Old and ornery is not what I had planned, but I am embarking on seeing my age demographic rise. In less than 24 hours I will be officially a year older and hopefully wiser. Not sure if I am all that thrilled about the getting older thing, but you just cannot stop that freight train from happening, right?
Now, normally people look forward to celebrating that anniversary of birth, but I just never got all that excited. I used to, but after years of non-celebrations on my behalf has left me a little jaded. I remember as a youngster, trying to put together a birthday party for myself to only have it become a no-show fest and a solo trip to the store with my dad to pick out what I would like for my birthday gift.
Back then, my parents struggled to support me and my three other siblings. Not in a way that made it look like we were destitute, but every penny was accounted for in my family home. Both my mom and dad worked. Not always at the same time, but they both earned something to keep the essentials around. We had the option.... Have a birthday party with friends, games and cake or not have a party and get one thing we really want for our birthday.
With having a birthday so close to a summer holiday, it was far harder to assemble a group of friends to celebrate with me. The carnivals were in full swing, family vacations happened, and with the weather apparently being too perfect to be packed in a house for an afternoon... I would get far more declines to my birthday party than I would actual R.S.V.P.'s. So, I usually got something from my mom and dad and called it a day. Sure, I got well wishes, but not much beyond that. I do not blame my parents for feeling like a misfit toy on Christmas Island. I do not blame the friends I had back then that celebrating my birthday with me looked more like a last resort before all the other great things that they can do on my birthday. It was just what it was... another day... no big deal. In fact, one birthday was spent at a funeral of a friend and not one person thought of wishing me a happy birthday. WOW... totally selfish to think that it should have been acknowledged when people are grieving over a death of a friend. That just added a pang of guilt right now.
With other people getting sweet 16 parties that appeared more like a gala event, I could have been jealous, but it took too much effort to pull that emotion out of my hat. My 21st birthday was fun. I had a few older friends of mine take me to a bar for my first drinking experience. Of course, trouble follows me... or so I started to believe when some drunk chick tried to pick a fight with me. Once she figured out that I was not to be messed with when I offered to take her out into the parking lot to settle her apparent issue... it was quite uneventful. I already knew what my limit was well before being of legal age. Yep, I had my real first taste of alcohol at my oldest sister's wedding. I was 17. A completely embarrassing debacle of events that my sister has on video tape for nostalgic purposes to look back upon (sorry big sis... still feel a pang of guilt over that, but my first hangover was a definite lesson learned... well, my date did not seem to mind crashing into the ladies room to help feed me crackers and 7-up to sober me up a bit, so it did have some funny memories in hindsight about that).
Now, when it came to milestone birthdays as an adult, I happen to still be an afterthought. When I turned 30, I did notice my best friend trying to make it a little special while we were at a BBQ by giving me a gift and an "over the hill" balloon. I appreciated the effort. At 40, I hoped for a little surprise party from DH (since I threw one for his 40th), but I did not. I did get a card and nothing else, so I should appreciate that I was thought of regardless, right? After having 40 smack me upside my head, the birthdays that followed lacked the party as well as the card. Heck, I would get a "happy birthday" comment . maybe a quick kiss and back to the routine of being the overachieving spouse that I am with cooking, cleaning and all the usual stuff... just another ordinary day. There has been one thoughtful moment that usually happened on my birthday, but that came to a screeching halt last year.... my best friend would do her best to make some time for me, offer a small trinket and give me the feeling that I was appreciated for making it another year. She moved away and can't just fly back just for me and my birthday. I know I will get to hear from her and I really do appreciate that. It has boiled down to the smallest of things being appreciated the most.
Of course, I know that at the time of my birth (at the glorious crack of dawn), I will get a phone call from my mom and her rendition of singing happy birthday to me. She contributed to my birthday gift in lieu of a party (the tradition still stands all these years as well as being married with a family of my own now), and with getting it early.... I will put to use that Magic Bullet from Bed Bath and Beyond. She contributed half the cost and also supplied the coupon to save on the cost. Works for me since she is on a fixed income and really should not spend on me anymore. She should spend it on herself instead. I'll probably get a call from my other siblings somewhere during the day. One will sing, one will tease me by telling me that I am an old hag (even though I am the youngest of the brood) which will be filled with banter, and the other might find the time to call (she is really busy, you know). DD will probably make me an originally designed card and give me a hug. DH will probably mention a "happy birthday" before he heads off to work or maybe mention it later in the day (if he remembers, that is). Basically, only feeling slightly special, but just another ordinary day nonetheless.
What kind of hits me hard is the looking back at how far I have gone in life and all those "what ifs" that I passed on. I get a little nostalgic and withdrawn while I try to embrace that I am another year older. While I would love to go into hiding for the day that marks the anniversary of my birth, I have no choice but to face getting older. Really... is turning 45 a death sentence? Heck, is it a milestone birthday? Probably not. Just another year notch in my bedpost of life. Oh well.....
I did notice that I am getting a little short on the patience scale. I have been known for my calm nature and reasonable expectations. Heck, I have been told that I am sunshine wherever I happen to be, but I have noticed that I am getting real close to snapping sometimes. Stupidity and childish acts are really rubbing my nerves raw. Divas and wanna be divas are going to hear my wrath real soon. There are times I feel like I am itching to let loose and really tell some people off while in the same breath I want to cry if there is a confrontation. I seem to be cracking at the seams, but it could be a hormonal thing. I am getting close to that age that does that. The sweats and the shivers are getting closer. I can almost feel it coming and I believe that takes away that feeling of being that delicate wallflower of being a woman. Oh, who am I kidding! I am a tomboy to the core and will probably embrace the lack of estrogen easier than most. I just have to check my attitude before opening my mouth and I guess turning 45 is a good starting point. Yep, embrace the fact that I am getting older, more ornery, and less cute. Of course, DD sucked the cuteness out of me when she was conceived. That is my story and I am sticking to it!!
Grrr... time to hibernate somewhere with the phone off the hook real soon. Time is running out! I don't wanna grow up!!!!!!!!!! ((burying my head under the covers)) But I have to get the grocery shopping for the week done first... sigh.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Good to know...
Breaking up is not all that hard to overcome if you already have another person to take that vacant space. At least, that is what I just recently learned about DD today.
I know that DD is a beautiful person through and through, but I never in my dizziest of days would think that she could get over her first boyfriend with such ease. In fact, I was a bit shocked at how well DD took the silent breakup she got from her first "boyfriend". I knew it was a first-crush-school-romance that rarely should make a dent in life, but usually the firsts in anything are the strongest felt. First boyfriends, first breakups, first heartaches and first heartbreaks are a passage in life and it is always the parent that helps put all that broken feeling back together and teaches that life is more than that first in life and to remind them that there is far greater things on the horizon. You know what I mean, right? Getting to use that old cliche' of, "there are more fish in the sea", apparently is not going to be used by me. Yep, DD learned that notion all on her own. Not one noticeable tear was shed when her at school boyfriend did not call her after school ended, nor did he mention if their relationship was to go beyond school and continue over the summer. She got to experience the silent breakup with no real closure all on her own.
It seems that it was no big deal for her since she now has a new boyfriend that she has been chatting it up with via text on her phone. How do I know this, you ask? Well, when DD left her phone on the floor at my feet and left the room, it stirred a curious notion in my bloodstream. Not nosy by nature, I resisted, that is, until her phone received a text with the words... "good morning cuddlebear". Noticing a name that I am not aware of raised my curiosity just a bit more. Before giving DD her cell phone, I looked at the messaging history and noticed that this has been going on for a while. All cutesy stuff, and nothing sexual, but unsettling to say the least. DD has usually been open and honest with me, but this is one HUGE secret that I knew nothing about. It appears that this person goes by initials for a first name and he is also quite smitten with my daughter. Totally unsettling in my opinion. I should have come to terms with the fact that she would be getting boyfriends soon enough. Heck, I was reasonable with the last boyfriend since he was not afraid to call my house, but humored me that he was afraid to talk to me. That obvious sense of fear of me was comforting, in a way, because I knew that this kid would respect my wishes and be extremely fearful if my haunches were up. Being a mama bear gives me the right to demand respect and I felt it with that kid. This new boyfriend.... well, I am feeling quite curious and concerned. She said nothing about his existence and their contact has been more direct to her via her cell phone than a call to the house.
