Greetings one and all.  I know it has been awhile since I’ve posted here, so let me catch you up on what’s been going on and some of the fun things I’ve been up too lately and other fun things planned for the future. 

Since my gastric bypass surgery on Aug. 6th, I’ve been focusing on creating a healthy eating plan that works with the “pouch” (the 2 oz stomach created by the surgery), constructively dealing with emotional and mental obstacles and overall generally putting all my energy into getting healthy, enjoying life and taking one step at time to achieve my goals.  It’s been a time where I feel I needed to withdraw a bit and just focus on my top priorites – my health, my family and the day to day challenges as well as the daily surprises and the general ups and downs.  I have also been reflecting on what in life brings me joy and contentment, and focusing my energy, not just on physical health, but on spiritual well being as well, which for me includes spending quality time with family and good friends.  

The first few weeks after the surgery were a roller coaster at first, with a bit of weight gaining for a few days followed by struggling to lose, then gaining a few pounds again and ending up frustrated because I wasn’t making any progress.  Not exactly what I had expected.  However, my body seems to have calmed down a bit and healing well, and finally I’ve seen some weight loss  (I’ve lost 25 lbs in the past two weeks, and overall since I started with the pre-op process on March 3, 2009, I’ve lost a total now of 79.5 lbs).  If any one is interested in more details about gastric bypass and\or my journey to get healthy, feel free to stop over at my blog Diet Pulpit.

Overall life is going along very well. Angelgirl is enjoying the 8th grade. Teacherman’s leg injury, from the fall he had on Aug. 6th, is healing well.

Last weekend Angelgirl and I attended a small Native American Indian Event at a local farm about 15 minutes away. We spent the morning listening to stories and music, browsing booths, looking over artifacts, and admiring beadwork, especially a bead project the woman was working on a bead loom (oooooh I so want one – but will resist the urge for now - I have too many crafts around already that I don’t have time for). The Lenapi Indian reservation is not far and they hold larger events there on a regular basis. I hope to be able to attend more often and learn more about their culture. Native American traditions are very close to a wiccan way of life and it is always spiritually renewing to be around others who also respect and honor the Earth. 

We have a lot of fun events to attend coming up this month and through to December and beyond. Hubby and I will be enjoying with friends the comedian Billy Crystal and a Bruce Springsteen concert. I am also planning to go Medieval Times (medieval dinner and show) some time around my birthday which is Oct. 30th. I’ve invited a couple of my girlfriends from work and my mom to come along, but we haven’t set the date yet (most likely early November).

In December we are going  with another couple to see the Paul Winter concert held at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine In New York. It is an awesome Winter Solstice performance and this year is their 30th anniversary so it’s just going to be stunning.  I have wanted to attend this Annual Pilgrimage from Darkness into Light for over 17 years ever since I first heard Paul Winter in concert. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the solstice than with good friends, awesome music and watching the huge sun disk floating across the ceiling of the cathedral.  We are going to make a day of it in New York to see the holidays lights, the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and a nice dinner.

Teacherman is looking forward to it and he thinks it will be a grand idea if we can round out the experience to balance out the year by attending the Summer Solstice Sunrise Drumming Event in Philadelpia in June, it is held on the roof top of the theater and everyone brings a drum (link for the 2009 event).

I am looking forward to enjoying these awesome events with family and close friends.  It is a double bonus for me for many of these events because they are closely related to wiccan themes and they are renewing to my spirit as well.

Some long term possible future plans include attending Womon Gathering next June and possibly taking a Qi Gong class or two (if I can find one locally, so far I haven’t been able to find one, but I’m still looking).  

Mama Kelly and I had such an awesome time when we attended Womon Gathering  in 2008 (one of many posts about our experience:  Friday at Womon Gathering 2008), that I definitely want to go again, and hopefully every year or every other year if need be.   Plans didn’t work out to attend this year, Womon Gathering 2009, so I’m not taking any chances for next year and planning early.  Teacherman and I discussed it and  I decided that I am going to go in June 2010.   I know it’s a bit early to be thinking about next June, but registration is in December so it doesn’t hurt to plan early. 

