Last week, I went to a breathing coach, okay, she is much more than that, but that is how I will refer to her. First off, she's hilarious! Secondly, it turns out, I have to learn how to breathe all over again....who spends their entire life breathing wrong...oh this girl!
I learned in the two hours I was there that my breathing doctor was "sensitive" to corn, meaning three years without it, and she is doing just fine...she can eat donuts....I want a donut! I also learned that Moose's Tooth pizza is "epi-pen worthy". That sounds scary to me! The pizza, I guess, has a cornbread crust. It sounds wonderful, but that's something that I will never be able to try. I don't think there is anything epi pen worthy in this world! I also learned the reason I am always sick and getting pneumonia. I am a shallow breather. I learned this as a child, because deep breaths would make me cough. Now, I have pecs of steel, but need to learn to breathe deeper. There is hope that by the end of these appointments I won't need my inhalers anymore! I hope this is true.
I was told by this doctor that she can't believe how cheery I am after all I have been going through. I mean, really, there is nothing I can do about it, and I might as well do it with a smile on my face!
Last night, I found another thing I am allergic to...Hookah. We went out for Matt's going away party (lucky guy got a job at Apple and is going to Hawaii for a month of training....some people have all the luck!), and ordered a hookah. Well, I got really drowsy and by the time I got home, my tongue was swollen. This morning it hurt, all the taste buds at the tip of my tongue have popped up. YUCK! I can cross hookah off my list of things I can do...you know not that it's healthy anyway. However, I did have an awesome time. It's always a laugh with my friends!
I go back to my breathing coach on Tuesday, hopefully it's all good news!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Camping FAIL....
Loaded up the truck and was on the road by 10:30 pm....which in summer, in Alaska, not so bad. It was still plenty light and continued to be. In fact, I didn't even pack a flashlight! It had been raining all day, but I was optimistic as it quit around 7. We had wood in the back, a back pack, and a fishing pole, so the hopes were high that it wouldn't start raining on the way.
We went north to Talkeetna, why? I needed a magnet from there.... An hour away (it was a three hour drive) it start to sprinkle. We pulled over, and rearranged the truck so that the backpack and fishing pole were also in the already packed cab and the wood was positioned so it wouldn't get wet.
We made it into Talkeetna around 1:30, there wasn't much there, but the bar was still hoping! We found a campground (if you could really call it that), with a semi private site (away from the bongo playing hippies) but next to a couple of tents with some very loud snoring men in it!
Talkeetna was a quaint little town with sidewalks painted onto the streets. There was a "tow away zone", but I dont' think there was a tow truck in town. We didn't see an single officer. There was a kickball game at 8pm. It was adorable! It was modeled after the show Northern Exposure...
I had camp set up within a half hour (pretty good for a girl that doesn't ever real camp!). I had my beer cracked and hot dogs cooking by 2:30-3:00. I should have just went to bed, but I was starving! I didn't think about an air mattress. Bad idea! Between the bongo drums, tambourine, dudes snoring louder than the drums, and the never ending tree roots I was sleeping on....I didn't get much sleep!
I woke up, realized I forgot a spatula, so once teeth were brushed and pajamas were changed, it was time to look for something that would flip eggs! The town was swarming with people! The train had come in. I decided that going to breakfast was going to be easier than finding a spatula in the souvenir shops. We went to the "Roadhouse Inn" which was a bakery/restaurant/hostel. There were three tables with lots of chairs. You were invited in and told to sit wherever, it was "Alaskan roadhouse seating". This basically meant, you sat with strangers and made new friends. We sat with a couple from Ohio (which reminds me of the country song that goes, "What brings you to Ohio? and he said, 'God if I know'"). I had the apple/rhubarb sourdough hot cake. The half order was bigger than the plate! It was amazingly tasty too!
We walked around the town, visited the gift shops, talked to locals. Made a trip down to the river and finally saw some mountains. Up until that point, it seemed like I was in Northern Michigan. There will hills and trees, but no sign of mountains! I guess I saw Denali, but it was still pretty cloudy and I couldnt' see the top, so I didn't think I saw it. I ended up taking a nap in the truck because I had slept so poorly the night before. Had a kosher hot dog, and some corn free s'mores and headed back into town.
We went to the Talkeetna Brewery, where the guy assured me the beer was corn free....he lied to me! While the beer was delicious, it gave me a migraine. I was not looking forward to sleeping on roots with a migraine. So, at 10:30, we packed up camp and headed home. I did see Denali in the rear view mirror on the way home.... Oh yeah, we got everything packed up just in time for the rain too!
Made it home by 2:00 and it made me miss my dog even more! Oh yeah, I also became a god mommy while I was on vacation! Yay! I have the most precious little/big god son in the world! Now that I have had my vacation, I can go back to work, but I am playing hookie from Fast Fix...my tummy still hurts!
We went north to Talkeetna, why? I needed a magnet from there.... An hour away (it was a three hour drive) it start to sprinkle. We pulled over, and rearranged the truck so that the backpack and fishing pole were also in the already packed cab and the wood was positioned so it wouldn't get wet.
We made it into Talkeetna around 1:30, there wasn't much there, but the bar was still hoping! We found a campground (if you could really call it that), with a semi private site (away from the bongo playing hippies) but next to a couple of tents with some very loud snoring men in it!
Talkeetna was a quaint little town with sidewalks painted onto the streets. There was a "tow away zone", but I dont' think there was a tow truck in town. We didn't see an single officer. There was a kickball game at 8pm. It was adorable! It was modeled after the show Northern Exposure...
I had camp set up within a half hour (pretty good for a girl that doesn't ever real camp!). I had my beer cracked and hot dogs cooking by 2:30-3:00. I should have just went to bed, but I was starving! I didn't think about an air mattress. Bad idea! Between the bongo drums, tambourine, dudes snoring louder than the drums, and the never ending tree roots I was sleeping on....I didn't get much sleep!
I woke up, realized I forgot a spatula, so once teeth were brushed and pajamas were changed, it was time to look for something that would flip eggs! The town was swarming with people! The train had come in. I decided that going to breakfast was going to be easier than finding a spatula in the souvenir shops. We went to the "Roadhouse Inn" which was a bakery/restaurant/hostel. There were three tables with lots of chairs. You were invited in and told to sit wherever, it was "Alaskan roadhouse seating". This basically meant, you sat with strangers and made new friends. We sat with a couple from Ohio (which reminds me of the country song that goes, "What brings you to Ohio? and he said, 'God if I know'"). I had the apple/rhubarb sourdough hot cake. The half order was bigger than the plate! It was amazingly tasty too!
We walked around the town, visited the gift shops, talked to locals. Made a trip down to the river and finally saw some mountains. Up until that point, it seemed like I was in Northern Michigan. There will hills and trees, but no sign of mountains! I guess I saw Denali, but it was still pretty cloudy and I couldnt' see the top, so I didn't think I saw it. I ended up taking a nap in the truck because I had slept so poorly the night before. Had a kosher hot dog, and some corn free s'mores and headed back into town.
We went to the Talkeetna Brewery, where the guy assured me the beer was corn free....he lied to me! While the beer was delicious, it gave me a migraine. I was not looking forward to sleeping on roots with a migraine. So, at 10:30, we packed up camp and headed home. I did see Denali in the rear view mirror on the way home.... Oh yeah, we got everything packed up just in time for the rain too!
Made it home by 2:00 and it made me miss my dog even more! Oh yeah, I also became a god mommy while I was on vacation! Yay! I have the most precious little/big god son in the world! Now that I have had my vacation, I can go back to work, but I am playing hookie from Fast Fix...my tummy still hurts!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Today is the day....
Yes, I am going camping, but more importantly, today is the day that I become God Mommy! Jetta is being induced at 7:30 tonight! I am overwhelmed with joy for her and her family! This is truly the best blessing!
It seems like just yesterday she called me (and woke me up, I might add ;)) to tell me that she had two lines! I have never been so happy for her! She is going to make an amazing mother. Joshua is so lucky to have such an awesome family. He has a strong hardworking father who fights for our country, a mother who is amazing in every way, and a grandma who who spoil him rotten! He also has me...what a lucky little boy!
I remember when Jetta told me that I would be god mommy, we were driving down Northern Lights (oh yeah, I even remember the road) and she said, "You know you're going to be the baby's God Mom, right?!?". I'm not going to lie, I cried! Then, I went to one of her sonograms when TJ couldn't make it. I heard his heartbeat and cried again! I'm not going to lie, I'm tearing up now too!
I love you Jetta, TJ, and Joshua! I know I won't forget today either! I can't wait until July to spoil him more (like I haven't already, right Jetta!). I wish you a speedy labor! Make sure you give Joshua a few extra hugs, snuggles, and kisses for me since I can't be there!
It seems like just yesterday she called me (and woke me up, I might add ;)) to tell me that she had two lines! I have never been so happy for her! She is going to make an amazing mother. Joshua is so lucky to have such an awesome family. He has a strong hardworking father who fights for our country, a mother who is amazing in every way, and a grandma who who spoil him rotten! He also has me...what a lucky little boy!
I remember when Jetta told me that I would be god mommy, we were driving down Northern Lights (oh yeah, I even remember the road) and she said, "You know you're going to be the baby's God Mom, right?!?". I'm not going to lie, I cried! Then, I went to one of her sonograms when TJ couldn't make it. I heard his heartbeat and cried again! I'm not going to lie, I'm tearing up now too!
I love you Jetta, TJ, and Joshua! I know I won't forget today either! I can't wait until July to spoil him more (like I haven't already, right Jetta!). I wish you a speedy labor! Make sure you give Joshua a few extra hugs, snuggles, and kisses for me since I can't be there!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Camping....
I am in desperate need of a vacation. My guys at Fast Fix have informed me that if I don't go on vacation I am not allowed to return to work there...yeah it's that bad! I work there far less than I used to, but they are telling me it just can't happen. They will not deal with me until I have a couple of uninterrupted days off. I guess they are lucky that I have the next three days off!
I decided it didn't matter where I go, as long as I am out of Anchorage! I decided to go North. Where I am from, when you go on vacation, you go to Ohio (Cedar Point), or you go "Up North". No one specifies where "Up North" is, well except the "Welcome to Clare" sign that claims "Up North Begins Here"...which is a lie! So, North has been decided. I googled some things and decided that Fairbanks was entirely too far this time around (although, who doesn't want to go sleep on a slab of ice at their hotel made entirely of ice.....oh yeah, me!). However, my fridge is missing a magnet from Talkeetna...so Talkeetna it is! I have yet to be there, so it will be fun!
We are leaving Tuesday night, and since it's the land of the sun never going down, we drive until I can't see straight anymore. Hopefully, this gets us to about Hatcher's Pass, where the real fun begins, maybe get some gold panning in. The plan is camping, like real camping, without electricity and in a tent, sleeping on the ground. The reality is going to be me sleeping in the truck...
Also, if you haven't been to Alaska you're going to think I'm grossly exaggerating, but the misquotes here are the size of humming birds. Okay, not really that big, but close to the size of horse flies. You can feel the weight of them land on you! I have never been very successful in the bug dope department, because of my breathing issues, but now it's really tough because of the corn issues. Looks like I am headed to the Natural store tonight to find out what I can use. You can't brave the Alaskan outdoors without it!
Mia is going to watch CoCo for me. I was going to take her, until I realized, the woods is not a place for my foo-foo toy poodle. She would complain about getting her dress dirty....true story! She is excited about staying a couple days with Aunt Mia. I didn't think she was going to be able to sleep last night in all her excitement. Packing for the dog is going to be worse than my own packing....Mia wants a couple outfit changes (maybe they are going to have a make over party....), and then you know her kennel (which is gigantic for a dog her size), bowls, food, candy, leashes (she needs a variety), poo bags, ect. CoCo packing.....
I figure camping won't be too different than eating at home. I get to find out if my jew-mellows roast! And since I have no convience food anyway, it shouldn't be all that different. I can drink German beer, so a 6 pack of that, and I am good to go! I don't know how roasting soy dogs is...but I guess I will find that out too! At this point, I do not care, because Fast Fix won't let me come back to work until I get out of town!
I decided it didn't matter where I go, as long as I am out of Anchorage! I decided to go North. Where I am from, when you go on vacation, you go to Ohio (Cedar Point), or you go "Up North". No one specifies where "Up North" is, well except the "Welcome to Clare" sign that claims "Up North Begins Here"...which is a lie! So, North has been decided. I googled some things and decided that Fairbanks was entirely too far this time around (although, who doesn't want to go sleep on a slab of ice at their hotel made entirely of ice.....oh yeah, me!). However, my fridge is missing a magnet from Talkeetna...so Talkeetna it is! I have yet to be there, so it will be fun!
We are leaving Tuesday night, and since it's the land of the sun never going down, we drive until I can't see straight anymore. Hopefully, this gets us to about Hatcher's Pass, where the real fun begins, maybe get some gold panning in. The plan is camping, like real camping, without electricity and in a tent, sleeping on the ground. The reality is going to be me sleeping in the truck...
Also, if you haven't been to Alaska you're going to think I'm grossly exaggerating, but the misquotes here are the size of humming birds. Okay, not really that big, but close to the size of horse flies. You can feel the weight of them land on you! I have never been very successful in the bug dope department, because of my breathing issues, but now it's really tough because of the corn issues. Looks like I am headed to the Natural store tonight to find out what I can use. You can't brave the Alaskan outdoors without it!
Mia is going to watch CoCo for me. I was going to take her, until I realized, the woods is not a place for my foo-foo toy poodle. She would complain about getting her dress dirty....true story! She is excited about staying a couple days with Aunt Mia. I didn't think she was going to be able to sleep last night in all her excitement. Packing for the dog is going to be worse than my own packing....Mia wants a couple outfit changes (maybe they are going to have a make over party....), and then you know her kennel (which is gigantic for a dog her size), bowls, food, candy, leashes (she needs a variety), poo bags, ect. CoCo packing.....
