Yesterday was quite a day, three hours waiting and wondering. This is my 5th one, and I have just turned 40, which is the base line age for most women. Normally, I wouldn't share this but if it saves one life it will be worth it.
I had breast pain for about 3-4 weeks I had explained it away, but by Friday I knew it was at least worth a second look. I called the doctor, and they were able to fit me in that day, I found a lump.
I have a pretty strong family of breast cancer so I am always very conscious of how I feel, and I always pay very close attention to any changes in my body.
At 40 years old when most of my friends are going for their first breast cancer screening I'm already on mammograms number five. I don't live in fear, but I do believe in using wisdom, so screening, and early detection is key.
The doctor found the lumps I found and thought it was worth another look so he sent me for a mammogram and an ultrasound (make sure your doctors take care of you and check on any abnormalities, and if they don't YOU push it, don't play with your help). You never want to short change yourself and your family have a precious time so prevention is key.
Yesterday was the big day, 3 hours, my first 3D mammogram, and thank goodness they didn't find anything suspicious. Whew!
I'll be honest with you mammograms clearly have not made my top 100,000 but I realize the importance of honoring your body and paying attention to your health.
There's a standing joke at my house my husband always says that I'm using up all the health benefits, you betcha I am; I don't have a problem going to the doctor. Especially for something like this, having our boobies squeezed is not fun, but it's important. Everyday countless women find out that they wasted precious time by not getting their mammograms before the cancer spreads or grows. There is no reason for that these days. These screenings save lives!
Most women love to take care of other people but don't do a great job of taking care of themselves. I figured if nothing else, by sharing this story I could show women that getting a mammogram really isn't that bad, and that you shouldn't put it off any longer.
We've all heard stories of what mammograms are like. They are not great, but they are not that bad. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of your breast that allows them to see abnormalities before you can feel them. This allows for early detection of cancer, which opens up more options for treatment.
As I waited in the waiting room, there were women with many stories. Some of the women had been through this many times before, some were breast cancer survivors, and some were like me were just waiting for some kind of outcome and praying for the best. I told them I was writing an article about why women should get mammograms and I asked them if they had anything they could share. The survivor in the group shared one thing that was so poignant, you should get a mammogram because you love and care about yourself. I couldn't agree any more with her when she said that, I think about my aunt who died in her 30s, and her mother (my grandmother) who died when she was in her 40s. I imagine what those women and many more like them, would've done with just a couple more years of life.
I wonder about their children, my mom and her siblings, and my cousins who lost their mother so early in their lives, and all that they missed. If you can't do it for yourself, think about those you will leave behind if your fears or other stop you. Your life is precious, do what you need to do to take care of it.
Ladies love yourself enough to get your boobies squeezed. Make it a group exercise, go with your friends make a group appointment and then have lunch or dinner and get survivor shirts. Whatever you need to do, do it! I don't want any women in my circle of influence to be here one less day, because they didn't go and get their boobies squeezed!
Women your baseline mammogram should be done at 40 years old, and then you should get one every year. If you have a family of breast cancer, you start at 35. If you have breast, you should be doing monthly breast self-exams, every month period!
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Who's Eating?
Who's really at the table when you're eating? Is it the adolescent you? The teenage you? The rebel? I find that one of the most overlooked aspects of eating is knowing who is in charge at meal time, yet undeniably there's more than one identity involved and determining who they are and what drives them can help dissect your eating behaviors.
As a kid, I had carte blanche with food. There were some limitations, but very few, and whenever I was upset, crying or sad, I got food to make me feel better. Cookies, candies and cakes were always top of the list, but almost any food would do and I learned that as long as I was eating, I wasn't focused on how I really felt.
It became very clear to me one day that this was a pattern I carried with me into adulthood. After an incredibly trying day, my spirits were down, so I decided to go shopping. Food shopping that is. While browsing the aisles, making my selections, I found a package of chocolate-covered caramel pretzels, and I stuck them in my basket.
Almost as soon as I did, I had an immediate flashback and I instantly made the connection that when I felt that same way as a child, I was soothed with something sweet to snap me out of it. When I realized it, I was shocked and yet it was so obvious. I had never noticed this pattern with food before until that moment.
There was no denying it though. I wanted to feel better, and one of the ways I learned to pacify myself was with food. Rather than feel the feelings, I focused on food instead and forced the feelings I wanted to avoid down into my body. Into my organs, my tissues, and ultimately my fat.
