Physical Check-In

Hubby and I took a nice walk along the beautiful canal in our area. It struck me how dry everything is and how low the water levels are. I didn't realize we were in such a bad drought. Global warming is surely a factor! I hope it rains this week.

I'm glad to be home and have my own kitchen and full pantry to work with. We ate outside on our deck. All of the flowers look beautiful. We have to thank our neighbor for watering in our absence. Last time she did that we brought her flowers. I'm not sure what to bring her this time. Flowers again? I could bake something, but nowadays you don't know how appreciated that is. Plus, I don't know what her food preferences are. I'll think about this more tomorrow.

I vote for baking. Everything you make always sounds amazing! Even something as simple as a basket of muffins is a warm way to say thank you. Flowers are a lovely choice too. You can't go wrong. It is awesome you have a neighbor willing to help you out

Hey Christina!

Feel free to ask me more if you have questions...anytime.

I have dealt with the local Vitamin Shoppe for many years. Once they had started their home shipping, I was reticent to order that way because I did not want the local shop to close. The have a great arrangement so their local stores do not go out due to people changing to home delivery. They give the store credit for everything the customer buys and has shipped directly to their home. I can live with this!

I know people in rural areas can feel especially challenged in locating pure supplements at competitive prices. So many companies deliver now. The question becomes: who delivers at a reasonable price?

I have had very good luck in this regard.

Love to ALL!

Nice job! I am not diabetic; however, I usually do eat as though I am diabetic. My labs normalize and I feel better than when I had hypoglycemia and was borderline diabetic. The wild swings of unstable blood glucose can be horrible.

I had also gotten into testing myself , at least until I was sure I had control of things, (My Primary Care doc was not willing to write for a glucometer and for strips, which can be outrageously expensive.)

Even when given a prescription for strips, it can turn into a huge hassle with insurance and can still be very expensive. I have learned that Walmart offers 1-2 styles of glucometers and their own brand of strips. The prices are so reasonable, many give up their insurance coverages for these items, and just go for those offered through Walmart.

A friend and I each had differernt brands of item. We had repeatedly taken our glucose readings with BOTH glucometers/strips. She had a top of the line model and her strips were priced at 4x as much. Our readings came out the same. It mattered not that I used the Walmart brand. My readings were as accurate as with her very expensive version.

I have found that even without a formal dx , it has been very helpful to be aware of my blood glucose level and to eat as though I have a dx.

I hope all goes well for you!
Much Love!

Wonderful!
DId you enJOY it?

I have been laid up with migraine recently. I have been in to see my chiroprator and she has been very helpful. She is helping with a few issues.
I have spent the day with the computer, working on the security, etc. My mom has been having some issues with her computer and I have been looking into it. I did take a few breaks to stretch and to walk. I do not enJOY working on computers, especially when I have some other deadlines to meet .

I hope everyone has had a good day today.
Please have a better one tomorrow!

I went out for a ride on my bike but it was too cold today. So instead of an hour and a bit I must've been out 25-30 minutes. Not nearly the workout I was after.

After a call to my dad, my heart started racing. I had to take an Ativan. That usually always helps, but I try hard to limit the frequency I take that prn medication.

I'm still thinking about what to give our neighbor. I want to make a banana pineapple nut bread, but I only have enough ripe bananas for one loaf. Since I've never used that recipe, I'm reluctant to give her that. One must test new recipes out first. Even for recipes I've made many times, a sampling is necessary. Last time I made a Bishop's bread, I didn't realize that the hazelnuts were rancid until the loaf was made. I know now to taste the nuts before adding them to the batter. That was a real bummer! Maybe I will make a Bishop's bread. Most people like it. It's sort of a cake that a chocolate chip nut cookie lover would like, but with some lemon zest in it. I think few people dislike chocolate chip cookies. I don't think she's allergic to nuts.

"Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't!"

She is a very lucky lady to have some of your cooking headed her way!

Anyone of those options sounds good to me! YUM!!!

I am sure you will make a very good decision!

I’ve lost 26 pounds now and I’m thrilled for the most part. There was abuse in my childhood and part of me is screaming to hold on to every last pound. Conflicting values. I’m trying to work through this with my life coach. For now, 26 pounds down. Yay!!

