So I feel like I've written this post 600 times. But yet I feel like maybe I haven't written it at all. I started this blog because I discovered I had what I would call severe hormonal imbalances. And in the process, I realized that these imbalances are probably misdiagnosed in millions of people every year.
As I've said before, I started having panic attacks all the time. Sudden rushes of accelerated heartrate, dizziness, chest pain, and more. Usually when I was on the road (which made it even scarier because I worried about possibly passing out, crashing, etc).
What I eventually learned was that these symptoms are not dangerous at all. In fact, they're just my body reacting. It's called the fight-or-flight response, and it's been embedded in man since the beginning of time. But why was my body having this response in the middle of my everyday activities?
What I learned was the answer to the question, and that was that I was stressed. I had let myself be so stressed for so long and it had worn on my body.
You see, what I never knew before all of these experiences was that there are these little things in your body called the adrenal glands. And they control your body's stress. And when you are so stressed for so long, your adrenal glands are taking a beating. And if they are not given some relief, they will eventually poop out. Just like a car battery that runs and runs and runs and will eventually run out of strength without a break or a re-charge. I always assumed I could run my body ragged and there would be no real physical consequenes. But what I learned was the opposite.
And because I was so stressed, my adrenals were worn out. And because of that, my body eventually got to a point where it thought every little thing (going to school, to work, to the store, and eventually just being at home) was a fight-or-flight sitation. So just as I would if I were standing in front of someone with a gun to my head, my heart raced, I feared for my life, and I began looking for the quickest way out of the situation. These are called panic or anxiety attacks.
Of course, after going through this everywhere I went, I began to fear just getting out of the house. And that's where the mental part of this whole thing comes in. While many psychiatrists might tell you that this fear of going places (called agoraphobia) needs to be treated with prescription drugs (that are hard to get off of and can be dangerous), I would say the exact oppposite. You see, it did take a mental toll on me after going through this for so many months. It STILL takes a toll on me. But it's a training process. Just as people have to train themselves to do millions of other things in life, I have had to train myself to ignore the symptoms that almost seem natural to me now. I have to remember that, yes, I had some scary experiences. And yes, these things seemed like they came out of nowhere. But really, it was just my body reacting to the accumulation of stress it was under. They didn't come out of nowhere; I just couldn't see what was wrong inside my body. And by recognizing all of that, I can recognize that these symptoms won't come back if I don't let them.
And while I might have been able to zonk myself out of some of my stress and anxieties with a few prescription medications, I chose to take the longer road. And if you've read other parts of my blog, you know that is through herbs and natural alternatives.
And it IS a longer road for me. I still have things I'm not totally comfortable with... like driving to places I don't know by myself. (So if you've ever invited me somewhere that's more than 20-30 minutes away from me and wondered why I haven't come, that's probably why). I still don't get on the interstate a lot and I don't go places I'm not familiar with by myself. And I think one day that will change... just like so many other things have changed. But I want to be honest in saying it IS a result of all of these health issues that I've had. But I wouldn't trade the life I'm leading and the choices I'm making for anything. Maybe I could have had a "quick fix" with medications. But that's not for me. I would much rather be doing it slowly and healing as I go than putting a bandaid on the problem. Because as we all know, bandaids have to be ripped off sometime.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
History was made tonight
History was made tonight. May 1st, 2011. After spending most of the day in the midst of church activities, I finally plopped down for a brief recap of the day's events before hitting the sack. I didn't expect to see anything actually newsworthy. Instead, I found numerous people reporting that the President of the United States would soon make an incredibly important announcement. Late at night. On a Sunday. My immediate reaction, like most people's, was anxiety.
But rumors, and then truth, soon began to swirl. And it was soon revealed that Osama Bin Laden was dead. Obama said more or less what anyone could expect:
Bin Laden is dead.
Obviously, this is a big deal because he masterminded 9/11.
However, there is still a threat. And given the nature of Al Qaeda, it'd be dumb to not expect retaliation.
We have and will continue to heighten security.
We will also still make it our goal to obliterate Al Qaeda.
Obviously, Al Quada and Islam the religion are completely seperate and we (Americans) understand that.
and God Bless America. :)
He gave more details about the death and capture, but that was the gist of it.
