Lifestyle Change- The Paleo

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've had to make a bit of a lifestyle change because of the health problems I've been having.

In October of last year, I began on a gluten-free diet, hoping that would help. It did seem to help for a month or so, but it kind of seemed to fade. November & December I was really struggling with feeling well. It really began to wear me down feeling sick all the time. I barely ever felt "good" and my energy was lacking majorly. I am a social butterfly, and I didn't even feel like going places anymore, it all seemed like too much work, and I didn't feel like putting forth the effort to carrying on conversations with people.

A friend from church who has been so welcoming to me since I started going to Roanoke, is on the Paleo diet and talked about it frequently when I asked her questions. After talking to her one night, I was convinced that was what I needed to try and see if it would help me. I'm only 21, and I have a lot of years to go to keep healthy and to keep my stomach from getting worse. While we were in Florida, I really did not feel very well. I didn't really "have" to do anything while on vacation which was great, but I feel like that's what pushed me over the edge with this diet.

Then my mom bought a Paleo cookbook "Against All Grain," and after looking at it, it seemed like there were quite a few "normal" recipes in there. Maybe this wan't be too bad, I tried to tell myself. 

My parents decided to do the Paleo, and with Daniel's full support I decided to make the change as of January 1st. My dad decided to do it because he hadn't been feeling the greatest.. and my mom mostly did it to support the both of us(I think?). I don't know how they've stayed on it. I was fine the first few weeks, but lately it's been really hard. I just want the GOOD food. But it really isn't good... not good for me whatsoever. It just tastes so good! The biggest struggle is going places, being an "odd" one and not eating like most normal people. 

So what is the Paleo you may ask? Well a lot of people are familiar with it, but if you're not... In short, it is no DAIRY, GLUTEN/MOST GRAINS, SUGAR, PROCESSED FOODS... etc. etc. 

That leaves us with meat, veggies, fruit... we can have almond and coconut flour but those are the only two flours. We are allowed to have coconut oil and palm sugar. Thank goodness we can have eggs. That is my go to food when there's nothing else in the house to eat.

I don't think I could have ever done it if my mom hadn't. Because she cooks that way now it is SO helpful. She's done a ton of cooking for me... and also grocery shopping and giving me ideas of what to eat, etc.
Have I mentioned that she's done 90% of the cooking for me? Yeah.... and I think Daniels done the other 10% with grilling meat. I do make my own breakfast, eggs and a smoothie each morning though. :) It's just so time consuming to make anything because it's all made from scratch. Everything.

Anyway, I have been feeling better, praise the Lord. I don't think I could continue if I wasn't. It is so hard sometimes. The good thing is, now when I look at all the "good" food, it's not even an option for me anymore. I have to constantly remind myself that it will be SO worth it in the coming years. As time goes on with being on the diet I can tell my body LOVES to eat this way. I never really eat anything anymore that didn't "sit" with me well.

I would have no motivation to do this if it wasn't for my health issues. I've always wanted to eat healthy so I guess this is a way of "forcing" me into it. :) I'm so thankful how supportive everyone has been. No one ever acts like it's a pain to cook special for me or that I'm a bother, even though I feel like it most of the time.

Going out to eat can  be kind of difficult, but I found a new favorite- Qdoba. Yum. I can have their steak, guacamole, salsa, and lettuce. It is so good! I think we've saved a ton of money by not going out to eat near as much though! :)

One thing this has all taught me- not to take our health for granted. I definitely did, and now I am just so thankful for the small things- like feeling good when going to work, and having enough energy at work to have a productive day.
Every. Single. Day. before work I remind myself of this verse:

2 Corinthians 12:9- And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

So thankful for my health, and my supportive husband and family!

A Journey

I have thought and doubted a lot with whether I should post what I'm about to write. I didn't want rumors to start, or a big deal made out of it. I haven't let any of this made known to the world wide web, which has been kind of nice. But I feel as if I should just give you a shortened version....So I will write in less detail, as a lot of the details don't matter as much anymore anyway! It's only taken me 5 months to blog about it. I thought it'd be good to look back on it someday.

We've been on a Journey the last several months- I've had a few health problems. It started last summer with being nauseous 90% of the time and having extreme fatigue. I didn't think that much of it, as I have always had stomach issues and I'm just the type to always be tired and try to get lots of sleep. But I finally went to the doctor, as I suspected it being a gluten intolerance or Celiac disease since my mom can't eat gluten.

