health :: Not So Average Mama

Archive for health

Feb
3

What is it?

by Brandy

You know…I’m really not that sure anymore. The answers to the questions that are asked of me have me confused and not understanding it myself. What is wrong with me is a question that people want answers to. Trust me, I want those answers as well.

There is no quick fix for what is wrong with me. It’s a hard condition to understand. Basically my answer to myself is SUCK IT UP. Right now I am rambling as I try to write my essay explaining how it feels. I’m not sure how to explain how it feels. Right now I feel like my skin is burning. I feel like sticks are being shoved in my veins. I feel like electricity is shocking through my brain, which in turn causes uncontrollable jerking of my head. I feel like I’m on fire. I feel like no one will get it, so I don’t talk about it all that much.

Getting out of bed is difficult, but you know what? I do it. I can either choose to take those steps and endure the pain, or I can choose to waste my life away. Who would choose to waste their life away? Plenty of people choose that! To them I want to yell at them to suck it up! There is always someone that has it much worse than you, so just do what needs to be done and deal with it.

I’m sorry you have cramps, I’m sorry you have arthritis, I’m sorry you have allergies. I’m sorry. But suck it up. I’m sorry that life has been hard for you. Suck it up and learn from it. Let your pain and heartache turn you in to something and someone better. There is always something worse than can happen to you. ALWAYS.

Vent complete…moving on…smile! Sorry if this made no sense…haha!

2 Categories : Around Our House

Jan
16

Nopalea, Have you Tried it?

by Brandy

Not too long ago I blogged about Nopalea. It was the first time I had heard of it. Nopalea is used to treat inflammation. It contains rare, potent antioxidants called Betalains that have been scientifically proven to help the body to reduce inflammation.

When taken daily Nopalea can reduce inflammation, cleanse your body of daily toxins and promote optimal health. These are all great things!

My condition causes inflammation throughout my body. I have very high SED rates. This is caused by the inflammation in my body. There isn’t too much I can do about it and that is one of the reasons this product interests me so much. I would love to hear from someone that has used it. Did you know that inflammation is a leading cause of pain? If I could get rid of the inflammation it really could take a chunk of my pain away.

I wonder if there is anyone out there with my condition that has used it? Did it help? I really do think I should give it a try. Right now they have it where you can try it for free. You just have to pay $9.95 for shipping. If you want to try it you can do so by calling 1-800-203-7063.

1 Categories : Did You Know?

Jan
15

Walking Sucks…

by Brandy

I’m having horrible pain issues in my hips and back again. My days are a struggle with walking. Yes, I can walk…but I sure don’t want to.

I’m thinking that it’s been awhile since my last massage and maybe that is why the pain has gotten back to that horribly intense level again.

The few massages I have had have given me some relief. I’m not sure how it works with the nerves. Maybe it brings down some of the inflammation and helps with the pain.

All I know is that right now, walking sucks.

Don’t take little things for granted. Things that you assume that you may be able to do (or have) forever can be taken away from you over night.

7 Categories : Around Our House

Jan
2

How Old Would You Be if You Didn’t Know How Old You Are?

by Brandy

When I was reading Katie‘s 101 in 1001 list I seen her mention completing 50 questions that will free your mind. Well, once I looked I wanted to do it as well. So here I am with question #1.

How old would I be if I didn’t know how old I was…

Well…this can go two ways for me.

If I went by how I felt physically, I may tell you that I was 80 years old. The pain, the memory issues, coordination issues, walking issues…all of that makes me feel OLD!

But when I keep my mind off of all of that I can give you a different answer.

So leaving the physical part out of it and answering the same question I would probably tell you that I was 18. I like to do all the same things as I did then. I still have a camera in my hand. I still like punk rock. I still dye my hair bright colors. Dressing up is a band shirt with no hole in it. I’m still wearing converse, going to concerts and hanging out.

So I guess I have two ages. There is the 18 year old me and the 80 year old me. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?

2 Categories : Around Our House

Nov
5

Sickness, Pain, Aging and Medicare…

by Brandy

I still do not have insurance. I can’t really apply for anything until I get a new neurologist. Since my Rhuematologist moved away I’m kind of in a bind. The new Rheumatologist tried to discredit everything my old one had accomplished with me. She even wanted to take away my meds. I’m not sure how much longer she will refill, which is pretty scary. The other day I missed almost 2 full days of meds and the results were horrible! Pain was insane and my head twitching was worse. I can not be without the meds I am on.