Having driven there once before, I feel comfortable with the idea of going by myself if I needed to, but I’d be happy to have friends or family come along if they wanted to attend also.   I’ve been getting the word out, so folks can start thinking about it and let me know what their plans are in case any one wants to  corrdinate registration and cabin accommodations (need to put on the form names of those you want to share a cabin with), and later on driving arrangements (I can only fit one other person in my car, but if more then that end up coming along, could always split the cost of renting a bigger car or just forming a train of cars).  

So if any one is planning to attend Womon Gathering 2010, let me know in case you want to corrdinate cabin arrangements or travel plans together or arrange to get meet and get together at the event.

As my 54th birthday approaches, Oct. 30th, and as part of my overall journey to wellness in all aspects of my life, I am making sure that I put time and energy into taking care of me and not letting the bumps in the road of life  or the negativity of others drain away my energy or focus.    A big treat I gave myself was getting a new car (a 2009 Ford Focus, it is a cute little 2-door silver coupe).  My old car was a 14-year-old Prism, that needed repairs, the air conditioner no longer worked and it really needed to be replaced.   Teacherman said he would get me Vanity Plates as a birthday gift if I wanted them - I am hoping that LDYROSE is available – if it’s not, I’m not sure what else I would chose.  I don’t want something too witchy, since in a few years Angelgirl will mostly likely be also driving this car.     I also treated myself to a trip to the hair salon – for a wash and very small trim (only about an inch or two).  The ladies at the shop down the street were very nice and amazed that I hadn’t been to a salon since my wedding in 1991 and that I never, ever plan on getting my hair cut.   The woman who washed my hair said it was the longest she had ever washed.  For me, it was definitely a luxuary indulgence but one I gave myself as a treat to celebrate the weeks of recovering from surgery being over and feeling good.  Who knows, maybe I’ll even get my nails done one of these days in the not too distant future.  It would be a first, since I’ve never had manicure.

I am also enjoying the sense of empowerment and appreciation for life that comes from the wisdom of the Crone.  Fall is my favorite time of year, even though it is a mixture of sadness over some past events, it is also for me a time of year that fills me a renewed sense of spiritual awareness, reflection, and connetion with the Goddess.

At this time of year, the Crone’s energy is all around us, the cool breezes, the blazing colors of the leaves, reminding us that there is light and there is darkness, but we are capable of wisdom, strength, and love; our spirits can endure and thrive if we open ourselves to being in harmony with nature, staying grounded and balanced, and sharing the warmth of love and friendship with others.

May the blessings of the Crone heal your spirit and fill your life with wisdom, 

Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:concert, family, gastric bypass surgery, health, life in general

A week  into my recovery from the gastric bypass surgery on Aug. 6 and all is going well and on track. I am putting behind me the rocky start of the first two days of recovery. I want to thank everyone for all the positive thoughts, well wishes angels, and healing energy that were sent my way. I definitely felt surrounded and supported by light and love. It means so much to me, especially in the first days of recovery which were a little frightening with the breathing tube and painful too, I was able to draw strength and comfort from the wonderful healing glow surrounding me. My gratitude and blessings to one and all.

I had my first of four follow up appointments with the doctor yesterday.   After week one of just clear liquids, I can now move on to the second week of allowed foods which is anything that can be put in a blender and made into a smoothie consistency - I’m especially looking forward to creamy soups.  Next week I can move on to very soft foods such as cottage cheese and scrambled eggs.   The doctor checked me out and I’m healing well.  I can also now drive for short trips to the store, etc.  Not only is it great to be able to be out and about again, but since hubby can barely walk and can’t drive because of the pain and swelling from his leg injury, it means I can help out now getting out and doing things without always calling my mom.  Also the office weighin showed a nice drop from the last weighin at the office on the Monday before the surgery – a total of 9 lbs in 10 days.   So I managed to lose all the fluid weight gain from the surgery and IVs (13 lb gain) and more on top of that.   It is a slice of heaven for me – there is absolutely no hunger at all and no desire for food at all – and after decades of constant hunger it is paradise.  Granted this “golden period” only lasts about 3 to 6 months but I’m going to enjoy every single day of it.  The hunger doesn’t return to everyone, but it does for almost everyone; at least if and when it does return for me I know it will be very small and manageable and will only require three small meals a day to satsify.

