Friday, November 20, 2015

Mold: It's deadly.

In February 2013, I moved into a house and learned, shortly afterward, that the foundation had major issues.  By November of that year, I got it fixed and thought my mold issues were done.  Granted - I was not the biggest fan of the carpet.  Think Pink - ugh - fuschia or an off white, which was pretty but stained.  This mold, which I have discovered under the carpet now covered and sealed off, and on the walls is primarily the trigger for these horrid allergies I have been experiencing.

I am not yet back to running, but I am taking steps to get rid of the mold and return to living the life that is more normal for me.  In the upcoming weeks, I hope to resume running on a casual basis, but only when I can get through a normal day feeling ok or great for most of it.

Today, for instance, I walked a good 2 miles.  I am tired but not dead and it sure kicked up my appetite.  Sure - this is a small step, but it is heading in the right direction.

Happy Friday, All - I will be in better touch!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Roku, Flatscreens, House Progress, and Allergies

Hi All!

Since my Mom's arrival last Thursday evening, together - and solo since I have had to work some of the time - we have gotten so much done!  I ordered a loveseat and couch combination and last night we tested out a Flatscreen TV with a Roku adapter.  It not only has a great sound system, but it is fun!  My living room will actually be user friendly and the hallway might be complete.  Can you tell I am a little excited and yet disappointed that I need to work?  It is nice having company.

In late August, I got some blood drawn to determine if I had significant food allergies.  On September 2nd, I was told by my allergist to stop eating anything with corn, wheat, and some other foods.  A month later, I returned for a follow-up and saw the actual results of the test.  I am not a clinician, but the results did not add up to what I had been instructed.  Then, I was told to cut out all gluten and not take antihistamines for two weeks before starting to add things back into my diet on a one new thing every four days plan.  Finally, I stopped training for a marathon, quit running, and called my Primary Care Provider (two times, since I did not provide sufficient details the first time), who recommended I investigate Caloric Intake.  For the past week, I have done this and my energy level and calorie intake are directly related.  Ok - so I got all worried in the beginning and stressed about it, but I am getting better.

My takeaways from this situation so far are:

1)My carpet was causing the crazy IgE levels in my body not the food.

2)When adjusting your diet, pay attention to the calories!  I thought only people looking to lose weight needed to do this and I was so wrong.  Everyone considering a major dietary change should do this.

3)Exercise is a good thing, but make sure you are fueling properly.  Sadly, my compression socks from Tiux are sitting sadly in a drawer, while I figure out the food situation, but some day I will return to running and being active. 

As things improve in my house, I have decided to convert a back room into a home gym.  My bike will eventually make it into the house and join my indoor armless elliptical.  Am I excited?  Oh yes - I came up with the idea all by myself.

Happy Tuesday, All!