All of this is so stressful and scary! I know that if I can get a new neurologist and they confirm my diagnosis that I would qualify for Medicare. Medicare isn’t just for those 65 and over. It is also for those that are permanently physically disabled or who have a congenital physical disability. I think I fall into that category…what about you? The last few days I had a lot of trouble walking again. Even blogging is extremely difficult right now. I had a dose of my meds last night and 2 so far today. I think it will take a few days to get back to a tolerable level.

Even when (and if) I do get medicare, I can not be certain that it will cover all of my doctors, medicine and treatments. So thinking about all this today got me looking into Medicare supplement plans. Something that I may need. Do you know anything about those?

My birthday is this month…another year older…woohoo…

13 Categories : Around Our House

Oct
27

Yes, I’ll have the Fries with a side of Diabetes Please…

by Brandy

This is pretty hilarious and I wish I could take credit for the catch, but it wasn’t me that took this photo. I do love it though! I wonder how long McDonalds had leased their billboard for? Haha…

10 Categories : Did You Know?

Oct
10

Massage Envy has Partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to Host Healing Hands for Arthritis

by Brandy

I know what pain is. Pain every day that doesn’t go away.

I have some arthritis, but the majority of my pain is caused by a neurological disease. I can relate to those with arthritis though. It’s still pain that can effect your quality of life. Pain that can send you to bed, pain that can bring on the tears. Pain that takes over your life.

Did you know that arthritis strikes 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children? I happen to know a little girl with arthritis. She is so young, yet suffers with this pain. She is an inspiring little girl though. We have a lot in common and can relate through our pain. She makes jokes about it just like me and she keeps on going. She doesn’t let it hold her down.

Massage Envy has partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis. On World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2011, Massage Envy will donate $10 from every one-hour massage and facial to the Arthritis Foundation.

I hope that you will take them up on this event! First of all, Massage Envy is totally affordable! Prices range from $39 – $69 for facials and massages depending on location. The environment puts you at ease as soon as you walk through the door. The staff (from my experience at my local location) is amazing!

Massage is so helpful to those with all sorts of pain conditions. Massage has been one of the best things for my own Chronic Pain. I can not even tell you the difference it has made in me. It didn’t take my pain away, but it made me feel better and gave me a super energy boost! After a massage I walk better, concentrate better and just my complete overall function is better. The benefit of massage lasts me for days!

“At Massage Envy, we witness the debilitating effects arthritis can have on our members and guests every day and recognize that more must be done to help raise awareness and find a cure for the 50 million adults and 300,000 children currently suffering,” said Massage Envy President and COO Dave Crisalli. “I encourage everyone to participate in Healing Hands for Arthritis on October 12 by calling their local Massage Envy today and booking an appointment for this wonderful event.”

Massage Envy has donated nearly $100,000 over the past two years to fund clinical research related to the benefits of massage therapy. Recent scientific studies have found that massage therapy increases immune function! It has also been found to decrease stress levels and reduce recovery time in many medical conditions, including arthritis.

Massage Envy is also a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation’s 200 Arthritis Walk® events. Owners attend Arthritis Walks that are local to them and share information about the benefits of massage therapy, provide chair massages and support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission.

Be sure to book your appointment now for the Healing Hands for Arthritis event. To schedule your massage or facial contact your local Massage Envy.

Also, Murad®, Massage Envy Spa’s exclusive skin care partner, will donate 10 percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa locations during the event to the Arthritis Foundation. Wyndmere, Massage Envy’s retail partner at all locations, will also donate 10% of all their retail sales on event day.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has 700 locations in 44 states and has experienced 25 percent year-over-year growth. In addition, the average unit volume for a Massage Envy Spa is $1 million. The company was recently named a top AllBusiness (a D&B company) AllStar Franchise, and is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA). For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

About The Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of this serious disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

All opinions above are my own. I will recieve a complementary massage from Massage Envy for my participation in this campaign.

5 Categories : Did You Know?

Oct
8

The Just Label It, We Have a Right to Know!

by Brandy

Foods produced with GMOs are required to be labeled in Europe, Australia, Brazil and even in China, but not in the U.S.! 93% of Americans agree that GMOs should be labeled. Do you? Watch this video and then tell the FDA to Just Label It! http://www.justlabelit.org/dininginthedark

0 Categories : Did You Know?

Sep
28

Wordless Wednesday

by Brandy

So if you read my Doctor visit post, you know that I’m not having a very great time right now.

