1) The elephant in the room.
We’re only a few days into the new administration, and I am struggling, you guys. I vacillate between feelings of despair and rage with every new story I see. It’s so bad already and this is only the beginning. I hate that we’re back to this nonsense. I hate that these idiots are celebrating. I hate that every time I open Instagram, I see another crazy story. I hate that Monday could have been a day filled with joy and history and hope, and instead… we got Nazi salutes and stupid speeches about renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
We have a long four years ahead of us and sure, we survived it last time but this time feels different. This time, he has people bowing at his feet and all of the tech bros at his side doing whatever bidding he wants them to do. He has staunch loyalists on his team and I don’t trust the Republican party to stand up to him. Hell, there are some Democrats I’m looking at sideways these days. But what can we do but resist? Call our elected officials and volunteer for organizations fighting the good fight and do what we can to take back the House and Senate in the midterms. I know I’m looking into ways to get involved, especially locally, and I’ll share more as I figure out what I’m going to do.
2) Stupid bloodwork.
Let’s talk about my bloodwork. The last time I got bloodwork was March and my doctor was fairly concerned with some of my numbers. I was prediabetic and had high cholesterol/triglycerides. I joined a gym and later, found out I had severe obstructive sleep apnea. I hoped that working out at a higher intensity and being on CPAP therapy would improve some of those numbers. Did I clean up my eating? I mean, somewhat. I definitely drank less soda and tried to cut down on the sugary snacks, but I could have done a lot better.
Anyway, I went for labs in early January and was not happy with the results. The scariest number was my A1C that now puts me firmly in the diabetic category. (6.6% – anything over 6.4% is considered diabetic.) I saw my doctor on Monday and was scared she was going to berate me and make me immediately go on medication. Thankfully, none of that happened. She was kind and helpful and supportive. She is giving me three months to clean up my eating and after that, we will do more labs and see where I stand. I don’t have family history of diabetes, which my doctor said is a good thing since this means it likely can be controlled with my diet.
What really stuck out to me is what she said if I was officially diagnosed with diabetes. “This isn’t a punishment,” she said over and over again. “If we need to get you started on diabetes treatment, it’s to ensure you can be the healthiest version of yourself.” I needed to hear that. I have been really down on myself for letting things get to this point because it’s something I can control. “I’m going to be that fat person everyone hates,” I moaned to my mom when I got the bloodwork back. “The one who’s the strain on the insurance industry!”
Maybe this is the wake-up call I needed, though. Maybe it needed to get to this point where I’m about to be put on diabetes medication (which will also entail being put on a statin and cholesterol meds, since all of those are connected). And now it’s time to really hone in on my eating habits so I can return to my doctor this spring with good news.
3) Nerve pain.
Sometime in December, I started noticing carpal tunnel symptoms that were getting progressively worse. Every morning, the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of my right hand (my dominant hand) would go numb as I tried to operate my mouse. I was waking up with throbbing pain in my thumb at night. The left side of my right hand just felt weak and sometimes I would feel dull pain radiating around my wrist and hand throughout the day. Sometimes if I tried to pick something up with my right hand or even pet a cat a certain way, I’d feel a sharp pain. I figured it was carpal tunnel syndrome and started wearing a splint at night, which helped a lot, and taking ibuprofen when the pain got worse.
When I saw my doctor on Monday, we talked about the symptoms I was experiencing and she does not think I have carpal tunnel but rather radial nerve pain. And hey, guess what one of the causes of radial nerve pain? Diabetes. My treatment regimen now is to wear a thumb splint to bed (finally got one yesterday!), ice my wrist and hand twice a day, and use topical lidocaine if the pain gets bad. And the hope is that by cleaning up my eating and lowering my A1C number, I can solve this condition, too.
4) Frozen Florida.
