Steps to MY Success

Good afternoon,
Before I get into the meat of my blog let me make a small disclaimer: These steps are working  for ME and when it comes to weight loss every BODY is different. I am NOT saying this is how YOU must do it but I am seeing small improvements in my health and in my mind.

We all can agree that our mindset can affect our body. So along with changing what I did physically I changed what I did to create a positive mindset. Since I am a Christian, a lot of my changes dealt with the spiritual.

I became diligent in reading the Word of God on a DAILY basis. I now get up early to soak in His Word. Every morning that I am able I listen to a faith filled teacher. Plus, I listen to sermons online. I find the promises of God (in His Word) that I want to manifest in my life and speak them ALOUD over my life every day. Of course, I talk with God every day as well. I also feel led to partake of communion by myself at home once a week.

Physically, I eat VERY different. I eat a mostly(%90) plant based diet. I have stopped sodas altogether. I have dramatically cut down on refined sugars. No fast food other than an occassional Chick fil A or maybe a salad, if its a decent one. I limit fried foods. I have stopped eating pork. My next goals are to increase my water intake, to increase movement and to get in natural sunlight. Today I actually did 20 minutes of gentle stretching. I would like to include walking on the treadmill as well. Now, when I say walk its only fast enough to keep me moving. Its like 1.5 mph and I can only do like 5 minutes.

Besides the improvements that I shared from my medical update, I am less sleepy during the day although I still need my naps most days. In the past I would sleep 10 to 18 hrs a day. I still need a recover day if I am busy the day before. My legs still go numb if I stand more than 15 minutes at a time. I have been able to do more around the house but I still have to sit and rest during activities. I am by NO means cured. I still have a LONG way to go before I can say that. My attitude toward life has greatly improved. I am the happiest I think I have ever been. Now hold on, my life is not perfect. I still struggle with pain almost on a daily basis. I have obstacles, trials, and temptations just like everyone else BUT....I can honestly say I am content and I am blessed.

With all my love,
Keena

Medical Update

Good Morning, 

Friday I had my yearly physical. My dr was very pleased with my numbers. She even mentioned several times how well I looked. So here are my lab results. 

A1c, which measures the sugar in the blood over a 3 month period,  went from 7.1 to 6.2. For a diabetic the range is to be under 7 and to reduce complications the number needs to be under 6.5

My kidney function has improved.

My lipid panel is about the same. She said some ppl can do all the right things and still have increased numbers. My total cholesterol is 177. Anything under 200 is OK.

The RA factor which indicates RA, rheumatoid arthritis, went from 16 to less than 5. Anything over 15 indicates RA.

My "SED RATE" (marker for inflammation) went from over 100 (which is extremely high) to 23. Normal range is 20 or less. 

Of course, my weight was reduced. However, I did have "white coat syndrome" blood pressure. That means I was probably having anxiety by visiting dr and blood pressure was a tad high. I had lots to talk to her about and I was excited for her to see all my improvements.

The only negative was that I am having symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in my feet. Im praying that if I keep my numbers under better control I can delay its progression.

Happy Mother's Day to moms every where. I appreciate all that you do for you 2 AND 4 legged babies. 

God Bless, 
Keena

My Learning Experience

Good Morning
I had a learning experience over the weekend. As many of you know, I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Well, this weekend was a bad weekend for me. I was utterly exhausted. I slept on/off most of the weekend. My hubby, the wonderful man he is, knew my dilemma and suggested we order out. Of course, I agreed. However, it was not the best of foods that we ordered. My sugar levels reflected that choice. At first I was disappointed but then became Angry. "Why do some ppl eat whatever and whenever they want with no consequence but I have to watch every thing I put in my mouth?". It is not fair but we know life is not fair. I learned that I have to keep my guard up at all times. As of today, I have lost 30lbs. April my weight was steady and now its moving very slowly. I am thinking about an intermitten fast to help and/or going back to the really restrictive eating I followed the 1st 6 weeks. I NEED to get this weight off. I am aware that it took years to put on so it will take time to get off. I guess I am inpatient bc I want it gone...NOW!!!! I thought my appt was today but was reminded that it is Friday. I will update afterward and share my lab results with you. I have much to discuss with dr and I will share some of that too. Thanks for reading.

Much love
Keena

A little bit about my life

My Life with CFS

I was active as a child, teen and young adult.  I played softball, did dance, performed in school plays, and was very active in church.  As a young adult, i volunteered at my church working with teens.  I have co-directed VBS, organised church wide events, and have create a children's programs. I have supervised lock ins, car washes, and youth retreats.   I did this while working full time, going to school part time, and even working 2 jobs. So to say the least, I have always been a person who stayed busy with life and I loved every minute of it.   Then in 2003 I developed an upper respiratory infection and was out of work for a week.  Later in that week, I received a phone call that a family member was ill and may not make it through the weekend.   Despite being sick, my mother and I drove 12 hours to be with family.  We stayed at the hospital for several more hours.  Thus, we were without sleep for like 36 hours straight.  When I finally got to bed, I literally felt something "switch" in my body.  I cannot explain it fully but I did feel something odd.  I told myself that I was going to pay for this.  I never knew it would be for a life time.  After returning home( the family member survived and was able to go home...she died 6 months later), I continued to be sick.  I had lost all energy.  I keep getting reoccurring infections and my energy level was at an all time low.  My doctor performed all types of test to see why I was continually getting infections.   Every test came back negative.   Finally,  after a year of reoccurring infections and lack of energy, the dr said that I may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  At first I thought YES I have an answer, but that was short lived when I was told there was NO treatment for this.  My dr prescribed an anti-depressant that was supposed to help with fatigue and B-12 shots to help as well. They helped for awhile but I never felt like I had the energy that I should.  I did everything I could to get better.  I took medicines, rested, had the pastor lay hands on me but all to no avail.  In 2005 I decided to resign my position in the church.  I could no  longer be dependable to assist with the youth.  It was a hard decision but I did not have the energy to teach and participate in all the activities that we provided to the children.  After resigning my position, I quit attending church all together.  It was not that I no longer trusted God.  It was that I had no energy to get ready in the mornings.  In 2008 I was hospitalized due to severe high blood pressure.  Due to the trauma of that week, I developed Fibromyalgia.  It mainly affected my legs.  I cannot stand or walk long distances without feeling weak or hurting.  It took its toll on my job and in March of 2010 I had to resign from my job.  I am now on disability.   It has been a hard road but I have been blessed with a supportive and awesome husband that tries so hard to make life easier for me.
My days are less active than in my younger days.  I have to pace myself to keep from crashing.  Most days are spent on the couch.  However, I am trying to regain some strength.  I am trying to live healthier.  I am trying to make the most out this situation.  It has definitely brought me closer to God. I have learned to trust Him more.  I miss my old body.  I miss my active days.  I am looking for ways to make me feel better. I keep trusting and believing that God has a purpose for allowing me to go through this. 

Sorry about the green background. It copied that way.

With Love, 

Keena