Thanks to Mama Kelly who stopped by last Sunday with a variety of jello and waters, i.e. life water, skinny water, I’ve had a nice variety of tastes.  I found both the life water and skinny water on sale for 10 for $10, so I stocked up on more.  Mama Kelly also brought some of her famous home cooking for my hubby and Angelgirl to enjoy a nice hot meal without having to cook. Her food is always delicious, and is being enjoyed by both. There was so much we could even offer some food to family who visited. Since hubby is off his feet as much as possible due to his fall and resulting leg injury, having tasty, easily heated food in the house has been wonderful. (Big thank you and much love to Mama Kelly!) I put aside one spoonful of each dish for the freezer so I will be able to enjoy it too once I’m back on regular food (in about 3 weeks) and able to have three small (about 2 ounce) meals a day.

The days home have been peaceful and enjoyable, except of course for poor hubby’s leg pain.  Thankfully he has finally agreed to see the doctor today and if the doctor can’t see him today I am insisting he go back to the ER.  For those who may not know – hubby fell on the sidewalk at the hospital when we arrived to drop me off for surgery last Thursday.  He scarped his elbow badly and twisted his right leg which was extremely swollen and severely black and blue.  The ER did a lot of tests and released him, but told him to follow up with his doctor – which he didn’t do – typcial male stubborness.  Now 7 days later, the swelling is down, the bruises have spread and changing color as they heal, but the lower part of leg is bright red and very painful and I’m very worried that it is an infection.   So I’ve put my foot down and insisted he see a doctor immediately.

Angelgirl, my 13-year-old daughter,  is bored out of her mind.  I am grateful to Mama Kelly for offering to have her over for a couple days this Sunday where she can play with Mama Kelly’s two daughters and hang out at the community pool.  It will be a welcome break for Angelgirl from having to cooped up with parents that have not been a whole lot of fun to be with this past week.

I’m enjoying the simple things in life these past few days – a hot shower, my first outing to the library this past Tuesday, Angelgirl’s hugs, getting out to the grocery store yesterday with my mom.  I’m hoping that as I have more energy over the next week that I can get out and do a bit more and maybe even get some simple things done around the house.  

I always try to have gratitude for every day of my life, but after the incident in the hospital and being a breathing tube for over 24 hours, I have an even deeper appreciation for everything; and for that I am also very grateful.  I want to use this experience to help me always remember just how much each and every moment with loved ones is the most precious thing in the world and to appreciate all the simple things in life and rise above the mindless stress and daily rut that can sometimes overshadow what is really important in life.  It is so easy to fall into the trap of worry, pleasing others, negative thinking, etc.  Thankfully my hospital incident turned out ok, but even that brief glimpse of what could go wrong, is a good lesson to remember and use as a positive to keep my focus on what truly matters – love, family, friends, health, focusing on the positive and being true to one’s self.

Bright blessings to one and all and again thank you so much for all the kindness, healing, and support that was sent my way.  Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:family, gastric bypass surgery, recovery

The other day in a Diet Pulpit post, I wrote about my diagnoses of gastritis and Barrett’s esaphogus this past Monday.  After the testing, I was released from hospital without seeing the doctor, she gave me no instructions, no information, and left me a sheet of paper by the bed with the diagnosis and a note to make an appointment with her in about two to three months.  No one at the hospital even offered me a sip of water before I left, knowing that I would not have had any water or any food if over 24 hours in preparation for the procedures.   I was a bit grumpy and shocked for awhile about the diagnosis and the overall way they deal with patients at this hospital.  Plus I have NO symptoms at all, so I really didn’t expect them to find anything serious.   The only reason I had the tests done was because they are part of the serious of checkups I need to have in order to qualify for gastric bypass surgery.  However, I’m adjusting and putting all my focus on finding solutions.

FYI:   Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and Barrett’s esophagus (the lining of the esophagus changes into tissue more closely resembling the lining of the intestine, caused by GERD [gastroesophageal reflux disease] which means stomach acids are backwashing into the esophagus and causing erosion). 

I am certainly not going to wait around months for the doctor to do something and let the condition just get worse. I am the type of person that believes in taking positive action.  My first step was to read up on both conditions. 

