Tuesday 9 April 2013

Menopause - More Answers

Those of you who have been reading my blog will know the journey I have found myself on - nothing like the journey I actually set out on, but life is like that sometimes, it presents you with twists and turns you never expected, just to see how you cope in the face of adversity.  (Well that is how I think it works - I may be completely wrong but that's OK too !!!)

My weight gain and tiredness have been two of the big issues I have faced over the past few months.  Last week I had a cortisol test and a glucose tolerance test - and we have some answers. 

I went back to my absolute darling hormone doctor (lovingly known at home as Maxine because she reminds me of the cartoon character so much !!) yesterday for the results of the above-mentioned tests and YAY - there is a reason for my tiredness and weight gain.

I have adrenal fatigue and my insulin is not doing what it is supposed to with the carbs that I eat.

Finally, something I can actually do to change how I feel.

Finally, there is something I can control that will change how I feel.

I could have leapt across that table and kissed her I was so happy.  I don't think I have ever been so happy to be told that there is something wrong with me - but yesterday, it was the validation that I needed for myself, to know that it wasn't all in my head and that there was a very specific reason for what was happening.

Yes, there are still other issues that we are going to have to work on but just the fact that we have some reasons for the major issues is SUCH A RELIEF for A and I.

The bottom line is if I don't change my lifestyle I am almost guaranteed to be diabetic within 5-10 years.  So, it really is a no brainer - I don't have an option but to change my lifestyle.  I'm not going to kid anyone that it will be easy as I am the carbohydrate queen.  I did follow the paleo way of eating for a few months a while back, I do know it works, but this time I have to embrace it as my new way of life not a short term change for a specific outcome.

I also have a plan for reducing the anti-depressants that I am on because I do feel that I am coping so much better and don't need to be on the high dosage that I am on.  I have agreed that if I feel like I need to be on them I will stop the reduction plan and stay on the dosage that I am at that point.  The past 6-8 weeks when I have been kinder to myself and stopped beating myself up over everything that 'I should' be doing and instead allowing myself to do the things that I can manage - and if that means sleeping most of the weekend, then that is OK.  It has taken me a long time to accept that it is OK not to be superwoman - with this great job, fantastic exercise regime, good little business at home - it is OK to let A cook dinner and look after me because I am almost incapable of looking after myself, it doesn't mean I am any less a wife / mom - it just means I have accepted what my limitations are for now and that is not to say that they won't change in the future.

I have noticed lately as I have opened myself up more to helping people, the universe is thanking me by sending me new clients.  I can't tell you when I last had a new client.  In the past month I have had three new clients - two of whom have booked follow up treatments.

Linking up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT because we all know how we love to BOT !!

Life is good !

Have the best week ever !!!!!!

TFTD : Success doesn't come to you, you actually have to go and find it for yourself.

48 comments:

  1. Isn't it great when you get a diagnosis, though I hated the CRPS diagnosis, I was so glad it was not all just in my head lol.... awesome about the new clients, keep being positive and all will work out, well thats what I try to believe anyway :)

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    1. For sure Jackie - just knowing it is not only in my head is such a big thing !
      Have the best day.
      Me

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  2. Such a relief to get a diagnosis at last, at least now you know what to do and how to move forward.

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    1. Thanks Janet - absolutely.
      Have a great week !
      Me

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  3. Oh wow - isn't it amazing how great it is to get a diagnosis, even when it's not a good one? It's just so relieving to have answers. I love your positive attitude, and it's also quite positive that with this diagnosis you have the opportunity to make changes (albeit some sad ones… oooooh how good are potatoes?) that can help safeguard your future health. The best of luck to you xxx

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    1. Thanks Kim - that is exactly how I feel.
      Have a fantastic day !
      Me

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  4. That validation is the BEST feeling ever. It cracks me up that we get so excited to find out that there is something wrong with us!
    I was a carb queen and didn't think it was possible to exist without it. I now have dramatically cut carbs from my diet particularly processed carbs. It is possible and you adjust. I concentrate on having vege's as my carb intake mostly, but always have one day off a week where if I want I can have that pasta, rice, bread etc. It has worked for a couple of years now for me, so it is possible :)
    Becc @ Take Charge Now

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    1. Thanks Becc - good to know that someone else has done it. You are right, I think it is a case of making the change and adapting to that change.
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  5. Excellent you have some direction! And you sound like you are in a much better place within yourself to put the new changes in place. Good luck, and congrats on new clients!