And as I watched the array of emotions and opinions that was sure to follow , I found myself kind of in the middle of the road... as I often do. You see, I don't get fired up about politics very much. Or too many other issues like this for that matter. And I feel like maybe sometimes that's taken as me being naive or not well-educated enough. But I see it differently.
Because Presidents will come and go. But my God is forever. And He will never leave office to be replaced by someone else. And He defintely has no political agenda. He'll never slander another to make a point and you'll never have to wonder about whether or not He really IS everything He says He is. You don't ever have to worry about buying into his campaign.
And yes, there are a lot of scary things and people in this world. But my God says He will never forsake me. And that I can do all things through Him. That He is my Rock, my Refuge, my Strength. He says that I should fear nothing. That I should not have worry or anxiety. That I shouldn't care what I eat, drink, or wear. That He will take care of me no matter what.
So why would I let worldly things affect me? Are they life-changing? Sure. Are they a big deal? Yes, some of them are. Tonight's events are history-making. But everyday with my God is history-making. And when the world is swarming with worldly worries and triumphs and opinions and politics, I don't worry about any of it. Because I don't have to wait for a press conference with my God. I don't have to make sure I have electricity and tune in and wait for over an hour to know of His grace and love. And I don't have to look at Facebook or CNN to know about His mercy and forgiveness.
So while our world changes, and people reflect on how it affects their lives, you won't find me in the middle of too many political, spiritual, or any other kind of debates. Because although I see it's importance, I relate it all to a much greater Importance.
Good night and God Bless!
Melissa
But rumors, and then truth, soon began to swirl. And it was soon revealed that Osama Bin Laden was dead. Obama said more or less what anyone could expect:
Bin Laden is dead.
Obviously, this is a big deal because he masterminded 9/11.
However, there is still a threat. And given the nature of Al Qaeda, it'd be dumb to not expect retaliation.
We have and will continue to heighten security.
We will also still make it our goal to obliterate Al Qaeda.
Obviously, Al Quada and Islam the religion are completely seperate and we (Americans) understand that.
and God Bless America. :)
He gave more details about the death and capture, but that was the gist of it.
And as I watched the array of emotions and opinions that was sure to follow , I found myself kind of in the middle of the road... as I often do. You see, I don't get fired up about politics very much. Or too many other issues like this for that matter. And I feel like maybe sometimes that's taken as me being naive or not well-educated enough. But I see it differently.
Because Presidents will come and go. But my God is forever. And He will never leave office to be replaced by someone else. And He defintely has no political agenda. He'll never slander another to make a point and you'll never have to wonder about whether or not He really IS everything He says He is. You don't ever have to worry about buying into his campaign.
And yes, there are a lot of scary things and people in this world. But my God says He will never forsake me. And that I can do all things through Him. That He is my Rock, my Refuge, my Strength. He says that I should fear nothing. That I should not have worry or anxiety. That I shouldn't care what I eat, drink, or wear. That He will take care of me no matter what.
So why would I let worldly things affect me? Are they life-changing? Sure. Are they a big deal? Yes, some of them are. Tonight's events are history-making. But everyday with my God is history-making. And when the world is swarming with worldly worries and triumphs and opinions and politics, I don't worry about any of it. Because I don't have to wait for a press conference with my God. I don't have to make sure I have electricity and tune in and wait for over an hour to know of His grace and love. And I don't have to look at Facebook or CNN to know about His mercy and forgiveness.
So while our world changes, and people reflect on how it affects their lives, you won't find me in the middle of too many political, spiritual, or any other kind of debates. Because although I see it's importance, I relate it all to a much greater Importance.
Good night and God Bless!
Melissa
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Getting Relief From Insomnia/Night Terrors
I spend a good 7-10 days of each month having every part of my body and life affected by a demon called PMS. Yes, we've all heard about it.. whether we're women or men, we know the hell that is the week before a woman's monthly friend. But for me, it has always been pretty severe.
For starters, I'm pretty sure a Satanic minion crawls inside and takes over my mouth for a few of these days. Because I will snap, yell, and glare at you like it is nothing. I've got looks that will give you nightmares. Just ask my husband.