I confronted DD with my concerns and it ended up being a major yelling match. She did not say that it was not my business to know, but she did happen to mention that she did not feel like telling me about this person. That concerns me when secrets are starting to come around. I tried to explain to her that I want to be in the know about everything and everyone in her life. That includes any new friends and especially new boyfriends. I explained why I demand to know all the details before she does anything with anyone. I always need to know the who, what, where, when, why, and how to everything. I even demand total honesty with every answer. It is what a parent does in order to keep their child safe. While her father may seem more relaxed when it comes to what DD is up to, I am the one that will always have her back and I would do anything to keep her safe. As the saying goes.... I would jump in front of a train, take a bullet, confront an attacker and whatever else it takes to protect her. I have no doubts that all parents would do that for their child and sadly, our children never understand that until they become adults that make mistakes on their own. Heck, the one guarantee that a parent becomes understood, appreciated and cherished by their child is after they have children of their own.
I was hoping to break that cycle of secrets and lies when it came to the relationship between DD and I. With this recent event, I know that I did not achieve that goal. The phase of being out of the loop and looked upon as a nuisance that never understands has already begun. Doors will be slamming any day now as well as the fight to get all the facts even when all you get is vague generalities. My baby is determined to spread her wings while I want to keep her close. I know I will keep trying, but today I am going to take a little break from the never ending fight that has begun. I told DD that she just fired me from being on her side and now has to turn to her father when she gets in trouble or hurt. The only way she can keep me in her corner and cover her back is to change the path she is starting to take. If she chooses to not keep me in the loop, she has to deal with her father from now on. She already knows how that is going to turn out since DH has never had my back, nor has he ever done anything to keep me safe. Of course, he rarely ever had to do much since I am capable of taking care of myself, but he never once offered because he can. The proof has been in the pudding, so to speak, when it comes to never having my back when he chooses to let his family snub me and our daughter. As for defending my honor? He has sat back and watched me handle that myself the one time it happened. I truly believe that if something like that happened again... he would still do nothing.
At least I confronted DD with my concerns. I explained my actions and gave her a choice. It is all that I can do now, but she has been forewarned that my trust in her word is meaning less and less with each secret revealed and every lie caught. I just hope that she catches on real quick and stays smart. I know she is a smart kid, but I know first hand that when the word love is getting used... intelligence takes a back seat. UGH! I just feel sick over this, but at least I now know.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
I know that DD is a beautiful person through and through, but I never in my dizziest of days would think that she could get over her first boyfriend with such ease. In fact, I was a bit shocked at how well DD took the silent breakup she got from her first "boyfriend". I knew it was a first-crush-school-romance that rarely should make a dent in life, but usually the firsts in anything are the strongest felt. First boyfriends, first breakups, first heartaches and first heartbreaks are a passage in life and it is always the parent that helps put all that broken feeling back together and teaches that life is more than that first in life and to remind them that there is far greater things on the horizon. You know what I mean, right? Getting to use that old cliche' of, "there are more fish in the sea", apparently is not going to be used by me. Yep, DD learned that notion all on her own. Not one noticeable tear was shed when her at school boyfriend did not call her after school ended, nor did he mention if their relationship was to go beyond school and continue over the summer. She got to experience the silent breakup with no real closure all on her own.
It seems that it was no big deal for her since she now has a new boyfriend that she has been chatting it up with via text on her phone. How do I know this, you ask? Well, when DD left her phone on the floor at my feet and left the room, it stirred a curious notion in my bloodstream. Not nosy by nature, I resisted, that is, until her phone received a text with the words... "good morning cuddlebear". Noticing a name that I am not aware of raised my curiosity just a bit more. Before giving DD her cell phone, I looked at the messaging history and noticed that this has been going on for a while. All cutesy stuff, and nothing sexual, but unsettling to say the least. DD has usually been open and honest with me, but this is one HUGE secret that I knew nothing about. It appears that this person goes by initials for a first name and he is also quite smitten with my daughter. Totally unsettling in my opinion. I should have come to terms with the fact that she would be getting boyfriends soon enough. Heck, I was reasonable with the last boyfriend since he was not afraid to call my house, but humored me that he was afraid to talk to me. That obvious sense of fear of me was comforting, in a way, because I knew that this kid would respect my wishes and be extremely fearful if my haunches were up. Being a mama bear gives me the right to demand respect and I felt it with that kid. This new boyfriend.... well, I am feeling quite curious and concerned. She said nothing about his existence and their contact has been more direct to her via her cell phone than a call to the house.
I confronted DD with my concerns and it ended up being a major yelling match. She did not say that it was not my business to know, but she did happen to mention that she did not feel like telling me about this person. That concerns me when secrets are starting to come around. I tried to explain to her that I want to be in the know about everything and everyone in her life. That includes any new friends and especially new boyfriends. I explained why I demand to know all the details before she does anything with anyone. I always need to know the who, what, where, when, why, and how to everything. I even demand total honesty with every answer. It is what a parent does in order to keep their child safe. While her father may seem more relaxed when it comes to what DD is up to, I am the one that will always have her back and I would do anything to keep her safe. As the saying goes.... I would jump in front of a train, take a bullet, confront an attacker and whatever else it takes to protect her. I have no doubts that all parents would do that for their child and sadly, our children never understand that until they become adults that make mistakes on their own. Heck, the one guarantee that a parent becomes understood, appreciated and cherished by their child is after they have children of their own.
I was hoping to break that cycle of secrets and lies when it came to the relationship between DD and I. With this recent event, I know that I did not achieve that goal. The phase of being out of the loop and looked upon as a nuisance that never understands has already begun. Doors will be slamming any day now as well as the fight to get all the facts even when all you get is vague generalities. My baby is determined to spread her wings while I want to keep her close. I know I will keep trying, but today I am going to take a little break from the never ending fight that has begun. I told DD that she just fired me from being on her side and now has to turn to her father when she gets in trouble or hurt. The only way she can keep me in her corner and cover her back is to change the path she is starting to take. If she chooses to not keep me in the loop, she has to deal with her father from now on. She already knows how that is going to turn out since DH has never had my back, nor has he ever done anything to keep me safe. Of course, he rarely ever had to do much since I am capable of taking care of myself, but he never once offered because he can. The proof has been in the pudding, so to speak, when it comes to never having my back when he chooses to let his family snub me and our daughter. As for defending my honor? He has sat back and watched me handle that myself the one time it happened. I truly believe that if something like that happened again... he would still do nothing.
At least I confronted DD with my concerns. I explained my actions and gave her a choice. It is all that I can do now, but she has been forewarned that my trust in her word is meaning less and less with each secret revealed and every lie caught. I just hope that she catches on real quick and stays smart. I know she is a smart kid, but I know first hand that when the word love is getting used... intelligence takes a back seat. UGH! I just feel sick over this, but at least I now know.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
My slant on the "O" word....
Over the past couple of days, the local news has been reporting something that hit an already tense nerve in me and this flossing is more of a rant than a solution. So, if you are not a fan of someone being on a soapbox, speaking their mind.... then, you can stop here and have a nice day, okay?
(Stepping on soapbox)...
Okay, I am fully aware that not everyone is perfectly at the ideal weight that according to the calculations of the body mass index (aka BMI), and it is just about reasonable to say that there is controversy over what that weight is to every body type and how it can appear that a person could look positively malnourished. Of course, it is painfully obvious that when the formula for what is considered a healthy weight according to the BMI charts, it never considered body structure (bone structure) or even muscle mass (since muscle weighs more than fat). It should be considered when a doctor looks at a person and makes the assessment to whether a person is considered to be at their ideal weight, overweight, or obese.
With that being said. NOW I can get to what has tweaked my last nerve....
According to a recent news report, there is a plan in the works to label a person's ranking on the BMI chart as a disease than a result. Let me say it this way.... Apparently obesity is a disease rather than a condition. REALLY?!?!?!?!? My question is how can that be?
