It has been a year since I started running. 12 months. For 10 of those months I didn't lose any weight. Not one single ounce. I changed eating habits, drank more water and spent hours running each week.
I gained friends, confidence, ability and endurance. I lost... nothing. Same weight. Each time I weighed in I was 266 lbs. Nothing moved. Nothing changed. My clothes didn't fit better. My tummy wasn't flatter. Nothing.
I was pretty frustrated. Then the Thursday before the first Half Marathon of my life, I was told by the Urgent Care Dr that I wouldn't be running. I thought he was joking but He wasn't. I sat that one out. Cheering from the sidelines.
That was in October. I was sidelined due to breathing/oxygen issues. This continued for a few more months and 3 more visits. He then referred me to an Allergy/Asthma Specialist. I was still not running.
In the meantime I had a free evaluation at a local clinic. They offered BMI and blood pressure and a quick blood sugar test. I just wanted my BMI numbers. I got a bit of a scare. The Blood Sugar numbers were VERY HIGH.
So, I came back in a few days for fasting blood work. That was a bit disappointing as well so I found myself in the office of an Endocrinologist for the first time in my life.
He prescribed a new diet and then warned me that my numbers needed attention so when he saw me in January he fully expects I will be on at least 2 medicines.
Christmas happened. It was so fun. I love spending time with family.
I stuck to a very strict version of the diet he prescribed. I lost 12 lbs. I now weigh in at 254 consistently. Still not running and no exercise as prescribed due to my cortisol numbers.
But the weight moved. It budged. I was so happy! Then it stalled and that is where I am for the past 6 weeks. No idea why it moved for those first few weeks but thankful it did.
Meanwhile I met with the Allergist/Asthma Specialist this past Tuesday. After tests it is shown that I am not allergic to anything but have Infection Induced Asthma. The solution to this is 2 seperate inhalers twice a day each, nose spray twice a day and an acid reducing medicine. This whole handful of medicines is costing me over $300/month. Yes, that is with insurance. I can't afford the stress of thinking about that so I don't. I just take the meds which are in front of me and see where this all leads.
EXCEPT - I need to have a few handfuls of tests this week. One is for Cushing's Syndrome/Disease. No one warned me that one of my inhalers would conflict with this test.
I am guessing there is no way for individual drs to know what they are prescribing/ordering. I found out about this conflict due to doing some Dr. Googling and reading that this particular test is testing for steroid something or another. Knowing that my inhaler was a type of steroid I called Walgreens, then the Endocrinologists office.
The answer is to stop all meds except the acid reducer. Yesterday I couldn't get the answer to "how long to stop before testing." Today I was supposed to begin one of the tests. This morning I get the answer that we need 7 days off the other meds. SEVEN DAYS off the meds which allow me to breathe and which allow my chest to stop burning. SEVEN DAYS *Sigh*
So, now my Endo Appt is in February. I need to reschedule my tests for next week and yesterday was day one without breathing support.
I am exhausted. Not just physically but internally.
Breathing is a MUST.
Knowing if I am Diabetic or have Cushings or whatever is a MUST.
Protecting my Kidneys (which are compromised) is a MUST.
I live in one body. I don't have unlimited financial or childcare or other resources.
I am thankful for what I do have. I am thankful that nothing we are pursuing will kill me in the next few weeks. I am thankful for so many things.
BUT, I am tired and don't have much patience.
I want answers. I want my body to work correctly. I want to be healthy - me and a couple million other people at any given moment.
So, I wait. Maybe a few more pounds will fall off. Maybe the Acid Reducer will keep helping and the lungs won't hurt so much. Maybe I will get rest and energy.
Exhausted = Me
