Friday, June 19, 2009

Flashback Friday

So this flashback has nothing to do with the kids. It has to do with me. Yes I know you are shocked to think that I could actually just write about me, huh? LOL!

Anyway...this time last Friday (that is a flashback right?) I was laying in bed wishing that I could just crawl in a hole somewhere because of that kidney stone, at least that is what I thought. I found out on Monday that it was also a REALLY bad infection as well. So, this flashback is a little bit of an update to my condition.

So I have been on antibiotics three times a day since Monday and I am finally feeling like myself, and back to 100%. I also did a ton of research on kidney stones, infection, and failure. I found out more than I ever wanted to know about the kidneys and how to really not take care of them at all. I think most of us neglect these organs. After reading about them I don't know why we do except maybe because we have two??? So we figure that if one gives out we always have another one, right?

Well, this is true to a point, but if one gives out you are still going to have to have some medical intervention and it could be pretty significant. So I decided that I am going to try and take care of these precious organs. Did you know that there are three different kinds of kidney stones? And that each one is caused by something different? And that if you eat lots and lots of sugar (me) that it can cause the pancreas to produce too much insulin and that insulin can cause stones? And that eating lots and lots of animal protein (me) can cause you to have stones as well? And did you know that it does not matter if you are underweight, a healthy weight, or overweight that you can get kidney stones and have kidney failure?

WELL...all of these things are true, and I am sure that some of you did not want the Public Service Announcement, but this post is as much for me as any of you. I need to be held accountable. I have given up processed sugar, half the red meat that I eat, and sodas. I have also added in lots more water. I am trying to drink about a gallon a day.

NOW...let me say that I am also taking some vitamins and supplements to help as well. Calcium supplements are crucial for all of this. I have always had a deficiency so this will help me in lots of ways. And the time that I take the calcium is important for absorption otherwise I will be wasting my time. I need to take the calcium with my meals for proper absorption, but some people need to take it between meals.

So now back to the flashback...I never want to forget the incredible pain that I was in last Friday. Not because I am a martyr, but because I want to have motivation for the changes that I am trying to make. Here are a list of the changes that I began this week:
  • No processed sugar
  • Reduction in animal protein
  • Calcium supplements
  • Exercise daily (OMG...this is the hardest one...)
  • Increase in the amount of water I drink
  • NO MORE SODAS, ever....(yuck, ick, i hate this one)

Now I need every one's help...keep me accountable. I plan on writing an accountability post every once in awhile, but ask me about it. Hear and when I see you...most of you who read this on a consistent basis I see or talk to quite often! :) Although I love my stalkers! LOVE you guys!

I will tell you that I feel a difference. I feel great. It has only been three days, but you know what...I don't miss the sugar or the sodas...I am starting to look forward to the exercise again...and water is not that gross...right??? :)

5 comments:

K, L and M said...

OK...>I think this must have been a sign...I am the queen of kidney stones and kidney infections.....and have always been like...whatever,,I have two!! BUT..you hit me between the eyes with this post.....I can't seem to give up the Dr.P..at all....but I've cut back..a lot..and trying to drink crystal light..and then hopefully straight water...SO..are you getting bad headaches from the lack of caffeine?..that's my fear...let's help each other out..4 kidneys are better than 2!!

Me said...

absolutely...let's get it together...and i am not having the headaches, but i do drink one cup of coffee a day...that seems to keep me from getting headaches, and i took a cleanse as well to get out as much as i could...we will keep each other accountable...4 are definitely better than 2!

Queenie Jeannie said...

Hugs!!! So glad you are feeling better!!

For the water, add a bit a real lemon juice to it. It adds benefits and makes an interesting change. GREEN TEA (the kind you brew, not instant) is fabulous for you too!!!!

Me said...

thank you so much! :)

Queenie Jeannie said...

Email me about the cards hun!

j_kupsh@yahoo.com