Monday, June 2, 2014

Urodynamics-What Your Urologist Probably Won't Tell You

So I haven't posted in a very very long time. Life, kids, work, health kinda put this blog on the far back burner, but I have decided to jump back in.

My MS like symptoms (still haven't mustered the courage to "officially" get diagnosed) have become worse. Mostly my bladder issues. I have over active bladder combined with chronic retention, so basically, I have to pee a lot, and have crazy big bladder spasms, so much so that if I don't get to a restroom quickly, I will be a 31 year old who pees her pants, BUT, and here is the kicker, when I do try to go to the restroom, I can't. I have to push on my bladder which has a fancy french name "The Credé Maneuver" and also have to push like I am trying to drop a two-sie.

It's funny how envious you become of people who can just pee...ahh the little things in life.

I had a test called "urodynamics" done. Not a fun test. I hope you never have to have it done but if you found my blog you might already be scheduled to do it. It is a very awkward and humbling experience.

My urologist had recommended urodynamics about 9 months ago, and I scheduled it, but after some googling, I flaked out and didn't go through with it. As my symptoms worsened, I visited my urologist again, and she again recommended the urodynamics. I met with the appointment setter, assuming it would be weeks if not months from now, but nope, she moved things around my doctor's schedule, and fit me in then next morning. Oh yay (sarcasm). Which gave me less time to flake out this time.

Why was I so hesitant to do this exam you may ask, well two reasons: First, if the test showed what we all thought it would, then more signs would point to MS; Second, when I googled it the first time 9 months earlier, it mentioned some catheters being placed in some unusual places (uh, your bum, yeah a catheter in your bum).

My doctor neglected to tell me that on purpose. So this time around, I verified this information, you know, not everything you read online is true so I was hoping this information was not accurate, she reluctantly confirmed this not so pleasant aspect of the testing. She told me she doesn't like to tell patients that because they never show for their testing...I couldn't imagine why. But she said it would just be her, and a female nurse and they have done it countless times and not to worry. So I went home and worried.

There is nothing special you need to do prior to the urodynamics testing, except show up with a semi full bladder. Well I failed that part miserably. I tried, I really did, but as I was driving to my urologists office and the urge to go was getting stronger, so I had to pull over to a CVS and use the restroom.

That's the thing, how exactly can you expect someone with over active bladder to really show up for this testing with a full bladder?

Once at my urologists office, they had me down a ton of water to refill the tank so to speak and take a pill, which at the time I thought was an antibiotic (since I was being catheterized) but I later concluded that it was a Valium (which explains some of my awkward chattiness) . Then they took me into this room, with this crazy looking chair in it that was connected to a large computer. The seat of the chair has a nice semi-circle cut out of it with a funnel and a bucket underneath it, and some stirrups, yay, stirrups, I love those things (more sarcasm).

*Side Note: the picture of the chair above is one I found online, I was going to take a picture of mine with my phone, but thought that might seem a little odd if someone walked in on me, not really the kind of photo you see in a family photo album you know. And on another side note, I swear the seating area of my chair was much smaller than the one in the photo, because I felt like I was going to fall in that hole, and I don't exactly have a big butt.

The MALE nurse handed me the annoying large rectangular paper napkin and told me to undress from the waist down and cover up with the napkin and sit on the crazy chair.

I was fully expecting a female nurse to return, I just assumed the male nurse was escorting me to the room, nope, in walks the same male nurse (accompanied by a female nurse). So I am sitting on this half chair with a glorified napkin on, feeling very uncomfortable, when the male nurse sits in front of me and steps on the hydraulics petal so that the terrible half chair starts rising to eye level, oh joy.

"Legs in the stirrups" how women love hearing those four words. And he proceeds to insert a pediatric sized catheter in my bladder, no biggy, I have had enough catheters in the past few months with trying to figure out this bladder thing plus this one was pretty tiny. But then came the dreaded rectal catheter (not what you think it's for, it is actually a bulb with electrodes in it used to measure spasms, I totally thought it was used for the same reason a bladder catheter is used, to empty). He proceeds to tell me, it's no big deal, it's only the width of a pinky, uh, not sure whose pinky, certainly not my pinky, perhaps Andre the Giant's pinky. Then he starts linking up all of these electrodes to me. Meanwhile I am having awkward conversations with him and the female nurse trying to pretend I am not face to crotch with the guy who just put a catheter in my bum.

