Checking in with self

I'm writing because I promised myself that I would. How many characters, words can I protect from the next infection? I'm aiming for way up there in the hundred thousands. Once I stopped the amoxicillin, my cough vanished. There's always a tipping point when the amox switches from helpful to hindrance. Seven days it's definitely it. I'm feeling good.

I wonder if the One Oh Yeah protein bars do affect my sinuses. I like that they have only 1 gram of sugar. Much better than eating other sweets. But I'm not sure if the fake ingredients and/or sunflower seeds bother me. What did I do? I ordered two more boxes. I think I'll only allow myself to have 2 or 3 a week. I'll try to portion them out more lightly.

When I check my ALCAT test results from March 2012, I see that sunflower makes the list of acceptable foods. Although, my doctor would say eat it and see how you feel. That's the best predictor.

Maybe the Halo Top bothers me? I ate it with a mini marshmallow treat last night. I noticed that I got congested.

Antibiotic Switcheroo

I went back to City MD yesterday. I was feeling worse after 4 days on a Z pack. The doctor prescribed Amoxicillin Clav. She even gave me my first one to take in the office. At the time I was leery of this. But now I'm happy she did. I feel like a new person. I've come out of the sick haze. I think the Z pack wasn't working and/or it was making me sicker. I'm also thinking that the last two times I went on antibiotics (Nov 2017 and Jan 2018) that I took Biaxin. Maybe the Biaxin didn't totally get rid of whatever I had and that's why I'm sick again just a couple of months later. Hopefully, the Amox knocks this crap out and I can focus on a year without antibiotics.

I need to research a new ENT that takes insurance. Someone holistic-minded.

Seeing is Believing

I reopened my book on healing visualizations. I realized that these visualizations were another ingredients that's been missing from my life. I took my mind through the Rivers of Life and Scary Mask exercises. I'm supposed to repeat these several times throughout the day. I feel like just relaxing and thinking about something else opened up my sinuses a little. Back to the task at hand: Plan B.

Relief in Writing

Today at the grade parent meeting, I told Gretchen that I'm trying to write my way to relief by online journaling. She asked what the difference is between an online journal and a blog. I admitted that I was actually blogging but not providing any search terms. It's easier than handwriting. I'm using a blog as a free journal. Paper ain't cheap.

Tonight along with 3 other moms and kids, Eastwood and I Escaped The Room. It was so much fun and I didn't cough or blow my nose even once. The Z pack is making me feel beyond Z. Although, my head really hurts.

I need to stock up on more gluten free food options. Maybe eating gluten is making me get sick. Not sure what it is exactly but I need to figure it out. I know I can get back to being strong. It's just a matter of time and perseverance.

I thought I was invincible

Sick. Again. I'm back in that cycle of sore throat, runny nose, fever. Instead of it leaving my body after torturing me for a week it grabs my head, putting it in a vice grip and drowning my sinuses in thick pistachio pudding that I choke and heave with each cough.

I think I have no choice but to start the Z pack in the morning. I'd start it now but I took a half of an anti-fungal. I think I have to start writing again. I have to promise myself that I won't get sick. I have to promise myself to stick to my diet. I have to promise myself that I won't touch food that others have. I promise not to touch my eyes. Not to touch my mouth. Not to touch my face at all. I promise not to touch my phone to my face. I promise myself that I'll be extra prudent everyday. I won't slip up. I have to promise myself that I can go 3 months without going on antibiotics. Three months would be a new record. When I hit three I have to aim for four. When I hit four I have to aim for six. I must stay focused on the goal. A year without antibiotics.

Sure, I'm sick. Starting to run a fever. again My cough is getting painful. My mucous is drowning me. But still this isn't as bad as the sinus infections that I used to get. I just don't understand why it won't go away.

1 Month Anniversary

I've managed to make it one entire month without oral antibiotics or steroids. (Although I have been using both in my sinus wash.) Go me! When I restarted writing in this blog I decided I would document each milestone as a way to keep me powered through my plight. However, I had a set back last week when I received a call from my Endocrinologist.

I have an appointment this Thursday with the doc to find out what's up. In the meantime, I wait, wonder and worry. What will he say?

Writing Down The Bones

Ugh. What a way to begin a post. Back on July 11th I had my twice yearly blood work as prescribed by the endocrinologist who's monitoring my osteoporosis. I had a CTX test to check for calcium loss and a test to check my D3 level.

Yesterday the Endo's office called. There was a change in my levels and the doctor wants to see me.
I am petrified to take any bisphosphonates. I tried searching positive reviews of the various drugs. I found nothing but negative ones. Actually horrifying is more accurate. Be sure to grab a box of tissues before reading these page turners.

Fosamax

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/rx/fosamax.html

Boniva

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-92884-Boniva+Oral.aspx?drugid=92884&drugname=Boniva+Oral

Atelvia

http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/rxlist_view_comments.asp?drug=atelvia&questionid=fdb154925_pem&page=2

I have read that another treatment option or osteoporosis is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This is the only course that seems to have benefits without horrifying side effects.

If anyone out there is actually reading this blog and has any experience with bisphosphonates or bioidentical hormone therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis or osteopenia please share. I am eager and interested for opinions and insight. Thank you in advance. 

Secondly, what do you think of the guy playing Bones in the new Star Trek movies? He looks about as mad as I feel upon hearing that I'm getting called into the Endo's office.