I’m not giving up though. Right now I am waiting on an appointment with a new neurologist. I’m at the point where I will even try experimental treatments. I actually signed up to be notified of clinical trials in my area. What else can I do?

Last night I cried as I scrubbed the bath tub. It was everything I could do to hold onto the brush and painful to put pressure into scrubbing. I did it though! I did it until it was done and then I was relieved and I felt accomplished. I can’t let myself fall into that place where I do nothing, because then I will become nothing and I’m not willing to let that happen.

We actually had rain last week and spotted this beautiful rainbow in front of the storm. It was only there for a brief moment, but we seen it!

7 Categories : Around Our House

Sep
26

The Doctor Visit.

by Brandy

That visit I had been waiting months for. It happened. It sucked. It was a waste of time and a huge disappointment. I cried the entire time I was there.

The new doctor is nice enough, I don’t want to bash her. But in the few minutes she seen me she tried to start me over from scratch with no diagnosis.

After years of working towards a diagnosis with my last doctor (the awesome one that moved away and left me), this was too much for me. I broke down. I try so hard to be strong through all of this, but I’m only human and there is only so much that a person can take.

Everyday is different. Some days I can suck it up and work through my pain. Others I can’t do anything because the pain takes over and reduces me to a blubbering mess of a person stranded on the couch.

She said I needed to see a neurologist. Yes, I agree. I most definitely do. Then she said something that shocked me and made me realize that she must not know anything about RSD. Who knows, maybe this isn’t RSD, but it does cover every symptom I have and no other conditions do.

The burning. RSD is the only condition that has described that horrible burning that I have. As I type this I am enduring these horrible sensations that never cease. That burning never goes away. Since that morning that I woke up, it has never ceased (besides when they had me loaded on meds in the hospital with I.V. drips of constant pain medication).

It has only spread. Over my skin, through my veins, muscles and bones. Symptoms have only become worse and they have coursed throughout my body.

She said “RSD does not spread”. Can you imagine how I felt at the moment? All the research I have done, all the patients I have spoken to as well as my last doctor? How could she say that if she knows anything about RSD?

Then she said “I really think you have a Neurological problem” Really? Um , yea and RSD is Neurological and she was talking like it wasn’t.

I tried to talk to her about my pain and the need for pain management. I told her how I have spent all of these years sucking it up, but there were days that I could no longer do it. I was the one that over the last several years that decided that I did not want pain medication. Now that I am to my breaking point, I’m denied? I had even had the accident with the Mandolin 2 days before, no pain meds for that either. She asked me what I had been taking for pain before, I told her Tramadol, but I had to stop taking it because I was allergic to it.

So that was my visit. This is what I waited months for? Nothing was solved, I wasn’t helped. I left crushed.

Today I made some calls. I finally found a Neurologist that will see me as a SELF-PAY patient! Praying that this one actually tries to help me and not over medicate me into a zombie like the last Neurologist.

So that call today gave me some new hope! That’s what keeps me going. Hope. Oh and these people…

13 Categories : Around Our House

Sep
21

Let’s Talk About Menopause…

by Brandy

Got Menopause?
Well I haven’t gotten there yet…but, I do know I am headed that way!

If you are like me, then you like to be prepared for everything. I always want to know all the details of anything that I am going to be involved with. I always want to know the good, the bad and the most possibly ugly.

Thankfully there are websites out there that are set up just about the changes that happen with menopause. Got menopause is one of those sites.

They have information that we should all know before Menopause even starts. Perimenopause can hit some women in their late 30′s! I’m almost 37! Is 37 late 30′s? Ugh…I never think of myself as being that old. For most women though, it hits between 40 and 55. Keep in mind that you can still get pregnant. Things slow down, but it’s all still working! In fact, even though fertility decreases,the second highest unintended pregnancy rate is for women between 40-44 years old!

The site is full of information, including menopause symptoms. There are 34 different symptoms of menopause. Some physical. Some physiological. This site lists the different forms of treatment for menopause symptoms. There are even some herbal remedies you can try.

Did you know that the average woman hits menopause around the age of 51? But some women don’t enter menopause until they are in their 60′s. After a woman has stopped her periods for one year, they are considered to be in post menopause. During this time symptoms won’t occur as often or as severe.

I love that the site has forums and even groups! This is a great place to go with your questions and concerns so that you can talk to people that are going through the same thing. I know that support is always helpful, more so when it comes from those that understand.

So, what about you? Are you there yet? Close? Nervous?