I figure camping won't be too different than eating at home. I get to find out if my jew-mellows roast! And since I have no convience food anyway, it shouldn't be all that different. I can drink German beer, so a 6 pack of that, and I am good to go! I don't know how roasting soy dogs is...but I guess I will find that out too! At this point, I do not care, because Fast Fix won't let me come back to work until I get out of town!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
I complain a lot!
My current complaint is my lack of sleep! I thought at first it was because of the never ending sun of Alaskan summers. Well, the past two days has been gloomy and cloudy when I woke up, so that is not the case! I have finally figured it out though, it's the prednisone!
Prednisone is a steroid that I was on a couple weeks back in hopes to strengthen my lungs. Well, it didn't have the effects that my allergist had wanted. At the last appointment, she was on the fence about whether or not to prescribe another couple weeks of it. The long term side effects are generally not so bad when taken in oral form. She decided not to prescribe the prednisone, but rather get me back to my other oral steroid (so two every morning and night). She also made sure that I promised to use my Aero-Chamber when taking my inhalers, ect. However, after my allergic reaction to my favoritest food ever (I'm still devastated about this and can use not real words if I want to), I was prescribed a weeks worth of prednisone.
The side effects have caught up with me! I can't sleep! I try in vain! Last night, for example, I wasn't tired until around 1am, of course I attributed this to the fact that it was still light out. I really think it had more to do with the drug....I then woke up at 5am, I thought maybe it was because I had missed at call at 4:30, which was the case, but not what woke me up. I was then awake. No turning back. I couldn't even blame the "midnight sun" on that one either, it was gloomy! Then, today it hit me like a ton of bricks, it's the drugs! I also have been having hot flashes....which is entirely too early in my life! The poor guys at Fast Fix had to deal with them the first part of my day today...I normally am not all girly on them...today was a different story. They had fear written across their faces, they thought I might talk about "girl things"!
Tonight, I hope to sleep, I am exhausted. I woke up at 5 am, talked with Jetta, took a shower, ate breakfast, conference call, worked both jobs....damn, I need a vacation from today! G'nite you guys, hopefully!
Prednisone is a steroid that I was on a couple weeks back in hopes to strengthen my lungs. Well, it didn't have the effects that my allergist had wanted. At the last appointment, she was on the fence about whether or not to prescribe another couple weeks of it. The long term side effects are generally not so bad when taken in oral form. She decided not to prescribe the prednisone, but rather get me back to my other oral steroid (so two every morning and night). She also made sure that I promised to use my Aero-Chamber when taking my inhalers, ect. However, after my allergic reaction to my favoritest food ever (I'm still devastated about this and can use not real words if I want to), I was prescribed a weeks worth of prednisone.
The side effects have caught up with me! I can't sleep! I try in vain! Last night, for example, I wasn't tired until around 1am, of course I attributed this to the fact that it was still light out. I really think it had more to do with the drug....I then woke up at 5am, I thought maybe it was because I had missed at call at 4:30, which was the case, but not what woke me up. I was then awake. No turning back. I couldn't even blame the "midnight sun" on that one either, it was gloomy! Then, today it hit me like a ton of bricks, it's the drugs! I also have been having hot flashes....which is entirely too early in my life! The poor guys at Fast Fix had to deal with them the first part of my day today...I normally am not all girly on them...today was a different story. They had fear written across their faces, they thought I might talk about "girl things"!
Tonight, I hope to sleep, I am exhausted. I woke up at 5 am, talked with Jetta, took a shower, ate breakfast, conference call, worked both jobs....damn, I need a vacation from today! G'nite you guys, hopefully!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Do people have anaphylaxis allergies in Australia?
I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day today and if Australian's do not have anaphylaxis allergies, I'd like to move there!
I will spare my few readers the gory details (I'd like to keep the one or two of you around!), but just know that I had the worst morning of my life. It started out on Friday. Mia and I went out for sushi after dinner, you know to celebrate the fact that we all still had jobs after Jackie's visit. Sushi was my safe food :) I had a sinking feeling about the seaweed. I tried a seaweed salad before and it burned my mouth, so I figured it bothered my allergies. Perhaps there was something in it that I was allergic to. Well, it appears a bit more than that. Saturday morning I woke up in a lot of pain and on the toilet (this is the part where I spare the details). After some time of this pain and such, I took my blood pressure, it was super high (think 150/120)! I should have been on my way to a stroke! My throat started to feel like it was closing, I tried testing my peak flow (it's an asthma thing). My personal best is 380 (which I might add, I have no idea why my lungs were in such a good mood that that, I couldn't get that again if I traded my soul to the devil for a new set of lungs!). Saturday morning my peak flow was at 250, well below my yellow warning section! I still think I was breathing okay though, hate to see what it says I am doing when I feel like I'm breathing isn't quite so well. Things began to become progressively worse and I really had no choice but to reach for the epi-pen (which I was prescribed an abundant mess off for the my anaphylaxis allergy to latex/rubber, which I never realized was that bad!). I was frightened! It took more than 10 minutes to finally give myself the stupid shot that may have saved my life! After giving myself the shot, I had to go to the ER (I had already called into job number one, fat man in the sky was okay with it, he worries a lot about me). I also had to make it to job number two by 1:00...this was going to cut it short!
Anyway, at the hospital, I got an injection of more anti-histamine, a breathing treatment (I guess my breathing was worse than I thought), and an x-ray of my throat (there's a first time for everything). I was sent home with some steroids and more anti-histamine and the harsh cold reality that I was to "stay away from sushi". I am crushed! However, I think somewhere in my mind, I saw it coming. Most of the ingredients in sushi are a cross-allergen to the latex/rubber family. There is a giant list of things. As I have been told before, you have an allergy bucket. When you are eating/exposed to your allergens on a daily basis, your body is fighting hard to keep it all at bay. Once you cut your allergens you start to feel much better, the trade off is the bucket grows smaller. Your allergy bucket becomes full much more fast. This is what happened to me. I ate avocado, a lot of shell fish (love oysters!), and seaweed. Am I happy about "staying away from sushi"? NO, I am very upset and don't really know how to cope! I'm sure I will make it through alive, but this is not my idea of fun! I will now have dreams of swimming around in pools of raw shell fish.....yummy!
Ugh, hopefully I can fall asleep soon, 2:30 am and I had a long day. After the ER, I made it to work, with 10 minutes to spare! I was exhausted there, and still am, but can't sleep because of the bruise on my legs! I am also dehydrated and have a cramp due to my throat hurting so badly that I can't swallow well! Ugh, enough complaining, no wonder no likes to read ;) Hopefully, I will find something entertaining in my life, you know besides my trip to North Carolina! I can't wait for that!!!
I will spare my few readers the gory details (I'd like to keep the one or two of you around!), but just know that I had the worst morning of my life. It started out on Friday. Mia and I went out for sushi after dinner, you know to celebrate the fact that we all still had jobs after Jackie's visit. Sushi was my safe food :) I had a sinking feeling about the seaweed. I tried a seaweed salad before and it burned my mouth, so I figured it bothered my allergies. Perhaps there was something in it that I was allergic to. Well, it appears a bit more than that. Saturday morning I woke up in a lot of pain and on the toilet (this is the part where I spare the details). After some time of this pain and such, I took my blood pressure, it was super high (think 150/120)! I should have been on my way to a stroke! My throat started to feel like it was closing, I tried testing my peak flow (it's an asthma thing). My personal best is 380 (which I might add, I have no idea why my lungs were in such a good mood that that, I couldn't get that again if I traded my soul to the devil for a new set of lungs!). Saturday morning my peak flow was at 250, well below my yellow warning section! I still think I was breathing okay though, hate to see what it says I am doing when I feel like I'm breathing isn't quite so well. Things began to become progressively worse and I really had no choice but to reach for the epi-pen (which I was prescribed an abundant mess off for the my anaphylaxis allergy to latex/rubber, which I never realized was that bad!). I was frightened! It took more than 10 minutes to finally give myself the stupid shot that may have saved my life! After giving myself the shot, I had to go to the ER (I had already called into job number one, fat man in the sky was okay with it, he worries a lot about me). I also had to make it to job number two by 1:00...this was going to cut it short!
Anyway, at the hospital, I got an injection of more anti-histamine, a breathing treatment (I guess my breathing was worse than I thought), and an x-ray of my throat (there's a first time for everything). I was sent home with some steroids and more anti-histamine and the harsh cold reality that I was to "stay away from sushi". I am crushed! However, I think somewhere in my mind, I saw it coming. Most of the ingredients in sushi are a cross-allergen to the latex/rubber family. There is a giant list of things. As I have been told before, you have an allergy bucket. When you are eating/exposed to your allergens on a daily basis, your body is fighting hard to keep it all at bay. Once you cut your allergens you start to feel much better, the trade off is the bucket grows smaller. Your allergy bucket becomes full much more fast. This is what happened to me. I ate avocado, a lot of shell fish (love oysters!), and seaweed. Am I happy about "staying away from sushi"? NO, I am very upset and don't really know how to cope! I'm sure I will make it through alive, but this is not my idea of fun! I will now have dreams of swimming around in pools of raw shell fish.....yummy!
Ugh, hopefully I can fall asleep soon, 2:30 am and I had a long day. After the ER, I made it to work, with 10 minutes to spare! I was exhausted there, and still am, but can't sleep because of the bruise on my legs! I am also dehydrated and have a cramp due to my throat hurting so badly that I can't swallow well! Ugh, enough complaining, no wonder no likes to read ;) Hopefully, I will find something entertaining in my life, you know besides my trip to North Carolina! I can't wait for that!!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
I'm complicated....
Anyone who knows me, knows just how true this statement is! I was complicated before I knew I was allergic to corn...now it really is!
I had my doctor's appointment. I wondered what she would tell me, and I found out! My asthma is never going to go away. I am not going to "grow out of it". I will have to use an inhaler for the rest of my life. I will also have to visit with an asthma specialist. My lungs are worse off than my tummy when I eat corn! There is a number referred to as eNOS (endothelial Nitric Oxide). This number is supposed to be around a 23. The first time (back in March) mine was at 97...I made a joke that it was an A-...not funny apparently! In April my eNOS was at 26. Yay! Gold star! Yesterday, it was at 58...booo!!! I am not 100% sure what this number means, except it makes the doctor use lots of frown faces and tell me she isn't happy. After that, she prescribes a ton more inhalers, breathing exercises, schedules me an appointment with an asthma specialist, and other medications. At least my tummy feels better, right?!?
Dinner with the higher ups was pretty good! I got to the Glacier Brew House and Jackie and Brian had walked up behind me, just as our table was ready. Brian had already knew about my allergies, and started to tell Jackie about them. She was in awe...she had no idea what I was going to eat. I told her that I called (sorry Jetta, I had to take credit...) ahead and also looked at the menu online. She wanted to make sure I could eat the appetizer, so she had me order one that I could actually eat! I had a salad, no carrots, cheese, dressing (just lemon and pepper), although I forgot to add no croutons, so Tony ate those for me! For the main course, I had the flat iron sirloin, with white rice and asparagus. When I got it, there was blue cheese on my rice....weird. Crunch onions, which I am sure are corny! Oh, and GRAVY. I have made gravy a time or two in my life and generally cornstarch is used. I made Tony taste it, he said he thought it was corny. I asked if it would be appropriate if I sent it back, he said it was okay. I felt really bad about it all, but I think it would have been worse to not have been able to eat it!
After talking with a co-worker at my part time job, he said that it showed that I have challenges but I make the necessary changes in my lifestyle to over come them! I hope the big bosses think that way too!
I had my doctor's appointment. I wondered what she would tell me, and I found out! My asthma is never going to go away. I am not going to "grow out of it". I will have to use an inhaler for the rest of my life. I will also have to visit with an asthma specialist. My lungs are worse off than my tummy when I eat corn! There is a number referred to as eNOS (endothelial Nitric Oxide). This number is supposed to be around a 23. The first time (back in March) mine was at 97...I made a joke that it was an A-...not funny apparently! In April my eNOS was at 26. Yay! Gold star! Yesterday, it was at 58...booo!!! I am not 100% sure what this number means, except it makes the doctor use lots of frown faces and tell me she isn't happy. After that, she prescribes a ton more inhalers, breathing exercises, schedules me an appointment with an asthma specialist, and other medications. At least my tummy feels better, right?!?
Dinner with the higher ups was pretty good! I got to the Glacier Brew House and Jackie and Brian had walked up behind me, just as our table was ready. Brian had already knew about my allergies, and started to tell Jackie about them. She was in awe...she had no idea what I was going to eat. I told her that I called (sorry Jetta, I had to take credit...) ahead and also looked at the menu online. She wanted to make sure I could eat the appetizer, so she had me order one that I could actually eat! I had a salad, no carrots, cheese, dressing (just lemon and pepper), although I forgot to add no croutons, so Tony ate those for me! For the main course, I had the flat iron sirloin, with white rice and asparagus. When I got it, there was blue cheese on my rice....weird. Crunch onions, which I am sure are corny! Oh, and GRAVY. I have made gravy a time or two in my life and generally cornstarch is used. I made Tony taste it, he said he thought it was corny. I asked if it would be appropriate if I sent it back, he said it was okay. I felt really bad about it all, but I think it would have been worse to not have been able to eat it!
After talking with a co-worker at my part time job, he said that it showed that I have challenges but I make the necessary changes in my lifestyle to over come them! I hope the big bosses think that way too!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Yikes...dinner out tonight!
So tonight is the big dinner out with the big big boss....if that wasn't scary enough! Now, I add on my allergies and trying to make a good impression. I WAS a nervous wreck. However, my bestie came to my rescue!
