Update me.

[angela515]

Hiyahs everyone. 

It's been awhile since I have had time to just sit at my computer and read posts or have time to myself. So, now I'm back. 

There is way too many posts to read through, so I am asking a favor from you all. For each person that reads this post, could you please reply with something that has been going on in the past 6 months, either with yourself or about someone else from IHD? Big or small news, I want all the news! 

My updates. I went to Maine this summer for 3 weeks, by myself, to visit my boyfriend. It was fun even though I got a little flu bug while I was there. My children went to California for the summer to see their dad. They had lots of fun and got to go to the beach and Universal Studios. They started school at the end of August, Jonathan is now in 3rd grade and Aryianna is now in 2nd grade, they are growing so fast!

I decided in April that I was going to get healthy, instead of "lose weight". I realized that my struggle with losing weight might be a lot of psychological issues and eating unhealthy foods, instead of blaming it on just not working out by itself. I am a HUGE fan of Dr. Oz and everything he stands for, and he has given me the knowledge to finally understand that I can't just workout and eat whatever I want and expect to lose weight. That may work for some people, it used to work for me when I was younger, but it isn't what works for me now.

So, I started working out everyday by walking for a minimum of 30 minutes daily. Some days I walk more and some days I add other exercises as well, such as workout videos, using my dumbbells for arm workouts, and squats. However, days when I don't want to workout or don't feel up to working out, I at least do my 30 minute walk. I started trying to eat a little better as well, and I lost 8lbs from April to June. Then I went to Maine from June-July and came back home and my brother and sister-in-law and their kids came to visit us for a week, and by that time it had been 3 months since I worked out. So, during that 3 months time I had fallen off the wagon of exercise, I had went back to my old ways of eating, and starting a few weeks ago I was starting to not fit my biggest pair of jeans or shirts anymore. When I weighed and did my measurements it finally hit me that I gained what weight I lost back plus a few, and I had gained inches. 

I decided I need to make a lifestyle change in order for me to stick to something that will help me become the healthiest I can be for my medical situation. I started working out again, same kind of exercises, and no matter how I feel, I make sure I get at least just a 30 minute walk in every day. I also realized that I had to start making healthier food choices as well. I know I cannot change everything at once or I won't stick to it for life, so I am making small changes in my eating habits.

So far I make sure I get 72oz of water a day. For the days I decide I want cereal for breakfast, which is not many, I choose healthier cereals such as Kashi and Cascadian Farms. I eat whole wheat bread when I have bread. I choose to have all different kinds of salads now that I have become very creative with and they are simply delicious and filling. Anytime I want a sandwich, I choose to replace the bread with lettuce and make it into a salad. Instead of eating a Hostess 100 calorie pack for snacks, I have things like fruit, veggies, string cheese, or a slice of whole wheat toast with some natural PB. Dinner is the hardest meal for me due to me living with my parents and having to eat what they cook. However, I started by choosing healthier sides. When everyone else is having potatoes or pasta side dishes, I will choose things like a side salad, fresh/frozen veggies, fruit, brown rice and so forth. The biggest issue at dinner time is the meat. I could and would rather eat chicken or fish every night instead of pork or red meat. I am slowly but surely getting my dad to understand that it's healthier for me and it has nothing to do with me not liking his food. 

So, I have consistently worked out every single day for 5 days now. -lol- I just started, but it's a great start.  I have definitely got more energy, even though it's only been 5 days since working out consistently and eating more healthy. I walked for 30 minutes the first 2 days, and then 45 the next couple and then yesterday I walked for 60 minutes and -wanted- to go longer but I had to stop to go make children lunch. Just having more energy is a total boost in my confidence.

Other than that, I have just been trying to get everything in order to apply for SSDI again to maintain I have income and insurance coverage when January comes. I have also been trying to get a hold of the deputy in Las Vegas to get my ticket from 2004 reduced. Once I get a hold of him and get a reduced amount, I can pay that off and should be able to get my drivers license unsuspended! First step to being closer to being able to get a car, and once I have a car I can look for a job. So I am finally seeing through the fog to the future and what could be if I remain responsible with my life again. 

Okay, I didn't mean to ramble on that long! Sorry! I doubt anyone will read through all that jumble anyways, but it felt good to put it out there to the Universe and share my steps forward. 

Angie <3

*** Pictures Attached:

1) My kids. Jonathan. Age: 8 1/2   Aryianna. Age: 7 1/2
2) My kids bein' kewl. 

[kimcanada]

your kids are beautiful Angela

My news...

I started self needling months ago to get ready for training for Nocturnal home hemo dialysis, which I am in the middle of being trained for now..

I had a total meltdown about my dialysis workers and made a video and put it on the internet,,, end result, I got my way  nice to see you back

[thegrammalady]

great to see you posing again. me, well in february i started on in center nocturnal. it's fabulous. i'm sleeping better, feeling better, have more energy. i'm off all blood pressure medications and have cut way back on phos binders. in fact for several months didn't need to take any at all.

in a moment of insanity i agreed to coordinate the 2009 holiday gift exchange. join the fun.

okarol is on her way to paris with jenna today.

sluff is driving truck and unfortunately (sob) not with us much. sob? oh really now........

we have lots of new members.

welcome back

[monrein]

Beautiful kids Angela...where does the time go?  I read every word, with great interest and cheering you on, about your determination and plans to get fitter.  I made these changes many years ago and feel that I have done my level best to take care of my one body as well as my first and now my second transplant.
That's my big news...got a kidney from my sister-in-law on Feb, 23 rd 2009.  Doing well, feeling terrific, working out at the gym and although I eat only healthy foods I find that my appetite is huge and so portions become the issue to watch.  My donor is back to the same as she was pre-transplant and feels no difference other than a bit tired for the first few months.