2 Categories : Did You Know?

Aug
29

Raw Apple Pie, A Yummy Good For You Recipe!

by Brandy

A lot of you know that I used to eat a lot of Raw foods and that I have recently been transitioning back into it. I need to be as healthy as possible and try anything I can to keep my RSD in check. I think last time I lacked support. A lot of my friends just laughed and poked fun. Calling me things like “Hippie”…ya, tons of support. I am certainly not a hippie, but I truly don’t like the way I feel. Atleast on a Raw foods diet I have more energy, I’m in a better mood and I feel healthier. My pain may not go away, but anything that makes me feel a little bit better is better than nothing.

So, I have support this time. I joined a meet-up class that meets every Sunday. Every Sunday we learn about nutrition and bring recipes to share. It’s like this awesome raw food pot luck! There are some really amazing people up there. People that have even beat cancer with raw foods. I’m not kidding!

So this week I made a Raw Apple Pie. It was easy and cheap! I was so nervous about taking this dish. At the end of the meal it looked like the dish was licked clean! They even had a vote and I won best dish of the night! There were children there and they wanted more! I wish I had doubled the batch! I am sure that this would be a hit with anyone! Raw or not! In fact, I am going to take it to the next gathering we go to where we need to bring a dish.

Raw Apple Pie Recipe – It’s GOOD FOR YOU!

What you will need

6 Large Apples. We used Delicious Red.
12oz of Medjool Dates
12oz Raw Pecans
Cinnamon
Lemon Juice

I used a large casserole dish so that it would serve more people. This made for a thinner crust. If you want a traditional pie, then use a pie pan and you will have a thicker crust. The crust is AMAZING!

Take the pecans and process them into small crumbs in the food processor. Then add 1/2 of the dates (be sure to remove the pits!) and Cinnamon to taste. I like a lot of cinnamon flavor. Process this, occasionally scraping the sides down until you have a doughy consistency.

You’ll want to press this down into your casserole dish or into your pie pan. Again, I chose the casserole dish. When you are finished pressing down your crust place this into the freezer to firm up.

Next you want to prepare the apple filling! Wash your apples. You can peel them if you like, but I didn’t. Too much trouble for me. Take 4 of the apples and slice them. Place these in a bowl.

Take the other 2 apples and chop them into cubes and place in the cubed apples in the food processor with the remaining Medjool Dates, 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice and Cinnamon to taste.

Process this until it is an apple sauce consistency.

Then mix the processed apples with the sliced apples.

After you have mixed this up and all the slices are coated you can spread this onto (or into if using a pie pan) your crust.

If you are not eating it right away, then put it in the refrigerator until you are ready. It will be devoured! If you do happen to have left overs then they should be put into the refrigerator and should keep well for 2-3 days.

13 Categories : Recipes

Aug
23

Give Kids the Fuel They Need with Good Nutrition

by Brandy

Summer is coming to an end and kids are about to get back into the swing of school. Now is the time to take a closer look at what kind of fuel they are starting each day with. The type and variety of foods that children eat can affect their academic and physical performance, mood, behavior, and overall well-being. The bottom line is children need good, healthy food in order to perform at their best. Chicago Healers Practitioner Tiffany Triner, Assistant Nutritionist at Nutrition Connection Balance, LLC offers these great guidelines to better fuel kids:

Foods to avoid

Think twice about giving your children foods with labels listing food additives, colors, preservatives, or chemical names you can’t pronounce. Also to be excluded:

MSG
Artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup
Genetically modified foods
Trans fat and hydrogenated fat
Fruit juice from concentrate
White and/or bleached flour products.
Roasted or sugar coated nuts

Healthier options – getting back to basics

Think real food! Start offering your kids whole fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, grains and unprocessed meats. Choose foods that have not been altered from their natural state. Whether your child is 2, 12, or 22 it is never too late to change the way you think about food. Here are some healthy lunch and after-school snack choices for your family that offer flavor and variety along with nutritional benefits.

Lunches:

Turkey roll up: A whole grain, rice, or corn pita, no nitrate lunch meat, lettuce or other leafy green, sliced tomato and hummus or whipped avocado as a pita dressing.