So often, it's not what we eat but why we eat that fuels our need for food. The little girl in me was in dire need of comfort in that moment, and so I turned to food which was a behavior I developed as a young child. I was so oblivious to it too that it never crossed my mind before that I wasn't really hungry for food a lot of the time but rather attention, caressing, and love to assure me that everything would be ok.
But when no one's around to do it, food's always there, ready and willing.
Other times, if I'm angry, I might eat out of rebellion, as in, "I can have whatever I want and you can't stop me." Or when I feel deprived, I binge eat as I did when I was a teen, enduring the pressure of being thin yet longing for foods I love.
The awareness I now have with my multiple personality disorder around eating helps me make wiser choices with food so that my eating is less chaotic and isn't a vain attempt to fill an emotional void, one food can never fill.
I also look to use non-food sources of nourishment to feed my hunger too, such as reading, writing, or walking.
Weight loss doesn't happen in an instant. You didn't gain weight overnight and you won't lose it overnight either, and the true breakthroughs come in the most unexpected ways, when you're not really expecting them at all.
When I opened myself up to approaching weight loss in a way I never had before, which was more about slowing down, breathing, and just being OK with it, where I was, not always focused on where I wanted to be, and not focused on numbers or scales, a refreshing way of reconnecting to my body was revealed.
And there was no going back, because my body began to resist every attempt I made to push myself, deprive myself, or neglect myself.
I finally got what people meant about the wisdom of your body, which carries so much more wisdom than your head when it comes to what it wants. For years, I ignored it, muddling through diets and workouts that I dreaded, dismissing the fact none of it ever pleased me. I fell in line with the belief that there's only one way to weight loss, and it required struggle and misery.
What a relief it was to realize I was wrong. Way wrong.
Now when I sit to eat, I ask myself, "Who's eating?" and whoever shows up takes their rightful place beside me. Although now, the adult me takes over and keeps the kid, rebel, and teen in line when it comes to what I eat so that eating is for eating only, slow, relaxed, and pleasurable.
As a kid, I had carte blanche with food. There were some limitations, but very few, and whenever I was upset, crying or sad, I got food to make me feel better. Cookies, candies and cakes were always top of the list, but almost any food would do and I learned that as long as I was eating, I wasn't focused on how I really felt.
It became very clear to me one day that this was a pattern I carried with me into adulthood. After an incredibly trying day, my spirits were down, so I decided to go shopping. Food shopping that is. While browsing the aisles, making my selections, I found a package of chocolate-covered caramel pretzels, and I stuck them in my basket.
Almost as soon as I did, I had an immediate flashback and I instantly made the connection that when I felt that same way as a child, I was soothed with something sweet to snap me out of it. When I realized it, I was shocked and yet it was so obvious. I had never noticed this pattern with food before until that moment.
There was no denying it though. I wanted to feel better, and one of the ways I learned to pacify myself was with food. Rather than feel the feelings, I focused on food instead and forced the feelings I wanted to avoid down into my body. Into my organs, my tissues, and ultimately my fat.
So often, it's not what we eat but why we eat that fuels our need for food. The little girl in me was in dire need of comfort in that moment, and so I turned to food which was a behavior I developed as a young child. I was so oblivious to it too that it never crossed my mind before that I wasn't really hungry for food a lot of the time but rather attention, caressing, and love to assure me that everything would be ok.
But when no one's around to do it, food's always there, ready and willing.
Other times, if I'm angry, I might eat out of rebellion, as in, "I can have whatever I want and you can't stop me." Or when I feel deprived, I binge eat as I did when I was a teen, enduring the pressure of being thin yet longing for foods I love.
The awareness I now have with my multiple personality disorder around eating helps me make wiser choices with food so that my eating is less chaotic and isn't a vain attempt to fill an emotional void, one food can never fill.
I also look to use non-food sources of nourishment to feed my hunger too, such as reading, writing, or walking.
Weight loss doesn't happen in an instant. You didn't gain weight overnight and you won't lose it overnight either, and the true breakthroughs come in the most unexpected ways, when you're not really expecting them at all.
When I opened myself up to approaching weight loss in a way I never had before, which was more about slowing down, breathing, and just being OK with it, where I was, not always focused on where I wanted to be, and not focused on numbers or scales, a refreshing way of reconnecting to my body was revealed.
And there was no going back, because my body began to resist every attempt I made to push myself, deprive myself, or neglect myself.