That is amazing progress! I think it is so cool that processing and letting go of your trauma from the past allows for you change physically. It is literally like the weight is being lifted from your shoulders. Loving and accepting the old you clears the way for a new and transformed you to come forward. Inspiring!

FANTASTIC!!!EnJOY your success!

Have been developing a bit of a dry cough for maybe a couple of weeks. Was hoping it would just go away. It's not. It's getting worse. I should probably see someone, I had a pneumonia in my thirties and it was misery. Don't want to repeat that. Problem is, I am currently uninsured. And as I live now, with all these responsibilities for supporting various people and children, a $400 trip to the doctor or a $2000 trip to the ER just really isn't in the budget.

Very stressful being uninsured. You're always just one bad day away from a huge bill you may not be able to pay. Oh well, what are you gonna do. I think I'll just sit tight. See if it blows over. Maybe it will.

Wrong thread

still have a bit of a head ache from yesterday.

urg

rest of my body is feeling okay, back's a bit clicky though. wish I had a good chair that offers good back support (I've said that many times)

I hope it's only something as simple as allergies, which can sometimes cause a dry cough, but you are right to be careful given your history. That is terrible that you have no insurance. Everyone should have it.

Do you have an Urgent Care center (not a hospital) near you? We have many in NJ. We took my Czech nephew's girlfriend to one during a visit once. Obviously it wasn't free, but it was lower priced than usual general doctors.

Thank you, @BirdDancer. There has to be some kind of an urgent care within striking distance. I live right in the middle of the city. If I have to go, I think that's going to be the destination.

I've got to confess that I'm happy to have the day mostly to myself, without hubby. He was on vacation for over a week. I love when he's home, but he can be slightly bossy. I do mean "slightly". I wouldn't want to exaggerate. Also, sometimes we'll be reading or looking at our computers in the same room and he'll just start talking (or mostly reading something out loud) that I'm supposed to just drop what I'm doing and listen. And he goes on and on. I tend to hyperfocus on what I'm doing and do get slightly annoyed having to be deliberately distracted. If I voice annoyance or start reading my own thing again, while he's still reading out loud, he gets annoyed. I do clearly have a history of pressured speech, but only when I'm hypomanic or manic (or anxious). I suppose he could say that he's had to put up with years of pressured speech, and that I should finally give him "the floor", but...

I need to go to the grocery store. We have little to eat at home after our vacation. Plus, we had to discard some more things because of a refrigerator issue these past couple weeks. It seems fixed. I hope it is! I do feel like I've gained some weight, but I haven't confirmed that. One change in my diet, these last couple weeks, is that I've barely eaten sweets beyond berries, and sweets are my main weak point. However, I instead ate a pretty large amount of hard pretzels and nuts. I'm not usually a salty snack type, but occasionally they hit the spot.

I stopped tracking my food for a few weeks and I've gained a few pounds. I haven't been eating terribly, but I haven't been nearly as vigilant with my choices and portions. I am getting back on track today with MyFitnessPal. My exercise has been good, but I might need to search out a new challenge to kick things up a notch. I already got my workout in today, so now I only need to log my food and make good choices.

I hope everyone can fit at least one healthy choice into the day today. Wishing health and wellness to all!

I am sorry you are not feeling well. It can be very stressful to not have any/enough health insurance coverage.

I don't know if this info will be helpful to you or not. I do know of many people who have found an incredible amount of excellent health care through these federally funded health centers.

Federally Qualified Health Centers | Official web site of the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration

You may enter your location on the following page in order to see the health center closest to you.

Find a Health Center

I hope this helps. I have been very surprised at how many people I know of have found all of the help they need via one of these health centers.
In my location, many of the residents training at the local teaching hospital also spend time at this clinic and offer outstanding health care.

You might also contact your local hospital(s) and inquire as to "free clinics" available to anyone uninsured/underinsured. We have many affiliated with the local hospitals and the clinics are never advertised. It is worth asking around.