I expressed my concern, again!, about looking bad in front of Jackie. Jetta asked where I was going and told me to look at the online menu. I looked, the main course I can do, but the sides, not so much. Next thing you know, she is telling me that she called (from North Carolina!) and they are more than willing to accommodate me in anyway possible! How awesome is that?!?!
I am less nervous now! I also know that my co-workers will make sure she knows I am allergic to life, as they won't let me forget it either! I feel much better knowing I won't look stuck up, or a fat girl with an eating disorder!
I have to go to the doctor's soon, not sure what they plan on doing to me today, but I guess I will find out. After the doctor is work, then the dinner (which I am still nervous about, but not because of the food). I took extra time today to look extra pretty :) A first impression is everything!
I expressed my concern, again!, about looking bad in front of Jackie. Jetta asked where I was going and told me to look at the online menu. I looked, the main course I can do, but the sides, not so much. Next thing you know, she is telling me that she called (from North Carolina!) and they are more than willing to accommodate me in anyway possible! How awesome is that?!?!
I am less nervous now! I also know that my co-workers will make sure she knows I am allergic to life, as they won't let me forget it either! I feel much better knowing I won't look stuck up, or a fat girl with an eating disorder!
I have to go to the doctor's soon, not sure what they plan on doing to me today, but I guess I will find out. After the doctor is work, then the dinner (which I am still nervous about, but not because of the food). I took extra time today to look extra pretty :) A first impression is everything!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
When it rains, it pours!
Today just sucks! I am normally pretty darn good about keeping everything cool, calm, and perfectly collected. Today, however is a different story!
I am stressed, I'm not going to lie! First it was my toilet, it went to the crapper (bad pun, but it's my toilet so I will say what I want about it!). I have four inches of water on my bathroom floor! My poor dog just wanted to play in the water! I had to go to work to deal with the billion of dust bunnies that we have been collecting for some reason, and maitence wouldn't come out...STUPID!! I tried everything, even calling my daddy who not only lives across Canada, but also the united states! I don't know what I thought he could do for me, but I called laughing hysterically until the laughs turned into sobbing! And I don't cry, so I am not sure what that was all about!!!!
The big bosses at work are coming up here tomorrow, to say I am nervous is an understatement! Brian, not so nervous about that, as long as you get him talking about himself its all good, but I have never met the other one and she is three down from the top of the chain! Oh and we are all supposed to go out to dinner on Wednesday, how do I do that and look professional? I don't want to look like a super picky eater, or even worse, a fat anorexic! I can't see misled ordering a salad hot the carrots, cheese, crotons, most meat, and oh yeah the dressing! Ordering a glass of water really isn't going to work either, that's just as bad!
On top of all of this, I have been trying to stay positive about the not eating, you know, anything, but enough is enough! I am young! I want to be able to live life! My friends quit inviting me out because they know my life is so limited now! I have been trying to be so positive about all of it, but it's so hard! I think tonight I am going to throw myself a pity party in my new pool, you know my bathroom floor!!
I am stressed, I'm not going to lie! First it was my toilet, it went to the crapper (bad pun, but it's my toilet so I will say what I want about it!). I have four inches of water on my bathroom floor! My poor dog just wanted to play in the water! I had to go to work to deal with the billion of dust bunnies that we have been collecting for some reason, and maitence wouldn't come out...STUPID!! I tried everything, even calling my daddy who not only lives across Canada, but also the united states! I don't know what I thought he could do for me, but I called laughing hysterically until the laughs turned into sobbing! And I don't cry, so I am not sure what that was all about!!!!
The big bosses at work are coming up here tomorrow, to say I am nervous is an understatement! Brian, not so nervous about that, as long as you get him talking about himself its all good, but I have never met the other one and she is three down from the top of the chain! Oh and we are all supposed to go out to dinner on Wednesday, how do I do that and look professional? I don't want to look like a super picky eater, or even worse, a fat anorexic! I can't see misled ordering a salad hot the carrots, cheese, crotons, most meat, and oh yeah the dressing! Ordering a glass of water really isn't going to work either, that's just as bad!
On top of all of this, I have been trying to stay positive about the not eating, you know, anything, but enough is enough! I am young! I want to be able to live life! My friends quit inviting me out because they know my life is so limited now! I have been trying to be so positive about all of it, but it's so hard! I think tonight I am going to throw myself a pity party in my new pool, you know my bathroom floor!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
It's been a while...
I haven't had much corn related to post about.
I had a weeks worth of heartburn. I felt as if the devil took up residency in my esophagus. I tried everything that anyone suggested. I tried Tums even though they are chuck full of corn, a spoon full of molasses, glass of water with baking soda, bread, lots of ice water, nothing helped the inferno burning in my chest. I couldn't sleep, laying down hurt more! On my day off, I spent the day napping on the couch, sitting completely upright. This was very uncomfortable, but it afforded for 20 minute naps, which was way more sleep than I got the night before. That night, I slept decently, but woke up with bruises on my chest from hugging a pillow so tightly. Oh yeah, and a weird dream about my boss and an allergic reaction. Finally, I was at my whits ends, I consulted my "corn people", I really do love them dearly, and they told me to try aloe juice. Who drinks an aloe plant? This girl does. However, be prepared that if you drink it, it's not very good. The taste wasn't so bad, it was the chewing of the juice. There were chunks of aloe in it! Gross! But, it did get rid of the heartburn. I vowed that if that didn't help, I was going to drink holy water and have a priest do an exorcism! I was in a bad spot! I have been heartburn free for 24 hours now! YAY!!
Today, I went to Whittier, AK. Whittier was nothing special. There is one building where everyone that lives in that town resides. I have lived in a small town before, but I could never live as a neighbor to everyone in the town! One apartment building! That's it! No houses! Lots of boats! One apartment building! The harbor was pretty and very Alaskan. It was what Alaska looks like the movies. There was nothing to do there...nothing. There was a 26 glacier cruise, but it leaves at noon...it was 6pm. So, about 6:25, it was back to the tunnel, where we waited until 7 when we could go through. The tunnel still amazes me, it was the best part of the Whittier trip, that is until we stopped in Indian, AK for some dinner.
I normally have a very hard time eating out, except for sushi. They had a sign that said "Fresh Alaskan Oysters" so I knew I could at least eat that much. The waitress was very sweet and was totally accommodating. I had 6 oysters in a half shell, a fresh salad with fresh lemon and pepper for the dressing, a gigantic baked potato, mixed veggie melody (void of carrots, she had the cook not cook the broccoli and cauliflower with them, how sweet is that?), and a giant steak cooked to perfection! Oh yeah, and their fries are made fresh from cut potatoes, so I could eat those too, no citric acid! The very best part, is that they will keep the kitchen open if I call ahead and let them know I'm headed out! So awesome! It was the best dinner out since my diagnosis (well besides sushi of course)!
I had a weeks worth of heartburn. I felt as if the devil took up residency in my esophagus. I tried everything that anyone suggested. I tried Tums even though they are chuck full of corn, a spoon full of molasses, glass of water with baking soda, bread, lots of ice water, nothing helped the inferno burning in my chest. I couldn't sleep, laying down hurt more! On my day off, I spent the day napping on the couch, sitting completely upright. This was very uncomfortable, but it afforded for 20 minute naps, which was way more sleep than I got the night before. That night, I slept decently, but woke up with bruises on my chest from hugging a pillow so tightly. Oh yeah, and a weird dream about my boss and an allergic reaction. Finally, I was at my whits ends, I consulted my "corn people", I really do love them dearly, and they told me to try aloe juice. Who drinks an aloe plant? This girl does. However, be prepared that if you drink it, it's not very good. The taste wasn't so bad, it was the chewing of the juice. There were chunks of aloe in it! Gross! But, it did get rid of the heartburn. I vowed that if that didn't help, I was going to drink holy water and have a priest do an exorcism! I was in a bad spot! I have been heartburn free for 24 hours now! YAY!!
Today, I went to Whittier, AK. Whittier was nothing special. There is one building where everyone that lives in that town resides. I have lived in a small town before, but I could never live as a neighbor to everyone in the town! One apartment building! That's it! No houses! Lots of boats! One apartment building! The harbor was pretty and very Alaskan. It was what Alaska looks like the movies. There was nothing to do there...nothing. There was a 26 glacier cruise, but it leaves at noon...it was 6pm. So, about 6:25, it was back to the tunnel, where we waited until 7 when we could go through. The tunnel still amazes me, it was the best part of the Whittier trip, that is until we stopped in Indian, AK for some dinner.
I normally have a very hard time eating out, except for sushi. They had a sign that said "Fresh Alaskan Oysters" so I knew I could at least eat that much. The waitress was very sweet and was totally accommodating. I had 6 oysters in a half shell, a fresh salad with fresh lemon and pepper for the dressing, a gigantic baked potato, mixed veggie melody (void of carrots, she had the cook not cook the broccoli and cauliflower with them, how sweet is that?), and a giant steak cooked to perfection! Oh yeah, and their fries are made fresh from cut potatoes, so I could eat those too, no citric acid! The very best part, is that they will keep the kitchen open if I call ahead and let them know I'm headed out! So awesome! It was the best dinner out since my diagnosis (well besides sushi of course)!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Silk and carrots
It's been a minute since I updated. Recently, I found out that carrots are no longer my friend, they put my whole digestive track to a halt...not fun! I also have made the decision to cut my Silk Soy Milk because it was the common denominator when it came to my stomach pains at night. I'm trying coconut milk now...let's see how I do...
I found some new food, something to change up my habits. I was starting to get very bored with my current choices, as I'm sure you can imagine. My best friend called me to ask what dry stuff she could get for me to eat while I am there to visit my godson. I named off about 10 things...that's it! Well, now I have a couple more things to add to the list...yay! I found a couple of cereals even!!
I went to Seward on a roadtrip the other day. It was a beautiful! I even tried to hike back to Exit Glacier (carrying my coach bag, of course....this is coming from the girl who wore Chanel glasses while gold panning). I made it about a mile before my lungs weren't having it anymore and I also kind of didn't want to get eaten by a bear as I took pictures of fresh bear tracks! Finding a place to eat was harder than the hike! There were a couple of bars, and a restaurant called "The Crab Pot". Well, I guess the crab pots haven't been plentiful yet, as it was still closed for the season. I could have ate that, I"m sure!!! So, we went to a restaurant by the harbor and I could pretty much not eat anything there either. The steak dinner came with a baked potato (covered in butter, not margarine), cooked veggies (cooked with green beans), soup and salad (salad without dressing is generally not good...and soup, well soup is pretty much a distant history for me unless I make it myself). I was not going to pay $27.00 for steak and not be able to eat anything else! I settled for a buffalo burger on sourdough with no condiments and french fries. I knew I shouldnt' eat them, but I had a couple. The citric acid they put on them tore my mouth up! I won't be doing that again! The next road trip I bring along my own food! TSA better not give this girl any grief on my many vacations this year!!!!
Thank you for reading another exciting addition to my allergic life :) haha
I found some new food, something to change up my habits. I was starting to get very bored with my current choices, as I'm sure you can imagine. My best friend called me to ask what dry stuff she could get for me to eat while I am there to visit my godson. I named off about 10 things...that's it! Well, now I have a couple more things to add to the list...yay! I found a couple of cereals even!!
I went to Seward on a roadtrip the other day. It was a beautiful! I even tried to hike back to Exit Glacier (carrying my coach bag, of course....this is coming from the girl who wore Chanel glasses while gold panning). I made it about a mile before my lungs weren't having it anymore and I also kind of didn't want to get eaten by a bear as I took pictures of fresh bear tracks! Finding a place to eat was harder than the hike! There were a couple of bars, and a restaurant called "The Crab Pot". Well, I guess the crab pots haven't been plentiful yet, as it was still closed for the season. I could have ate that, I"m sure!!! So, we went to a restaurant by the harbor and I could pretty much not eat anything there either. The steak dinner came with a baked potato (covered in butter, not margarine), cooked veggies (cooked with green beans), soup and salad (salad without dressing is generally not good...and soup, well soup is pretty much a distant history for me unless I make it myself). I was not going to pay $27.00 for steak and not be able to eat anything else! I settled for a buffalo burger on sourdough with no condiments and french fries. I knew I shouldnt' eat them, but I had a couple. The citric acid they put on them tore my mouth up! I won't be doing that again! The next road trip I bring along my own food! TSA better not give this girl any grief on my many vacations this year!!!!
Thank you for reading another exciting addition to my allergic life :) haha
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I'm going green...er
This has nothing to do with the environment. Although, maybe I should be riding a moose to work to save on gas! It has to do with my eye color :)
All of my life, I have wanted blue eyes. My dad has blue eyes, my mother has blue eyes, my step mom has blue eyes, both of my brothers and my sister all have blue eyes. I am the odd ball out with my green eyes. I used to even let people believe my eyes were blue, until it ate me up so much that I had to correct them and yearn for my set of baby blues!
May is eye exam month, I went to Lens Crafters today and got my eye exam. The doctor at the Dimond Center did a much better job than the one at 5th Ave, but his breath was not so pretty. In fact, it was foul. Every time he told me to "lean closer to him", I had images of puking on his shoes! Either way, he got me a new set of contacts and informed me that my eyes have gotten BETTER! Yes, I said better! I don't know how or why, but for the first time in my life, my eyes are the same strength and better than they were a year ago. I am not going to argue with science!
I have been thinking about it for a month or so now, and I decided to not only embrace being a GREEN-EYED LADY, but to enhance them so I am never confused for having those baby blues. The eye doctor groaned when I told him I wanted color contacts, but they aren't his eyes! I tried on 5 different colors. I really like this Caribbean one, but it made my eyes appear a little blue, so I would have run into the same problem I have now. I went with a color called "Gemstone Green". It's very pretty, and he agreed it was the best one I tried on.
