A general observation about our group here

I'm not sure when the change occurred but we all seem to have shifted from a very down and out group looking for a way to get back on track....to a very content group of travelers on the road to health and wellness. We've just all become so much more positive - with ourselves and each other.

I know this group played a key role in getting me to get my labs done and then actually UNDERSTAND the dang things. I'm realizing that "my" normal levels aren't necessarily the same as those that the world considers the normal acceptable amount. I've identified a couple of areas that I can tell need tweaking even without lab work (sore achy joints & muscles mean I need more D).

Right now my scale isn't moving....as frustrating as that is, I'm refocusing on my overall health and not that damn number. My clothes still fit but because I feel better - I can actually feel like something other than a failure. My life is full and I'm thankful for that.

- Iris

Well, it looks like I joined at the right time.  Encouragement is key, and I think I've found it here.  I haven't been here long, but from what I've seen, it just gets better every day.  There is so much going on, so much advice and so many shared experiences.

I look forward to this site every day, and to whatever I can glean from each posting.  You guys are the greatest 

I love this site and all the wonderful people I have met through it.  I am a firm believer that a smile and a word of encouragement can be freely given away and is the one thing that everybody can give.  Though I can't see your faces, I try to send my smiles across the wires while sharing all I have to share with you.  This is a wonderful post Iris.  

I use glucosamine MSM for my crunchy knees and sometimes achy joints. You might try that as well. I do weekly or monthly measurements depending on how fast I'm seeing changes in my body. Whenever the scale doesn't move, I can measure and it will get me past the semi-depressive slump.

You're doing well, either way.

Hi, Iris.  I'm new to the group and am trying to get myself together and to be more accountable for what I put in my mouth.  It's really hard to lose weight again now, but I have to try! 

Also, being 55 and menopausal brings another whole set of issues, too.

Anyway, I'm interested in the vitamin D issue you mentioned.  What are you taking to increase your levels?  I have some arthritis issues that have recently gone through the roof, and when you said that vitamin D being low can cause achy joints & muscles a light bulb went off.

Thanks for your input!

Carla

Make sure to have your blood work done to check for certain. (That qualifies as a disclaimer that I am not, have not or will never be a health care professional)

I take 10,000 iu of a dry vitamin D3 daily. I order it online through WalGreens. To much vitamin D can be toxic but my levels had bottomed out. They are normally lower in the winter anyway but this year was super duper low. I'll continue on the current dosage until June when I have my next labs drawn. I'm at a point now that if for some odd reason (like it's the weekend and I'm busy) that I forget to take it or miss a dose that I really start to feel it.

I'm sure some others will chime in about Vitamin D. I'd also suggest you search the website for more info. We've got some very knowledgeabe folks out there - especially when it comes to vitamins and supplements.

Good Luck!!

- Iris 

Thank you so much for the info about the vitamins.  I am actually waiting on a script for blood work - it's been a while since I've had it done, and I know that's not good.  

I have always taken calcium that includes D, but I'm sure that is a low amount compared to what you are taking.

Also, I am thankful to have found a small group of post-ops who are friendly and upbeat.  I have been on some other sites where I just felt like people were yelling at me all the time, and I really don't need that.

Carla

I love the positivity here--and I hope to reserve the right to vent and moan a bit if needed...  and I will gladly accept kicks in the heinie as needed, too!

p.s. One of our line dancing numbers is "Ac-cent-u-ate the Positive", Willie Nelson version. Such a good song to have running in my own personal soundtrack all day.

Tess will get her little muscle man emoticon out and chase you with him if necessary for that swift kick.  (lol)  I need more kicks that most normal people - I'm just a touch thick headed. Confession time....It's easier for me to do for others than it is to do for myself. Why I think that I'm being self-ish I'll never completely understand.

Great soundtrack song. I have some strange one's from time to time. The girls in the office all looked at me as if I had just landed from Mars when I broke out with "Drop kick me Jesus through the field goals of life".  or "I don't want a pickle...I just want to ride my motor-cicle"

I'm my own best entertainment.

- Iris

I love those two songs! I don't know all the words to Drop Kick Me Jesus, but I sure remember the Arlo Guthrie song. Happy music is a good thing.

LOL  "Tess will get her little muscle man emoticon out and chase you with him if necessary"