Almond butter sandwich:
- 2 pieces of whole grain, sprouted grain, or gluten free bread
- 1-2 Tablespoons of raw almond butter
- ½ cup of mashed fresh berries or an all natural/low sugar fruit preserve

Snacks:

A piece of fruit or vegetable slices with raw or natural nut butter
Trail mix: mixture of raw nuts and dried raisins, cranberries and pineapple
Mixed berries
Rice crackers and all-natural nut butter
Veggie bag: snow peas, green beans, carrots
Fruit leather, dried fruit slices, or fresh fruit
Greek yogurt and dehydrated veggie chips

Guest article provided by ChicagoHealers.com-Chicago Healers (www.ChicagoHealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.

1 Categories : Did You Know?

Aug
14

Progress on My CRPS/RSD Checklist…

by Brandy

I’m trying to accomplish things on my list. Number one on my list was to find a doctor. I wanted someone that could start me on some sort of pain management and help me live my life at least a little normally.

Well, the doctor that I had found is probably going to be a no go. I called his office on Friday to see if he treated RSD patients. I wanted to be sure because I really wasn’t sure how old the video I seen was or if he specialized with my condition. I really had my hopes up.

Well, when I called I asked if the doctor treated RSD patients. The receptionist fired back with “We don’t just prescribe pain pills“….

Um…I didn’t ask about pain pills, so I rephrased and told her that I had seen a video of the doctor talking about RSD and was interested in making an appointment with him. She replied “If you want pain pills you have to take physical therapy with us, we don’t just prescribe pain pills.”

Again I was screaming WHAT?? in my head. Did I mention pain pills? Nope, sure didn’t. So I tell her I am not calling about pain pills…I am calling about being treated! I informed little miss rudeness that I am not currently on pain medication and that I am just looking to be treated by a doctor that knows about my condition!

I was so upset after the phone call. She treated me like I was a pill seeking junkie. If that is how that office is run, then I don’t think that is the place for someone with a chronic pain condition to go. Either that, or his staff needs some training on how to talk to people. I can only imagine how I would be treated if I was to roll up in there with all my tattoos.

Grrrrr…..so now what? Well, in September I have an appointment with the doctor that took over the Rheumatologists office. I am going to go see her and see if we can set up some sort of plan of action. Atleast there the staff already knows me and they know how long I have been dealing with the pain without taking pain meds. I do need pain meds though. Just to help me through those especially rough days.

They are trying to work me in, but so far no luck on getting in sooner. It’s been pretty bad. I do believe that the RSD has spread to my back. Walking has been very difficult and it is totally painful and on fire. My arms are starting to have a mottled look to the skin. If you feel so inclined I would appreciate your prayers.

3 Categories : Around Our House

Aug
11

The Donate Button and Why it is There…

by Brandy

You may have noticed the shiny new donate button over to the right under Site Sponsors. I thought long and hard about this and asked many people what they thought.

I’ve been sick for a long time now and I can no longer work at a job. I can no longer do graphics, web design, tattoos or even work at a fast food joint. It’s impossible. Some days I can not walk. Some days I am crying huge tears just to type up my posts.

If you enjoy my blog and giveaways then maybe you might consider donating to help out a bit to help me continue. I have a long road ahead of me. There are meds I need, Doctors I need to see and I have no insurance.

The financial burden of my health is getting to be way too much. I don’t even have a pain management plan in place because I simply can not afford it. Living with RSD and nothing to help pain is absolutely insane.

I am trying to get approved for Medicare, but that requires getting into a new doctor since mine moved away. I need a doctor to tell them why I need the insurance. I am fighting as hard as I can to not let this consume me, but I can’t do it without doctors.

I by no means expect that anyone click that little donate button, however if you feel inclined to help it is there for you. I’ve normally used donate buttons to help others, such as Baby Darby. But now, it is me that needs help.

I prayed about this, I didn’t want to look like I was weak…but it is stronger to be honest and share and it is weak to sit alone and pout. Thanks for your support!

1 Categories : Around Our House

Archive for health

What is it?

Nopalea, Have you Tried it?

Walking Sucks…

How Old Would You Be if You Didn’t Know How Old You Are?

Sickness, Pain, Aging and Medicare…

Yes, I’ll have the Fries with a side of Diabetes Please…

Massage Envy has Partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to Host Healing Hands for Arthritis

The Just Label It, We Have a Right to Know!

Wordless Wednesday

The Doctor Visit.

Let’s Talk About Menopause…

Raw Apple Pie, A Yummy Good For You Recipe!

Raw Apple Pie Recipe – It’s GOOD FOR YOU!

Give Kids the Fuel They Need with Good Nutrition

Progress on My CRPS/RSD Checklist…

The Donate Button and Why it is There…

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