Okay, let’s talk about something less alarming than politics and medical conditions. It’s COLD in Florida! And I mean, it’s cold enough that northern Florida saw snow–one city saw a record-breaking 8.8 inches this week. Is climate change real, or are historic weather events continuing to happen throughout the globe? While we’re not going to get any snow here in the Tampa Bay area, we are seeing some very cold weather (for us, at least). The warmest it’s been the past week is the mid-40s. One morning, I took a look at my thermostat and it was 59 degrees in my apartment! (I didn’t have the AC or heat on.) I swiftly turned on the heat because I am not about that shivering-in-my-home life. And yes, I know that cold fronts in Florida are laughable for those of you up north, but remember, weather is relative and us thin-skinned Florida people are not used to this kind of cold!
5) Weekend plans.
I don’t have too much going on this weekend! I have no plans tonight so I may try and zoom through the last 200 or so pages of The Shell Seekers because I am dying to move onto a new book. Tomorrow, I have book club with my girls and we are doing brunch at a fave local spot. And Sunday, I have a writing date with Mikaela and then the NFL championship games later on. I’m so sad that there are only three games left in this season! I truly do not care who wins any of these games, so go sports!
What are your weekend plans? Do you wish it was in the 40s where you live?!
Hee hee yes I wish it was in the 40s where I lived. Which would also mean that it would not be in the 40s where you live so we both win if it’s in the 40s for me.
I really like your doc. We need more folks to say that getting medical treatment for a disease is not a punishment. It’s true that lifestyle and diet play a role in diabetes and obesity, but there are other causes so it’s might not be correct to say that it’s something that you can control. That’s why her approach of “let’s see what we can do in the next three months” is so sane and practical. Getting treatment is much less of a strain on the insurance industry than the alternative. Also if you do go on medication it’s not “the end”, it’s “what’s best right now”.
That’s such a good way to think about it! It was such a weird cold snap for Florida – we’ve had super mild winters (barely any days below 55-60 degrees!) for the past few years and it was nice to get some actual cold weather down here.
Yes, it’s possible that there are other factors involved in my diabetes diagnosis, but I am really, really hoping it’s diet-related and if I really get serious about reducing my sugar intake and eating better, it will improve dramatically. Here’s hoping!
It is true that a diagnosis is not punishment. Easier said than done to get in the mindset, but in all seriousness kudos to you for getting bloodwork, going to your doctor, etc. and not ignoring it.
I am a lurker inclined to comment because I had gestational diabetes. My OB referred me to a diabetes RD and I had a few of appointments with her. It was very helpful to meet with her to go over my diet and concerns. She was also an all around good person and it also helped me mentally cope with the diagnosis. Unfortunately I’m not local or I’d recommend her.
You’ve mentioned that you’ve worked with a dietitian before, but you didn’t feel like she was a good fit for where you’re at now. Perhaps your provider has a similar dietitian office that you could work with.
I am still seeing my dietician and I think I just need to be more upfront about what I need from her. Once I show her the results of my last round of bloodwork, I think we’ll really be able to have an honest convo about how I need to be eating to ensure I don’t end up with an official eating diagnosis. But we’ll see – if not, I’ll look into a RD that specializes in diabetes. Thank you for that advice!
I saw photos of snow in NOLA and I thought it was fake news. But no, I looked at the weather and saw that there was a weird cold snap. How odd! I can’t even remember the last time there was snow in San Francisco and we are a lot closer to the mountains than most southerners! It must be the winds from Canada.
I am sorry to hear about your blood work, but the good thing is, it can be controlled. It sounds like you have a good physician, which is half the battle. I hate going to medical appointments and having a good doctor really makes a difference. Keep your chin up!
I was so worried about the appointment with my doctor and she put me at ease instantly! I feel good that we have a plan for the next 3 months and if I have diabetes, then I have diabetes. I will figure out how to get it under control so I can live my healthiest life. <3
It’s been super cold here (below zero) and Monday we are going to have a high of 41 and it’s going to feel like a heatwave. BUT. If it were 41 in October, I’d be such a crybaby about it because it takes some time to build up to dealing with cold weather!! If it’s regularly in the 80s and it drops down to the 40s, that’s going to be brisk! And you don’t have clothing or building infrastructure for that cold. OH! I once got a rental car from somewhere down south in the winter and even the antifreeze didn’t work! It’s fine to complain if it’s unseasonably/geographically inappropriate cold!