But on top of my constant mood swings, I have also been known to consume every piece of chocolate within a 40 mile radius. Heck, I ate my child's m&m's that she's been asking for while she was napping today. Yes... I know how bad that sounds. *Insert bag-over-my-head, holding up "Worst mom of the year" award image here*
Not to mention... I'm EX.HAUSTED. I can easily take a nap every day... I could probably take two sometimes. It's awful.
But an added perk? Ever since I started having all of these hormonal issues late last year, this time of the month has also brought on increased anxiety, night terrors, and insomnia. Yeah... fun.
Well, I finally mentioned to my uncle (Dr. Mark... the acupunturist/ dr. of Chinese medicine) that I was tired of dealing with these things on a monthly basis. And could we do something about it? Being the saint that he is, he gave me a new herb to help relax me when I need it. Has it made me a little groggy sometimes? Yes. Has it worked. Heck yeah. Instead of having night terrors, I'm sleeping through the night. And waking up RELAXED. And I'm not even taking them every night.
It's a process to get all the things that have gotten out-of-whack over the years back in whack... But I'm so glad to constantly be discovering new ways to do that. New ways that don't mean addictive medications.
So that was my point for the evening. I'm just glad to be where I'm at... discovering new tools to help me heal. :)
Good night! :)
For starters, I'm pretty sure a Satanic minion crawls inside and takes over my mouth for a few of these days. Because I will snap, yell, and glare at you like it is nothing. I've got looks that will give you nightmares. Just ask my husband.
But on top of my constant mood swings, I have also been known to consume every piece of chocolate within a 40 mile radius. Heck, I ate my child's m&m's that she's been asking for while she was napping today. Yes... I know how bad that sounds. *Insert bag-over-my-head, holding up "Worst mom of the year" award image here*
Not to mention... I'm EX.HAUSTED. I can easily take a nap every day... I could probably take two sometimes. It's awful.
But an added perk? Ever since I started having all of these hormonal issues late last year, this time of the month has also brought on increased anxiety, night terrors, and insomnia. Yeah... fun.
Well, I finally mentioned to my uncle (Dr. Mark... the acupunturist/ dr. of Chinese medicine) that I was tired of dealing with these things on a monthly basis. And could we do something about it? Being the saint that he is, he gave me a new herb to help relax me when I need it. Has it made me a little groggy sometimes? Yes. Has it worked. Heck yeah. Instead of having night terrors, I'm sleeping through the night. And waking up RELAXED. And I'm not even taking them every night.
It's a process to get all the things that have gotten out-of-whack over the years back in whack... But I'm so glad to constantly be discovering new ways to do that. New ways that don't mean addictive medications.
So that was my point for the evening. I'm just glad to be where I'm at... discovering new tools to help me heal. :)
Good night! :)
Friday, March 4, 2011
You've got to FROG
You've got to FROG, Melissa. I tell myself that a lot lately. A LOT. You see, I've talked a lot about my journey with Chinese medicine, herbal supplements, and so much more. I've talked about health issues and other problems. But I haven't chatted so much about the OTHER part of this blog- The Faith part. Because this isn't just about vitamins and herbal concoctions. It's about becoming closer to my God and leaning more on him for understanding, peace, and well-being.
And that's what FROGing is all about. Abbie came home with a craft last summer. The three-year-olds had painted an adorable little 3-D frog and at the bottom it read "Fully Rely On God" F.R.O.G. You've got to FROG.
It seems silly almost to write down, but those words have amazing power.
Fully- totally, wholly, completely, every minute of every day
Rely- Lean on, trust, give your problems to
On- Against, Taking pressure off yourself
God- Not yourself, not your husband, not your family. Not this world. Not anything you can see, hear, or touch.
Fully Rely On God.
You're got to FROG if you're going to recover from anything, heal from anything, move forward from anything... or just get through life. You've got to FROG.
God Bless!
Melissa
And that's what FROGing is all about. Abbie came home with a craft last summer. The three-year-olds had painted an adorable little 3-D frog and at the bottom it read "Fully Rely On God" F.R.O.G. You've got to FROG.
It seems silly almost to write down, but those words have amazing power.
Fully- totally, wholly, completely, every minute of every day
Rely- Lean on, trust, give your problems to
On- Against, Taking pressure off yourself
God- Not yourself, not your husband, not your family. Not this world. Not anything you can see, hear, or touch.