After getting some blood tests done, my doctor sent me to a specialized GI doctor, who did an endoscopy. I did not show any sign of Celiac disease, but instead they found a tumor in my stomach and a nogel on my esophagus. So they did more blood work to find out more about the tumor, and to see if it spread anywhere else. They told me it would take 4 weeks to get those blood results back... but it really only took about 2. So when I received a phone call, I was completely not expecting what I heard. Mayo Clinic called me, and wanted to set up an appointment with Dr. Murray, in one WEEK. I had no idea what they were talking about, because I hadn't heard anything back from my blood tests yet. After telling Mayo's I would have to call them back, my doctor called me. She said it seemed to be more serious than she had thought... and she diagnosed me with an rare autoimmune disease: Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis. 

She told me it is extremely rare, especially at my age, because people between 50-60 normally get this disease. That's why she wanted to send me to Mayo's; she had talked to Dr. Murray and requested that he take me as a patient. She said she didn't trust herself or anyone else around here to treat me. And she wasn't sure about the tumors... she said they were "fairly benign" I didn't know what to say, as I thought it'd be nearly impossible with my work, and most of all Daniel's school.

I told Daniel when I got home that night what she had said. I'm not gonna lie, it was very hard for both of us at first. Daniel told me that without a doubt, we were going to Mayo's. I really didn't want to put his school at risk though... The next day, we told our bosses and Daniel's teachers. Every. Single. One. was so incredibly understanding. It was an answer to prayer in it's self, that leaving for a week(we didn't know how long we would be gone) was not a big deal. 

So we found out on Monday(10/14) that we needed to go to Mayo's... and on Monday(10/21)  we were AT Mayo's. Within that week, it was amazing how many close friends and family members texted me and told me they were praying for us as we went. We felt soo blessed with all the love and support.

We left on Sunday afternoon so we could get most of the way there before dark. My mom went with us and we took their van which was a huge help. I never knew this until we went, but there's a house that the Apostolic church has for people who go to Mayo's. My mom got that all lined up for us to stay there. I think it was around 7 or 8 once we got there, and it was such a nice place and perfect for us! I went to bed fairly early, knowing that it would be a busy next day.

Our first day there, Monday, I had to fast for blood tests and had those first thing in the morning. It was a little stressful at first knowing where to go and where to park because that place is HUGE. After the blood test I was done until the afternoon. So we headed to a darling coffee shop/cafe for breakfast. Afterwards we stopped at a few stores, like Trader Joes that we don't have around here. :) We went back and I took a nap until my next appointment. My appointment with Dr. Murray was at 3:30, but we waited, and waited, and waited....I'm not sure what time we finally got taken back to the room, but I'm pretty sure I was the last patient for the day as there was nobody left when we were finally done! 

I really don't remember how the appointment went... I told him all my symptoms, my mom's family history of stomach cancer, blah blah blah.... I don't think he really said too much because he wanted to wait until after he saw the results of my endoscopy. But I do remember him saying that there's not really a "solution" for the disease. To just find out whatever works best for you.

That night we went out to eat at a wonderful gluten-free restaurant. They had an entire menu with good, normal food on it! My mom and I were thrilled! Then it was to bed early because I knew what the next day would be like!

Tuesday morning was my ultrasound endoscopy- basically like a very detailed endoscopy. This was something they couldn't do back at home. That was first thing Tuesday morning. I was a tad bit anxious, but it helped that I had already had an endoscopy 3 or 4 weeks prior. The nurse messed up my first IV...and left me with huge bruises. But I did survive. :) Everything went great.... waking up, wow I was soo exhausted the last thing I wanted to do was try and wake up and get out of bed. But they kept trying to get me to. Anyway, they said everything went very well and that was that. I finally managed to get out of bed and even walked to the car in the parking deck. But we went straight back to the house and I slept for a long time. I had a follow-up appointment with my results that afternoon so I know I needed to be rested up. 