I appreciate this comment so much – thank you! It is unseasonably cold for us and we’re just not used to temperatures like this. Plus, we haven’t built up any sort of tough winter skin to deal with cold weather, haha. Thank you for the sympathy!
That goddamn elephant! Yes, the next four years are going to be a test for us, for sure. All we can do is our best, and I’ll be interested in hearing what you decide to do, because I’m trying to figure out my own strategy as well.
Our weather is similar to yours, a bit colder. It’s been in the 30s overnight, which means I have to cover up my sensitive outdoor plants, and my electric/gas bill is going to SUCK because my husband comes downstairs in his boxer shorts, bare feet, and a t-shirt instead of sweats/robe/slippers like a sane person.
I’m glad that you have a good doctor, that makes a big difference. I hope that you see some improvement over the next few months. I do think that exercise helps, your numbers to the contrary, so I’m glad that you’re doing the gym with your mom. If nothing else, it helps with the stress of the goddamn elephant.
I try not to run my heat during the winter if I can help it, but whew, it was SO COLD and I was freezing in my apartment even with the proper attire on. I like having really nice electric bills during the first few months of the year since I’m not running my AC as much and it’s not working as hard to keep my home comfortable, but alas, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
I’m still not sure what the right method is for resistance. Calling my reps/senators? Getting involved with an organization? Helping with the midterms? Still deciding…
Okay, first of all, NO. I am going to put my foot down with you and say NO STEPHANY please do NOT think that way, about being a “strain on the system.” No no no. Noooooo. You are not a strain, you are a gift to the world, full stop.
That said, my husband was diagnosed with high triglycerides in…2009 maybe? 2010? It’s fuzzy. But he cut way back on sugars and bam, it was managed. He still enjoys sweet treats so it’s not like he never has ice cream or what have you. But he watches his sugars and he’s never had an issue since. So if it’s not a genetic component then your doctor (I love her, she sounds amazing) is probably right and it can be controlled through food intake. So take that for what it’s worth – he was older than you are by a long shot when he was diagnosed, and he had/ has quite the sweet tooth, but he was able to figure it out. I hope that will be the same for you!
I mean, weather is all relative. No that’s not cold for me but also I am used to it and I have all the clothes for cold weather. I’m not over here experiencing 100+ degrees with 97% humidity or whatever your summers are. It’s all relative!
Thank you, Nicole. You always know the right thing to say to cheer me up. I appreciate you so much!
I am hoping that I can get back to some normal numbers if I focus on lessening sugar. I have SUCH a sweet tooth, and I have to figure out a way to still enjoy my desserts without going overboard. I think cutting down on soda and chocolate-y snacks will help a lot!
Love your doc’s attitude, but I would take ozempic in a heartbeat RIGHT NOW if my insurance wanted to pay for it… (but that is super easy for me to say as a thin-asprinig straight-sized lady who has been put through the ringer by diet culture). I like the idea above to get a new dietician. 40 IS cold for there! My ILs are in Naples, and it’s cold there, too– so wild.
I have thought about Ozempic but it’s just too risky, in my opinion. There’s not enough data for how it affects people using it to lose weight vs people using it for an actual medical reason. And what happens when I stop using it? I just have never seen the benefits of weight loss supplements/drugs like that without a component of changing my diet. And changing my diet likely WILL yield the results I am looking for – without trashing my body.
Girl, I’ve been so stressed out since Monday and he’s really targeting the federal workforce (among other things). We’re all on edge. I really don’t know what these next four years will hold for all of us. I hope we can figure out how to resist this (awful, and very damaging) nonsense.