I finally got what people meant about the wisdom of your body, which carries so much more wisdom than your head when it comes to what it wants. For years, I ignored it, muddling through diets and workouts that I dreaded, dismissing the fact none of it ever pleased me. I fell in line with the belief that there's only one way to weight loss, and it required struggle and misery.
What a relief it was to realize I was wrong. Way wrong.
Now when I sit to eat, I ask myself, "Who's eating?" and whoever shows up takes their rightful place beside me. Although now, the adult me takes over and keeps the kid, rebel, and teen in line when it comes to what I eat so that eating is for eating only, slow, relaxed, and pleasurable.
Why Painful Intercourse Isn't Normal and What You Should Do About It
Pain during sex is not normal. You may feel like it's not worth talking to your doctor about because you are embarrassed, or you may simply have always had painful intercourse, but by ignoring it, you risk missing a larger issue.
Your OB/GYN has seen and heard it all before. It's his or her job to treat the conditions that cause painful intercourse, so put your embarrassment aside and get ready to have a serious conversation.
Your painful intercourse could be the result of a cyst, infection or sexually transmitted disease
Simple, benign and treatable issues are usually the first place your OB/GYN will look when you report pain during sex. Often, this pain is related to inflammation caused by an infection that can be treated easily with the use of antibiotics.
Infections in the vagina, vulva and even urethra can cause your reproductive organs to become inflamed. When this occurs, the surrounding area becomes susceptible to pain, not just from sex, but from other activities like inserting a tampon.
Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia can also cause painful inflammation of your reproductive organs. All of these issues, however, can be treated easily with medication prescribed by your OB/GYN. Symptoms usually resolve within a couple of weeks of beginning treatment.
Pain during sex may have a non-medical cause
For some women, the cause of painful intercourse is not medical at all. Instead it is the result of a previous psychological trauma or the lack of proper arousal.
Women who have been sexually abused may have spasms or difficulty becoming aroused. These issues will make sex more difficult, and in some cases painful. If you suspect this may be the reason for your problems with painful intercourse, therapy may help you resolve these issues. You should also consider discussing your history with your partner. Being open can result in making the situation more comfortable for you both.
If the issue is lack of arousal, you may also need to address your problems with your partner. If you feel too embarrassed to do so, realize that your partner wants you to enjoy the process, and is likely to be willing to make adjustments that will make that possible.
In lieu of these options, or if therapy and talking with your partner don't help the situation, you may also need to use an over-the-counter water-based lubricant.
Cysts, endometriosis and other structural issues can result in painful intercourse
If inflammation and psychological components have been ruled out, you may have a problem with the internal structure of your reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, cysts or thinning of the vaginal wall. All of these issues require medical intervention, and you may need to undergo a surgical procedure to resolve your problem. Most of the procedures involved, however, are minor in nature.
Since some of the structural causes can be the result of more serious medical issues, it is very important that you move past your embarrassment and discuss your painful intercourse with your OB/GYN.
Pain during sex is both a medical and quality of life issue
You don't have to go through life not enjoying sex. Discuss your issues with your doctor, be willing to be open with your partner, and you will likely be able to end your painful intercourse.
Your OB/GYN has seen and heard it all before. It's his or her job to treat the conditions that cause painful intercourse, so put your embarrassment aside and get ready to have a serious conversation.
Your painful intercourse could be the result of a cyst, infection or sexually transmitted disease
Simple, benign and treatable issues are usually the first place your OB/GYN will look when you report pain during sex. Often, this pain is related to inflammation caused by an infection that can be treated easily with the use of antibiotics.
Infections in the vagina, vulva and even urethra can cause your reproductive organs to become inflamed. When this occurs, the surrounding area becomes susceptible to pain, not just from sex, but from other activities like inserting a tampon.
Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia can also cause painful inflammation of your reproductive organs. All of these issues, however, can be treated easily with medication prescribed by your OB/GYN. Symptoms usually resolve within a couple of weeks of beginning treatment.
Pain during sex may have a non-medical cause
For some women, the cause of painful intercourse is not medical at all. Instead it is the result of a previous psychological trauma or the lack of proper arousal.
Women who have been sexually abused may have spasms or difficulty becoming aroused. These issues will make sex more difficult, and in some cases painful. If you suspect this may be the reason for your problems with painful intercourse, therapy may help you resolve these issues. You should also consider discussing your history with your partner. Being open can result in making the situation more comfortable for you both.
If the issue is lack of arousal, you may also need to address your problems with your partner. If you feel too embarrassed to do so, realize that your partner wants you to enjoy the process, and is likely to be willing to make adjustments that will make that possible.
