.  THIS IS NOT A DIET.  I will eat as much as I need to feel satisfied and take in a good amount of water.

Planning and organizing will be a continuous process as I move throughout the cleanse.   

Peace & Blessings 

  

   

Back to the Past...Looking to the Present: Doing the Dherbs Detox

Today is Sunday, May 12, 2013.  Happy Mother's Day!

Most or many of my post have been about my endometriosis circa 2005/2006.  I will continue to share my experiences from then, but I also want to get you up to speed on the here and now.

GYN's Report:
1 fibroid the size of an orange (uterus)
3 fibroids the size of apricots  (uterus)
1 endometrial cyst the size of a golf ball (ovary)
2 endometrial cysts the size of marbles (other ovary)

My mentrual flow is so quick and heavy on the 1st two or so days that I have to make sure I have an extra pair of underwear and pants at work (just in case).

For the first couple of days have have to take about 6 advil so that I can endure the pain and get some rest.

When my period is on I feel totally exhausted.  When my period is not on I feel generally tired the rest of the time.     

My period came on today (earlier than expected by about 4 days).  I've taken 3 advil and I feel - yes, exhausted.

If you'll read the previous post I talk about my "best period" which took place in 2010 when I first went on the Dherbs detox.  My eating has been horrible in terms of what I know to be better and I have neglected my mental and emotional states.  I haven't done a good job of taking care of me (not where it counts).

I've already received my detox kit and will start tomorrow.  My sister, who is one of my heroes, is going to go through the detox (food only) with me.   

One thing about this time around is that I know I need help and support.  I've communicated with consultants at Dherbs on a number of occasions and they have been very helpful.  I have had to learn to utlize the help aids around me and not be ashamed of asking for the help I need.

After I perform the detox, I will start the fibroid regimen and cleanse.  

I want to share with you my experience of detoxing for the 20 -21 days.  The blog will entail what I'm eating, thinking and how I'm feeling and whatever else comes to mind.

More information can be found here regarding the detox
 http://dherbs.com/detox/ 

and here  http://dherbs.com/store/full-body-cleanse-p-1.html

Also on this website are articles on fibroids and endometriosis such as this one  

http://dherbs.com/articles/fibroid-tumors-33.html 

and this one

http://dherbs.com/articles/endometriosis-118.html

and this one

http://dherbs.com/articles/help-for-women-with-fibroids-564.html 

 Peace & Blessings

The Best Period

In March of 2010, I decided to do something different for my health.  I needed to lose some extra, extra pounds.  I decided I would commit to a detox. There must be hundreds of detox programs out there, but there was a program provided that I found on a website I stalked like a chip after some dip.  For me, this site leads in natural health and telling it like it is.  I might not agree with everything I've read or even like some of the statements but that doesn't make the statements untrue.  Anyway, I digress.  


I went on the 21-day detox program discussed on the http://www.dherbs.com/ website by Djehuty Ma'at-ra.  [Note: I think Djehuty must be one of the first people that I encountered who talked about health and our thoughts - you know, the psychological aspects.] Anyway....


One of the expectations or desired outcomes in completing this program was not only a body that has been cleansed of all the horrible foods and toxins, but also to stay with good eating habits for a lifetime (a lifestyle change / transition of sorts).


When I was on this detox, about 10 or 15 days in, my period came on and it felt like, well - nothing! This was a great thing.  The flow of my menstrual cycle was light and only lasted for 3 days.  Whoa and wow!  How ya like me now?  I even lost some weight. 


I felt at peace.  I had improved clarity and felt alert and wonderful and...free.  But alas, somewhere between the 21st day and the 42nd, I started going back to some of my old eating habits little by little.


What the heck?  So sad....  I've been dipping and dodging out of healthy eating ever since.  But don't say I didn't tell you that love food and that I'm stubborn.  But also, don't forget I told you that when you slip up - get up and try to do better and pick up the pieces.


Have you changed bad eating habits for the good?  How did you do it?  How did you stick with your game plan?

Do or Die ......Again (Entry #16)

(Taken from a previously recorded excerpt of my experiences.  copyrighted material )

Unfortunately I’m with an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) for health insurance. I wrote them a letter explaining why I should see west side, but they denied my request. (So, I've paid money into insurance for x time period and that money can't be used how I see fit, but instead is on lockdown) However, I had a decision to make. Wait until my employer's open season (January 2007) to change to a PPO so I would be covered OR pay out of pocket. I couldn’t go through another 6 months of pain. 

God is good. My folks were supportive all around and my sister agreed to go with me out there. I had a late night talk with two aunts and finally a girlfriend. My girlfriend asked me two questions: 1) can you wait? NO. 2) Based on what you’ve told me about this doctor, he’s offering you something the others haven’t? YES. Then you need to at least see. Money is an issue, but at the same time it’s not — Not when talking about your health.

I would get dressed and have to stop in the middle of dressing to rest, because I was tired/exhausted.  At some point after my 2004 surgery, I would have a tingling sensation from my lower left hip down the back of my left thigh. That area was very sensitive even to the slightest touch. My new friend Sharon explained that it was probably nerve damage from the previous surgery. 

I was exhausted at work. Even though my supervisor (head hauncho woman) didn’t know all the details of what was going on with me, she was very understanding. More than understanding. I was just too tired or in pain to be focused on work. My supervisor told me he knew the type of work I was capable of doing and knew I wasn’t “faking it.” 