Tomorrow, after work, I am going to look for new glasses. I checked some out at Dimond, but the only ones I found that I liked were Chanel, and I already have some Chanel. I'm going to check out the Sears Mall Lens Crafters in hopes that they have a pair that I will LOVE! Oh yeah, and I can't wait to enhance my greens next week!
All of my life, I have wanted blue eyes. My dad has blue eyes, my mother has blue eyes, my step mom has blue eyes, both of my brothers and my sister all have blue eyes. I am the odd ball out with my green eyes. I used to even let people believe my eyes were blue, until it ate me up so much that I had to correct them and yearn for my set of baby blues!
May is eye exam month, I went to Lens Crafters today and got my eye exam. The doctor at the Dimond Center did a much better job than the one at 5th Ave, but his breath was not so pretty. In fact, it was foul. Every time he told me to "lean closer to him", I had images of puking on his shoes! Either way, he got me a new set of contacts and informed me that my eyes have gotten BETTER! Yes, I said better! I don't know how or why, but for the first time in my life, my eyes are the same strength and better than they were a year ago. I am not going to argue with science!
I have been thinking about it for a month or so now, and I decided to not only embrace being a GREEN-EYED LADY, but to enhance them so I am never confused for having those baby blues. The eye doctor groaned when I told him I wanted color contacts, but they aren't his eyes! I tried on 5 different colors. I really like this Caribbean one, but it made my eyes appear a little blue, so I would have run into the same problem I have now. I went with a color called "Gemstone Green". It's very pretty, and he agreed it was the best one I tried on.
Tomorrow, after work, I am going to look for new glasses. I checked some out at Dimond, but the only ones I found that I liked were Chanel, and I already have some Chanel. I'm going to check out the Sears Mall Lens Crafters in hopes that they have a pair that I will LOVE! Oh yeah, and I can't wait to enhance my greens next week!
Friday, April 29, 2011
I'm not over it yet....
The Royal Wedding that is! I am still obsessed! I can't help it. I did not make it to the first kiss, in fact, I'm not sure how they made it so long before the first kiss! More power to them though!
I found out that I can still host a good ole fashioned party...corn-free even! For dinner, I made cucumber sandwiches and artichokes. Yes, I know artichokes aren't very British, but I was really craving for them, and they are super good, so who am I to deny myself this wonderful treat?!?!? I also made a royal wedding cake. It was marble with white frosting, all corn free :) I have yet to try it though. Ha, maybe I will have some for breakfast..haha.
Since having this allergy, I have found out that people are always looking out for you. I can say I am craving something, and immediately I have a support group of people telling me "NO". It's very helpful, because sometimes I forget just how much pain I was in and am willing to risk it for something super yummy that I miss! You know, like those super yummy pretzel nuggets from Auntie Anne's.... I have a recipe, I bet I can make it corn-free.... Also, people are always asking before they give me something if I am allergic to it, which makes me stop and think twice about whether not I am, as opposed to just popping it in my mouth and seeing! Restaurants want to be accommodating, friends don't want you to die, you know people are just always looking out!
I found out that I can still host a good ole fashioned party...corn-free even! For dinner, I made cucumber sandwiches and artichokes. Yes, I know artichokes aren't very British, but I was really craving for them, and they are super good, so who am I to deny myself this wonderful treat?!?!? I also made a royal wedding cake. It was marble with white frosting, all corn free :) I have yet to try it though. Ha, maybe I will have some for breakfast..haha.
Since having this allergy, I have found out that people are always looking out for you. I can say I am craving something, and immediately I have a support group of people telling me "NO". It's very helpful, because sometimes I forget just how much pain I was in and am willing to risk it for something super yummy that I miss! You know, like those super yummy pretzel nuggets from Auntie Anne's.... I have a recipe, I bet I can make it corn-free.... Also, people are always asking before they give me something if I am allergic to it, which makes me stop and think twice about whether not I am, as opposed to just popping it in my mouth and seeing! Restaurants want to be accommodating, friends don't want you to die, you know people are just always looking out!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
:) I have no title today :)
It seems that healthy is contagious, which I personally find nothing wrong with!
I have quit buying bread, no more sourdough for me! My bread came out a little lopsided last night, but that doesn't mean it doesn't taste delicious! Oh, and it's much cheaper! I can make several loaves for bread for what one costs, even if I shop at Costco! I am not a fan of the butts, but I have decided to make them into breadcrumbs for my salmon meatloaf that I am going to try. Apparently, the bone in salmon (not so sure about this) is an excellent source of calcium...I'm going to try it as a loaf...I'll let you know how that goes!
My godson's mommy called me yesterday to inform me that she found some non-corny baby powder! She either is really looking out of me, or just really doesn't want me to miss out on that vital part of my godson's life. I mean really, how could I let him grow up and be able to say, "yeah, well, I used to change your diapers...."! All natural Aveno shampoo too...yes she did! Yay! I can't wait for my trip to North Carolina!
Something else I can't wait for (I even had dreams of this last night) is the Royal Wedding party that I am having! I can't wait to try out my corn-free cake...I will take any excuse to make a cake!
I have quit buying bread, no more sourdough for me! My bread came out a little lopsided last night, but that doesn't mean it doesn't taste delicious! Oh, and it's much cheaper! I can make several loaves for bread for what one costs, even if I shop at Costco! I am not a fan of the butts, but I have decided to make them into breadcrumbs for my salmon meatloaf that I am going to try. Apparently, the bone in salmon (not so sure about this) is an excellent source of calcium...I'm going to try it as a loaf...I'll let you know how that goes!
My godson's mommy called me yesterday to inform me that she found some non-corny baby powder! She either is really looking out of me, or just really doesn't want me to miss out on that vital part of my godson's life. I mean really, how could I let him grow up and be able to say, "yeah, well, I used to change your diapers...."! All natural Aveno shampoo too...yes she did! Yay! I can't wait for my trip to North Carolina!
Something else I can't wait for (I even had dreams of this last night) is the Royal Wedding party that I am having! I can't wait to try out my corn-free cake...I will take any excuse to make a cake!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
AHHH Easter
I feel much more human now. I can go out to eat again! I can eat sushi again! I did make a couple mistakes this time though. Now that I am in comfy pants and my food is digested, I'm ready to dig in, before I dig into some more sushi for dinner!
First, I got some seaweed salad and a couple of grocery store rolls that I was going to eat at Midnight. I couldn't wait any longer, really! It was bad enough a week into Lent I find I have to cut my diet more than in half and I had already given up sushi! At midnight, I started digging in. Two pieces into my roll I realize I am eating cream cheese....CRAP....literally! So, I dissected my roll and continued on my way. I put the remainder in the fridge for breakfast.
I had some weird dreams last night, although, I wasn't swimming in corn, so that's good!
I had left over sushi for breakfast and I couldn't wait for lunch! Mia and I went to Haru and feasted! It was the best Easter dinner of my life! Yes, I made a couple of mistakes, like didn't calculate how oysters would mess with my allergies (you have to drink soda with them...soda=corn). Also, I didn't think anyone would know us there...we were wrong. We had a lot of food that we ordered and that was brought out to us. Running tally: (shared between us) salad, miso soup, edemame, 12 oysters, Aura roll, Caterpillar roll, green tea ice cream, AND tempera oreos! Yes, and we ate it all! I thought we were going to have be rolled out of there! On top of being full, my tummy was cramping and we were going to Tony's house to meet his dog...except his bathroom wasn't working....agggghhhh.
Now, in comfy pants and relaxing on the couch, I'm a bit sleepy but can't wait for round two at Samurai tonight! You know, after my nap!
Happy Easter!
First, I got some seaweed salad and a couple of grocery store rolls that I was going to eat at Midnight. I couldn't wait any longer, really! It was bad enough a week into Lent I find I have to cut my diet more than in half and I had already given up sushi! At midnight, I started digging in. Two pieces into my roll I realize I am eating cream cheese....CRAP....literally! So, I dissected my roll and continued on my way. I put the remainder in the fridge for breakfast.
I had some weird dreams last night, although, I wasn't swimming in corn, so that's good!
I had left over sushi for breakfast and I couldn't wait for lunch! Mia and I went to Haru and feasted! It was the best Easter dinner of my life! Yes, I made a couple of mistakes, like didn't calculate how oysters would mess with my allergies (you have to drink soda with them...soda=corn). Also, I didn't think anyone would know us there...we were wrong. We had a lot of food that we ordered and that was brought out to us. Running tally: (shared between us) salad, miso soup, edemame, 12 oysters, Aura roll, Caterpillar roll, green tea ice cream, AND tempera oreos! Yes, and we ate it all! I thought we were going to have be rolled out of there! On top of being full, my tummy was cramping and we were going to Tony's house to meet his dog...except his bathroom wasn't working....agggghhhh.
Now, in comfy pants and relaxing on the couch, I'm a bit sleepy but can't wait for round two at Samurai tonight! You know, after my nap!
Happy Easter!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter Feast!
Before I was diagnosed with the corn allergy, I decided to give up sushi for Lent. I do not know what I was thinking! Normally, I would eat sushi on Friday's during Lent, why would I give it up?!? It was a true sacrifice that's why! I LOVE SUSHI! Not only do I love sushi, but I live in the best place in America to eat it! I have never had better sushi anywhere else. Once I found out I was allergic to my whole world, I realized I wasn't allergic to sushi, I was happy but sad all at the same time! I thought about cheating and changing what I gave up for Lent to corn...but I would only be cheating myself.....
Tonight, at midnight, I plan on feasting! I will have supermarket sushi, but sushi all the same. I will have an Easter feast fit for a sushi loving fool! I will have lunch at Haru Sushi and dinner at Samurai Sushi and it will be the best Easter ever! You guys all have fun with your ham, green bean casserole and all those goodies I used to think I could eat. It's okay to admit you're jealous ;) haha
Tonight, at midnight, I plan on feasting! I will have supermarket sushi, but sushi all the same. I will have an Easter feast fit for a sushi loving fool! I will have lunch at Haru Sushi and dinner at Samurai Sushi and it will be the best Easter ever! You guys all have fun with your ham, green bean casserole and all those goodies I used to think I could eat. It's okay to admit you're jealous ;) haha
Thursday, April 21, 2011
This is going to work....
I went to the dietitian and that was a waste of my money, plus it was an hour in a half of my life that I will never get back.... Oh well, I know now!
Yesterday I spent the day in the kitchen. I made some rice to make into fried rice. I made a loaf of bread (and it's so much better than sourdough!). I made some brownies, a blackberry and raspberry smoothie, oh and some really yummy steak fajitas! I have a ton of food for the rest of the week, which makes working as much as I do a lot easier. I haven't made the fried rice yet, but I will and it will be the best rice ever! I made tacos tonight with homemade seasoning (yes even the taco seasoning has corn!). I found some cheese that melts (!) and shredded that up. I thought once upon a time that I would have to kiss Mexican food goodbye, but it turns out I can still have it, just a differently is all.
I found some vodka distilled from french grapes last night at Brown Jug. They had potato vodka too, but the bottle for the grape stuff was much more pretty! It doesn't taste at all like grapes and is very potent stuff! I was pretty much wasted off of two shots! I chased it with some Orange Juice (not so sure it was safe, it was Simply Orange though). I felt fine last night, well....okay, I felt really good! When I woke up this morning, I did not have to spend the entire day on the bathroom floor like drinking would have made me do before. It all comes back to those beautiful yellow delicious kernels!
My life isn't over, I am going to do this, and it will be completely worth it, especially now that I know I can still have food and alcohol ;)
Yesterday I spent the day in the kitchen. I made some rice to make into fried rice. I made a loaf of bread (and it's so much better than sourdough!). I made some brownies, a blackberry and raspberry smoothie, oh and some really yummy steak fajitas! I have a ton of food for the rest of the week, which makes working as much as I do a lot easier. I haven't made the fried rice yet, but I will and it will be the best rice ever! I made tacos tonight with homemade seasoning (yes even the taco seasoning has corn!). I found some cheese that melts (!) and shredded that up. I thought once upon a time that I would have to kiss Mexican food goodbye, but it turns out I can still have it, just a differently is all.
I found some vodka distilled from french grapes last night at Brown Jug. They had potato vodka too, but the bottle for the grape stuff was much more pretty! It doesn't taste at all like grapes and is very potent stuff! I was pretty much wasted off of two shots! I chased it with some Orange Juice (not so sure it was safe, it was Simply Orange though). I felt fine last night, well....okay, I felt really good! When I woke up this morning, I did not have to spend the entire day on the bathroom floor like drinking would have made me do before. It all comes back to those beautiful yellow delicious kernels!
My life isn't over, I am going to do this, and it will be completely worth it, especially now that I know I can still have food and alcohol ;)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Ready to Confess...
I'm ready to admit that Saturday, before my long road trip to get my antibiotic (again in Wasilla, not Anchorage), I ate McDonalds. It was not good at all. I can't believe I ever considered it food! I did have two big cups of corny caramel color in the form of Diet Coke though and that was delicious, even better than I remembered even! You should have seen this girl cooped up for an hour drive out to Wasilla after not having caffeine for over a month... just be glad you weren't stuck in the truck with me! Pour CoCo! In case you're wondering, my stomach did hurt, I did have some digestive problems, and over all it was miserable, except for that heavenly Diet Coke!
