dealing with Stress

As yall have gotten to know me these last few months you've probably realized that I'm a pretty positive person and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I can even pinpoint the event that triggered the beginning of my regain. Yes as the title has indicated it had to do with stress and my health (an emergency pacemaker) to be exact.

Now I'm facing a stressor of a whole different level. My Moma's health. She's having issues with clogged arteries in her neck. "We" have an appointment with the vascular surgeon next week to get his opinions and agree on a course of action. Moma's family has a horrible history of heart disease and complications with the very surgery that she will need. I know (in my brain) that surgery and the accompanying technology has come along way in the past decade. My heart and soul are having a hard time wrapping my head around this. I'm very seldom a worrier (ie I NEVER WORRY).

I'm an only child and I lost my Dad to a heart attack in 2004. I had a brother who died as an infant because of a heart defect. For the moment, I have no appetite at all. Which is not exactly a good thing since the hypoglycemia came into play a few weeks ago. UUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH. My Mom is my rock. Always has been. Always will be.

If I seem less than chipper in the coming days, now you know why. I plan on continuing to post and I appreciate the support that I know yall will offer. I simply don't know what I need right now other than the supportive accountability that I've come to appreciate with this group.

Just needed to get it off my chest.

- Iris

HUGS. 

For RH - more fat - less carbs in my diet helps a lot.   Makes me full faster and keeps me full, and my BS does not drop. I can now go for hours and not eat and my BS remains stable.  when I get stressed - adding some fat - makes it all better.   i.e. protein shake with added coconut unsweet milk.

Another - plain lean chicken with mayo...

full fat cheese sticks (the individually packed will keep in my purse for a few days - and don't go bad.)

individual packets of peanut butt and almond butter...(natural - NSA) and nuts (low salt work best for me)

The fat and proteins help with my BS - so i get that very stable and can limit that effect on my stress hormones.

I also decided to get on Lexapro - for stress. Not much - 10 mg daily really  helps me. 

Good luck with your mom... HUGS

Iris,

I just wanted to say I'm sorry about your mother's illness.  Advancements in cardiovascular care are happening on a continual basis, and it is one of, if not the biggest area of research in medicine.

I'm sure you will be with your mom when she see's the surgeon.  There are excellent internet sites where you can research her condition and gather information so you can be armed to the teeth with questions to ask on the visit.  

As for your RH, H.A.L.A. gave some excellent advice on keeping your blood sugar stable.  I wish all of you the very best in outcomes.

Iris:  I am sending you lots of (((hugs))).  I been where you are now.  My mom actually had a stroke and that how we found out about the blockages in her neck.  The doctor told us that mama had 90% blockages and could not have surgery.  They treated mama with blood thinners and mama went on the live a full life for another 8 years.  That happened in 1992.  Just look where the medical field has gone since then.  I am praying for your mom and you.  I saw where Hala has gotten the Lexapro.  I have been on it for 3 years this month and it was a real life saver for me in my most stressful time.  Take care.

Thanks girls!!!! I knew yall would have some words of wisdom for me. I'm on lexapro....my boys call that my Happy bill and my estrogen is my "Anti'*****" pill.

Love the food/snack ideas H.A.L.A. I'll be hiding cheese sticks along with my nabs.

- Iris