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    1. Thanks Sophie. I do feel like I am in a better space which is great for everyone !!!
      Have the best week !
      Me

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  6. Why is it so hard to admit we're not Superwoman??
    You will feel a great deal better with your new lifestyle, and as I said, don't be too hard on yourself with that too.
    Remember your life is like a marathon, not a sprint.
    Just do your best and be kind to yourself.

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    1. I don't know why it is so hard to admit we are not Superwoman but if you ever find out please let me know !!!
      What a great way to look at life - a marathon not a sprint - I am certainly in for the long haul.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  7. Glad you have answers - sorry about the diet but short term loss is long term gain. As for letting a few things slide, think big picture, or as my friend says "so what" effect. I didn't make dinner - so what? I didn't get dressed today - so what? And so on...and post pics of your color run or you'll be in trouble...

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    1. What a great attitude to have - the 'so what' effect - I am going to HAVE to tell A and K about it !!
      Do'h just remembered we bought K a waterproof case for her phone for Christmas - will get it from her to there will be some photos !!!
      Have the best time away !
      Me

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  8. Fantastic news that you can name and manage the issues! I've been experimenting with Paleo and although I couldn't be 100% Paleo, I find it really useful to swap high carb things out for some Paleo options. E.g. Paleo Fried Rice (which is really cauliflower), and I'm also eating a lot of pumpkin. Whenever the family has pasta or rice I will have pumpkin instead. I'm getting used to it now and it isn't a hardship anymore. Last night I had to taste a piece of pasta to see if it was cooked and honestly, I had to spit it out! Good luck with it.
    xx

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    1. Thanks for that Mrs BC - I don't know if I can do it 100% but so long as I can cut out the wheat, dairy and sugar I am sure that it will be heaps better.
      I love pumpkin so that is great - it really is about learning a new way of cooking / planning meals.
      I'm not sure if I could ever spit out a piece of cake if I tried it - will be an interesting exercise in a few months time.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  9. Oh this sounds like things are going to get so much better! Yay to the the Universe for answers and clients! and I adore your line "life is good" that speaks volumes xx

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    1. Thanks Josefa - I am certainly feeling so much better than I was - I feel like a completely new person !!
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  10. That is awesome news, it is so good to find out why you feel crap. Your new Dr is so awesome. You will get used to a low carb diet and wonder why you never switched earlier. Enjoy your new clients :)

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    1. Thanks Eleise - I think when I get my head around the fact that it is a lifestyle change and not a diet, it will help heaps - this is how I eat moving forward rather than this is how I eat until I lose xx weight.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  11. fantastic news - a diagnosis is always better than living in the land of what the heck is wrong - now you can get better. laney at crash test mummy had adrenal fatigue if you want to get some info - think she posted about it on her blog xxx

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    1. Thanks for that Deb - I will drop Laney an email and have a chat to her. Always good to be in touch with someone who has been through it before !!
      Have the best week !
      Me

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  12. That's wonderful that you have found some answers - so happy for you! I hope things keep coming together for you :-)

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    1. Thanks Francesca - have the best day !
      Me

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  13. Oh honey I'm so happy that you have some answers! And it's so lovely to feel the cheerfulness in your words!
    xx

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    1. Thanks Kelly - it's good to know that you can 'hear' that things have picked up for me. I hope that they pick up for you soon - I can only imagine how difficult things are for you - sending heaps of hugs.
      Me

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  14. What a relief! Hoping this direction gives you what you need to move forward and be well. x