Obesity can occur to any person and it is not always due to poor diet and exercise. There are other conditions to consider that still do not make this a disease, so to speak. How about Thyroid conditions? How about side effects from a medication? How about genetics? These few considerations have been explored, but in all of them, they are not considered a disease in any sense of the word. Well, maybe when it comes down to the conclusion of the Thyroid, but side effects to medications are not diseases... they are side effects to the medication. While some believe that genetics can pose as more of a learned habit from generation to generation, it still is not something a person can "catch". Heck, getting older poses a threat to a person's ability to maintain or even lose weight. So even the change of life for both men and women have a disease attached to it, right? Is the medical community going to call a pregnant woman diseased because they gain weight during pregnancy? Being pregnant is not a disease, but a 9 month condition that results in a baby from a sexual act, but there is weight gain in the process. Oh, we can call that a disease, too, since it is quite hard for some to lose that pregnancy weight.
Maybe I am splitting hairs here, but the truth is out there and it needs to be said.
While on the subject of claiming that obesity should be called a disease, there needs to be a solution to the issue. Of course, people can eat less and move more, but it is the foods that we eat that can also affect a person's body. The processes to foods that get me. Convenience foods are not the most healthy to choose from. nor is the genetically modified foods created in labs to produce more volume for the populous in a far faster time frame. I have seen Food, Inc., the movie,. and was completely disgusted in the process of how our food is created and handled. I would love to go organic, but the cost exceeds our family budget. I would go vegetarian (or even vegan), but even those lifestyle choices will lack the necessary nutrients that the body needs, but even achieving these extreme lifestyles is impossible when I have a family of picky eating, convenience food loving, stubborn people to contend with. I know we are capable of getting protein from plants, but even the process of cooking is tainted when it comes to the water we consume and use for cooking. As with any diet out there, it is required that you consume vitamins in pill form to supplement for nutrients that we cannot get enough of in the foods we consume. Really, how is one eating plan better than the other if you have to consume a medicinal grade pill to get the balance right? According to some studies, even the foods we consume (organic or otherwise) do not contain the necessary nutrients a body needs in a single serving. Of course, the concept of what a serving is even can baffle the most astute of minds. Oh, and lets factor in calories consumed for added measure.
When it comes to calories, we are supposed to take in less than what we burn in a day in order to lose weight. To maintain weight, we need to consume the exact amount of calories we burn. Why is that important? Because apparently, if a person consumes more calories than what we burn, we will gain weight, and that is a bad thing. The problem in that scenario is this.... According to an individual, the rate of calories burned varies on other factors. These factors are muscle mass and level of exertion. Ever wondered how that is figured out? I am still trying to figure it out myself, but I did do a little study on a treadmill one time.
Oh, treadmills.... the torture devises of the gym, but the most popular. If you have ever been on one, you will notice that these machines do have the nerve to ask you about your weight and age before starting an exercise program. While it is not an exact science and is in no means accurate to the individual, it does give you a ballpark figure of how many calories you burned while on the machine. Now, when I did my little research, I found out that the heavier you are, the higher the calorie burn there is compared to a person of lighter weight. Most likely because of the weight that is being moved, but as with this machine and many others, it cannot calculate calorie burn if the weight is from a person that has more muscle than fat or vise versa. Muscle is known to burn more fat, but fat burns at a slower rate if there is a lack of muscle. So, how does one manage to know exactly how effective a workout truly is? Exertion is one way, but not exactly an exact science, either. A person in poor shape will feel strong exertion at a lower rate of effort compared to a person in far better shape. Can a person figure exertion from the level of sweating? Nope. External temperatures can affect the start and strength of sweating. So, really, how does a person know that their efforts are successful? You don't.
With all the science that has been shared in how a person is successful in losing weight being bunk, there is also the controversy over how to maintain weight. If a person does obtain their goal weight, how are you guaranteed that is stays the same? There is no guarantee that continuing the same routine is going to keep you where you need to be. In all honesty, how does a person figure calorie content and exercise burn to be exact? You can't. You can keep a vigilant eye on the scale, but even that is not the guarantee that you are healthy at doing it. Muscle weighs more than fat. That is a fact. Bone structure affects weight. A body can only be healthy at a weight that the body chooses to be ideal. Not some chart with a confusing formula that does not factor in these variances.
While I may be nitpicking at the most extreme level and I do believe that there are some people that happen to be truly unhealthy and carry an excessive amount of weight, I just happen to have a serious problem that there are people that want to call a slight weight problem a disease when there are extreme issues being the culprit to the generality of the topic. According to the BMI chart, I am considered obese, but I have been told that I may appear a bit on the heavy side, I am in no way looking unhealthy. I am strong and I do not need the aid of a walker to move. I am active, but not like a hamster in in exercise wheel kind of active. I go to the gym, but I do not live there. I eat healthy, but to the point that I am a health Nazi. I know that my weight issues are not going to be easy to solve. I am getting older and my metabolism is not like the way it used to be. I also happen to like food and sometimes I do mindlessly snack when I should not be, but I am working on that. I just happen to feel angered by the generalization that my being overweight for my frame and muscle level is on the verge of being labeled a disease than a situation being worked on. Really, if this is a disease, then there should be a pill to go along with the many others out there to solve my problem that will not be addictive or destructive to my well being. Once that is figured out, then I might be a little more welcoming on being considered diseased. I just see my weight as more of a challenge than a death sentence and I would hope that others that feel the same instead of defeated all the time.
Okay, stepping off my soapbox....
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
(Stepping on soapbox)...
Okay, I am fully aware that not everyone is perfectly at the ideal weight that according to the calculations of the body mass index (aka BMI), and it is just about reasonable to say that there is controversy over what that weight is to every body type and how it can appear that a person could look positively malnourished. Of course, it is painfully obvious that when the formula for what is considered a healthy weight according to the BMI charts, it never considered body structure (bone structure) or even muscle mass (since muscle weighs more than fat). It should be considered when a doctor looks at a person and makes the assessment to whether a person is considered to be at their ideal weight, overweight, or obese.
With that being said. NOW I can get to what has tweaked my last nerve....
According to a recent news report, there is a plan in the works to label a person's ranking on the BMI chart as a disease than a result. Let me say it this way.... Apparently obesity is a disease rather than a condition. REALLY?!?!?!?!? My question is how can that be?
Obesity can occur to any person and it is not always due to poor diet and exercise. There are other conditions to consider that still do not make this a disease, so to speak. How about Thyroid conditions? How about side effects from a medication? How about genetics? These few considerations have been explored, but in all of them, they are not considered a disease in any sense of the word. Well, maybe when it comes down to the conclusion of the Thyroid, but side effects to medications are not diseases... they are side effects to the medication. While some believe that genetics can pose as more of a learned habit from generation to generation, it still is not something a person can "catch". Heck, getting older poses a threat to a person's ability to maintain or even lose weight. So even the change of life for both men and women have a disease attached to it, right? Is the medical community going to call a pregnant woman diseased because they gain weight during pregnancy? Being pregnant is not a disease, but a 9 month condition that results in a baby from a sexual act, but there is weight gain in the process. Oh, we can call that a disease, too, since it is quite hard for some to lose that pregnancy weight.
Maybe I am splitting hairs here, but the truth is out there and it needs to be said.
While on the subject of claiming that obesity should be called a disease, there needs to be a solution to the issue. Of course, people can eat less and move more, but it is the foods that we eat that can also affect a person's body. The processes to foods that get me. Convenience foods are not the most healthy to choose from. nor is the genetically modified foods created in labs to produce more volume for the populous in a far faster time frame. I have seen Food, Inc., the movie,. and was completely disgusted in the process of how our food is created and handled. I would love to go organic, but the cost exceeds our family budget. I would go vegetarian (or even vegan), but even those lifestyle choices will lack the necessary nutrients that the body needs, but even achieving these extreme lifestyles is impossible when I have a family of picky eating, convenience food loving, stubborn people to contend with. I know we are capable of getting protein from plants, but even the process of cooking is tainted when it comes to the water we consume and use for cooking. As with any diet out there, it is required that you consume vitamins in pill form to supplement for nutrients that we cannot get enough of in the foods we consume. Really, how is one eating plan better than the other if you have to consume a medicinal grade pill to get the balance right? According to some studies, even the foods we consume (organic or otherwise) do not contain the necessary nutrients a body needs in a single serving. Of course, the concept of what a serving is even can baffle the most astute of minds. Oh, and lets factor in calories consumed for added measure.