Gastritis is treatable by reducing stomach acid, eating soft bland foods in small amounts, losing weight, etc. I am more concerned about the Barrett’s esophagus because according to sources it is not curable (the cells of the esophagus have been changed), and sometimes if the condition gets bad enough it can require surgery to remove that part of the esophagus. It also requires an annual checkup to make sure that it doesn’t turn into cancer.

However, those medical sites don’t know me, or my determination, or what is possible through postive action and thought and natural remedies.  I am one determined Witch and I plan to put all my witchy talents to work on this problem.  I will not give up until I find a way to reverse the damage or at least improve it and make sure no further damage is done. The underlying cause of both gastritis and Barrett’s esophagus is too much stomach acid so I will be focusing on reducing it as well as improving my entire digestive system.

The first step, of course, is making changes to what I digest, such as not taking aspirn any more, drinking lots of water, cutting down on diet soda and eventually eleminating it all together, eating only small amounts of bland foods, etc.   And I will also be doing self-Reiki regularly.

I ordered some over the counter medication, Prilosec OTC- Delayed-Release Acid Reducer. It reduces the acid and is a former prescription product in a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. It dramatically decreases stomach acid production and GERD (which is the underlying cause of Barrett’s Esophagus). A lot of folks highly recommend it and it is safe to take long term.

Another over the counter supplement I am going to take is Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls, these are designed so that healthy flora (probiotic bacteria) reach the intestines where they are needed (and not destroyed in the stomach) and also these don’t require refrigeration. Probiotic bacteria is very important to having a healthy digestive system.

I am going to the health food store this weekend to see if they carry aloe vera juice. I’m looking for something like this product Natural Heartburn Relief – 4 Pack Grape Organic AloeCure® Pure Aloe Vera Juice. Aloe Vera is very soothing and healing to the skin but it is also has the same benefits to the esophagus and GI tract.

I will also see what kind of coconut water they have, perhaps something like Vita Coco 100% Pure Coconut Water and I’ll try that also for a few weeks. Coconut water restores the normal condition of the stomach within a few hours, (recommended to have 2 to 4 cups a day). Coconut water has many health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and immune system, detoxifies the body, cleanses the digestive tract, reduce the risk of cancer, and much more.

My Blendtec Blender is going to be even more useful now because it allows me to make healing smoothie potions that will really help in healing the digestive tract.  I find it interesting that I just recently got the blender – perhaps my intuition was nudging me.  I’m glad I listened.   

One suggested remedy is drinking a daily dose of spinach-carrot juice (200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice). I will probably toss in some papaya and parsley which are both good for the digestive system. 

Another natural remedy is lemon water (juice of 1 lemon in glass of lukewarm water in morning, and more throughout the day). Lemon juice is actually helps make the body less acidic and more alkaline, it cleanses the liver, aides the digestive tract and elimination of waste, and many other heathly benefits.

Honey and ginger are also recommended and good digestion, but I don’t like the taste of either. I have enough things to try first before I consider adding things I don’t to my diet or chewing on a small piece of ginger.

At the end of the month I have an appointment with the director of the weight loss surgery center and will discuss with him how this will affect my qualifying for gastric bypass surgery and what he recommends as far as treatment.   I know if you have an ulcer, the ulcer has to be cured first before surgery can be approved.  I’m not what happens if you have gastritis and Barrett’s esaphogus, which may be more permanent or long term conditions.

I’m also going to request bloodwork to check for infection (H. plyori) which could be an underlying cause of ulcers and gastritis. It needs to be treated with antibiotics otherwise there is no cure only treating symptoms (which by the way I don’t have any symptoms!).   I will also look into finding a doctor that I can see NOW to work out a treatment plan rather that waiting months for the one who did the tests.

Since I don’t have any symptoms at all, it will be impossible for me to tell if I am making progress.  I will have to wait until the doctor orders another endoscopic exam, which I am hoping can be in a few months, if there is a possibility I can still qualify for gastric bypass surgery – which is tentatively planned for July or August 2009.  However, if the doctors won’t do the test again for a year or so, I’ll just have to do the best I can and keep positive. 

I will adjust my plans accordingly as I get more information.  I am confident I can deal with the situation and restore my digestive tract to health.

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:gastric bypass surgery, gastritis, health, natural healing