Nice to read your post.

[del]

Hi angela and welcome back. I read through your post too!!!  Your children are beautiful!!  I have made the lifestyle change as well - about a year ago. I have lost 45 lbs and feel like a new person.  Just take everything day by day and if you do fall off the wagon for a day climb right back on the next day!!  Oct. 13 will be 3 years for my husband doing nocturnal home hemo. This past August was 12 years on dialysis!!

[Slywalker]

Angela - welcome back.  Your kids are wicked cute.

Sounds like you are off and running toward a healthy lifestyle.  I made that change quite a few years ago and I have never been sorry.  If I don't exercise now I feel it - and I never thought I would be a champion for exercise but I am now!!!!

My daughter just got married - in Maine!!!  (she lives there).
My two year old live donor kidney is still going really strong.

  back again


 

[Rerun]

Your kids are adorable! 

I'm still alive!   

[angela515]

  to you all for the welcome back!

I started self needling months ago to get ready for training for Nocturnal home hemo dialysis, which I am in the middle of being trained for now..

I had a total meltdown about my dialysis workers and made a video and put it on the internet,,, end result, I got my way  nice to see you back

Awww, so glad you took action until you were heard! 

great to see you posing again. me, well in february i started on in center nocturnal. it's fabulous. i'm sleeping better, feeling better, have more energy. i'm off all blood pressure medications and have cut way back on phos binders. in fact for several months didn't need to take any at all.

Fantastic! Glad to see your doing so well.

That's my big news...got a kidney from my sister-in-law on Feb, 23 rd 2009.  Doing well, feeling terrific, working out at the gym and although I eat only healthy foods I find that my appetite is huge and so portions become the issue to watch.  My donor is back to the same as she was pre-transplant and feels no difference other than a bit tired for the first few months.

  Congrats! I can totally relate on the huge appetite. I sometimes wonder if my body isn't paying attention to the fact I am feeding it. -lol-

I have made the lifestyle change as well - about a year ago. I have lost 45 lbs and feel like a new person.  Just take everything day by day and if you do fall off the wagon for a day climb right back on the next day!!  Oct. 13 will be 3 years for my husband doing nocturnal home hemo. This past August was 12 years on dialysis!!

Thanks! Awesome weight loss, such an inspiration. Wow, that is a LONG time on dialysis! He is a strong person.

Sounds like you are off and running toward a healthy lifestyle.  I made that change quite a few years ago and I have never been sorry.  If I don't exercise now I feel it - and I never thought I would be a champion for exercise but I am now!!!!

My daughter just got married - in Maine!!!  (she lives there).
My two year old live donor kidney is still going really strong.

I can feel tired and not want to do anything, but then I make myself get up and do a 30 minute walk. Once I am doing it, I feel wide awake and hyped up for the day!

Congrats to your daughter. Maine has tons of trees! I was like, wow! Yay for your kidney doing amazing. 

Your kids are adorable! 

I'm still alive!   

Wohoo! 

[Chris]

  Angela

Sum it up for me, hospital stays, more health problems, many doctor visits and test, wisdom teeth are being taken out 1 of 2 stages Sept. 29, old friends pissing me off sums up this year and recent events. Also cut back on being on internet.

[Wattle]

   OK to start with.... WHAT BOYFRIEND??

Jonathan and Aryianna have grown sooo much. Gorgeous as ever.

How are your ankles holding up with all the walking? I am glad you are back! 

Enough about you .... lets talk about me....  lol

No more dialysis for me at the moment.
I had a cadaveric 5/6 transplant on the 13th July! It has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride so far. Seems to be one problem after another. But I am slowly getting there. My joints are giving me problems now..... having a MRI next week. Blah Blah Blah

My kids are growing also.... life goes along.   

[Sluff]

Angela every time I see your picture you look prettier and prettier. I'm glad your life seems to be coming together bit by bit, and you know you have to just take charge and make things happen. Good positive post and the children are beautiful and look so happy. You are doing a wonderful job with them.

Josh is home on leave from the Army and I was able to be home for his wedding Oct 9th (last Friday) and it was good to see him. He will be stationed at Ft. Campbell KY. There is a chance in November he may get deployed to Afghanistan and I'm not sure what his wife will do if he is deployed that quickly but I guess they are adults now and have to make their own decisions.

Good luck with your plans and keep us posted in how you are doing.

[Jill D.]

Hi Angela,

Your kids are getting so grown up and you look great! It sounds like things are going well for you.

I have had a rough year - my kidney function took a real dive early this year and i am back on the list and having donors tested. Also I have struggled with daily headaches and occasional migraines for several months. The good news is my kidney has stabilized and my labs have actually improved slightly since I had my transplant evaluation. Also, I am finally getting a handle on the headaches!!

I am looking forward to 2010 being a much better year....!