When it comes to calories, we are supposed to take in less than what we burn in a day in order to lose weight. To maintain weight, we need to consume the exact amount of calories we burn. Why is that important? Because apparently, if a person consumes more calories than what we burn, we will gain weight, and that is a bad thing. The problem in that scenario is this.... According to an individual, the rate of calories burned varies on other factors. These factors are muscle mass and level of exertion. Ever wondered how that is figured out? I am still trying to figure it out myself, but I did do a little study on a treadmill one time.
Oh, treadmills.... the torture devises of the gym, but the most popular. If you have ever been on one, you will notice that these machines do have the nerve to ask you about your weight and age before starting an exercise program. While it is not an exact science and is in no means accurate to the individual, it does give you a ballpark figure of how many calories you burned while on the machine. Now, when I did my little research, I found out that the heavier you are, the higher the calorie burn there is compared to a person of lighter weight. Most likely because of the weight that is being moved, but as with this machine and many others, it cannot calculate calorie burn if the weight is from a person that has more muscle than fat or vise versa. Muscle is known to burn more fat, but fat burns at a slower rate if there is a lack of muscle. So, how does one manage to know exactly how effective a workout truly is? Exertion is one way, but not exactly an exact science, either. A person in poor shape will feel strong exertion at a lower rate of effort compared to a person in far better shape. Can a person figure exertion from the level of sweating? Nope. External temperatures can affect the start and strength of sweating. So, really, how does a person know that their efforts are successful? You don't.
With all the science that has been shared in how a person is successful in losing weight being bunk, there is also the controversy over how to maintain weight. If a person does obtain their goal weight, how are you guaranteed that is stays the same? There is no guarantee that continuing the same routine is going to keep you where you need to be. In all honesty, how does a person figure calorie content and exercise burn to be exact? You can't. You can keep a vigilant eye on the scale, but even that is not the guarantee that you are healthy at doing it. Muscle weighs more than fat. That is a fact. Bone structure affects weight. A body can only be healthy at a weight that the body chooses to be ideal. Not some chart with a confusing formula that does not factor in these variances.
While I may be nitpicking at the most extreme level and I do believe that there are some people that happen to be truly unhealthy and carry an excessive amount of weight, I just happen to have a serious problem that there are people that want to call a slight weight problem a disease when there are extreme issues being the culprit to the generality of the topic. According to the BMI chart, I am considered obese, but I have been told that I may appear a bit on the heavy side, I am in no way looking unhealthy. I am strong and I do not need the aid of a walker to move. I am active, but not like a hamster in in exercise wheel kind of active. I go to the gym, but I do not live there. I eat healthy, but to the point that I am a health Nazi. I know that my weight issues are not going to be easy to solve. I am getting older and my metabolism is not like the way it used to be. I also happen to like food and sometimes I do mindlessly snack when I should not be, but I am working on that. I just happen to feel angered by the generalization that my being overweight for my frame and muscle level is on the verge of being labeled a disease than a situation being worked on. Really, if this is a disease, then there should be a pill to go along with the many others out there to solve my problem that will not be addictive or destructive to my well being. Once that is figured out, then I might be a little more welcoming on being considered diseased. I just see my weight as more of a challenge than a death sentence and I would hope that others that feel the same instead of defeated all the time.
Okay, stepping off my soapbox....
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Suffering in silence.....
It is well known that everyone hurts from time to time. It can be an emotional ache as well as a physical one. The difference is in how we deal with it.
Now, with the obvious differences when it comes to dealing with pain in any sense, we all do one thing that happens to be common.... We talk about it. Well, most of us do. There does come a time when the pain is constant and talking about it to another person becomes more of a deterrent than an attempt to connect with another with that common thread. I guess the best phrase to describe this is if you constantly complain, people will not want to be around you. Kind-of like the little boy who cried wolf one too many times, what you say can lose it's value, impact, or importance.
It is well known that there has been a strong track record of less-than happy and comfortable moments in my life. Between the friction that happens between DH and I as well as issues with my back, teeth, and whatnot... I would appear to be a less than ideal person to be around, but I try to be the opposite. I usually mask the negative with a smile and try to spin what I really feel with some sharply sarcastic view when people choose to speak to me. In fact, I have had a few conversations with people that had them laughing at my expense.
Just yesterday, my best friend had a little time to give me a call to see how I am doing. I understand that she is very busy with her job and the time difference makes it difficult to call as needed, so when she calls (or if I call her), it is a Cliffs Notes version of what we talk about because time is of the essence. While she asked how things are going with me after her brief synopsis of what is going on with her, I gave her the best rendition of a comedy of events that has happened to me. Between the two dentist appointments, the two doctor appointments, the round of antibiotics, the tension that is rolling off DH's and my backs over finances to pay for all this, and the final reprieve for a week... I had her laughing, but she knows it is not exactly all that funny going through it. Of course, at that very moment she called, I was on my way to the chiropractor for yet another annoyance that makes my day a little more difficult, but it was not the usual location in my spine that needed tending to... it was my neck.
With my history of back spasms that I swear can wake me from a dead sleep, I could easily accept this being a part of my life. No matter how often or not that I go to see my chiropractor, I will have these issues. I know that if I lose the needed weight, it will ease up a little, but it will never truly go away forever and that is a part of my life I am beginning to accept. With years under my belt of this problem, I decided to not share with DH my misery. It is really because his response to my mention of the pain and the lack of ability to sleep in our bed for the full night is usually silence or a mention for me to "suck it up and deal with it on my own because he doesn't share every ache and pain to me". Basically, I see this as his frustration rearing its ugly head and really, who wants to be pushed down when they need a lift up? My reluctance to mention to DH that I am in pain is because I really do not want to be talked down to anymore. I have no doubt that there are others that feel the same and remain quiet just because of it in their lives. Some may hide it in overcompensating with the opposite acts of saying that they feel fine and dandy, but in the grand scheme of things... they are keeping the mention of hurting silent.
Well, apparently my back issues pale in comparison to pinching a nerve in my neck because usually one adjustment fixes the problem for a while. I got adjusted to alleviate the pain that travels down my shoulder and gives me a tingling sensation in a few of my fingers and I am still just as sore and tingly today as I was yesterday and the day before. As I laid on that table face down, I got to hear my chiropractor's assessment of my situation. Since I have no clue what I could have done to tweak my neck and shoulders, he mentions the obvious to me and I had to laugh. I most likely managed to injure myself through a combination of things.... sleeping in a twisted fashion, the use of keeping my hands raised to use the computer, the raised hands of being a hairdresser at work, and stress. Really, all it takes to make a misalignment in the spine is something so small and insignificant (like muscle tension) and nerves get pinched and pain reigns.
As the chiropractor tried to loosen the tense muscles in my neck, I had to make a joke about the stress comment. He happens to know, as well as many others that happen to really know me, that stress is what keeps me going. Stress of trying to make ends meet after this triathlon of professionals I had to turn to in slightly over a month and I have one more on the horizon. Yep, the "lady parts" doctor will be getting a call about something that is missing in my monthly routine and will probably result in yet another round of something that a pharmacist will be filling to fix the problem if it does not get here in a couple more weeks. I am just waiting for that one diagnosis to come up and I will no longer have to pay such close attention to it anymore, but apparently, the last round of blood tests said I am not there yet and I will have to deal with these misfired little misfits until it happens. I am apparently not at the right age, but I feel I am physically well beyond it, if you ask me. Oh well, I just have to wait and see if I have to deal with yet another doctor for that. No need to count the chickens before they hatch, so to speak.
So, when it comes to pain - any kind of pain you feel - remember that even if we suffer in silence, we do not suffer alone. I am walking and talking proof of that. I sure hope that everyone feels relief from the pains of life and even the stress that life causes. Time for me to pop a Tylenol and stretch some more. Just sharing my thoughts is making my right shoulder hurt just a little more and I think my thumb on my right hand is getting numb. I have stuff to do and it won't get done if I nurse this annoyance any longer than it needs to be, so have a great day everyone and thanks for reading!
Now, with the obvious differences when it comes to dealing with pain in any sense, we all do one thing that happens to be common.... We talk about it. Well, most of us do. There does come a time when the pain is constant and talking about it to another person becomes more of a deterrent than an attempt to connect with another with that common thread. I guess the best phrase to describe this is if you constantly complain, people will not want to be around you. Kind-of like the little boy who cried wolf one too many times, what you say can lose it's value, impact, or importance.