Finally my urologist comes in and they start the testing. They fill your bladder with sterile water and start taking readings of my spasms, at first it isn't so bad, they ask me about the sensations I am having and when I feel like I have to urinate. They continue to fill my bladder and ask me to cough a few times to see if I leak. Then as more fluid enters my bladder my spasms start going nuts and I am "peeing" all over the half chair even with my little catheter in place (that's a fun feeling) and my urologist and the nurse exclaim "wow those are bad," yeah no duh, why do you think I am here? Up until this point I think they thought I was over exaggerating my symptoms.

So they clean me up and take out and off everything they put all over and in me.

The conclusion, I do have over active bladder, and some type of nerve damage that isn't allowing my brain to get the correct signals to my bladder. Whether that damage is from MS or some type of localized nerve damage most likely caused during the birth of my son three years ago (since that is when all of my symptoms started) is not determinable from this testing.

They prescribed a very mild medication for my over active bladder which only slightly helps, but they couldn't give me anything stronger since I already have issues with retention, anything stronger could possibly make it impossible for my to pee even with the pushing (which isn't good to do either might I add, because all of the pushing is now causing some prolapse issues... damned if you do and damned if you don't).

So my next step is to actually see a neurologist and get some MRI's to see where the damage is and get a better understanding of what is causing it.

That all being said, if I do "officially" have MS, I still will choose not to take the MS medications. Instead I have decided to try the Wahls Protocol Diet. I have already started reading this book, and it is amazing, for anyone suffering with any autoimmune issues, this book is a must read. And really even if you just want to eat an optimal diet, full of amazing health benefits, you should read this book.

Dr. Wahls has conquered her MS symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. And she doesn't just base her information on her experience, she has actually started clinical trials of her diet. I was going to join and be a part of them, but I couldn't afford the plane tickets back and forth to go, and the time away from my then 2 year old and 9 year old seemed unbearable.

Another option I am considering for my bladder issues is an implant called an Interstim. It is basically a pacemaker for your bladder that they put in your hip/butt with wires that stimulate your sacral nerves (the nerves that control bladder and bowel function). The devise sends pulses to your nerves so you can have somewhat normal bladder function.

It all depends on what my neurologist says after I have some MRI's done, and if the Wahls Diet improves my bladder functions within a 6 month period I am giving myself. If it doesn't work, I will probably go through with the Interstim even though it scares me to death.

I start my journey on the Wahls Diet next Monday (ha, "diet starts Monday", says everyone who has no intention of actually starting a diet). The reason I am delaying my start for a week is I am going to dinner for my 10 year anniversary with my husband so I intend on eating all of the dairy and gluten I can shove in my face, as kind of a last meal so to speak.

We will see how it goes, fingers crossed.




Friday, August 9, 2013

Alternating Your Greens?


You MUST Alternate Your Greens in Your Smoothies and Juices.

They say variety is the spice of life. Well variety is also important for your health as well. Green smoothies & juices are wonderful for your health. I drink one almost every morning these days, but little did I know I was doing it all wrong.


Smoothie, sounds simple, drop in some kale, splash of OJ, water, some berries and a banana. Blend and voila, instant fountain of youth right? Not really.

I had heard before you should mix it up a little, but I liked what I was making and I like to stick with what works, well apparently this does not work out so well for your body.

Greens all have alkaloids which can be poisonous in large quantities. Each family of greens has a different type of alkaloid. Think of alkaloids as natures self defense mechanism. It prevents a crop from being devoured completely by some ravenous animals. 

So mixing up which greens you juice or use in your smoothies not only provides a wider range of nutrients, it prevents alkaloid build up.

