I have had four severe hunger pain break throughs. All in all four days out of fourteen is not that bad I guess. My focus needs to be on the 10 days I managed to keep things a bit on an even keel and be grateful! Now that the steroid is building in my system however, it is more and more difficult. I have learned to really rely on healthy fats, eating an avocado a day and taking fish oil. These and dairy products seem to do a better job stabilizing my appetite than anything else.
On Thursday, for my 10:30 a.m. snack I prepared some yummy fresh pineapple. - BIG mistake!! I have learned that any hit of sugar like that sends me off the deep end. No more pineapple for me when I am in a Prednisone month. I had already completely done away with “refined sugary anything” but the fruit and juice can take their toll too. It is best to have fruit or juice after a good meal with proteins and fats.
The ravenous hunger is truly overwhelming. I tell myself that I have had what I need as far as food but it is impossible to get away from the extreme drive that says I need more to eat. For the most part, I resist but it is genuinely unnerving. The best thing is for me to get out of Dodge and go do something that distracts as best as possible. Worst of all however, are the feelings of frenzy. I feel like my heart is pounding so hard and I feel very jagged. I do not like this at all.
I will set up an appointment with a nutritionist next week to fine tune my efforts to do all I can to promote immune system and kidney health during this reprieve from the assault on the kidneys. I pray Heavenly Father will continue to guide me and the health care providers for the best of chance to beat this. I had my labs this week and will see Dr. Haderlie again on Tuesday. Our third attempt at a high quality Statin drug failed. I just cannot take them. I am now taking Zetia and seem to be managing it quite well. It will not be as effective but it is something.
I was sad to find that my appointment this week coincides with my ward Relief Society's TLC (Temple - Lunch and Conversation.) That is one of my favorite activities of the month. I may be finished at the doctor in time to go and eat lunch with the sisters. If so, I will try to do a session following lunch on my own. The time in the temple gives me such a sense of peace and well being.
The strength of my church family has been one of my best of blessings. The dear women in the ward are so generous and kind. I had two meals loving prepared for Claigh and I this week. Jamie Jensen is a Stew Goddess!! That was so very very good. and Robyn Whitworth made us a wonderful chicken dinner following a very difficult day for her family. Tamara Clark brought LiElle for a sweet visit one afternoon. Tamara had come across a bottle of herb seasoning without even a pinch of salt. She bought it for me. I am overwhelmed with how beautiful and thoughtful these busy young moms are. It just makes my heart smile to see children blessed with such beautiful moms.
The one who bears the greatest burden through this time of trial has to be Claigh. It is he for whom I am most deeply grateful. He continues to amaze me with his patience and goodness. He is mindful of my needs and often sacrifices his own. It isn't easy going through this emotional roller-coaster ride with me. Truly he is my greatest “people” blessing and beyond my deserving. I want to beat this for him!
All in all, I am very grateful to be up and going strong again. Those months where I was so down physically were taking a bit of an emotional toll. I appreciate the strength in my legs to stand and walk and the usual clarity of my thinking again. As for the Prednisone Crazies . . . This too will pass!
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