So late that afternoon was our last and final appointment with Dr. Murray. He showed us the pictures of my stomach and explained what the problems were, etc. But it was mostly all GOOD news. The GOOD news was that it wasn't as bad as they initially thought. There were no tumors....they were just enlarged cells!! I am not going to go into full detail of what this disease causes, but a few of things is: thinning of the stomach lining, an inflamed stomach, and I don't produce stomach acid. Since I don't produce stomach acid, it makes it hard for me to absorb vitamins and nutrients. This was causing my iron to be extremely low and making me anemic. So he prescribed an iron pill that had acid in it, making it easier for me to absorb it. The low iron is what was causing me to be so tired and fatigued all the time. So basically we were all so relieved after knowing the tumors were not a problem. And yes, the stomach lining was a little thinned, but not dangerously. He said he's seen a lot worse. So we very thankful and wanted to praise the Lord after walking out of there! There wasn't a lot of specifics as far has what to do to help my nauseousness, he just said to do whatever works! At that time, gluten-free seemed to be helping me so that's what I was doing. He told me to have another endoscopy in another 3 years, and to get my blood check on a regular basis.

We decided to leave that afternoon since we really didn't need to stay for anything. We got home late Tuesday night, which was wonderful, as we had suspected to be there all week long.

The amount of prayers, support, and love we've been shown is incredible. It's something I don't want to forget. I've never been on the receiving side in a situation like that. There was so much unknown and worries, and it's amazing how God answered so many prayers and I'm not as bad as we had first though. After getting back, and even still to this day, people ask how I'm doing and how I'm feeling. It means so much to me as yes, I still have to live with these symptoms as they're still not gone. They've been a lot better(more on that later), but it required a lifestyle change, which is not always easy. 

I'm just so thankful for a supportive husband, who is a NURSE and knows and understands so much more than I do! If I didn't know what the doctor said, he'd interpret it for me when we got home. :) And for my mom, who has done so much cooking for me as I don't feel very good or have the energy to. I am so blessed!

Kendra & Aaron 1.26.14

Here is a post about my best friend's wedding last weekend. But first, a few pre-wedding photos...

Dress Fitting!

Kendra & I

I had Kendra's personal shower at my house a couple weekend before the wedding. It was good... 3 of them stayed until 2:30am... and I got to go to work the next morning too. I'm too old for that anymore....I go to bed extremely early.

The table

The Guests

The weekend of the wedding: Saturday morning bright and early I went to Kendra's and helped her get ready and assured her that she looked beautiful. :) Elisabeth came and assisted Kandace & I with our hair that morning before pictures.

Mother of the Bride & Kendra

Pictures were at the Clock Tower, and afterwards we went to the fellowship hall to take some outdoor pictures. But it was absolutely freezing and windy. I'm pretty sure we were all so cold, we don't even look normal in most of the pictures. I was glad I had a brother-in-law in the wedding and didn't feel weird getting sort of close to him in some pictures when she said to squeeze together. :) Plus men are so much warmer. Why do they get to wear suit coats when us women are the ones who are always freezing? :)

I was honored to be the "Matron of Honor"

Groomsmen

Bridesmaids

Saturday after pictures I rushed home to get Kendra & Aaron's scrapbook together. Ha, I don't know why I ever say a specific day to return the pages to me by... everyone's was last minute so I couldn't exactly do it before Saturday! Oh well! :) Saturday night the rehearsal dinner was at the fellowship hall.

The happy couple

We sang the song "Friends" by Michael W. Smith. We made Kendra cry, so I guess it was a success. ;)

We all talked at the rehearsal dinner... I prepared my "speech" because I didn't want to regret what I said and there was so much to say. Lori gave hers before I did... which wasn't a good thing because she got me started crying. Once I start it's hard for me to stop. So I bawled through my speech. But Kendra said I made her cry, which was kind of my goal. ;) Just kidding... (sort of)
Anyway, so if my eyes look red in all these pictures, it's because I was crying shortly before they were taken. :)

Me & handsome husband :)

The Core 4... all married! What a great potluck group we have!

I love her dearly!

Looking at the famous wedding scrapbook

Aaron's sister Holly and I.. oh she makes me smile!

All the friends at the dinner

Ready to be married!

Sunday morning I headed over to Kendra's again to get my hair done. Sunday at noon we headed over to her Grandpa & Grandma's to get dressed and ready.

I'm not sure what was my problem that day though... about 15 minutes before we walked down the aisle, I cut my finger and got blood all over my dress. (Disclaimer: I thought I got it to stop bleeding... but apparently I hadn't! And I didn't have a band-aid handy!)
We called some of our mothers into the room, and thank goodness my mom got it out with cold water. I think it was even dry by the time I walked down the aisle.