It is well known that there has been a strong track record of less-than happy and comfortable moments in my life. Between the friction that happens between DH and I as well as issues with my back, teeth, and whatnot... I would appear to be a less than ideal person to be around, but I try to be the opposite. I usually mask the negative with a smile and try to spin what I really feel with some sharply sarcastic view when people choose to speak to me. In fact, I have had a few conversations with people that had them laughing at my expense.
Just yesterday, my best friend had a little time to give me a call to see how I am doing. I understand that she is very busy with her job and the time difference makes it difficult to call as needed, so when she calls (or if I call her), it is a Cliffs Notes version of what we talk about because time is of the essence. While she asked how things are going with me after her brief synopsis of what is going on with her, I gave her the best rendition of a comedy of events that has happened to me. Between the two dentist appointments, the two doctor appointments, the round of antibiotics, the tension that is rolling off DH's and my backs over finances to pay for all this, and the final reprieve for a week... I had her laughing, but she knows it is not exactly all that funny going through it. Of course, at that very moment she called, I was on my way to the chiropractor for yet another annoyance that makes my day a little more difficult, but it was not the usual location in my spine that needed tending to... it was my neck.
With my history of back spasms that I swear can wake me from a dead sleep, I could easily accept this being a part of my life. No matter how often or not that I go to see my chiropractor, I will have these issues. I know that if I lose the needed weight, it will ease up a little, but it will never truly go away forever and that is a part of my life I am beginning to accept. With years under my belt of this problem, I decided to not share with DH my misery. It is really because his response to my mention of the pain and the lack of ability to sleep in our bed for the full night is usually silence or a mention for me to "suck it up and deal with it on my own because he doesn't share every ache and pain to me". Basically, I see this as his frustration rearing its ugly head and really, who wants to be pushed down when they need a lift up? My reluctance to mention to DH that I am in pain is because I really do not want to be talked down to anymore. I have no doubt that there are others that feel the same and remain quiet just because of it in their lives. Some may hide it in overcompensating with the opposite acts of saying that they feel fine and dandy, but in the grand scheme of things... they are keeping the mention of hurting silent.
Well, apparently my back issues pale in comparison to pinching a nerve in my neck because usually one adjustment fixes the problem for a while. I got adjusted to alleviate the pain that travels down my shoulder and gives me a tingling sensation in a few of my fingers and I am still just as sore and tingly today as I was yesterday and the day before. As I laid on that table face down, I got to hear my chiropractor's assessment of my situation. Since I have no clue what I could have done to tweak my neck and shoulders, he mentions the obvious to me and I had to laugh. I most likely managed to injure myself through a combination of things.... sleeping in a twisted fashion, the use of keeping my hands raised to use the computer, the raised hands of being a hairdresser at work, and stress. Really, all it takes to make a misalignment in the spine is something so small and insignificant (like muscle tension) and nerves get pinched and pain reigns.
As the chiropractor tried to loosen the tense muscles in my neck, I had to make a joke about the stress comment. He happens to know, as well as many others that happen to really know me, that stress is what keeps me going. Stress of trying to make ends meet after this triathlon of professionals I had to turn to in slightly over a month and I have one more on the horizon. Yep, the "lady parts" doctor will be getting a call about something that is missing in my monthly routine and will probably result in yet another round of something that a pharmacist will be filling to fix the problem if it does not get here in a couple more weeks. I am just waiting for that one diagnosis to come up and I will no longer have to pay such close attention to it anymore, but apparently, the last round of blood tests said I am not there yet and I will have to deal with these misfired little misfits until it happens. I am apparently not at the right age, but I feel I am physically well beyond it, if you ask me. Oh well, I just have to wait and see if I have to deal with yet another doctor for that. No need to count the chickens before they hatch, so to speak.
So, when it comes to pain - any kind of pain you feel - remember that even if we suffer in silence, we do not suffer alone. I am walking and talking proof of that. I sure hope that everyone feels relief from the pains of life and even the stress that life causes. Time for me to pop a Tylenol and stretch some more. Just sharing my thoughts is making my right shoulder hurt just a little more and I think my thumb on my right hand is getting numb. I have stuff to do and it won't get done if I nurse this annoyance any longer than it needs to be, so have a great day everyone and thanks for reading!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Brain flossing on Father's Day.....
Okay, I have tried to compose some thoughts lately and just can't ever get one done before another thought comes along. It appears that my mind is working in overdrive and as in the ever so famous Nike commercials... you just gotta "do it". So, here goes....
I am trying to create memorable moments with DD and with a painfully small budget, we are planning some one day trips to places away from our hometown. Our first little excursion was via train to one end of the local line and spent a day in Harvard, Illinois. Not much to do, but we had a great time talking and taking in the sights. Next trip will either be a driving trip to Wisconsin (since it is roughly an hour or two away from home) and find somewhere to wander around that looks interesting. We are leaning towards Lake Geneva, but we are pretty open to the idea of going a little farther into the state and see just some small town with a cute town square. There are plenty of those all around... we just have to get in the car and go for that one, but I need some things fixed on my truck before we think of going that far. Then, maybe a little stop to Chicago and see some sights there for another trip. Otherwise, we are probably going to hang out at the local pool since we finally got our pool passes for this summer. Yep, gonna put to use that $154 investment and make it pay for itself in no time.
Now. I am not sure if being in my mid 40's puts me at the stage of menopause, but I had some serious concerns that this is actually happening to me. Well, it is either that or Mother Nature is in a menopausal state with these fluctuating temps ranging from upper 50's/low 60's to darn near 90. I can't figure if I need a sweatshirt with jeans or a tank top with shorts, but this going to bed freezing and waking up in a pool of sweat is getting really old and I only have experienced this just three times in the past month. If I am going menopausal, then I would have no clue about the mood swings because DH has not said anything to be about it, nor is he running for the hills, but he is definitely keeping his distance.
As for this day called "Father's Day", well, my plans are not exactly in working order, but a few little plans have managed to become a reality. After bribing DD to mow the lawn on Friday, it left plenty of time for DH to trim the bushes around our house. I would have no problem doing this task, but the cleanup is painfully tedious and not all that fun. I can take a set of hedge trimmers and trim the hedges like a pro, but getting the clippings out of the lawn and out of the rocks I can definitely do without. At least DH took the initiative and is even cleaning the gutters. So proud of him since I do not do ladders. It is not the height that bothers me... it is the plummeting down that sets my nerves on edge. Kind of the same thing for flying. I don't mind getting on a plane, but I have my nagging fear of crashing that ruins all the fun in the experience. I do happen to have DH's choice of dinner slow cooking on the grill and I am planning on doing a little baking, but the trip to the cemetery to say a little prayer and mention happy father's day to my Dad has been pushed back. I think I will go tomorrow to do that. Otherwise, my house cleaning chores are in a holding pattern. If I am cooking for hours, I would rather not deal with the other messes in my house. The kitchen is being put to good use as well as almost every pot, pan, and bowl.
In closing, I still have far more stuff to floss from my mind, but even more stuff to get done, so... this is all I can offer for now. Thanks for reading and have a great day everyone!!!
I am trying to create memorable moments with DD and with a painfully small budget, we are planning some one day trips to places away from our hometown. Our first little excursion was via train to one end of the local line and spent a day in Harvard, Illinois. Not much to do, but we had a great time talking and taking in the sights. Next trip will either be a driving trip to Wisconsin (since it is roughly an hour or two away from home) and find somewhere to wander around that looks interesting. We are leaning towards Lake Geneva, but we are pretty open to the idea of going a little farther into the state and see just some small town with a cute town square. There are plenty of those all around... we just have to get in the car and go for that one, but I need some things fixed on my truck before we think of going that far. Then, maybe a little stop to Chicago and see some sights there for another trip. Otherwise, we are probably going to hang out at the local pool since we finally got our pool passes for this summer. Yep, gonna put to use that $154 investment and make it pay for itself in no time.
Now. I am not sure if being in my mid 40's puts me at the stage of menopause, but I had some serious concerns that this is actually happening to me. Well, it is either that or Mother Nature is in a menopausal state with these fluctuating temps ranging from upper 50's/low 60's to darn near 90. I can't figure if I need a sweatshirt with jeans or a tank top with shorts, but this going to bed freezing and waking up in a pool of sweat is getting really old and I only have experienced this just three times in the past month. If I am going menopausal, then I would have no clue about the mood swings because DH has not said anything to be about it, nor is he running for the hills, but he is definitely keeping his distance.