Yesterday, when I got home from work, I was starving. I reached for a banana (need to get rid of those leg cramps anyway). I am pretty sure I was tested for banana allergies (since I have the rubber/latex one and they are in the same family), but who knows what happened there.... I got terrible acid reflux (from one banana)! I tried to lay down, I got heartburn and a pinching headache right in the middle of my forehead that brought tears to my eyes. I took some Excedrin migraine, some allergy medicine, and some acid reducer...it was a long night. The total reaction lasted about six hours...from one banana! I will not be trying bananas again anytime soon. It was comparable pain to the pain I was having when I ate subway, which resulted in my gallbladder removal! UGHHHH. I'm claiming banana sensitivity and not eating them anymore!
I go to the Lifestyle Coordinator today. This should be good...I'll let you know how she likes her new title!
Yesterday, when I got home from work, I was starving. I reached for a banana (need to get rid of those leg cramps anyway). I am pretty sure I was tested for banana allergies (since I have the rubber/latex one and they are in the same family), but who knows what happened there.... I got terrible acid reflux (from one banana)! I tried to lay down, I got heartburn and a pinching headache right in the middle of my forehead that brought tears to my eyes. I took some Excedrin migraine, some allergy medicine, and some acid reducer...it was a long night. The total reaction lasted about six hours...from one banana! I will not be trying bananas again anytime soon. It was comparable pain to the pain I was having when I ate subway, which resulted in my gallbladder removal! UGHHHH. I'm claiming banana sensitivity and not eating them anymore!
I go to the Lifestyle Coordinator today. This should be good...I'll let you know how she likes her new title!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I CAN eat out!!!
Last night, I really wanted a steak. This is weird for me because up until a couple of months ago, I did not like steak. I ate it a lot growing up, and could not tolerate it anymore! Alas, I wanted steak. I have some steak waiting for me to cook up into fajitas, but it was late and....I wanted steak. You get the point!
So, Friday's here I come! I ordered a water, how boring...actually my whole meal was a bit boring, but it was good. When the waiter asked to take our order, I told him I had some menu questions and he might want to get comfortable. He told me "I will lie the best I can". I begged him not to. He asked my allergies and got the "allergen menu". I never even knew restaurants had this sort of thing! Of course, corn was not one of them listed, but it was a good help in the way of cow's milk. I ended up getting the sirloin and shrimp minus the buttery goodness they put on everything. The sides, just as boring, I got two orders of steamed broccoli.
I had to say no to appetizers and dessert, but who really needs all those extra calories anyway, right?!?! At least I got my steak! And, I can eat out, I just have to be careful.
So, Friday's here I come! I ordered a water, how boring...actually my whole meal was a bit boring, but it was good. When the waiter asked to take our order, I told him I had some menu questions and he might want to get comfortable. He told me "I will lie the best I can". I begged him not to. He asked my allergies and got the "allergen menu". I never even knew restaurants had this sort of thing! Of course, corn was not one of them listed, but it was a good help in the way of cow's milk. I ended up getting the sirloin and shrimp minus the buttery goodness they put on everything. The sides, just as boring, I got two orders of steamed broccoli.
I had to say no to appetizers and dessert, but who really needs all those extra calories anyway, right?!?! At least I got my steak! And, I can eat out, I just have to be careful.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Anchorage, we need to talk....
Tuesday, I cut my hand and had to go to Urgent Care, as I told all my loyal readers. Well, yesterday, when I was at my accounting job, I realized that my hand was really really hurting. I thought maybe it was the pain I was feeling all along but didn't notice because of the pain from the tetanus shot (I had sever arm pain, a low grade fever, nothing over 100.8, and a huge red bump on my arm). So, I dealt with it for a couple of hours and went about my work. It wasn't until I was opening the mail, that I couldn't take it anymore. I had to take the tape off and find out why it hurt to open envelopes! When I took it off, I realized how swollen my hand really was. I had sausage fingers! My size 4 finger was about a 6!!! I was almost normal! The bad thing was my ring was pretty much stuck on my hand. I was not going to go back to Urgent Care like that, they would cut it off in the hack saw job that they do and then I would have to have it reshanked...yadda yadda yadda. So, before I left the mall, I decided it was coming off first. I had my co-worker at the other job spray some lens cleaner on it, and we got it pulled off, but that was the end of wearing a ring yesterday! My hand was also super red and very warm. I knew it was infected, and it was time for some antibiotics!
I went to the urgent care, I was seen, treated, sent on my way, and was back to work within a hour! Talk about express service right there! It was a good thing too, I only had an hour before I had to clock into my other job! I had the stitches taken out (I may have been reacting to them), I was prescribed a lot of antibiotic (it appears I have an infection in my hand and I should have gotten some to begin with), and was told to come back on Monday night whether it was better or not. Okay, so I am waiting to check out (no co-pay because they coded it as a follow up...yay!). I noticed the pharmacy listing on the wall next to the check out. Well, since I live in Anchorage, there was no where to fill it after I got out of work on Saturday, no where to fill it before or after work today or Monday. I didn't want to lose my hand (okay so I am not that dramatic, but it does hurt and I didn't want my finger to become a size 8) I had to go to the only pharmacy in the state that is open 24 hours....in Wasilla! Wasilla is over an hour away, and is a small town, but they are the only Walgreens in the state that is 24 hours, so far. I explained to the pharmacy that I drove in FROM town, not TO town like I normally hear from people, and then I told her about my allergies to medications. She said, "I really hope this one works for you, because if it doesn't, there is literally nothing else you can take". Wow, thanks!
Not much of a corny entry, but I am not ready to admit what I did before the trip to Wasilla....let's just say it was really in poor judgement. We'll discuss that at a later date :)
I went to the urgent care, I was seen, treated, sent on my way, and was back to work within a hour! Talk about express service right there! It was a good thing too, I only had an hour before I had to clock into my other job! I had the stitches taken out (I may have been reacting to them), I was prescribed a lot of antibiotic (it appears I have an infection in my hand and I should have gotten some to begin with), and was told to come back on Monday night whether it was better or not. Okay, so I am waiting to check out (no co-pay because they coded it as a follow up...yay!). I noticed the pharmacy listing on the wall next to the check out. Well, since I live in Anchorage, there was no where to fill it after I got out of work on Saturday, no where to fill it before or after work today or Monday. I didn't want to lose my hand (okay so I am not that dramatic, but it does hurt and I didn't want my finger to become a size 8) I had to go to the only pharmacy in the state that is open 24 hours....in Wasilla! Wasilla is over an hour away, and is a small town, but they are the only Walgreens in the state that is 24 hours, so far. I explained to the pharmacy that I drove in FROM town, not TO town like I normally hear from people, and then I told her about my allergies to medications. She said, "I really hope this one works for you, because if it doesn't, there is literally nothing else you can take". Wow, thanks!
Not much of a corny entry, but I am not ready to admit what I did before the trip to Wasilla....let's just say it was really in poor judgement. We'll discuss that at a later date :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
What are you doing for the next 5 years??
Today, I was told what my plans are for the next five years of my life. Allergy shots. Five entire years of them. This time, I would like to thank my Daddy!
I went in for venom testing today. After 23 pokes to my arms I was declared allergic to hornets and wasps. I told the doctor from the beginning that I did not want allergy shots. She tells me I have a choice, spend the next five years getting a shot of venom, or possibly die if I get stung. Now, living in Alaska, this is really important to think about. We have a lot of land that is miles and miles from the nearest hospital. What would happen if I went out gold panning and got stung. The epi-pen can only slow down the "impending doom" (no kidding, a consent I signed said that!). So, I made the right decision, the one to have my next five years planned out for me.
The first 15 weeks I have to go once a week. The first 6 of these shots are an hour and a half long! I get three shots altogether and have to wait 30 minutes in between, to make sure I don't meet the "impending doom" *knock on wood*. Weeks 6-12 are an hour long and weeks 12-15 are only a half hour long. After week 15, I only have to go once a month, for the next five years of my life! Yippee! I do have to keep remembering that hopefully after these five years, I will not die if I get stung. I joked that they should start up a dating service for their allergy shot victims, it's now being put in the allergy news letter *eye roll*
My breathing has gotten a bit better (apparently, people really can blow out air for three continuous seconds, with one breath. I am a disbeliever), although, I did have to get a new rescue inhaler. I am also on 6 weeks worth of prednisone. Maybe by the time I go back in, I will be able to breathe out for the minimum of three seconds. The doctor wants me to shoot for 12...yeah right!
Oh, and I finally have an appointment with the lifestyle coordinator who forgot about me a week or so ago....just wait until I tell her her new title!
I went in for venom testing today. After 23 pokes to my arms I was declared allergic to hornets and wasps. I told the doctor from the beginning that I did not want allergy shots. She tells me I have a choice, spend the next five years getting a shot of venom, or possibly die if I get stung. Now, living in Alaska, this is really important to think about. We have a lot of land that is miles and miles from the nearest hospital. What would happen if I went out gold panning and got stung. The epi-pen can only slow down the "impending doom" (no kidding, a consent I signed said that!). So, I made the right decision, the one to have my next five years planned out for me.
The first 15 weeks I have to go once a week. The first 6 of these shots are an hour and a half long! I get three shots altogether and have to wait 30 minutes in between, to make sure I don't meet the "impending doom" *knock on wood*. Weeks 6-12 are an hour long and weeks 12-15 are only a half hour long. After week 15, I only have to go once a month, for the next five years of my life! Yippee! I do have to keep remembering that hopefully after these five years, I will not die if I get stung. I joked that they should start up a dating service for their allergy shot victims, it's now being put in the allergy news letter *eye roll*
My breathing has gotten a bit better (apparently, people really can blow out air for three continuous seconds, with one breath. I am a disbeliever), although, I did have to get a new rescue inhaler. I am also on 6 weeks worth of prednisone. Maybe by the time I go back in, I will be able to breathe out for the minimum of three seconds. The doctor wants me to shoot for 12...yeah right!
Oh, and I finally have an appointment with the lifestyle coordinator who forgot about me a week or so ago....just wait until I tell her her new title!
Come on...even a tetanus shot....
Yesterday, I hacked my finger open at work. When I finally got the bleeding under control (oh, I did not care if the band aids were corny/latex/rubber, I just wanted to stop bleeding all over the floor!), I tried to take it easy while I waited for my relief to come in. Five hours later, I was on my way to Urgent Care. I had called ahead, told them that I was allergic to rubber/latex/corn and asked if that would be a problem. If it was a problem, I would go somewhere else (Anchorage doesn't have much, but they do have an Urgent Care or 7). The nurse told me I would have to discuss that with the doctor when I came in....REALLY?? I wanted to give them a heads up and let them make the call, they wouldn't let me.
I had to be careful with my hand because anytime I hit it, it would open up and bleed all over again. I filled out my paperwork and was called back to triage. I told the nurse repeatedly that I was allergic to corn and that corn was sometimes in medicine/IV's. She assumed me I would be fine. One nurse washed my cut out and had me sit and wait for the doctor. He took a look at my hand, decided I needed to wash it again, and then he would "throw a couple of stitches in it." While washing my hand again, for three minutes, I started feeling very queasy. I was hot. I was ready to throw up. The nurse was concerned, had me sit down...yadda yadda. She then told me it was because of the pain, well, since it's my finger, I can tell you that it wasn't all that painful, but she tried over and over again to convince me it was!
After all of the stitching and such, another nurse came in with the tetanus shot. She told me that I was going to wait for a couple minutes after the shot because of my extensive allergy list. She scared the crap out of me, not with that statement, but rather, I looked at her before the shot and all I see is her hand cocked way back. It was like she was going to jam that needle into my arm with all of her power! I turned white, she told me not to look. Well, she did an okay job, until she tried to put a latex "pretty cool" band aid on my arm....come on now! Not two minutes later, the corn was kicking in. I had to get a steroid shot to get my lungs and throat back to working order...SCARY!
Now, my finger hurts (a little) but my shoulder is killing me!!! Oh and just so we are all clear on this, the tetanus shot used to be every 10 years, but it was changed to every 5....so go get one!
I had to be careful with my hand because anytime I hit it, it would open up and bleed all over again. I filled out my paperwork and was called back to triage. I told the nurse repeatedly that I was allergic to corn and that corn was sometimes in medicine/IV's. She assumed me I would be fine. One nurse washed my cut out and had me sit and wait for the doctor. He took a look at my hand, decided I needed to wash it again, and then he would "throw a couple of stitches in it." While washing my hand again, for three minutes, I started feeling very queasy. I was hot. I was ready to throw up. The nurse was concerned, had me sit down...yadda yadda. She then told me it was because of the pain, well, since it's my finger, I can tell you that it wasn't all that painful, but she tried over and over again to convince me it was!
After all of the stitching and such, another nurse came in with the tetanus shot. She told me that I was going to wait for a couple minutes after the shot because of my extensive allergy list. She scared the crap out of me, not with that statement, but rather, I looked at her before the shot and all I see is her hand cocked way back. It was like she was going to jam that needle into my arm with all of her power! I turned white, she told me not to look. Well, she did an okay job, until she tried to put a latex "pretty cool" band aid on my arm....come on now! Not two minutes later, the corn was kicking in. I had to get a steroid shot to get my lungs and throat back to working order...SCARY!
Now, my finger hurts (a little) but my shoulder is killing me!!! Oh and just so we are all clear on this, the tetanus shot used to be every 10 years, but it was changed to every 5....so go get one!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MMMmmmMMM Good!
The day before yesterday I cut peeled 10lbs of potatoes! It was an astronomical amount, but to be honest, it was half of the 20lbs bag that was about ready to replant itself! I filled a quart sized pot with cubed potatoes for mashed and cut the rest in strips for french fries. I ended up putting seven bags in the freezer. I made a pretty awesome dinner and had plenty of leftover potatoes for my next meal project.
Yesterday, I made the decision to clean out the cupboards so I could put my food away, I was finally ready. Since becoming corn allergic I had accumulated quite the array of food. I am so happy I found out shortly before Passover, it has made the transition much easier! I had two garbage bags full of stuff I could no longer eat. The worst part was throwing away the baby corn :( I love the baby corn! But that's okay, because I made up for it a couple hours later.