In the mean time... while my mom was getting the blood off my dress, I couldn't find the bible I was supposed to carry in, or my purse. Somehow my purse had ended up in Aaron's car, and I left my bible at Kendra's grandparents where we got ready. Thanks to Ellie... she went and fetched both things for me. :)

She looks frustrated, but she really wasn't..I don't think. Thanks Ellie!

Finally all ready to walk in!

A little nervous!

 So we walked into church all put together. :) Before walking in I turned and gave Kendra a hug and told her she looked beautiful. Aaron thought so too as I think he got a tad teary eyed. :) They were married, we all signed the marriage license to make it official, and now they are Mr. & Mrs. Funk. :)

And my sloppy signature will forever be on their license...

It was time for the reception!

Me & Ellie

And with our husbands..

Kendra & Aaron

I love this man!

2 of my favorite girls! Mom & Bridget

Mother of the Bride... my 2nd mom growing up!

Our new best couple friends :)

Oh how I've prayed and cried with this girl over the years.  What a blessing to see where God has lead her!

Off they go... to Florida!

So off they went. We helped with clean up, as that is such an overwhelming job for the family of the bride! But let's just say I was absolutely exhausted that night, and especially the next day at work. Ha, actually I think it took me the entire week to recover. Couldn't be happier for Kendra & Aaron though!

Ruskin Florida

I know, I kinda have been slacking on my blog. Not even one post in December... really Wendi? I had good intentions to update my blog on vacation, but I really had no motivation to do it. Story of my life right now. :) 

Onto vacation. Daniel & I went to Ruskin Florida for a week right after Daniel finished his finals in December. It was about 20 minutes away from Tampa. It was a very nice resort to relax and do absolutely nothing, which is what we wanted to do. We took 2 days to drive down there, which went extremely smoothly! We had a condo, so we had a full size kitchen which was super nice. We cooked a lot of our own meals which was great for a number of reasons: it was more fun than at home because we did it together, they had a dishwasher so NO dishes(a huge treat for me), we saved money, and we didn't have to bother about looking nice to going out to eat. Yes, that's how lazy we really were. We did nothing we didn't have to! 

Our first breakfast- favorite meal of the day for both of us!

Stir Fry & Salad for dinner

The first full day we had there, Sunday, it was kind of cloudy and cold. So we mostly stayed inside, but did venture out to the gym. But the rest of the week we had perfect weather! Not too hot at all, and most of the week we had the pool to ourselves!

Our section of the resort where we stayed

A couple of nights we went out to eat and did some stuff in town which was nice. First we hit the beach for a beautiful sunset. :)

Cheesecake Factory! So delicious!

The only bummer about the Cheesecake Factory was that we sat so close to two other women we couldn't have our own conversation- haha, just listened to theirs!

Another night we went shopping at the mall for a bit- which was absolutely crazy busy. I asked Daniel WHY it was so crazy on a week night....oh duh. It was the week before Christmas there too. It certainly does not feel like Christmas while you're in Florida. We went out to eat at a delicious fish place afterwards- Shrimp Boat & Grill. 

(An instagram photo)

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Our living room for the week- lots of time spent here!

Our kitchen for the week

 

 Oh how I love this man. It was such a wonderful week... something that we both needed badly. It was soo wonderful to go to bed whenever we felt like and get up whatever time we wanted. To have time for devotions and not have to "rush" them before work or bed, exercise, and to just spend time together, and of course soak up the sunshine. :) 

I must say though as a side note, we were ready to socialize with other people by the end of the trip. :) But don't get me wrong, we enjoyed every minute of being together! We left at 3am on Saturday and drove straight home. We hit some ice, but thankfully we got home safely 18.5 hours later. Did I mention that Daniel drove all the way there and all the way back? I would have driven some, but we drove his car which is stick shift and I'm not very confident with that... especially in Atlanta and Nashville traffic! Just another reason why I love him! :) 

While Florida is a wonderful place to go in December, it does not feel "normal." That's not what I grew up with... Christmas with 80 degree weather? No, you need snow and cold. :) So it was kind of a weird Christmas just because it didn't feel like it most of the month! 

 ....lots more posts to come... eventually. It's January now, which means it's crazy at work....