As for this day called "Father's Day", well, my plans are not exactly in working order, but a few little plans have managed to become a reality. After bribing DD to mow the lawn on Friday, it left plenty of time for DH to trim the bushes around our house. I would have no problem doing this task, but the cleanup is painfully tedious and not all that fun. I can take a set of hedge trimmers and trim the hedges like a pro, but getting the clippings out of the lawn and out of the rocks I can definitely do without. At least DH took the initiative and is even cleaning the gutters. So proud of him since I do not do ladders. It is not the height that bothers me... it is the plummeting down that sets my nerves on edge. Kind of the same thing for flying. I don't mind getting on a plane, but I have my nagging fear of crashing that ruins all the fun in the experience. I do happen to have DH's choice of dinner slow cooking on the grill and I am planning on doing a little baking, but the trip to the cemetery to say a little prayer and mention happy father's day to my Dad has been pushed back. I think I will go tomorrow to do that. Otherwise, my house cleaning chores are in a holding pattern. If I am cooking for hours, I would rather not deal with the other messes in my house. The kitchen is being put to good use as well as almost every pot, pan, and bowl.
In closing, I still have far more stuff to floss from my mind, but even more stuff to get done, so... this is all I can offer for now. Thanks for reading and have a great day everyone!!!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The clouds parted and the angels sang!
Okay... I am having a far better day than most and here are the reasons.....
I learned that I did have a minor infection in my gums. It was not seen via X-ray because it was so minor it was overlooked and of course, that infection was the culprit of all my tooth pain. I had my dentist take another look at the X-rays and grasped at the same straw that I came to.... the fractured tooth, as minor as it appeared, was well on its way to becoming something far more prominent, infection-wise, if I tried to ignore seeing the dentist for much longer. Glad I learned my lesson the last time I dragged my heels to see the dentist and went when I did.
Of course, something this "minor" would not have been so painful if I did not have yet another infection well on its way... a sinus infection due to my allergies. Having a hidden break in my nose pretty much guarantees that I will forever be at risk for sinus infections. With the shots of Novocaine, I have zero doubt that the sinus infection got its nudge to become out of hand rather quickly since I learned that the sinus cavities that cover most of our face does happen to be in close proximity to the nerves of the teeth that I had to get work done on.
If it was not for the other flare-up in a place I would rather not mention with the swollen spot on my cheek, I would have dragged my feet to seeing the doctor to get the antibiotics I so desperately needed. Of course, DH was a little miffed that I did not share the need to see the doctor over the weekend and the follow up call to see how I was doing was a definite surprise to him. I did mention that I did not share that tidbit because I am fully aware that DH has zero interest in hearing me complain about how crappy I was feeling and went ahead to do what I needed to do for his sanity as well as mine. I am required to be on my "A-game" at all times, you know, and being sick is not an acceptable excuse to slack off in his world.
I have taken four doses of this antibiotic and there is a seriously marked improvement in how I am feeling, but I happen to still be slapped with the unfortunate stick at the same time as some luck happens to come my way. Kind-of like hearing good news and bad news for the same situation. Good news is I am finally feeling better... Bad news is that I have yet another thing that will take more precious time to heal from.
Yep, along with the sinus infection, the minor gum infection, that flareup in a place I really wish I did not want to add to the list, the swollen spot on my cheek, and the healing from the dental work trauma to my mouth.... I also happened to catch the first summer cold ever! Yep, a summer cold that resulted in a cold sore on the backside of my bottom lip. Nothing can be done about the cold sore, the sore throat, or anything pertaining to that summer cold of mine, but fluids and time. My face itches from time to time (that is from finally healing from the minor infection in my mouth), but my lip feels like it is on fire whenever I take a drink. The painful pressure on my top teeth is finally gone, that is, after what appeared to be a swollen blister of sorts bursts after sucking on a throat lozenge for my sore throat. I was initially grossed out and immediately rinsed out my mouth, but I can finally chew without wincing. Oh, and I can finally sit, walk, and lay down remotely pain free. The only reason I knew I have landed my first summer cold ever is because I saw the doctor today for my follow up visit and asked why my inside of my lip felt like it was on fire and my throat being so sore. I thought I was becoming allergic to the antibiotic and the concerns were there.
As I said, with four doses done and three more to go.... I am feeling quite optimistic that I will feel better in no time. I had my doubts, though. I did some serious praying and wished that nobody... and I mean NOBODY, would ever experience what I was experiencing. I would never wish this type of agony on my worst enemy (if I had one), but I will admit one thing...... Recovering from is smorgasbord of misery is a very welcome thing!
Of course, DH does not get to witness the full wonderful feeling with me because he is leaving for his annual "fishing" trip. Yep, I even get 5 days of peace and quiet to rest and recover without demands and attitude. Obviously, DH will return home with a sunburn, no fish, and probably a hangover, but that is chump change to what I have been through and what I still need to go through. Not 100% yet, but getting there... Thank GOD for that! Seeing the light at the end of this tunnel of life and it is not a speeding locomotive barreling my way... whoop! whoop!!
Thanks to those that offered well wishes and to those that probably said a prayer for me without my knowledge. Oh, and thanks for reading! Have a great day, evening or whatever :)
I learned that I did have a minor infection in my gums. It was not seen via X-ray because it was so minor it was overlooked and of course, that infection was the culprit of all my tooth pain. I had my dentist take another look at the X-rays and grasped at the same straw that I came to.... the fractured tooth, as minor as it appeared, was well on its way to becoming something far more prominent, infection-wise, if I tried to ignore seeing the dentist for much longer. Glad I learned my lesson the last time I dragged my heels to see the dentist and went when I did.
Of course, something this "minor" would not have been so painful if I did not have yet another infection well on its way... a sinus infection due to my allergies. Having a hidden break in my nose pretty much guarantees that I will forever be at risk for sinus infections. With the shots of Novocaine, I have zero doubt that the sinus infection got its nudge to become out of hand rather quickly since I learned that the sinus cavities that cover most of our face does happen to be in close proximity to the nerves of the teeth that I had to get work done on.
If it was not for the other flare-up in a place I would rather not mention with the swollen spot on my cheek, I would have dragged my feet to seeing the doctor to get the antibiotics I so desperately needed. Of course, DH was a little miffed that I did not share the need to see the doctor over the weekend and the follow up call to see how I was doing was a definite surprise to him. I did mention that I did not share that tidbit because I am fully aware that DH has zero interest in hearing me complain about how crappy I was feeling and went ahead to do what I needed to do for his sanity as well as mine. I am required to be on my "A-game" at all times, you know, and being sick is not an acceptable excuse to slack off in his world.
I have taken four doses of this antibiotic and there is a seriously marked improvement in how I am feeling, but I happen to still be slapped with the unfortunate stick at the same time as some luck happens to come my way. Kind-of like hearing good news and bad news for the same situation. Good news is I am finally feeling better... Bad news is that I have yet another thing that will take more precious time to heal from.
Yep, along with the sinus infection, the minor gum infection, that flareup in a place I really wish I did not want to add to the list, the swollen spot on my cheek, and the healing from the dental work trauma to my mouth.... I also happened to catch the first summer cold ever! Yep, a summer cold that resulted in a cold sore on the backside of my bottom lip. Nothing can be done about the cold sore, the sore throat, or anything pertaining to that summer cold of mine, but fluids and time. My face itches from time to time (that is from finally healing from the minor infection in my mouth), but my lip feels like it is on fire whenever I take a drink. The painful pressure on my top teeth is finally gone, that is, after what appeared to be a swollen blister of sorts bursts after sucking on a throat lozenge for my sore throat. I was initially grossed out and immediately rinsed out my mouth, but I can finally chew without wincing. Oh, and I can finally sit, walk, and lay down remotely pain free. The only reason I knew I have landed my first summer cold ever is because I saw the doctor today for my follow up visit and asked why my inside of my lip felt like it was on fire and my throat being so sore. I thought I was becoming allergic to the antibiotic and the concerns were there.