I am thankful that God blessed me to be at this particular job, at this particular time and thankful that he caused the people there (managers) to find favor with me. Believe me when I say it was not me and my good works, but God in the mix.

MOVE - The Workout

THE WORKOUT....What I've been up to. 

5 minutes on the treadmill as a warm-up

3 sets of 15 of the following

Abduction machine @ 80lbs

Adduction machine @ 60lbs

Leg press @ 120lbs

Calf raise @ 40lbs

Back machine @ 65lbs

Oblique machine @ 35lb

25 minutes on the elliptical 

I try to workout 3 -4 times a week alternating between upper body type exercises (biceps, triceps, shoulders, etc.) and lower body.  Some days I may just do cardio.

I wonder what you are doing?  

The point is that some kind of MOVEment is necessary whether that be walking, running, yoga, stretching, zumba, or the many other forms of exercising the body.

Time To Make A Move (Entry #15)

Entry taken from previous document of my experiences
Middle to the end of May, I had my first period after being off Lupron. I got ahead of the pain this time by taking percoset along with Aleve. Although the period itself was not too, too bad, the bowel problems still came. I didn’t get close to feeling normal until it was almost time for my period to come on again in June. 

For my June period, I wasn’t so lucky. I ended up back to the ER on morphine. It just so happened that all of my family was up for a family celebration in Baltimore. Mom and Dad took me to the hospital. Did I tell you how great my parents are? Anyway, we went in around 9:00 p.m. and did n’t get home until 5:00 a.m. the next morning.

I knew and my family knew. I could not go through another month like this. 

I remember one bowel movement was so painful, I felt like the left side of my vagina was going to split. I scheduled an appointment for surgery with the west coast doctor for late July. I was tired of trying to search out doctors in my area and hitting brick walls. 

In all, I had seen 9 or more doctors, not including the doctors I saw during my visits to the emergency room. 

It was also around this time that I found out about a lady (Sharon) living in Maryland that had surgery with the West coast doc and she was willing to share her experience. Talking to her was such a blessing and I was so thankful to her for her sharing spirit and it was just good to talk to some one who had gone through the same or similar pains as me. She was so open and such a good source of information.  (This is why I'm sharing my experiences with you.)

The west coast gyn also had several websites on his work and that of the hospital where he practices.  The time had come....

Who Knows You, Baby? (Entry # 14)

(Taken from previous document of experiences)

I did more research on the gyn on the west coast. I sent him my medical records along with the pathology & operative reports and pictures from my 2004 surgery. I also sent the clinical notes from other gyns and emergency room visits as well as this narrative. I did this in March 2006. The doctor responded with his medical opinion and said he thought he could help me. 

From March 2006 until about June 2006, I sought other medical help in my area seeing gyns out of my health plan and in plan. Most of the doctors I encountered appeared overbearing. They wanted to tell me about me and my problem without even seeing any of my records. They said I might have to wear a bag on the outside of my body to capture my bowels, that I should have all of my reproductive organs removed, etc. None of them seemed too sure of what they could do. I did, however, obtain some good advice on managing my pain and bowel system from one or two good doctors. 

To manage my bowel movements and make them as painless as possible, I ate a lot of vegetables and fruit and juiced.  I specifically juice all together - beets, greens and carrots.  No, it didn't taste all that great, but not going through a painful bowel movement over-rided the taste of the concoction.
So anyway, unfortunately nothing with any final and solid solution seemed to come my way. 

In April, I was due another Lupron shot. I decided I had been on Lupron long enough and another gyn I saw in the interim suggested I not continue with the Lupon. I was all too happy. 

Did I tell you? I did meet a great gyn in McLean, Va. She was kind, honest and sympathetic. Not overbearing like the other doctors I had met. Although she was familiar and had treated patients with endometriosis, she knew she did not have the expertise to handle my advanced case alone. As good of a doctor that she referred me to might have been, I wasn’t happy with him. 

He had the wrong spirit and I wasn’t going to let him operate on me. She also recommended that I see a surgeon who performed bowel surgeries. He told me I should get all of my reproductive organs removed. Guess what? I didn’t like him either (he knew what I should do without even reviewing my files).

Doctors are smart, work really hard, studied in depth in their fields and in many instances are almost miracle workers in what they are able to accomplish.  In the end, we have to go with what we believe will be best for us at a given time.  For me, it was about going with a doctor (or treatment) I felt comfortable with in all aspects.

Happy New Year and God Bless!

What have you been doing to ensure that you are moving toward a healthy existence?  What are you doing for your spirit, mind and body?

For my spirit, I am

• reading my Bible more
• sweating the small stuff less
• talking to God more
• thinking about what I can do to live more simply (I'm always buying something.  This needs to stop!)

For my mind, I am 

• taking a class
• reading a novel
• again, letting go
• trying to identify places of contentment and peace
• looking for ways to focus on helping others and stop focusing on what I want or don't have

For my body, I am

• drinking more water
• doing a better job of getting in my protein
• working out 3-4 days a week with weights
• enjoying the benefits of steam

Life, in many facets, is movement.  ( yeah, I'm corny sounding some times)  

Be.

You are intelligent, beautiful and strong!  

Enjoy Life!