I had bought some baby shrimp, so I fried them up in some EVOO and a bit of fish sauce, they turned out yummy! Then I cut up some peppers and made up a recipe for potato pancakes. I was a skeptic on how well they would turn out. Holy Cow! They are delicious! They are better than Big Boy's potato pancakes! They do not even require sour cream or apple sauce! Speaking of apple sauce, I was going to make some of that last night too, but I decided to hold off on that for a bit.
I cut up all my veggies and made a huge container of lettuce/spinach. I also took a recipe from my corny experts and made a really yummy avocado salad dressing. I can't wait for lunch!! I also cooked up a couple of sweet potatoes. My fridge has never looked so healthy before!
Yesterday, I made the decision to clean out the cupboards so I could put my food away, I was finally ready. Since becoming corn allergic I had accumulated quite the array of food. I am so happy I found out shortly before Passover, it has made the transition much easier! I had two garbage bags full of stuff I could no longer eat. The worst part was throwing away the baby corn :( I love the baby corn! But that's okay, because I made up for it a couple hours later.
I had bought some baby shrimp, so I fried them up in some EVOO and a bit of fish sauce, they turned out yummy! Then I cut up some peppers and made up a recipe for potato pancakes. I was a skeptic on how well they would turn out. Holy Cow! They are delicious! They are better than Big Boy's potato pancakes! They do not even require sour cream or apple sauce! Speaking of apple sauce, I was going to make some of that last night too, but I decided to hold off on that for a bit.
I cut up all my veggies and made a huge container of lettuce/spinach. I also took a recipe from my corny experts and made a really yummy avocado salad dressing. I can't wait for lunch!! I also cooked up a couple of sweet potatoes. My fridge has never looked so healthy before!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
KING CORN!
Sounds scary, huh? Well, it is! It's a documentary on Netflix about these two guys from Boston who move to Iowa and plant an acre of corn. First, they go to a scientist who cuts their hair to see what is the main ingredient in their bodies, he finds corn of course! So, these two guys set out to the grocery store to find things without corn. Ha, they are certainly not in the practice of looking at labels, they found less than I do. The thing is they weren't even looking for the odd little names that corn hides in, rather they were looking for the obvious, the ones that say CORN. Either way, it was an eye opener, even for the girl who can't eat corn anymore. Afterwords, I didn't even want corn! Watch it!
I went grocery shopping again. I bought lots of organic veggies. I spent a good portion of my night in the kitchen cutting them up. I cut up 10lbs of potatoes (they were part of a 20lbs bag, and were going bad, so I had to do something with them). I cubed some for mashed potatoes (the left overs will be made into potato pancakes), the rest I sliced for french fries (I was starting to miss them. Did you know they put citric acid in frozen french fries to make them brown up more?). I then cut up two sweet potatoes, which are waiting to hit the oven. I cut up some peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, and romaine lettuce. I was on a roll today!
I also looked through my cookbook to see what else I needed to buy from New Sagya and the Kosher store. I'm thinking I will hit them up tomorrow or Tuesday and see what else I can add into my lifestyle.
I forgot to buy batteries for my scale though, so I am not sure how much weight I have lost yet, but I know it has to be some, my clothes are much looser!
I went grocery shopping again. I bought lots of organic veggies. I spent a good portion of my night in the kitchen cutting them up. I cut up 10lbs of potatoes (they were part of a 20lbs bag, and were going bad, so I had to do something with them). I cubed some for mashed potatoes (the left overs will be made into potato pancakes), the rest I sliced for french fries (I was starting to miss them. Did you know they put citric acid in frozen french fries to make them brown up more?). I then cut up two sweet potatoes, which are waiting to hit the oven. I cut up some peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, and romaine lettuce. I was on a roll today!
I also looked through my cookbook to see what else I needed to buy from New Sagya and the Kosher store. I'm thinking I will hit them up tomorrow or Tuesday and see what else I can add into my lifestyle.
I forgot to buy batteries for my scale though, so I am not sure how much weight I have lost yet, but I know it has to be some, my clothes are much looser!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Fashion Faux Pas or Life....
Decisions, decisions...
I guess I am to the point where I need to look into having a medic alert bracelet or the liking. Since corn is in everything, I have to make sure a paramedic knows not to give me an IV with dextrose. Also, I guess it is good for them to know (should something happen, knock on wood) what I am allergic to medication-wise. Here is my problem, I can only have SS or 14K gold. My body eats stainless steel. I don't really want SS since it tarnishes, but I do have unlimited access to Tarnex. With the price of gold where it is, I don't really want to fork out all that cash just for a bracelet that I am not going to love.
I love my jewelry. I have a slight obsession with it. I had a dream last night about my rings being stolen and woke up screaming and in a cold sweat! I have more sets of pearls than all of my grandma's combined! I do not want to wear an ugly medic alert bracelet! I have been looking into some designs. We have lots of catalogs at work, and I would get the wholesale price. I would have a co-worker who is learning engraving take a stab at the engraving. So, this ugly "piece of jewelry" won't cost me nearly as much. However, here is the problem, I am too picky! I have looked at the catalogs, I found one, but for some reason unbeknownst to me, it's a design that cannot be engraved! What is the point?!?! I have looked through every catalog at work, nothing else has caught my eye.
I found some sites tonight and got to thinking. Why can't I make several bracelets and have a charm that hooks onto them? Not as dork...but will the allergies all fit on one charm? I have several bracelets that I have made and love, so this might work! Who says a medic alert bracelet can't be a pearl bracelet?!?
I will look into the charms tomorrow at work. I also need to remember to take my star sapphire in so I can have my ring made :) Yay!
I guess I am to the point where I need to look into having a medic alert bracelet or the liking. Since corn is in everything, I have to make sure a paramedic knows not to give me an IV with dextrose. Also, I guess it is good for them to know (should something happen, knock on wood) what I am allergic to medication-wise. Here is my problem, I can only have SS or 14K gold. My body eats stainless steel. I don't really want SS since it tarnishes, but I do have unlimited access to Tarnex. With the price of gold where it is, I don't really want to fork out all that cash just for a bracelet that I am not going to love.
I love my jewelry. I have a slight obsession with it. I had a dream last night about my rings being stolen and woke up screaming and in a cold sweat! I have more sets of pearls than all of my grandma's combined! I do not want to wear an ugly medic alert bracelet! I have been looking into some designs. We have lots of catalogs at work, and I would get the wholesale price. I would have a co-worker who is learning engraving take a stab at the engraving. So, this ugly "piece of jewelry" won't cost me nearly as much. However, here is the problem, I am too picky! I have looked at the catalogs, I found one, but for some reason unbeknownst to me, it's a design that cannot be engraved! What is the point?!?! I have looked through every catalog at work, nothing else has caught my eye.
I found some sites tonight and got to thinking. Why can't I make several bracelets and have a charm that hooks onto them? Not as dork...but will the allergies all fit on one charm? I have several bracelets that I have made and love, so this might work! Who says a medic alert bracelet can't be a pearl bracelet?!?
I will look into the charms tomorrow at work. I also need to remember to take my star sapphire in so I can have my ring made :) Yay!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Corny inhailers....
I have had asthma all my life. Up until I was diagnosed with my allergies, I was taking four inhalers daily. I know, right! FOUR! I had pneumonia last year, and that was the end result. I never got my full (I say that loosely) lung capacity back. I continued to take all my inhalers (okay, not completely on schedule though....I would have been taking one every 2 hours, and 2 times a day, I would be taking all 4. Have you ever taking an inhaler? Do you know how shaky ONE makes you?) . The allergist couldn't understand why I was taking the medication that I was. She performed the necessary breathing tests, then told me, while my lungs really sucked, I was on the wrong medications. She took away two-three (I'll explain that) inhalers, but added a new steroid. My lungs should be like Arnold about now. She took away one-two of the inhalers due them being for COPD, which I do not have. She told me I could keep one as a rescue inhaler, which also has a steroid in it.
The past couple of days I have had a tightness in my chest, this morning it was more tight than usual, so I was going to take a puff or two. As soon as I took it, my chest got instantly tighter, I couldn't stop coughing, and I couldn't get a breath in! I was scared! It was more scary than an asthma attack! I thought for sure I was going to have to use my epi-pen. Instead, I calmed myself, as much as I could, and tried the other inhaler. While the other one helped me breathe a bit better, I still had a tightness in my chest, and still do. I am afraid, however, to use my rescue inhaler again. I think I will deal with the tightness for now! Soon enough, I will be back at the allergist and I will ask her what I should do.
Today, we had inventory at the 5th Ave. store. It might be the first time, I sort of felt sorry for myself. We always get breakfast (at Burger King and eat it together for the first 20 minutes or so of inventory). I brought my breakfast this morning, two banana muffins and thawed strawberries. While this was delicious, it was not greasy amazing not so good food! I did make it through though, and the good out weighs the bad...right?!
The past couple of days I have had a tightness in my chest, this morning it was more tight than usual, so I was going to take a puff or two. As soon as I took it, my chest got instantly tighter, I couldn't stop coughing, and I couldn't get a breath in! I was scared! It was more scary than an asthma attack! I thought for sure I was going to have to use my epi-pen. Instead, I calmed myself, as much as I could, and tried the other inhaler. While the other one helped me breathe a bit better, I still had a tightness in my chest, and still do. I am afraid, however, to use my rescue inhaler again. I think I will deal with the tightness for now! Soon enough, I will be back at the allergist and I will ask her what I should do.
Today, we had inventory at the 5th Ave. store. It might be the first time, I sort of felt sorry for myself. We always get breakfast (at Burger King and eat it together for the first 20 minutes or so of inventory). I brought my breakfast this morning, two banana muffins and thawed strawberries. While this was delicious, it was not greasy amazing not so good food! I did make it through though, and the good out weighs the bad...right?!
I think it was the movie, not the soda!
Monday night, I had my first movie going experience...corn free! I, of course, snuck in my own snacks. I had some Kosher for Passover marshmallows and dark chocolate. I also snuck in a bottle of Sierra Mist Natural, thinking it was safe. Well, you can see where that is going, I said "thinking it was safe".
There was a large group of us watching Insidious, which was super scary! I am good on scary movies for at least the next six months!!! Since going to the movies, I am pretty sure I am now allergic to horror movies, and have been all my life, ha! After waiting for everyone to get their favorite concessions (I was missing popcorn, Icee's, oh and then there was the coupon for Sour Patch Kids....), we headed to into the theatre. I was sitting next to Walley, who happened to be eating popcorn. You have no idea how much I wanted some....but I resisted.
By the end of the movie, my stomach was in pain. I will again spare you of details, but it wasn't good. I made it home, turned on EVERY light in my house, and took a shower. I had a hard time falling asleep, not only because I went to a horror movie or because every light in my house was still on, but because my stomach was killing me! According to my panel of experts (my corn forum is my safe haven, and since they are all allergic to corn or are the mother's of someone who is, they are my experts), after you become so corn free the popcorn in a theatre will bother you, or living in the middle of a corn field, or even to the point of the cow you are eating bothering you if it had been corn fed. I wasn't 100% sure if it was the popcorn in the air, or the soda that turned my stomach, until tonight, when I decided to try the soda on it's own. It was the soda! After just two drinks (no need to drink more than that if I am going to react) and about 15 minutes I could feel the difference, which means I have no safe soda anymore...Oh well....I shall be super skinny, and water isn't all that bad anyway! I think I might be allergic to horror movies though, I better cut them out of my lifestyle!
There was a large group of us watching Insidious, which was super scary! I am good on scary movies for at least the next six months!!! Since going to the movies, I am pretty sure I am now allergic to horror movies, and have been all my life, ha! After waiting for everyone to get their favorite concessions (I was missing popcorn, Icee's, oh and then there was the coupon for Sour Patch Kids....), we headed to into the theatre. I was sitting next to Walley, who happened to be eating popcorn. You have no idea how much I wanted some....but I resisted.
By the end of the movie, my stomach was in pain. I will again spare you of details, but it wasn't good. I made it home, turned on EVERY light in my house, and took a shower. I had a hard time falling asleep, not only because I went to a horror movie or because every light in my house was still on, but because my stomach was killing me! According to my panel of experts (my corn forum is my safe haven, and since they are all allergic to corn or are the mother's of someone who is, they are my experts), after you become so corn free the popcorn in a theatre will bother you, or living in the middle of a corn field, or even to the point of the cow you are eating bothering you if it had been corn fed. I wasn't 100% sure if it was the popcorn in the air, or the soda that turned my stomach, until tonight, when I decided to try the soda on it's own. It was the soda! After just two drinks (no need to drink more than that if I am going to react) and about 15 minutes I could feel the difference, which means I have no safe soda anymore...Oh well....I shall be super skinny, and water isn't all that bad anyway! I think I might be allergic to horror movies though, I better cut them out of my lifestyle!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
I promise I do eat :)
It has been brought to my attention that I have no really mentioned what I am eating, just what I can't have. Well, let me assure you, that I am still eating! Even if I wasn't, I am far from wasting away, so I would still have at least three weeks left on me... Although, I have been dropping some pounds :D
Going forward, in this post, when I mention a food, it is a food source that is safe for me ( I get sick of mentioning it's safe over and over again).
The other night, I made some banana muffins, they were super good by themselves, but I took it a step further. I thawed some strawberries and the next morning I had some banana strawberry shortcake! It was amazing! I also made some guacamole, instead of sour cream I used tofu. I also didn't use tortilla chips with this, I used baked pita chips...yummy! I also added some crushed red pepper to give it a little more taste. My corny friends even enjoyed it! I have had spaghetti, breakfast burritos, peanut butter and jelly, chicken quesadillas, I found a lot of Kosher for Passover foods.