As I said, with four doses done and three more to go.... I am feeling quite optimistic that I will feel better in no time. I had my doubts, though. I did some serious praying and wished that nobody... and I mean NOBODY, would ever experience what I was experiencing. I would never wish this type of agony on my worst enemy (if I had one), but I will admit one thing...... Recovering from is smorgasbord of misery is a very welcome thing!
Of course, DH does not get to witness the full wonderful feeling with me because he is leaving for his annual "fishing" trip. Yep, I even get 5 days of peace and quiet to rest and recover without demands and attitude. Obviously, DH will return home with a sunburn, no fish, and probably a hangover, but that is chump change to what I have been through and what I still need to go through. Not 100% yet, but getting there... Thank GOD for that! Seeing the light at the end of this tunnel of life and it is not a speeding locomotive barreling my way... whoop! whoop!!
Thanks to those that offered well wishes and to those that probably said a prayer for me without my knowledge. Oh, and thanks for reading! Have a great day, evening or whatever :)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Going to the source.... Part 3 (probably most informative of the bunch)
Well, after some much research, I learned that there is a gray area that both Dentists and Doctors have. Call it the Achilles Heel to both professions and is basically the one thing that people see as a "grasping at straws" prognosis.... Sadly, this does not bode well for anyone that is in this situation, but it is something to consider and will probably get quite costly.
Did you know....
That when it comes to sinuses and teeth, there is a connection?
A sinus infection can present a painful feeling to the teeth and gums on the upper part of the mouth. It can happen on one side, both sides, or even in some semi-rare cases.... the whole top section of your mouth.
After doing far more research via the internet.... I know, I know... not all information is the solid truth, but as the saying goes.... there are 3 sides to the truth... The two points of view and in the middle the connection to formulating the truth. Kind-of like a he said, she said scenario. He says the story one way, she says it another, and somewhere in the middle is the truth.
What I did find was a fair number of common situations that definitely point to one thing.... The nearness of the sinus cavity to the teeth roots are so close that one can be mistaken for the other. Fortunately, most dentists that see nothing wrong via x-ray usually suggest either a visit to your doctor or they will send you off with a prescription of an antibiotic with a follow up visit in a week.
Sadly, that was not the case for me. I happened to have a couple of cavities that were found via x-ray and no thought of connection to sinus issues. I even recall telling the dentist that I found it interesting that this agonizing pain always happens during allergy season or cold season for me. I have noticed far more sinus infections in my life and I know in the pit of my stomach.... I will have more in the future. How do I know? I saw an ear, nose and throat specialist once. After getting a scan and a scope through my nose.... I apparently have broken my nose some years back and it was not noticeable on the exterior view to think it was broken. Well, technically, it is a deviation in the cartilage. This deviation created a small pocket that can bring on sinus infections faster than you can say the word, "sinus infection". Allergies and colds always result in sinus infections for me. I just never see it coming in order to prevent it.
With the sinuses and teeth roots in such close proximity.... it is feasible to say that what you may be experiencing is a toothache, could quite possibly be a sinus issue. Being people that turn to where the pain originates from (meaning where we feel it most), will have us turn to the specialist that will tend to that pain, but never consider the complexities of nerve endings that intertwine with other areas that are in close proximity.
I am feeling more and more confident that this is my situation and after researching the antibiotic that the doctor prescribed to me being a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used for various forms of infection.... I truly think that in a few more days and a few more doses... I will feel right as rain again. Yipee-skippy!!
Of course, with any findings upon my situation... I may not be 100% accurate and what happens (or happened) to me may be completely different than what happens to another. All I can say is....
Whenever in doubt.... check out all possible scenarios from all across the board. My sinus headache from my allergies has been nagging me for weeks, but it became more prominent after getting my teeth worked on. My initial assumption was the soreness of having teeth drilled that made me uncomfortable, but all other tooth care situations never had a recovery process drag out for as long as these last two have been. That is where I had the drive to research more into all possible pain-causing scenarios that could quite possibly be categorized as a gray area scenario. Never hurts to seek for second opinions, or third opinions before committing to one conclusion. What one does not see could be seen by another.
Wish me luck that this recent finding and recent course of antibiotics will be the answer to my prayers for the past few days or so.
Oh, BTW.... the swollen spot on my cheek started going down today. Chances are the antibiotic is doing it's thing. Would be nice that it did not have to take 24 hours to show improvement somewhere, but I am optimistic that I am getting better.... slow, but sure.
Thanks for reading and if I have more information or an update on my healing process.... you will see it in future blogs.
Did you know....
That when it comes to sinuses and teeth, there is a connection?
A sinus infection can present a painful feeling to the teeth and gums on the upper part of the mouth. It can happen on one side, both sides, or even in some semi-rare cases.... the whole top section of your mouth.
After doing far more research via the internet.... I know, I know... not all information is the solid truth, but as the saying goes.... there are 3 sides to the truth... The two points of view and in the middle the connection to formulating the truth. Kind-of like a he said, she said scenario. He says the story one way, she says it another, and somewhere in the middle is the truth.
What I did find was a fair number of common situations that definitely point to one thing.... The nearness of the sinus cavity to the teeth roots are so close that one can be mistaken for the other. Fortunately, most dentists that see nothing wrong via x-ray usually suggest either a visit to your doctor or they will send you off with a prescription of an antibiotic with a follow up visit in a week.
Sadly, that was not the case for me. I happened to have a couple of cavities that were found via x-ray and no thought of connection to sinus issues. I even recall telling the dentist that I found it interesting that this agonizing pain always happens during allergy season or cold season for me. I have noticed far more sinus infections in my life and I know in the pit of my stomach.... I will have more in the future. How do I know? I saw an ear, nose and throat specialist once. After getting a scan and a scope through my nose.... I apparently have broken my nose some years back and it was not noticeable on the exterior view to think it was broken. Well, technically, it is a deviation in the cartilage. This deviation created a small pocket that can bring on sinus infections faster than you can say the word, "sinus infection". Allergies and colds always result in sinus infections for me. I just never see it coming in order to prevent it.
With the sinuses and teeth roots in such close proximity.... it is feasible to say that what you may be experiencing is a toothache, could quite possibly be a sinus issue. Being people that turn to where the pain originates from (meaning where we feel it most), will have us turn to the specialist that will tend to that pain, but never consider the complexities of nerve endings that intertwine with other areas that are in close proximity.
I am feeling more and more confident that this is my situation and after researching the antibiotic that the doctor prescribed to me being a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used for various forms of infection.... I truly think that in a few more days and a few more doses... I will feel right as rain again. Yipee-skippy!!
Of course, with any findings upon my situation... I may not be 100% accurate and what happens (or happened) to me may be completely different than what happens to another. All I can say is....
Whenever in doubt.... check out all possible scenarios from all across the board. My sinus headache from my allergies has been nagging me for weeks, but it became more prominent after getting my teeth worked on. My initial assumption was the soreness of having teeth drilled that made me uncomfortable, but all other tooth care situations never had a recovery process drag out for as long as these last two have been. That is where I had the drive to research more into all possible pain-causing scenarios that could quite possibly be categorized as a gray area scenario. Never hurts to seek for second opinions, or third opinions before committing to one conclusion. What one does not see could be seen by another.
Wish me luck that this recent finding and recent course of antibiotics will be the answer to my prayers for the past few days or so.
Oh, BTW.... the swollen spot on my cheek started going down today. Chances are the antibiotic is doing it's thing. Would be nice that it did not have to take 24 hours to show improvement somewhere, but I am optimistic that I am getting better.... slow, but sure.
Thanks for reading and if I have more information or an update on my healing process.... you will see it in future blogs.
Going to the source.... part 2
Well, I gave myself a couple of days time to amass what part 2 is going to share... and trust me.... it almost feels as if there is serious doubt about "the source's knowledge". Now, I am not complaining about my dentist in any way because he really does good by me. He is a really nice fellow that does care. His chair-side manner is basically perfect. He does all his talking that requires answers before he starts work and only asks the few "How are ya doin'", from time to time. We have a system and I rarely ever complain.
As I stated earlier in my previous blog.... I made a point to see my dentist about this weird circle of swollen-ness on my left cheek. It was not there before seeing the dentist, but it sure as heck arrived after. I was thinking that it could possibly be an allergic reaction to the Novocaine since I do recall a shot being done in that area inside my mouth to treat a tooth right where this swollen area was as well as the tooth just below it. I never had one before and fully understand that people can become allergic to things they weren't before after multiple exposures to it.... not everything, but some things can do just that.
