Monday, April 16, 2012

Project Get Healthy - Phase 3

Okay, I promise this will probably be the last health-related post this week.  But I had another visit with my doctor today, and found some huge things, so I thought I'd update.  First of all, here's an update on how I've been feeling:

I know last week I said my stomach problems were great and my allergies were not getting better yet.  And this week I had a few stomach problems (nothing compared to what I struggle with during the worst times, though, and it was probably due to the fact that I wasn't eating as well on those days) and my allergies have been better!

Just to put the allergy thing in perspective, about a week-and-a-half ago, I had been using my inhaler at least 2 puffs every 4 hours.  I woke up multiple times in the middle of the night choking due to post-nasal drip.  Then my gag reflex would be activated, and I'm sure you can imagine what happened after that.  It was to the point where I simply couldn't function.

Last week, the doctor put me on a supplement that's supposed to help with allergies, and along with the other supplements and dietary changes, I think it's really helped!  The past 4 days, the pollen count has been higher, and I have used my inhaler on average about 1 puff, 1 time each day.  What a huge difference!!  On top of that, the past two nights I have slept through the night without suffering a coughing/choking fit at.  Seriously, I don't know how it's working, but it is!  And not because I'm treating the symptoms, but because I am making my body stronger as a whole.


Okay, so now let's talk about what we found today.

Phase 3:

Today my doctor had finally received my blood work that she requested from another doctor, and found that my thyroid levels were just a touch too high.  Not high enough for the doctors to prescribe anything for it or even mention it to me, but high enough that it could be affecting my fertility!  After testing that reflex, she found it to be weak, and told me something that I was a little bit afraid to hear: wheat is a huge reason for most thyroid problems.  So she wants me to start taking the wheat out of my diet until I'm completely wheat free!  Along with that, she's giving me a supplement that should help.  

As scary as it is that I won't be able to enjoy pasta, bread, or even oatmeal, I'm willing to do it if it makes me better.  And right now is an excellent time for Prism to start!! (although it doesn't technically start for 2 more weeks).

I know a lot of people are huge skeptics of this kind of medicine.  But I am seeing real results!  And I'm a little bit frustrated that my doctors kept telling me that my thyroid levels were normal.  Because thyroid problems run in my family, and I that has been my #1 guess all along as to the reason for my ovulation issues!  I know it's not high enough to actually treat with a pill (which I wouldn't want to do anyway) but just knowing that they're a little bit elevated, and that there's something I can do about it is so helpful!! 

Well, I'm off to the grocery store, and I guarantee my cart will look a lot different than it normally does.  Here's to change!

7 comments:

  1. I developed a wheat allergy after having my son. Udi makes really great breads, bagels, pizza crust, etc.

    Excited to keep reading about your journey :)

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  2. This is awesome!! It is amazing what dietary changes can make.

    Our bodies are the finest tuned machines and they know when we are short cutting them. Get it girl!!

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  3. This is so cool, Jess! I love hearing about your updates. Becoming healthy seems to be a weird phase around me lately. Almost everyone I know is on some kind of special diet right now. I have actually switched to drinking almond milk instead of regular milk...which is a HUGE change for me, considering my dairy farmer background haha. I am so proud of you for getting healthy! :)

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  4. I have a friend who went to a natural doctor while they were ttc and they recommended the same thing to her! It took a while for things to straighten out for her, but now she's pregnant and expecting a baby boy any day. Praying that this will help your issues too!

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  5. I'm glad you are finding answers! That's wonderful. Have fun with the wheat free diet! I'd love to hear some of the alternative "options" that you find... :)

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  6. You are doing great girl!!! Wheat free is tough :(

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  7. Hey girl. This is my first time commenting on your blog.
    I have thyroid problems, and my doctor recommended me to stop eating gluten all together (I have an intolerance to gluten). It is hard to figure out what to buy in the beginning, but it is fun to discover all the new foods you will be eating.
    Do you have a Trader's Joe near? They have so many great options for wheat and gluten free foods. Wegmans also have some good stuff, but they are more expensive than Trader's Joe.
    You will find great options for breads, pastas, wraps, and soon you will be so used to it that it will become your normal.

    Tathiana
    (tathianacc28(at)gmail(dot)com

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Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment! I read and appreciate each and every one. Blessings to you!