If you must get help from any public hospital and you do not have insurance or are underinsured, you may contact the billling office and tell them you need patient financial assistance with your bill(s). Get your medical care first.
Then contact them. They will give you forms to fill out and will determine your eligibility for financial aid.

There are monies available to patients needing financial help. It is okay to have coverage and to apply as well. These funds are for both the uninsured and the underinsured. Please do not hesitate to ask for these forms and do follow through with your application. Many think they will get zero help and do not follow through.. Many people, including those with insurance, also receive help.

(Whatever you do, if you must go to the hospital without insurance coverage, do not ignore any subsequent billing. Apply for assistance and stay on top of the status of your account, even if calling to let them know that your application for financial assistance is still pending. Hospitals can be very aggressive in collections if they rule that the person is not making an adequate effort to settle the billing/charges.)

These funds are available for people who tend to fall through the cracks. Those who tend to fall through the cracks are those who do not qualify for Medicaid, yet their medical care causes significant financial hardship(s).

I am sorry, I have given a lot of info. I just want to be sure you and any other reader understands as much as possible about these options for assistance in obtaining./paying for medical care. (We also have a large number of people reading here who never register.)

I hope something I have written about is helpful to you/yours at some point in your lives.

Be well.

Is there a way to get the chair you need?

Are you able to get out for some fresh air and some socialization?

I have never known your situation very well. I have wanted to know, yet only as much as you have wanted to share here. I never know exactly what to suggest. I do care and I do miss you when you have not signed in for awhile.
I hope you feel better soon!

I find I gain so quickly, esp with Seroquel. I have taken other AP meds. None was as severe as Seroquel for me in the hunger/weight gain department.

A calorie is a calorie. One of my doctors said this to me once and I hesitated for a second. Yes, we can consume too much of very healthy food and I often do so.

You continue to offer some truly outstanding encouragement and inspiration to us! I am grateful to you!
I am sure you will get back on track. You so often demonstrate your dedication to the goals you have identified. Outstanding!!!

Lol! I can relate to the issue of someone expecting me to suddenly drop whatever I am doing/reading in order to lend my undivided attention.
I am still trying to set some boundaries around this.

Some people need a lot of attention and I have one such person sharing my houesehold right now. She means no harm. She is highly sociable and likely fits BirdDancer's definition of a hyperthymic personality! LOL! It can be very draining at times, which likely says more about me.

I feel like I have almost always forfeited whatever I was doing or whatever I was interested in, in order to be Present for others around me. Yet, then I would find myself exhausted, too exhausted to follow through on my interests. I am trying to change this pattern.

All others can wait for their turn!

Not my most productive day. I was so hoping to complete my list of tasks to be done today. I have some deadlines I need to take into account.

I am a bit held up because, once again, Equifax has regressed and has returned to their stance that they do not know who I am. I am having to send ID again. They also, once again, say they do have my ID.; HOwever, I must send my ID info again.(?) They also say I have loans out (which I know nothing about). Either they do have my ID or they do not. It sounds to me as though they are confused as to my ID and they have someone with my ID information who has taken out loans in my name? They cannot clearly say that I have an identity theft issue. We just went through all of this and it was sorted out to the satisfaction of the SSA, etc. Another lesson in patience.

I have enjoyed a semi-quiet day, for which I am thankful. I have needed this. I could use more! I get so much more done if I do not have distractions and can focus.
I have a lot going on and just need some time to process without a lot of drama going on around me. I am also going through some med adjustments, which seems never-ending, between my pdoc and my primary care doc. It can be very taxing to have these med changes going on so frequently.

I hope to get a few things done this evening. I will then start in again in the morning. I have appointments at the end of the week and cannot focus on these tasks then. I will pace myself and get in some exercise as I work through my "to do" list.

Love to ALL!

What a crazy and continued mess. My mom just went through identity theft and she's also waiting for everything to be sorted out. How frustrating!!! I hope it is resolved quickly.

I am so happy to hear you are having a calm day with time to think and process. Those days are such a blessing and sometimes difficult to come by. I hope it continues while you knock items off your list.

I'm sorry about the med adjustments. I know that can be frustrating and can make you feel off. Hopefully everything on that front will stabilize for you soon. Much love and well wishes to you!