Getting Healthier in 2011 – October Health Goal Wrap-up

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Getting Healthier is my goal, and the goal of this site.  I don’t want to be the Always Sick Chick, but the Rarely Sick Chick.  That, however, takes some work and discipline, and it’s not always easy.

In fact, it’s rarely easy.

My health goals for October were basically met with one exception:  I didn’t continue with my supplements. I don’t know what happened, exactly.  I’m pretty sure it had something to do with my depression getting much worse at the beginning of October when my doctor increased my Prozac dose in an effort to help my depression and anxiety. Instead of getting better, I had a breakdown.

With a reduction in my Prozac dose and then adding in Effexor, I am doing much better now.  It’s a major improvement.  That is probably why I am forgetting my supplements.  I was feeling pretty good. Why take the supplements?  Well, I need to resume them, of course.  Which I will do now that my head is back together, screwed on straight, etc…

Halloween also threw me through a loop. That holiday should not take as much preparation as it does, but somehow it was completely nuts around here.  I’m sure my husband’s new wonky work schedule has a lot to do with that as well.  So many changes in such a short period of time. No wonder it felt like October was much longer than it actually was.

Aside from not taking my supplements toward the end of the month, I basically followed my other health goals without much difficulty:

I did not gain weight. I did not lose weight, but I did not gain weight.  This is surprising as I was getting my coffee at McDonalds and Starbucks more often last month, especially toward the end of the month.  Thankfully, it didn’t come back to bite me.

I managed to get more sleep and felt more rested last month.  I still had my off days, and with the weather changing my allergies have acted up again, keeping me up at night more often.  But overall, I got more sleep last month.

With the help of my doctor, we now have my dysthymia mostly under control.  In addition to my 40 mg of Prozac every day, I am now taking a small dose of Effexor to help with the depression symptoms.  I’m also in behavioral health in order to help managed my depression better.

I continued physical therapy, and I have now completed it! No more appointments for me because, as they put it, I’m now managing my pain well.  I just have to continue doing my stretches and exercises to prevent and deal with my pain as it creeps up on me at least once a day.

I went gluten free! Honestly, I’m not sure how much of a difference it is making except that I’m not eating fast food and processed grains, which is good, and I haven’t had any issues with the acid reflux since doing this.

I have tried practicing mindfulness. I have found that it is strengthening my bond with my children and my ability to enjoy family activities more than I used to.  I’m also more relaxed, less worried and anxious, and able to head off the anxiety and stress before it gets to be unmanageable.  It’s not all perfect, but I’m able to relax more and keep myself calm, which is amazing for me.

Unfortunately, I didn’t stay away from the Halloween candy.  I was weak. 

Right now, I’m fighting off a stomach bug.  In addition to trying to get some work done and keeping up with the house and my motherly duties, I somehow need to get some rest in there as well.  Hmmm… Well, thankfully, my husband’s new wonky work schedule worked to my advantage yesterday. I slept half the day and spent the other half on the couch complaining about my stomach.  I’m feeling much better today, but still have a little sour stomach.  I hope to feel better soon, as being sick is exhausting.

Question:  How did you do with your health goals for October?

Related articles

• Screening Tests for Depression (everydayhealth.com)
• Study: Depression Linked To Higher Stroke Risk (But So Are Antidepressants) (blisstree.com)
• A New Weight-Loss Plan: Getting Paid to Shed Pounds (time.com)