In lieu of these options, or if therapy and talking with your partner don't help the situation, you may also need to use an over-the-counter water-based lubricant.
Cysts, endometriosis and other structural issues can result in painful intercourse
If inflammation and psychological components have been ruled out, you may have a problem with the internal structure of your reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, cysts or thinning of the vaginal wall. All of these issues require medical intervention, and you may need to undergo a surgical procedure to resolve your problem. Most of the procedures involved, however, are minor in nature.
Since some of the structural causes can be the result of more serious medical issues, it is very important that you move past your embarrassment and discuss your painful intercourse with your OB/GYN.
Pain during sex is both a medical and quality of life issue
You don't have to go through life not enjoying sex. Discuss your issues with your doctor, be willing to be open with your partner, and you will likely be able to end your painful intercourse.
Monday, 27 August 2012
Why Infertility Occurs in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Infertility is a very common issue faced by both men and women nowadays. The condition occurs when the reproductive organs lose its capacity to produce sperms (in men) and eggs (in women). Fertilization does not occur when one of the two is absent and as a result leads to none-formation of new life. Thus, infertility is also known as the inability of a person to conceive.
A couple who cannot conceive a child can be affected by infertility in several ways. A classic example is when the condition was not discovered earlier (or addressed earlier, if that's the case). Arguments may arise between husband and wife in line with the issue. However, infertility should never be considered as a painful experience, nor should it be disliked. Although the primary issue here is the inability to bear a child, there are still many ways you need to consider in an attempt to cope with this problem. A very viable option is to legally adopt a child that was perhaps abandoned in an orphanage. Adopting a child will surely make you forget your infertility issue and will once again welcome joy into your life. Adopting can even let you help homeless children grow up to be mature individuals. Medical science in the one hand also offers several options you can choose from.
There are several syndromes that were suspected as the culprit for infertility in women. One example of this is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is thought as one of the most common infertility causes in women. Formation of small cysts in the ovaries is mostly associated with PCOS. Signs and symptoms of PCOS include but are not limited to obesity, acne problems and irregular menstrual periods. Your blood pressure along with your cholesterol levels also has the tendency to shoot up if you have PCOS.
The most effective way still to prevent Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is to consult your doctor before infertility even starts to manifest. There is still a good chance that infertility will be averted before it's too late if PCOS is detected at its earliest stage. A healthy lifestyle is definitely one of the best ways to keep you physically fit and to avoid any medical illnesses.
Moreover, eating a complete, balanced diet and exercise every day is a good way to be healthy. Move those muscles to avoid strain. Moderate exercises should first be done so your body won't violently react to the stretching. You can then gradually increase your exercise regimen as soon as your body has adjusted to the exercises performed daily. Vices such as drinking and smoking, excessive or not, should also be avoided for a healthier lifestyle.
A couple who cannot conceive a child can be affected by infertility in several ways. A classic example is when the condition was not discovered earlier (or addressed earlier, if that's the case). Arguments may arise between husband and wife in line with the issue. However, infertility should never be considered as a painful experience, nor should it be disliked. Although the primary issue here is the inability to bear a child, there are still many ways you need to consider in an attempt to cope with this problem. A very viable option is to legally adopt a child that was perhaps abandoned in an orphanage. Adopting a child will surely make you forget your infertility issue and will once again welcome joy into your life. Adopting can even let you help homeless children grow up to be mature individuals. Medical science in the one hand also offers several options you can choose from.
There are several syndromes that were suspected as the culprit for infertility in women. One example of this is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is thought as one of the most common infertility causes in women. Formation of small cysts in the ovaries is mostly associated with PCOS. Signs and symptoms of PCOS include but are not limited to obesity, acne problems and irregular menstrual periods. Your blood pressure along with your cholesterol levels also has the tendency to shoot up if you have PCOS.
The most effective way still to prevent Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is to consult your doctor before infertility even starts to manifest. There is still a good chance that infertility will be averted before it's too late if PCOS is detected at its earliest stage. A healthy lifestyle is definitely one of the best ways to keep you physically fit and to avoid any medical illnesses.
Moreover, eating a complete, balanced diet and exercise every day is a good way to be healthy. Move those muscles to avoid strain. Moderate exercises should first be done so your body won't violently react to the stretching. You can then gradually increase your exercise regimen as soon as your body has adjusted to the exercises performed daily. Vices such as drinking and smoking, excessive or not, should also be avoided for a healthier lifestyle.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)