I have two cookbooks full of options, but I haven't really had the ambition just yet to do more than look through them. I will though, and I will cook enough to freeze so I can cook on my days off and have food for the rest of the week! I haven't gotten a call back from the Lifestyle Coordinator (dietitian), but that's okay, I think I have somewhat of a handle on this...you know when I remember to read the label and see CORN starch!
Speaking of the corn starch, I woke up with a sore throat full of phloem, blisters on my arms (just little ones), stuffy nose, and eyes swollen shut! Stupid corn! I also took a nap (all my energy was drained) and I had a not so pretty dream involving my nose and allergies...I will spare you the details!
Well, today is my day off and I plan of cleaning out my chest freezer of all the bad...I wish food pantries would take frozen goods...
Going forward, in this post, when I mention a food, it is a food source that is safe for me ( I get sick of mentioning it's safe over and over again).
The other night, I made some banana muffins, they were super good by themselves, but I took it a step further. I thawed some strawberries and the next morning I had some banana strawberry shortcake! It was amazing! I also made some guacamole, instead of sour cream I used tofu. I also didn't use tortilla chips with this, I used baked pita chips...yummy! I also added some crushed red pepper to give it a little more taste. My corny friends even enjoyed it! I have had spaghetti, breakfast burritos, peanut butter and jelly, chicken quesadillas, I found a lot of Kosher for Passover foods.
I have two cookbooks full of options, but I haven't really had the ambition just yet to do more than look through them. I will though, and I will cook enough to freeze so I can cook on my days off and have food for the rest of the week! I haven't gotten a call back from the Lifestyle Coordinator (dietitian), but that's okay, I think I have somewhat of a handle on this...you know when I remember to read the label and see CORN starch!
Speaking of the corn starch, I woke up with a sore throat full of phloem, blisters on my arms (just little ones), stuffy nose, and eyes swollen shut! Stupid corn! I also took a nap (all my energy was drained) and I had a not so pretty dream involving my nose and allergies...I will spare you the details!
Well, today is my day off and I plan of cleaning out my chest freezer of all the bad...I wish food pantries would take frozen goods...
Saturday, April 2, 2011
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!
Last night, I was so tired that I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (all with safe products), which meant that I would not have any leftovers for my lunch today. Saturdays, I work 11 hour days, so breakfast usually doesn't tide me over for that entire time. My stomach was already hurting a bit (but not like it did before I cut corn!!!), so I took some carrots and goat milk veggie dip for my lunch.
Around 2ish I was getting pretty shaking and hungry, so I went to the back and began chowing down. Let's just get this right out in the open, Karma....she's a filthy little girl!!! I guess since I wrote a blog title about not being allergic to corn, she had to punch me in the gut!!!! I started really feeling like crud. I took a look at the label, and sure enough (I really don't know how), there was CORN starch in it. How did I miss one of the most obvious CORN's???
I got so frustrated, that I almost ate corny food just because I had already been exposed, so why not continue and at least get my cravings out of my system. I, however, was a good girl and did no such thing. And boy oh boy am I glad I didn't, who know what would have happened if I would have succumbed!
I will spare most of the details because they were not all so pretty, but I will tell you this, I cannot believe I lived with that pain for so long. I have no idea how I functioned! A week with relatively little pain, then I go and eat a bit of corn, and I can tell the difference. There were a couple times, when I was doubled over in pain today, where tears were almost brought to my eyes. I still have no idea how I did it before.
Next Saturday, I vow to not eat something I am allergic to, as it happened the Saturday before as well. I am done making a habit out of it!
Around 2ish I was getting pretty shaking and hungry, so I went to the back and began chowing down. Let's just get this right out in the open, Karma....she's a filthy little girl!!! I guess since I wrote a blog title about not being allergic to corn, she had to punch me in the gut!!!! I started really feeling like crud. I took a look at the label, and sure enough (I really don't know how), there was CORN starch in it. How did I miss one of the most obvious CORN's???
I got so frustrated, that I almost ate corny food just because I had already been exposed, so why not continue and at least get my cravings out of my system. I, however, was a good girl and did no such thing. And boy oh boy am I glad I didn't, who know what would have happened if I would have succumbed!
I will spare most of the details because they were not all so pretty, but I will tell you this, I cannot believe I lived with that pain for so long. I have no idea how I functioned! A week with relatively little pain, then I go and eat a bit of corn, and I can tell the difference. There were a couple times, when I was doubled over in pain today, where tears were almost brought to my eyes. I still have no idea how I did it before.
Next Saturday, I vow to not eat something I am allergic to, as it happened the Saturday before as well. I am done making a habit out of it!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Not allergic to corn...
HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!! hahaha I wish the above was true!
April 1st brings some fond memories for me. My grandpa was always a prankster, he got me every year. One year, I got him though! I bought some fake ants and flies at the gift shop at my grandma's nursing home/hospital. My grandpa always went to bed earlier than I, so I was able to hid my insects easily. The hard part was keeping it from him! I put 5 ants in the sugar bowl and I put 5 flies under the plastic wrap that was over the cooked potatoes (he was making his world famous potato salad!). Oh, I sure heard it when I woke up! My grandpa had almost thrown away 10lbs of cooked potatoes!!! HAHAHAHA!
Another memory is the best joke ever played on me! In college, my roommate had hidden my car from me. I had parked my car in front of our apartment, she had, late at night pushed (yes she pushed it) around the building to the carport! I walked out to go to work and realized my car was missing! I stood in the empty spot for a minute or two wondering who would steal a Cavalier?!?!? Then about 5 minutes later, I realized the day, and found my car! The not so nice part of that day was, I didn't even work that morning and I told my boss about the trick. On my way to work, my transmission blew and I had to wait for a tow truck for 1.5 hours! He thought I was trying to pull one over on him!
I hope everyone plays some fun tricks today. Get your fool on!
April 1st brings some fond memories for me. My grandpa was always a prankster, he got me every year. One year, I got him though! I bought some fake ants and flies at the gift shop at my grandma's nursing home/hospital. My grandpa always went to bed earlier than I, so I was able to hid my insects easily. The hard part was keeping it from him! I put 5 ants in the sugar bowl and I put 5 flies under the plastic wrap that was over the cooked potatoes (he was making his world famous potato salad!). Oh, I sure heard it when I woke up! My grandpa had almost thrown away 10lbs of cooked potatoes!!! HAHAHAHA!
Another memory is the best joke ever played on me! In college, my roommate had hidden my car from me. I had parked my car in front of our apartment, she had, late at night pushed (yes she pushed it) around the building to the carport! I walked out to go to work and realized my car was missing! I stood in the empty spot for a minute or two wondering who would steal a Cavalier?!?!? Then about 5 minutes later, I realized the day, and found my car! The not so nice part of that day was, I didn't even work that morning and I told my boss about the trick. On my way to work, my transmission blew and I had to wait for a tow truck for 1.5 hours! He thought I was trying to pull one over on him!
I hope everyone plays some fun tricks today. Get your fool on!
Bandaids, pencils, toothpaste, eyelasher curler....what next?!?
These a few of the recent developments of things that just do not sit right with me now! Okay, bandaids haven't sat right with me for a while. Even when I would put a latex free bandaid I would still have a reaction. I came to the conclusion that I was allergic to the adhesive. I could never not have a bandaid handy though. For one, I am a huge klutz. I remember not too long ago when I was at a friends house cutting some watermelon. I may or may not have been drinking at the time of the slicing... Either way, I was chopping up the watermelon and my hand got in the way. I had a small cut on the palm of my hand from the tip of the knife. The watermelon, however, looked like it had been murdered. This is common for me. I bleed...a lot! I tried to stop it with a couple of paper towels, but after a half hour, this wasn't working and we needed to head out. So, I settled with a latex ridden bandaid or 4! Now, I learn that not only am I allergic to latex/rubber, but the adhesive, of course that is made from CORN! I mean, really, why wouldn't it be?
I joined a forum for those allergic to corn last week (it took me almost 3 entire days obsessing over it to find one). I asked them about the bandaid issue. I guess I am supposed to visit my Amish roots (I don't really have Amish roots, but the town I grew up in was Amish ridden) and tie pieces of fabric around my appendages until the bleeding stops. Again, I would like to thank the American government for "enriching" my life and my flour and my pencils and toothpaste....
Which brings me to pencils. I used a normal #2 pencil for a second or two today while making changes to my schedule. Since I was making changes to the schedule I was also using the rubber eraser. Yes, rubber eraser, of course, I should have realized. The pencil though?!?!? What if I needed to take my SAT's....how would I manage?!? I was burned by the pencil. Who gets chemical burn from a #2 pencil? Oh, that's right, I do... go ahead corn, sneak into something else simple...
Oh yes, you have! This brings me to my toothpaste. Nothing with a corn allergy can be as simple as it once was. I had to switch toothpastes and I really really am pretty anal about my toothpaste. I was not thrilled to find one of those fancy corn hiding words located in my toothpaste. This could explain my swollen gums and sensitive teeth though. So, I changed my toothpaste. I dread brushing my teeth, they do not feel fresh! I can't even go organic because there are usually cranberries in that....Who complains this much about toothpaste?
Just when I thought there was a constant in my life, I realize in my paperwork of allergens, they have my eyelash curler mentioned. Of course, rubber you are not my friend. Are there all plastic/metal eyelash curlers? I am afraid to research what minerals are in my bare minerals make up. I don't want corn invading that too. I am cool with whale blubber in my lipstick, I do live in Alaska after all and people eat that! I am not cool with corn in my foundation though.
Tomorrow makes one week allergen free, let's see what that brings!
I joined a forum for those allergic to corn last week (it took me almost 3 entire days obsessing over it to find one). I asked them about the bandaid issue. I guess I am supposed to visit my Amish roots (I don't really have Amish roots, but the town I grew up in was Amish ridden) and tie pieces of fabric around my appendages until the bleeding stops. Again, I would like to thank the American government for "enriching" my life and my flour and my pencils and toothpaste....
Which brings me to pencils. I used a normal #2 pencil for a second or two today while making changes to my schedule. Since I was making changes to the schedule I was also using the rubber eraser. Yes, rubber eraser, of course, I should have realized. The pencil though?!?!? What if I needed to take my SAT's....how would I manage?!? I was burned by the pencil. Who gets chemical burn from a #2 pencil? Oh, that's right, I do... go ahead corn, sneak into something else simple...
Oh yes, you have! This brings me to my toothpaste. Nothing with a corn allergy can be as simple as it once was. I had to switch toothpastes and I really really am pretty anal about my toothpaste. I was not thrilled to find one of those fancy corn hiding words located in my toothpaste. This could explain my swollen gums and sensitive teeth though. So, I changed my toothpaste. I dread brushing my teeth, they do not feel fresh! I can't even go organic because there are usually cranberries in that....Who complains this much about toothpaste?
Just when I thought there was a constant in my life, I realize in my paperwork of allergens, they have my eyelash curler mentioned. Of course, rubber you are not my friend. Are there all plastic/metal eyelash curlers? I am afraid to research what minerals are in my bare minerals make up. I don't want corn invading that too. I am cool with whale blubber in my lipstick, I do live in Alaska after all and people eat that! I am not cool with corn in my foundation though.
Tomorrow makes one week allergen free, let's see what that brings!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Fake Bacon Tastes Like Fake Bacon
After my allergen binge, you know, when I decided to make a lifestyle change, I went to the store to get some food. It was 10:30pm... My choices were pretty much limited but I was going to find some food I could eat "safely". I went to Walmart. In Alaska, we lack a couple of things, first off places that are open 24 hours. We have Walmart and Carrs. I got a cart, spent 2 hours looking for corn/dairy/etc free food. I was getting very frustrated looking at everything I used to be able to eat and finding corn in it. When I was almost done with the store (2 hours later) I looked in my cart and thought, "Hmmm, I did okay. I have quite a bit of food in here". Well, $137 and 2 hours later, when I got home and took it out of the 5 bags, I was sadly mistaken. I decided to put it all on the counter so I could see at a moments notice what I could eat, until I got used to this whole new lifestyle. It was depressing. Everything I could eat, neatly surrounded my straw holder. It was like my corn free food was sitting around worshiping the straws that I probably can't use anymore because of something corny! I got depressed!
I finally found an allergic to corn forum and joined it! This is where I learned about Passover! I love Passover! I went to Carrs and found the Kosher "isle". I found dark chocolate, marshmallows, cakes, cookies, all sorts of sweet stuff, but not stuff that would be good for me to eat. I did find the organic isle though. Let me get one thing straight though, just because it's organic doesn't mean it is corn/dairy free. I read a lot of labels these days! I found some good stuff though. I found more fake cheese, fake bacon, fake sour cream, fake ice cream, tator tots that are not doused in corn syrup to help them brown, pita chips, and many more things. It was amazing! Another $95.00 and 3 bags later, I thought I had food again. I thought wrong...again!
I tried the ice cream, it's not so bad, but it's not so good either. The bacon is good, with something, like a BLT or on a breakfast burrito. It is not good at all by itself! The cheese, leaves a lot to be desired. The taste isn't so bad, it's the aftertaste. Oh yeah, it also doesn't melt! And for $4.00 for 12 slices it should not only melt, but be cooking itself! I keep rationalizing that I will soon forget what real food tastes like and be happy with my new taste buds and fake food. I just want to know when this day will come!
I finally found an allergic to corn forum and joined it! This is where I learned about Passover! I love Passover! I went to Carrs and found the Kosher "isle". I found dark chocolate, marshmallows, cakes, cookies, all sorts of sweet stuff, but not stuff that would be good for me to eat. I did find the organic isle though. Let me get one thing straight though, just because it's organic doesn't mean it is corn/dairy free. I read a lot of labels these days! I found some good stuff though. I found more fake cheese, fake bacon, fake sour cream, fake ice cream, tator tots that are not doused in corn syrup to help them brown, pita chips, and many more things. It was amazing! Another $95.00 and 3 bags later, I thought I had food again. I thought wrong...again!