Fully Rely On God.
You're got to FROG if you're going to recover from anything, heal from anything, move forward from anything... or just get through life. You've got to FROG.
God Bless!
Melissa
Monday, January 31, 2011
Changing my diet to release stress...
I've talked a lot the last few weeks about how happy I am and how great I feel. Unfortunately, the last 7-10 days have not felt that way. My adrenal fatigue has really been getting the best of me for the last week or so. I've found myself beginning to get overwhelmed by everything again. Little things stress me out. Big things stress me out. I'm exhausted.
And I feel myself slipping back towards where I was a few months ago.
While reading up on adrenal fatigue diets last night, I realized I've been leaving out a lot of foods and nutrients that can really benefit my adrenals.
Fresh spinach.
Green drinks filled with barley and spirullina (like the ones I love, but have not bought recently, from Odwalla)
Organic foods.
Almond milk.
All of these are things I've left out of my diet for a few weeks, mostly b/c of budgetting issues with our grocery bill.
But after the way I've felt the last few days, I've realized something's gotta give. So I'm headed to the store, budget mostly aside, and putting my health needs first.
I'll be interested to see how quickly I feel better after adding these things back into my diet.
And I feel myself slipping back towards where I was a few months ago.
While reading up on adrenal fatigue diets last night, I realized I've been leaving out a lot of foods and nutrients that can really benefit my adrenals.
Fresh spinach.
Green drinks filled with barley and spirullina (like the ones I love, but have not bought recently, from Odwalla)
Organic foods.
Almond milk.
All of these are things I've left out of my diet for a few weeks, mostly b/c of budgetting issues with our grocery bill.
But after the way I've felt the last few days, I've realized something's gotta give. So I'm headed to the store, budget mostly aside, and putting my health needs first.
I'll be interested to see how quickly I feel better after adding these things back into my diet.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Modern Mommy
Tonight, I finally gathered the strength to do something productive. So after dinner, I came upstairs and cleaned the bathrooms. I scrubbed and wiped and took out trash. Not a huge feat, but defintely production.
When I was done, I put Abbie in her PJ's and brushed her teeth. I rubbed Vicks all over her chest and feet because she has a cold and her cough wakes her up at night.
I read her 2 stories, patted her back, and gave lots of hugs and kisses.
I ironed my husband's shirt because he got home at 8 tonight and has to be gone again by 5:45 a.m.
I put Abbie BACK to bed and cleaned up the kitchen some.
I felt like a real housewife... doing all my dutily housewife duties.
And that's okay. I love being available and helpful for my family. Some women would cringe at the thought of making an evening out of these activities, but I don't. At all. In a way, it's what my life is all about right now.
I've spent years having to rush through bedtime routines because I had to get an assignment turned in or a chapter read or a paper written. I've spent hours yelling at my husband because he doesn't get enough done around the house after working 50, 60, or 70 hour work weeks. And I've spent nearly the entire time I've had a family having to put that family on the back burner because I was working, going to school, and doing 18 other things that were pulling and tugging me in every direction. No, I don't feel like I've neglected them. But I do feel like I've neglected me. I wasn't the mother or wife or person I wanted to be and, right now in life, that's where I'm trying to get to.
Less than 3 months ago, I say in a counselor's office with one of my dearest friends and my husband. We were all there because we feared I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. And less than 3 months ago, that counselor suggested that I check myself into a mental hospital to recuperate from the damage that had been done by all the stress I'd been under.
To think that, in less than 90 days or so, I have completely transformed my life is so unreal to me. But it's true. It can only give me unbelievable hope for where I may be 90 days from now.
Melissa
When I was done, I put Abbie in her PJ's and brushed her teeth. I rubbed Vicks all over her chest and feet because she has a cold and her cough wakes her up at night.
I read her 2 stories, patted her back, and gave lots of hugs and kisses.
I ironed my husband's shirt because he got home at 8 tonight and has to be gone again by 5:45 a.m.
I put Abbie BACK to bed and cleaned up the kitchen some.
I felt like a real housewife... doing all my dutily housewife duties.
And that's okay. I love being available and helpful for my family. Some women would cringe at the thought of making an evening out of these activities, but I don't. At all. In a way, it's what my life is all about right now.