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    1. Thanks Robomum - I tried to comment on your post but couldn't find where the comments were - sorry !
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  15. So glad you have your answers, some warnings you can do something about, and a plan. That makes you pretty lucky! I also have adrenal fatigue but mine has decided to attack my lady hormones, making me one interesting person to live with. Glad I have answers now, explains a lot! Now my naturopath wants me on a month of detox with no sugar, dairy or alcohol... if they thought I was bad now...just wait until the diet!! #teamIBOT

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    1. Oh Twitchy - I know exactly what you mean. I think A is more relieved than anything at having some answers - am sure he is hoping that I will finally turn back into the person I used to be - he (and me) can only hope !!!
      Have the best day and good luck with your detox.
      Me

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  16. It must be such a relief to finally know what you're dealing with hun! As challenging as it will be, at least you're now on the right track. Glad to hear you're taking care of YOU. xx

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    1. Absolutely Lisa - at least now we have something to work with. I am being really good about taking care of me (and letting A help heaps with that too !!!)
      Have a great week !
      Me

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  17. Oh love, I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I think you have turned that corner, and it is all going to be so much better from this point forwards. Sometimes the best thing is to be told something is wrong - then you can get to fixing it! Yay!!! I know you have been having a rough time of it, and I hear so so so much positivity in this post! So happy for you L! xox

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    1. Thank you Lovely ! It's good to have some answers and be able to start working on something. We will get there - I just need to be patient (which is something I am working on really hard !!)
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  18. What a relief for you to finally have an answer - even though there will need to be sacrifices knowledge is power I say! This post has made me think about a few of my own health issues that I probably need to take a more proactive approach to - reading this post was just the kick up the arse I needed :)

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    1. For sure - knowledge is power - that is exactly what "Maxine" said !!!
      Glad I could help you be more proactive with your health - I wish I had started being proactive sooner than I did. I'm not saying I wouldn't have the same issues but if I had exercised more and paid more attention to what I was eating, I may not have been in the situation that I am in now.
      Have the best week !
      Me

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  19. So happy for you that you have some answers. Answers mean you can make informed decisions and start on the path to being well! :-) And it has to be said, you may not be superwoman but you are super! Congrats on the new clients.

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    1. Exactly right - information means the knoweldge to move forward.
      Thank you for those kind words - have the best day !
      Me

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  20. Oh great news L - YAY YAY - and to have a plan way forward is just the best. You even 'sound' much more positive as I read in between the lines. And great idea of being kind to you - I'm trying to do more of that, but it seems I've been failing miserably these school holidays, maybe I will when M goes back to school. HUGS x Em

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    1. Thanks so much Em - I am feeling HEAPS more positive about where I am and where I am going.
      Try to find the time to be kind to yourself - we all deserve it !!!
      Have a great week !
      Me

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  21. Hey Me,
    It's not all gloom and doom. You'll have to moderate your carb intake but doesn't mean giving them up all together. Lots of fruit and veges are wonderful for adrenal fatigue.x

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    1. Thanks Liz - as soon as I have the energy I am going to start doing heaps of research into finding out more about what I should and shouldn't be doing.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  22. That really is the most wonderful news ever. Well you know what I mean. So glad you have an answer and ones that at this stage just mean some positive lifestyle adjustments which is what you have been aiming for anyway.

    Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses lovely lady I hope the good times keep on coming

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    1. Thanks Rhianna - yes knowing certainly helps heaps !!!
      Have the best evening !
      Me

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  23. What a relief you finally have answers....now you can move on and start the recovery progress.

    Congrats on the new clients.

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    1. Thanks Jen - having answers certainly makes it a little easier to deal with.
      Am loving having new clients I can help.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  24. Sorry I'm late to comment. But honey this is wonderful news to have something to work on and towards. So wonderful to hearing you're being kinder to yourself and what a wonderful reward from the universe to send you new clients. Way to go you. Hugs and love. X

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  25. Much Love to you Linda- so glad you have a diagnosis you can work with and see a light at the end of the tunnel. You put out SO MUCH positive energy into the universe it can only come back to you in good ways.x x x

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Have the best day.

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