You should rotate your greens according to family:

  • Crucifers: kale, collards, arugula, cabbage, bok choy, radish greens, mustard greens, broccoli
  • Amaranth: spinach, chard, beets
  • Asteraceae: dandelions, leaf lettuce, Romaine lettuce
  • Apiaceae: parsley, cilantro, anise, celery, chervil, cumin, dill, fennel, parsnip
  • Poaceae: wheatgrass 
Try using 2 or 3 different types of greens every couple of weeks to obtain optimal nutrient intake and prevent any alkaloid build up.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Disease or Deficiency....Folate

Folate Functions:

Folate (a.k.a Vitamin B9) is essential for cell growth and development and nervous system functioning. It is vital to fetal nervous system development and helps regulating histamine.

It helps to:
  • support red blood cell production and helps prevent anemia
  • prevent homocysteine build-up in the blood (homocysteine is attributed to heart disease)
  • allow nerves to function properly
  • prevent osteoporosis
  • prevent dementia

Folate vs Folic Acid:

There is a difference between Folate and Folic Acid. Folate comes from natural food sources, whereas Folic Acid is a man made synthetic form of Folate, used in most supplements and in fortified foods. Some researchers have suggested that there is a link between Folic Acid (Not Folate) and Cancer. Other research has said there is no link. Here is a link that provides a little more info on the subject. Again, I am not a Dr. but I always side with natural sources over synthetics any day.

Possible Causes of a Folate Deficiency:

  • Dietary deficiency (eg, alcoholism, dietary fads)
  • Malabsorption (eg, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Poor intake
  • Old age
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Poor intake due to anorexia
  • Excessive urinary excretion

Signs and Symptoms of a Folate Deficiency:

  • Irritability
  • Mental fatigue, forgetfulness, or confusion
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • General or muscular fatigue
  • Gingivitis or periodontal disease
  • Restless Leg Syndrome 
  • Some types of Cancer (esophageal, colon, lungs, uterus, cervix)
  • Nervous system related problems with the hands and feet

Recommended Daily Allowance of Folate:

  • 0-6 months: 65 micrograms (mcg)
  • 6-12 months: 80 mcg
  • 1-3 years: 150 mcg
  • 4-8 years: 200 mcg
  • Males 9-13 years: 300 mcg
  • Males 14 years and older: 400 mcg
  • Females 9-13 years: 300 mcg
  • Females 14 years and older: 400 mcg
  • Pregnant females of any age: 600 mcg
  • Lactating females of any age: 500 mcg

Food Sources of Folate:


Foods Containing Folatemcg
Lentils, 1 cup cooked358.38
Pinto Beans, 1 cup cooked294.12
Garbanzo Beans, 1 cup cooked282.08
Spinach, 1 cup cooked262.8
Black Beans, 1 cup cooked256.28
Navy Beans, 1 cup cooked254.8
Kidney Beans, 1 cup cooked230.1
Beef liver, braised, 3 ounces215
Collard Greens, 1 cup cooked176.7
Turnip Greens,1 cup cooked 169.92
Lima Beans, 1 cup cooked156.04
Beets, 1 cup raw148.24
Romaine Lettuce, 2 cups127.84
Dried Peas, 1 cup cooked127.4
Avocado, 1 cup118.26
Papaya115.52
Mustard Greens, 1 cup cooked102.2
Peanuts, 1/4 cup87.6
Sunflower Seeds, 1/4 cup79.45
Quinoa 42.5g78.2
Asparagus, 1 cup raw69.68
Cauliflower, 1 cup raw60.99
Broccoli, 1 cup raw57.33
Bell Peppers, 1 cup raw42.32
Winter Squash, 1 cup baked41
Oranges39.3
Celery, 1 cup36.36
Strawberries, 1 cup34.56
Cantaloupe, 1 cup33.6
Summer Squash, 1 cup raw32.77
Onions, 1 cup raw30.4
Cabbage, 1 cup raw30.1
Pineapple, 1 cup29.7
Tomatoes, 1 cup raw27
Raspberries, 1 cup25.83
Fennel, 1 cup raw23.49
Carrots, 1 cup23.18
Kale, 1 cup cooked16.9
Swiss Chard, 1 cup cooked15.75
Mushrooms - Crimini, 1 cup12.18
Parsley, 2 tbs11.55

If you are having trouble reaching the recommended amounts through your diet (which is always best) consider a Folate Vitamin Supplement

Please note that consuming large amounts of Folate or Folic Acid can mask the symptoms of a B12 deficiency.


Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor a scientist, just someone trying to find answers independently for an affliction. Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making drastic changes to your diet or taking supplements. Preferably a functional medicine doctor. And remember, I am just some person on the internet, so please don't take my word (or anyone's) as the gospel. Do your own research, communicate with your doctor and find a solution that you are comfortable with. It is your body and your life.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Disease or Deficiency....Biotin

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be doing a series of posts regarding Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies and the symptoms of those deficiencies.

The first Vitamin I will discuss is Biotin.

Biotin Functions:

Biotin helps the nervous system function properly. It also helps provide healthy hair and skin. Biotin may also help those with Diabetes control their blood sugar level.

Possible Causes of a Biotin Deficiency:


Biotin deficiency is seen many times in those that consume raw egg whites. There are a number of reasons not to consume raw eggs, so add this to the list.

Something to take note of, pregnant women have a higher risk of a Biotin deficiency. A Biotin deficiency in a pregnant woman may cause infant malformations such as cleft palate


Signs and Symptoms of a Biotin Deficiency:


Dermatitis- Dry or scaly skin
Hyperesthesia- Increased sensitivity to touch
Paresthesia- The sensation of "pins & needles" or numbness
Keratoconjunctivitis- Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva
Anorexia or Loss of Appetite
Anemia
Alopecia- Hair loss
Muscle Pain
Nausea
Fatigue
Depression
Weakened Immune System

Recommended Daily Allowance of Biotin:


The US does not provide an RDA of Biotin because deficiency of Biotin is so rare, however, many sources including the Mayo Clinic state the following guidelines:


  • Infants and children—
    • Birth to 3 years of age: 10 to 20 micrograms (mcg).
    • 4 to 6 years of age: 25 mcg.
    • 7 to 10 years of age: 30 mcg.
  • Adolescents and adults—
    • 30 to 100 mcg.


Food Sources of Biotin:


Foods Containing Biotinmcg
Peanuts, 1/2 cup: 73
Filberts, 1/2 cup: 51
Almonds, 1/2 cup:34
Peanut butter, 2 Tbs: 32
Wheat Germ (2 Tbs): 12
Soy protein isolate, 1 oz: 8.5
Egg, 1 large cooked: 8.1
Cashews, 1/2 cup: 8.9
Low fat yogurt, 1 cup: 7.4
Whole Wheat bread, 1 sl.:6
Haddock, 3.5 oz cooked: 6
Sweet potatoes, canned, 1/2 cup: 5.5
Swiss chard, cooked, 1/2 cup: 5.3
Salmon, 3.5 oz cooked: 5
Nonfat milk, 1 cup: 4.9
Tomato sauce, 1/2 cup: 4.7
Carrots, 1/2 cup, cooked: 3.9
Avocado, half: 3.6
Carrot, 7.5" raw: 3.6
Papaya cubes, 1 cup: 3.1
Banana, one: 3.1
Pork, 3.5 oz cooked: 3
Tuna, 3.5 oz canned: 3

If you are having trouble reaching the recommended amounts through your diet (which is always best) consider a Biotin vitamin supplement


Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor a scientist, just someone trying to find answers independently for an affliction. Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making drastic changes to your diet or taking supplements. Preferably a functional medicine doctor. And remember, I am just some person on the internet, so please don't take my word (or anyone's) as the gospel. Do your own research, communicate with your doctor and find a solution that you are comfortable with. It is your body and your life.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Let Food Be Thy Medicine....Disease or Deficiency?

Recently I have had some health issues. I have been displaying MS type symptoms. I have had red flags in the past, and just ignored them once they subsided, but this go around, it is much much worse, and ignoring it is no longer an option.

My mother was diagnosed with MS about 10 years ago. I saw her take her shots as she was told, but still progressed with her condition (not to mention the nasty side effects that came with those shots). I have decided that I am not going to take the conventional route as far as my battle is concerned. Since there is no conventional cure for MS, I have decided to delve into the "alternative" medicine arena.

As I have been doing research, I have discovered many vitamin and mineral deficiencies that mimic MS as well as a host of other "diseases." And now I wonder, how many of these "diseases" are really deficiencies?