I've spent years having to rush through bedtime routines because I had to get an assignment turned in or a chapter read or a paper written. I've spent hours yelling at my husband because he doesn't get enough done around the house after working 50, 60, or 70 hour work weeks. And I've spent nearly the entire time I've had a family having to put that family on the back burner because I was working, going to school, and doing 18 other things that were pulling and tugging me in every direction. No, I don't feel like I've neglected them. But I do feel like I've neglected me. I wasn't the mother or wife or person I wanted to be and, right now in life, that's where I'm trying to get to.
Less than 3 months ago, I say in a counselor's office with one of my dearest friends and my husband. We were all there because we feared I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. And less than 3 months ago, that counselor suggested that I check myself into a mental hospital to recuperate from the damage that had been done by all the stress I'd been under.
To think that, in less than 90 days or so, I have completely transformed my life is so unreal to me. But it's true. It can only give me unbelievable hope for where I may be 90 days from now.
Melissa
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Hypothetical Pregnancy
I had a thought the other day. What if I were pregnant like so many women I know right now? What would that do for me? The thought process went something like this.
I would be so stressed out.
Would I have to quit taking a medication I take right now?
That would be a big adjustment. Would I be able to do that?
How would I handle labor?
I'm such a different person than I was last time I gave birth.
How would I find the peace? Would there BE peace?
I would need to take so many measures to avoid post partum depression. Gosh, that is so scary. I can't even imagine for one second being put in the position to have to deal with PPD. That's like the scariest thing ever...
And on and on it went. And these thoughts have occured to me on numerous occasions because my first and thus far only child is almost 4 and so many friends are having second and third and fourth and sixth babies. and it's just natural for me to imagine having another child that I DO want... one day.
But then I had a startling revelation... What if all of this happened? What if we became pregnant unexpectedly? And there were all of these decisions and added responsbilibities?
And What If... What IF... I gave it to God like I know I'm supposed to do? How CRAZY would THAT be?
And I use the hypothetical pregnancy example because I think it's a good one. It's a scenario where there are nine months of issues, followed by the greatest achievement of mankind (bringing a child into this world ;)) and tons of fun, beautiful, complicated things afterwards.
And to imagine giving not just one tiny thing, not just one medium-sized thing... but the entire weight of all that would come with another pregnancy at this upside-down point in out lives... to imagine giving ALL of that to God was a foreign and beautiful concept. It really gave the whole "idea" new meaning to me.
It was like "yeah! HEY! That's what you're SUPPOSED TO DO!" And maybe God smiled just a tiny little smile because maybe, just maybe, I am beginning to understand. Just a little.
God Bless,
Melissa
I would be so stressed out.
Would I have to quit taking a medication I take right now?
That would be a big adjustment. Would I be able to do that?
How would I handle labor?
I'm such a different person than I was last time I gave birth.
How would I find the peace? Would there BE peace?
I would need to take so many measures to avoid post partum depression. Gosh, that is so scary. I can't even imagine for one second being put in the position to have to deal with PPD. That's like the scariest thing ever...
And on and on it went. And these thoughts have occured to me on numerous occasions because my first and thus far only child is almost 4 and so many friends are having second and third and fourth and sixth babies. and it's just natural for me to imagine having another child that I DO want... one day.
But then I had a startling revelation... What if all of this happened? What if we became pregnant unexpectedly? And there were all of these decisions and added responsbilibities?
And What If... What IF... I gave it to God like I know I'm supposed to do? How CRAZY would THAT be?
And I use the hypothetical pregnancy example because I think it's a good one. It's a scenario where there are nine months of issues, followed by the greatest achievement of mankind (bringing a child into this world ;)) and tons of fun, beautiful, complicated things afterwards.
And to imagine giving not just one tiny thing, not just one medium-sized thing... but the entire weight of all that would come with another pregnancy at this upside-down point in out lives... to imagine giving ALL of that to God was a foreign and beautiful concept. It really gave the whole "idea" new meaning to me.
It was like "yeah! HEY! That's what you're SUPPOSED TO DO!" And maybe God smiled just a tiny little smile because maybe, just maybe, I am beginning to understand. Just a little.
God Bless,
Melissa
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