I tried the ice cream, it's not so bad, but it's not so good either. The bacon is good, with something, like a BLT or on a breakfast burrito. It is not good at all by itself! The cheese, leaves a lot to be desired. The taste isn't so bad, it's the aftertaste. Oh yeah, it also doesn't melt! And for $4.00 for 12 slices it should not only melt, but be cooking itself! I keep rationalizing that I will soon forget what real food tastes like and be happy with my new taste buds and fake food. I just want to know when this day will come!
Diet Coke....Holy Water?
One hangover weekend back in college, we have all had them don't play innocent on me, I accidentally on purpose called Diet Coke "Holy Water". I am Catholic. Oops. However, Diet Coke is a really excellent hangover cure, and in Mount Pleasant (I think it was Central/Western Weekend, or maybe it was the unemployment weekend, or was it...you get the point) there is a Burger King that has the fountain soda (I've lived outside of Michigan for far too long) machine in the lobby. This makes for the perfect Sunday post hang over hangout! They are all understanding college students themselves, well mostly, so they understand. They will let you hang out there all day long buying just a large soda to share with 12 people! They know you won't cause too much of a scene, your head can't handle any noise yet. It's once the sunglasses come off that they might start to worry a little bit. I recall the moment like it was yesterday, comparing diet coke to holy water. Could this blasphemy really be what caused this corn allergy?
Of course it didn't, but the diet coke is still mocking me on a daily basis. I have a half a case of it sitting by the door, waiting to go to a new home. I can't bear to watch it leave....I'm a sad sad individual! I keep hoping that tomorrow I will wake up from that dream of corn (yes, I sometimes dream of a pile of corn dripping in sweet succulent butter, sometimes I am swimming in a pool of it) and be able to drink my diet coke for breakfast....fat chance, but I keep hoping! When I think of diet coke, I often hear a soundtrack, which is Daft Punk, One More Time. "Just one more time, we're gonna celebrate, you and me got me feeling so free....diet coke...."
Maybe I haven't lost my Corny, perhaps I'm allergic to myself!
Of course it didn't, but the diet coke is still mocking me on a daily basis. I have a half a case of it sitting by the door, waiting to go to a new home. I can't bear to watch it leave....I'm a sad sad individual! I keep hoping that tomorrow I will wake up from that dream of corn (yes, I sometimes dream of a pile of corn dripping in sweet succulent butter, sometimes I am swimming in a pool of it) and be able to drink my diet coke for breakfast....fat chance, but I keep hoping! When I think of diet coke, I often hear a soundtrack, which is Daft Punk, One More Time. "Just one more time, we're gonna celebrate, you and me got me feeling so free....diet coke...."
Maybe I haven't lost my Corny, perhaps I'm allergic to myself!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A whole new outlook
Okay, yeah, right, I didn't have a whole new outlook. I was not convinced that these allergies were a blessing, but I was trying! First thing I did was kept repeating, until I believed it, that my allergies weren't new! They were something that had been there for quite some time. I sat thinking, and by "sat thinking" I mean I stood in the shower thinking (as all the women out there know, this is where we do our best thinking...our PEACEFUL spot) about what it felt like to eat pain free, to not ache everyday, to go through a day not exhausted, and furthermore, just being healthy. I could not remember. This thought made me sad, and I am not one to be sad, so I had to put a stop to this! I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to remember how it felt to live a day without pain! I remembered back to that unnecessary gallbladder surgery and the fairytale I was told, I would feel so much better. If I let a stranger cut into me and remove an organ, I can let another stranger tell me my allergies and try out this new lifestyle.
That last word, lifestyle, was my next step. I reasoned that I was no on a diet. Diets can be cheated, I'm pretty sure the word is derived from some ancient form of cheating. Everyone I heave ever encountered has cheated on their diet, it's whether they will admit it or not. With a diet, you can eat some ice cream, spend a little extra time on the treadmill and voila, cheating is okay! You can't cheat when you have an allergy. Swollen lips? Cheaper than collegian injections and probably about as comfortable! Anaphaltic shock? Well...what is good about that?! Is ice cream really worth it? The word diet also implies that it is short term. Most people go on a diet lose 10-20 pounds then say they will continue the new healthy habits. Most people, in my experiences, continue for a month or so until the bad habits creep back in. So, no, I am not on a restricted diet!
I decided that I am going through a lifestyle change. I am making an appointment with a dietitian (or as I will call her, a lifestyle coordinator, who cares what she went to school for?) I have bought some "safe" foods. I have found that Passover is now my favorite holiday of all, and I am not ever Jewish. Lifestyle change!
That last word, lifestyle, was my next step. I reasoned that I was no on a diet. Diets can be cheated, I'm pretty sure the word is derived from some ancient form of cheating. Everyone I heave ever encountered has cheated on their diet, it's whether they will admit it or not. With a diet, you can eat some ice cream, spend a little extra time on the treadmill and voila, cheating is okay! You can't cheat when you have an allergy. Swollen lips? Cheaper than collegian injections and probably about as comfortable! Anaphaltic shock? Well...what is good about that?! Is ice cream really worth it? The word diet also implies that it is short term. Most people go on a diet lose 10-20 pounds then say they will continue the new healthy habits. Most people, in my experiences, continue for a month or so until the bad habits creep back in. So, no, I am not on a restricted diet!
I decided that I am going through a lifestyle change. I am making an appointment with a dietitian (or as I will call her, a lifestyle coordinator, who cares what she went to school for?) I have bought some "safe" foods. I have found that Passover is now my favorite holiday of all, and I am not ever Jewish. Lifestyle change!
A breakdown of the offenders....
Green Beans: I love me some green bean casserole! I even have a dish devoted exclusively to my green bean casserole. How am I going to survive the holidays?!?!? Once, I had a handle on the face that I really didn't eat that all that often anyway, but still loved them, I calmed down a bit and headed to my next tragedy.
Peas and Pork: I feel I can lump these two together because I like them both, but they never have been a number one choice for me. Growing up, I hated pork chops, pork tenderloin, bacon, pretty much everything but honey ham and processed lunch meat. Peas on the other hand, does anyone ever say, "Man, I wish I had some peas right now! I am craving them!" Let me answer that for you...NO! In my experience if peas are needed and you don't have any then you skip adding them. You do not make a special trip to the store just for peas!
Cow's Milk: Eh, I can deal with this one. I'm a big fan of soy milk I have found out!
The last allergy is the one getting under my skin. CORN! I am allergic to corn! That wonderful yellow kernel of sweet deliciousness is my nemesis. When I was first processing this information, I was okay with it. Okay, so I can't eat corn on the cob this summer, it's not like I live in Iowa anyway! There are no corn fields in Alaska! Oh...and that creamed corn casserole I like so much, oh well, I eat that about once a year.
As the doctor started going more in depth, I kind of on purpose, quit listening. Corn is in everything! I was told I could make an appointment with the dietitian, but since I hadn't been listening to how my life was about to change, I declined. None of this hit me until I made it home and started going through my new binder full of information. I wanted to fall into a crumpled mess and admit defeat, but instead I took a very long, very hot shower to divert my attention from my new life!
I really wasn't ready to make these changes to my life. Once out of the shower, I decided a binge of my allergens was in order. Since I was giving up everything that I lived for (yes, I do live for diet coke), I thought I deserved all the corn and corn bi-products I could cram into a day. I would eat my favorites ONE LAST TIME! Wow! That was a mistake! Big mistake!
For breakfast, I had a jalapeno and cheese bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese. I washed it down with a diet coke. For breakfast dessert, yes, I went this far, I had half a bag of Cadbary Mini Eggs. I did not feel good! My stomach was killing me. I still hadn't learned my lesson from breakfast by the time dinner rolled around. So, for dinner I had the diet coke staple, a cheeseburger with ketchup on a jalapeno and cheese bagel. I followed that with the other half of the mini eggs. I was in pain, I didn't sleep well, I had nightmares, I knew it was time to give up the allergens and make a change...
Peas and Pork: I feel I can lump these two together because I like them both, but they never have been a number one choice for me. Growing up, I hated pork chops, pork tenderloin, bacon, pretty much everything but honey ham and processed lunch meat. Peas on the other hand, does anyone ever say, "Man, I wish I had some peas right now! I am craving them!" Let me answer that for you...NO! In my experience if peas are needed and you don't have any then you skip adding them. You do not make a special trip to the store just for peas!
Cow's Milk: Eh, I can deal with this one. I'm a big fan of soy milk I have found out!
The last allergy is the one getting under my skin. CORN! I am allergic to corn! That wonderful yellow kernel of sweet deliciousness is my nemesis. When I was first processing this information, I was okay with it. Okay, so I can't eat corn on the cob this summer, it's not like I live in Iowa anyway! There are no corn fields in Alaska! Oh...and that creamed corn casserole I like so much, oh well, I eat that about once a year.
As the doctor started going more in depth, I kind of on purpose, quit listening. Corn is in everything! I was told I could make an appointment with the dietitian, but since I hadn't been listening to how my life was about to change, I declined. None of this hit me until I made it home and started going through my new binder full of information. I wanted to fall into a crumpled mess and admit defeat, but instead I took a very long, very hot shower to divert my attention from my new life!
I really wasn't ready to make these changes to my life. Once out of the shower, I decided a binge of my allergens was in order. Since I was giving up everything that I lived for (yes, I do live for diet coke), I thought I deserved all the corn and corn bi-products I could cram into a day. I would eat my favorites ONE LAST TIME! Wow! That was a mistake! Big mistake!
For breakfast, I had a jalapeno and cheese bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese. I washed it down with a diet coke. For breakfast dessert, yes, I went this far, I had half a bag of Cadbary Mini Eggs. I did not feel good! My stomach was killing me. I still hadn't learned my lesson from breakfast by the time dinner rolled around. So, for dinner I had the diet coke staple, a cheeseburger with ketchup on a jalapeno and cheese bagel. I followed that with the other half of the mini eggs. I was in pain, I didn't sleep well, I had nightmares, I knew it was time to give up the allergens and make a change...
Hahaha, I am so corny...well not anymore :)
Last week, I visited an allergist for the first time in my life. I left less than thrilled, but optimistic, nonetheless. My background was complicated, I was referred to as the "perfect allergy patient". My appointment was to take 2-3 hours initially. The allergies I knew about were: latex, several medicines, cat, dog, mold, strong perfumes, detergents with perfumes and dyes, along with pumpkin and cranberry. My appointment lasted five hours!!!
All of my life, I have have asthma. Sure, when I was young, it was really bad, but I managed to live a normal life. As far as I am concerned, I still do, well that was up until March 24, 2011, which is when I got my allergy results. I have also been having stomach problems for years. I was always going to the doctor and/or ER. One day in November 2010, I had a veggie sub from Subway and had a "gallbladder attack". I was hospitalized for three days and was promised health and pain-free eating.
HA! No such luck! For six weeks, I ate nothing but soup, as it seemed to be the only thing that didn't hurt as much. The gallbladder surgeon referred me to a gastroentrologist. He was hopeful for some ulcers. I wasn't, but I'd give everything I have now if I could trade it in for a couple, bleeding even! I had an endoscopy done, along with several more tests and appointments. When nothing turned up, he referred me to an OB/GYN (irregular periods could lead to stomach pains) and an allergist (maybe I was eating foods I was allergic to).
I got an appointment almost immediately for the OB/GYN. although, I have ovarian cysts and endrometriosis, neither is the cause of my abdominal pain after I eat. This pain, ironically enough, is right where my gallbladder used to be! The appointment with the allergist took a couple more months.
Now, here four months after I had my gallbladder removed, I have learned that I am allergic to my LIFE!!! Out of the the 30 possible foods I was tested for, I was only allergic to five...not bad right? HA!
I am allergic to cow's milk, green beans, peas, pork, and corn! This blog is by no means medical advice, it's merely a place for me get my feelings out and hopefully encourage others with food allergies. Let's all laugh at my mistakes on my journey! I have have a few already and expect to have many more!
All of my life, I have have asthma. Sure, when I was young, it was really bad, but I managed to live a normal life. As far as I am concerned, I still do, well that was up until March 24, 2011, which is when I got my allergy results. I have also been having stomach problems for years. I was always going to the doctor and/or ER. One day in November 2010, I had a veggie sub from Subway and had a "gallbladder attack". I was hospitalized for three days and was promised health and pain-free eating.
HA! No such luck! For six weeks, I ate nothing but soup, as it seemed to be the only thing that didn't hurt as much. The gallbladder surgeon referred me to a gastroentrologist. He was hopeful for some ulcers. I wasn't, but I'd give everything I have now if I could trade it in for a couple, bleeding even! I had an endoscopy done, along with several more tests and appointments. When nothing turned up, he referred me to an OB/GYN (irregular periods could lead to stomach pains) and an allergist (maybe I was eating foods I was allergic to).
I got an appointment almost immediately for the OB/GYN. although, I have ovarian cysts and endrometriosis, neither is the cause of my abdominal pain after I eat. This pain, ironically enough, is right where my gallbladder used to be! The appointment with the allergist took a couple more months.
Now, here four months after I had my gallbladder removed, I have learned that I am allergic to my LIFE!!! Out of the the 30 possible foods I was tested for, I was only allergic to five...not bad right? HA!
I am allergic to cow's milk, green beans, peas, pork, and corn! This blog is by no means medical advice, it's merely a place for me get my feelings out and hopefully encourage others with food allergies. Let's all laugh at my mistakes on my journey! I have have a few already and expect to have many more!
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