Saturday, May 16, 2009

Wake Up Call

I have not been on as I'm sure you've noticed and apologize, even though I know I don't need to with all you wonderful loving, understanding friends. I guess you could say I went through a pity party. Yes, I know, pathetic. I recieved a wake up call Tuesday telling me that my cholesterol is high and had to go on medication for it. At first I thought, okay. The Good Lord is telling me it's time to wake up and smell the roses, you need to take better care of yourself. Then thoughts set in. My grandfather had died from hardening of the arteries, a massive heart attack, and Alzhiemers. My dad has already had stints put in and has high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetic. His mom and dad were both diabetics, with an aunt that was very diabetic. My mom's mom suffered from strokes, and I'm sure she has had them as well but won't get tested.

So I "dwelled" on all this and became angry with myself for letting myself get like this, thinking I would be the odds and ignoring all the "early" warning signs. Then thought about my family and what it's doing to them. Then came the "poor me" garbage. Oh no, now I can't eat this and that. I can't enjoy the foods I'm used to. After 48 years of bad eating habits, it's going to be hard to change. Wah wah wah.

Then I thought, what am I doing. How pathetic is this. This is my chance to do what I've battled to do over and over and over again for years. This is my chance to do things the healthy way and "stay" there!!! I went and had my hair cut. (Jay had given me a gift certificat for mother's day) and decided to pamper myself for a change. I usually cut my own hair. Then off to barns and noble and bought a couple of cookbooks. One being the American Heart Associations "Low Fat, Low Cholesterol cookbook," and the other "Sensational Salads." When I browsed through these books, I realized that many of the favorites were in there, just prepared in a much healthier manner.

Now I realize that over all, I've been cooking healthy for the most part. It's all the other "stuff" I was doing. Sweets, oh yeah, gotta have that CHOCOLATE! :{ Fast food, hard to avoid for some stupid reason. Thurs. when going to get the books, we passed these different places and it was like saying good bye to some good friends. (Shaking head in disgust with myself). Now, I'm excited!!! I can let go of the bad habits and bring in the good!

But anyhoo, I became depressed and didn't really want to do anything, but one good thing came out of it. I finally got back to listening to pod casts and getting in the Word. Forgive me Father for being such a whimp! Thank You for lifting me back up. Thank You for giving me a second chance! May this story give others hope if they are experiencing weight problems and/or poor eating habits. Amen!

Oh yeah, still no MRI. I'm going to give my doctor a call on Monday and ask to see a Neurologist first, as the feet are getting worse, and he/she can deal with the possible strokes (TIA's) as well. While looking this stuff up, I have had all the symptoms. God is good! He could have had me go through a full blown stroke; but instead gave me warning signs. Thank You Lord!!!

7 comments:

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Oh my friend, I know it's going to be hard but you can do it. I've made it a pact that if I can cook better than a restaurant I won't eat there. And since I love to cook that narrowed it down to 3 places and none of them being fast food! LOL.
Don't get discouraged! Don't deny "little" treats like a piece of Dove chocolate or something every now and again. Like maybe make Saturday treat day and have a dessert just on that day. Because when you completely deny yourself you'll be miserable.
I'd love to help you and if I can in any way let me know!
YOU CAN DO IT!
Hugs.
Kim

Great-Granny Grandma said...

Hang in there. We're all rooting for you--as are those heavenly witnesses watching you run your race and cheering you on.

I love that change is always an option, and that it's never too late. I love that we serve a God of second chances.

Heather said...

Yes, you can do ALL THINGS through Christ Who Gives You Strength!

I watched my family members struggle with illnesses, cause and effects, and diseases...and I jumped on the living healthy wagon too (about 2 years ago).

I did quite well, lost 35 lbs., felt fit and well - then after my mom passed, I got lazy - busy - tired - and less disciplined. I haven't gained the weight, but feel like yuck for lack of riding my bike. Lack of exercise, riding and walking...keeps you feeling good.

You can do it. I know you can.

Omah's Helping Hands said...

Thanks Kim, that is so sweet. What a great way to think about it. I too love to cook. Thanks for the advice, and for the offer. I may be calling on you. ;)

Me too Gr. Granny Grandma! Me too! We are a lucky people. Thank you for your support. It really does make a whole lot of difference when you know people care.

Thank you Heather. I know how you feel. Losing someone that you are so close to can really take the umph out of you. It's amazing how we can think we are doing okay and then realize, hey, I'm not doing so hot after all. I wish I could exercise. I'm not allowed to right now which is really frustrating. But, hee hee, stubborn me has been keeping her butt busy and it's helping. I refuse to sit and let it run me. :)

Cinder Rail'lee said...

Awww, Tammy. I'm sorry for your health, I'm praying for you. I too gave up fast food. I have issues with my weight, and decided I'd rather have home cooked food even on the weekends, then fast food. I'm praying for you, keeping you in my daily thoughts and prayers! I love you friend and sister. You can still have chocolate, my Jeremiah, has bought me the Trader Joes (hoping against hope) you have one there. It's called Dark Chocolate travler, it's in a can and has the wedges already cut for your daily intake. It's a semi-sweet dark chocolate and wonderful on the pallet. (me being a dark chocolate "dis-liker" LOL.
I do enjoy it and ONE piece keeps me from craving more!
Also have you tried DWLZ.COM ?

I believe Dottie is diabetic from the web site. It's more for Weight Watchers, however it has every restaurant in there with calorie intake, fat, fibers, and she has some amazing recipes that are low in fat, don't know if that will help with you or not, but it's worth a try.

I'm PRAYING FOR YOU!

LOVE YOU!!!

Denise said...

Bless your heart, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you.

Omah's Helping Hands said...

Tami, you are so awesom!!! I just love you. Thanks for the site. I'm going to go check it out now. I just found out a few days ago that we do have a Trader Joes here!!! Can't wait to check it out. Dark chocolate thank heavens is actually good for us in low doses, so this is exciting news! The site does sound like it will be a benefit. I've started out doing really good. I have felt everyones prayers and am so thankful for all that everyone is doing.

God Bless You All! I'll be visiting and posting again soon. Love you all