Don't get me wrong, I know not everything can be cured with a diet change, but how much can be? When you go to the doctor for a condition, for the most part they treat an individual symptom and never delve deeper into the person's lifestyle or diet.

Hippocrates once said "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Western society has lost touch with that mind frame. It is as if we don't want to take responsibility for our conditions. It is easier to not make a change, and just turn a blind eye to what changes we could make to better our lives.

That all being said, I am going to post my research on different vitamins and minerals, and the signs of deficiencies. All of this information can be found on various websites and books, but I am compiling them in one place for myself, and for anyone else who wants to use it.

Disclaimer: I am nowhere near a doctor or scientist, just someone trying to find answers independently for an affliction.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Dirty Dozen

There are actually a little more than 12 on this list, because the original list published by The Environmental Working Group grouped a few items together which I have separated on this list.

For those of you who don't know, the Dirty Dozen is a list published yearly by The Environmental Working Group based on the Department of Agriculture's data regarding pesticide residue. The Fruits & Veggies on this list are the worst of the worst.

It is estimated that by buying at least the items on this list organic, you can reduce the amount of pesticide that you consume by up to 80%. 

So without further adieu:


  1. Apples 
  2. Celery
  3. Cherry Tomatoes
  4. Cucumbers
  5. Grapes
  6. Hot Peppers
  7. Nectarines (imported)
  8. Peaches
  9. Potatoes
  10. Spinach
  11. Strawberries
  12. Sweet Bell Peppers
  13. Kale/Collard Greens
  14. Summer Squash
When shopping off of this list, please remember to keep in mind the things you buy that have these things in them. Like Grape Juice and Apple Juice or .....gasp French Fries. Potatoes have a disturbing amount of chemicals applied to them, which means those delicious salty fries, are terribly bad for your health in more ways than the obvious. 


Friday, May 3, 2013

Non-GMO Buying Guide

Found this Non-GMO buying guide and thought I would share. It is at the end of this post.


For those of you not up to date with all the crazy terrible stuff going on with our food supply, a GMO is a Genetically Modified Organism.

These are crops that have been tinkered with by scientist under the guise of improving the food supply or increasing the food supply. Companies like Monsanto create crazy pesticides and for the crop to withstand such harsh chemicals, they have created what many (including myself) call Frankenfood.

Basically, they are taking what God, Mother Nature, whom or whatever you believe in, made, and making it some science experiment. And guess who the guinea pigs are? You guessed it, YOU, ME and YOUR INNOCENT CHILDREN (oh and these rats).





They look happy and healthy don't they? So when people say there is nothing wrong with GMO, take a look at that picture and you tell me if they are safe.

Oh, and did I mention that Monsanto was one of the producers of Agent Orange? Do a Google image search if you want to see the horrors that Agent Orange has done. I will not post any here because they are way too disturbing. I could barely stomach looking at them for a few seconds.

There are two ways to shut down companies like Monsanto.

First, make your voice heard. Yell from the rooftops that this will not be accepted anymore. Tell everyone you know. And join movements like March Against Monsanto, global protest May 25th 2013. I will be at one, I suggest you find an event near you and show the world, governments and Monsanto that we will NOT be their guinea pigs anymore.

Second, and most importantly, protest with the almighty dollar. You can make all the noise you want but if you don't back in up with your $$, companies like Monsanto will not care. You have to show them that we mean business and hit them where it hurts, and that would be their pockets. Support companies that don't use GMOs. Without labeling it is hard to say who uses them and who doesn't, so this list below may help. But at this point, the only way to truly know you aren't getting GMOs is to buy organic.

If you are in Florida, one of the easier ways to buy organic is through Annie's Buying Club. I have been a member for about a month and LOVE it. I did a price comparison guide you can find here. The cost saving for organic was huge, and it was close in price to the non-organic produce. I suggest you check them out. If there isn't a location near you, sign up to be a coordinator and bring them to your town.

If you are in the Seminole, Madeira Beach, West St. Pete area and are interested in joining, leave a comment below. I am trying to set up a pick up spot in our area.

As promised the non-GMO guide.