I recall being able to add nail enhancements (you know create acrylic nails, gel overlays, and stuff like that) for years. That is, until I became sensitive to the stuff. I broke out in a serious rash that would blister within 5-10 minutes of exposure. It is called "contact dermatitis" and once you have it.... you have it for life. I can never do nail enhancements ever again. I am okay with it, though, because I wanted to focus more on the hair aspect than the nail aspect.
Well, onward... shall we? Good.
After seeing the dentist to assess the situation, I got the usual poke, prod, and question scenario. The usual tenderness after getting a couple of teeth drilled still present and accounted for, but otherwise, no other outbreaks of a rash on the interior of my mouth, so.... it is highly likely that I am allergic to the Novocaine, but my dentist suggested to side on the err of caution and take some Benadryl for a few days to see if the swollen circle on my left cheek goes away. If not.... I was advised to see a dermatologist or my regular doctor for further inspection.
I went home with this information and got ready for work... Prom season, you know. Took the Benadryl after work since I prefer to be alert while working on people's hair and makeup and passed out early that evening. I woke up with some severe pain in a totally different area.... and trust me.... that area is a TMI place to speak of, but lets just say it is a real pain in the rear.
Of course, it would be my luck that I have to hurt in yet another place on my body. Between my mouth and my backside being in agony, I yet again got ready for work. I took my Advil as suggested for the mouth tenderness and raced off to the local pharmacy for something to help with the new invasion of pain. Wincing and whining in agony, I go to work, plaster a smile on my face and proceed with my day. The pain was immense (my backside, that is), and the concern over the swollen circle on my left cheek as well as my tooth and gum pain still taking up most of my thoughts because there is more of the swollen area and the tenderness is even more so. My boss cleared out some time in my appointment book and told me to go to one of those emergency treatment centers that used to be open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, but now have actual hours of operation and are no longer 24 hours a day open for business.
Needless to say.... She did not have to ask me twice and I bolted off to see a doctor. After a "head to tail" look over, I was given a prescription of an antibiotic and instructions to see my regular doctor in a few days for a follow up. Even this doctor was not sure what it was on my cheek, but decided since I had a low grade fever, aches and pains, as well as all signs pointing to an infection going on....an antibiotic was the next best choice. Oh, and to sit in a bathtub because my backside was swollen and the warm heat would do wonders for the pain I had going on down there.
Well, it has been 3 days (including the day of seeing the dentist) and the start of day #4 in the hopeful healing process of only God knows what that is going on with me. Here is my update on how I am doing... if you are truly interested in knowing.....
I am still tender in my mouth, but it is a little less. I can only guess that it will take another week to heal from yet another double-tooth-treated-with-fillings-trauma and no longer wince when I try to chew. The swollen circle on my left cheek is still there, but it is a little less prominent. The hot soaks in the bathtub for another area of pain on me has been successful and it no longer hurts to sit, stand, lay down, and walk. Well, it is not 100% better, but the level of discomfort is at a more tolerable level. I will continue with the antibiotics that the doctor prescribed because he mentioned that it would help in every place that hurts and it is possible that the pain is infection related, so I will be taking the required dose for day #2 of 10 today. I still have my seasonal allergies going on, so I will return to my usual allergy medicine of Zyrtec later today. The Advil that I have been taking will continue for a few more days since I am still tender in my mouth, but getting a little better each day.
I did open a new bag of worms by questioning why there is mouth pain after the visit to the dentist and I have a few questions of my own, but I will share my thoughts on that subject another time with the third and final installment of "Going to the source... part 3", as well as information I have gathered along this journey.
I do have to give credit to God and the power of prayer because I prayed heavily last night for some relief and I am feeling a bit better today, so..... Thank You God for listening in my time of need. You obviously knew that the tears from my eyes and the strain in my voice was real and answered rather quickly.... I really appreciate that.
Thanks for reading... have a nice day :)
As I stated earlier in my previous blog.... I made a point to see my dentist about this weird circle of swollen-ness on my left cheek. It was not there before seeing the dentist, but it sure as heck arrived after. I was thinking that it could possibly be an allergic reaction to the Novocaine since I do recall a shot being done in that area inside my mouth to treat a tooth right where this swollen area was as well as the tooth just below it. I never had one before and fully understand that people can become allergic to things they weren't before after multiple exposures to it.... not everything, but some things can do just that.
I recall being able to add nail enhancements (you know create acrylic nails, gel overlays, and stuff like that) for years. That is, until I became sensitive to the stuff. I broke out in a serious rash that would blister within 5-10 minutes of exposure. It is called "contact dermatitis" and once you have it.... you have it for life. I can never do nail enhancements ever again. I am okay with it, though, because I wanted to focus more on the hair aspect than the nail aspect.
Well, onward... shall we? Good.
After seeing the dentist to assess the situation, I got the usual poke, prod, and question scenario. The usual tenderness after getting a couple of teeth drilled still present and accounted for, but otherwise, no other outbreaks of a rash on the interior of my mouth, so.... it is highly likely that I am allergic to the Novocaine, but my dentist suggested to side on the err of caution and take some Benadryl for a few days to see if the swollen circle on my left cheek goes away. If not.... I was advised to see a dermatologist or my regular doctor for further inspection.
I went home with this information and got ready for work... Prom season, you know. Took the Benadryl after work since I prefer to be alert while working on people's hair and makeup and passed out early that evening. I woke up with some severe pain in a totally different area.... and trust me.... that area is a TMI place to speak of, but lets just say it is a real pain in the rear.
Of course, it would be my luck that I have to hurt in yet another place on my body. Between my mouth and my backside being in agony, I yet again got ready for work. I took my Advil as suggested for the mouth tenderness and raced off to the local pharmacy for something to help with the new invasion of pain. Wincing and whining in agony, I go to work, plaster a smile on my face and proceed with my day. The pain was immense (my backside, that is), and the concern over the swollen circle on my left cheek as well as my tooth and gum pain still taking up most of my thoughts because there is more of the swollen area and the tenderness is even more so. My boss cleared out some time in my appointment book and told me to go to one of those emergency treatment centers that used to be open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, but now have actual hours of operation and are no longer 24 hours a day open for business.
Needless to say.... She did not have to ask me twice and I bolted off to see a doctor. After a "head to tail" look over, I was given a prescription of an antibiotic and instructions to see my regular doctor in a few days for a follow up. Even this doctor was not sure what it was on my cheek, but decided since I had a low grade fever, aches and pains, as well as all signs pointing to an infection going on....an antibiotic was the next best choice. Oh, and to sit in a bathtub because my backside was swollen and the warm heat would do wonders for the pain I had going on down there.
Well, it has been 3 days (including the day of seeing the dentist) and the start of day #4 in the hopeful healing process of only God knows what that is going on with me. Here is my update on how I am doing... if you are truly interested in knowing.....
I am still tender in my mouth, but it is a little less. I can only guess that it will take another week to heal from yet another double-tooth-treated-with-fillings-trauma and no longer wince when I try to chew. The swollen circle on my left cheek is still there, but it is a little less prominent. The hot soaks in the bathtub for another area of pain on me has been successful and it no longer hurts to sit, stand, lay down, and walk. Well, it is not 100% better, but the level of discomfort is at a more tolerable level. I will continue with the antibiotics that the doctor prescribed because he mentioned that it would help in every place that hurts and it is possible that the pain is infection related, so I will be taking the required dose for day #2 of 10 today. I still have my seasonal allergies going on, so I will return to my usual allergy medicine of Zyrtec later today. The Advil that I have been taking will continue for a few more days since I am still tender in my mouth, but getting a little better each day.
I did open a new bag of worms by questioning why there is mouth pain after the visit to the dentist and I have a few questions of my own, but I will share my thoughts on that subject another time with the third and final installment of "Going to the source... part 3", as well as information I have gathered along this journey.
I do have to give credit to God and the power of prayer because I prayed heavily last night for some relief and I am feeling a bit better today, so..... Thank You God for listening in my time of need. You obviously knew that the tears from my eyes and the strain in my voice was real and answered rather quickly.... I really appreciate that.
Thanks for reading... have a nice day :)
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