I am sorry that your bloodwork hasn’t shown the improvements that you were hoping for, but yeah, your diet will probably be the biggest player in this game… so even if you’re disappointed right now, it might be a good motivator to work on that piece of the puzzle. I love that your doctor was so encouraging and not at all berating at all.
I can only imagine how stressful it is to be a federal employee right now! Between the layoffs and the RTO mandates… it’s just a LOT. I’ve been thinking of you and hope you’re hanging in there!
I forgot to comment on the weather!. You’re entitled to complain about those cold temps! That is not at all normal for Florida. I didn’t realize that some areas got as much as over 8 inches of snow! I wish we would get that kind of dumping here as I would prefer snow to the epic cold we’ve had. Then I could send the boys outside to play in the snow and we could take them sledding to wear them out. But instead, it’s just been horrifically cold. But it’s going to warm up this week so I’m excited about that! I warm up I mean our 30s! But that is warm in the winter for Minnesota. I just hope Florida’s weather is more normal by the first week of February when I’ll be there for work. I could use some warm more humid temps.
We’re getting back to normal and it’s looking like we’ll have highs in the mid-70s in early February so you should get to enjoy some of the best Florida weather. This is the time of year we live for!
Yes, go sports! I guess I’m rooting for KC but I don’t have strong feelings about any of the teams. And really? You don’t like living on the Gulf of America? It’s preposterous.
About your bloodwork- I agree it’s very alarming and depressing to get results like that. I’ve written about it a little on the blog but not in detail- three years ago I had a bone density scan and my bone density actually had dipped into the category of osteoporsis, EEEEEEEK! It was sobering. Like you, I didn’t want to start on medication, so I’ve been taking an expensive (sigh) bone building supplement. A year ago I had another scan and it had improved so much that I only had a little osteopenia (not as serious as osteoporosis) and my doctor said if I continue to improve at that rate, next time my bones will be completely in the normal category. So all this is to say- there is hope! Things can be reversed. You’re right, this is a wakeup call. You can fix this!
We put on our heat last night too- brrrrr!
I am holding onto hope that I can reverse these scary bloodwork numbers by really honing in on my diet – and especially my sugar intake. Gahhh. I wish I was someone who didn’t love sugar as much as I do!
I am so sorry you are suffering from these health issues.
Maybe you really did need that wake up call. I had my blood pressure taken in October and it was so high it was alarming. So maybe I also needed that gut punch. I believe in ourselves that we can regain our health. Earlier this morning I looked into memberships in gyms. I am not a gym person but with my health goals I might need a bit of professional back-up. We’ll see.
Snow in Florida would be an alarming issue for me though. Talking about climate change.
We had my dad’s annual party last night. And while I enjoyed it, it was also a bit much to be honest. But I had some good talks with two of my aunts and my sister. Today Sunday is going to be the chillest of chill. Sipping coffee in my pj reading blog post at noon while the husband is still asleep. Breakfast will probably be no earlier than 3pm with a movie. So chill.
I have been so happy with my decision to join a gym. I hope you find an environment as encouraging as mine! It really helps me amp up my workouts, too.
I loooove scheduling a chill, relaxing day after a busy, people-y day. Gold star!
I’m so glad your doctor was kind and supportive and wants to work with you make your life the best it can be. That’s what we’re looking for, doctors! I hope the tweaks make your #s go down and help with your wrist. Pain from petting the cats?! I mean, that is obviously the saddest part of it all! 😉 (trying to be funny)
My comment on topic 1 is the same as San’s 🙁
I do wish it was in the 40s here! Just for a few days! With no wind. That would be amazing! And I hope it got back to comfortable levels for you there <3
I really hope I can find a way to reduce my sugar intake and get some better numbers. I keep reminding myself that the sacrifice will be worth it in the end because being put on diabetes medication is NOT what I want.
Thinking of you regarding the elephant in the room! It has to be SO stressful!