It's been a little over two weeks that I have been feeling amazingly well! Now that does not mean that I have been symptom free, it simply means that I have been able to cope better with my symptoms when they are minimal. This is my new normal. I have on rare occasion experienced a symptom free hour or even part of a day, but no more than that. If I can make it through the day and not let my Meniere's symptoms run my life then it has been a good day.
I have found that the best way to control my Meniere's is by maintaining a routine. I wake up, take care of the fur beasts, have breakfast, shower, get dressed, take the dog for a walk, come back and read and have a cup of tea, do some errands, have lunch, do some housework, do something relaxing, make dinner, watch a little television, get ready for bed.....then off to bed where I will do a little reading. I have found by following a routine I am better able to manage my Meniere's. Meniere's has done nothing but create chaos in my life and I hate chaos. So by taking the bull by the horns I am controlling that chaos! Now I still have symptoms that knock me off my feet, but I am now taking them more in stride. I don't feel as anxious or frustrated when I am having an off day. I just go with the flow.
I can not stress enough how having a routine has improved my life with Meniere's. Our bodies hate chaos! Routine helps to combat chaos. When our bodies know what to expect it will usually follow the path of least resistance.
Cheers all!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Food + No Salt = YUCK!
When I was diagnosed on October 1, 2010 with Meniere's Disease I was also given a new way of eating. Salt is now my biggest enemy, It is a constant battle to beat back the sodium dragon! I try not to eat out as often because you never know what goes on behind the kitchen doors in a restaurant. Even when you ask for no added salt, I can't help but wonder if the chef doesn't just add a pinch of the white stuff anyway.
I find myself cooking more now than ever before. That way I have total control over the sodium that is present in my food. I try to stick with one ingredient foods, no salt added foods and low sodium foods. It is all about reading those nutritional labels! Processed foods are definitely off the shelf, which is a good move for anyone because the nutritional value is minimal at best. I experiment more with food than I have in my whole life. Trying to find the balance between a healthy diet and one that satisfies my need for flavorful food. My new best friends are lemons, limes, garlic and ginger. Following close behind is the world of herbs and spices (salt added ones excluded).So as I am able to tweek my recipes and come up with a satisfying substitute I will share my new low/no sodium dishes with you.
Here is my first success.
Guaca-salsa-mole
1 cup diced avocado
2/3 cup seeded and diced roma tomatoes
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime juiced
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for at least one hour. The size of the dice depends on how chunky you like your dips. I keep mine on the smaller side. I also take half the avocado and mash it up before adding the other ingredients. You can increase or decrease ingredients depending on your personal preferences. You can chop a jalapeño up and toss that in too if you want a kick. I serve this with some tortilla chips(low sodium). The brand I use is called "Food Should Taste Good". The lime one is amazing!
Bon appetite!
I find myself cooking more now than ever before. That way I have total control over the sodium that is present in my food. I try to stick with one ingredient foods, no salt added foods and low sodium foods. It is all about reading those nutritional labels! Processed foods are definitely off the shelf, which is a good move for anyone because the nutritional value is minimal at best. I experiment more with food than I have in my whole life. Trying to find the balance between a healthy diet and one that satisfies my need for flavorful food. My new best friends are lemons, limes, garlic and ginger. Following close behind is the world of herbs and spices (salt added ones excluded).So as I am able to tweek my recipes and come up with a satisfying substitute I will share my new low/no sodium dishes with you.
Here is my first success.
Guaca-salsa-mole
1 cup diced avocado
2/3 cup seeded and diced roma tomatoes
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime juiced
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for at least one hour. The size of the dice depends on how chunky you like your dips. I keep mine on the smaller side. I also take half the avocado and mash it up before adding the other ingredients. You can increase or decrease ingredients depending on your personal preferences. You can chop a jalapeño up and toss that in too if you want a kick. I serve this with some tortilla chips(low sodium). The brand I use is called "Food Should Taste Good". The lime one is amazing!
Bon appetite!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens.......
Anyone who has a chronic dysfunctional vestibular system has undoubtedly had the opportunity to experience vertigo. With each attack I have discovered a few necessities that make the whole ordeal a little more manageable. So here are a few of "My Favorite Vertigo Things"......feel free to hum the song in your head.
1) My 99cent IKEA trash pails strategically placed throughout the house. (At that
price why not get a dozen!)
2) A big glass of cold water with a bendy straw.(Raising my head is out of the
question!)
3) The air conditioner and all available fans turned on high. (Sub-arctic temps
rock!)
4) Walls and door jams to bounce off of on my way to bed . (Just wish they were
cushioned!)
5) Good fluffy pillows to hold my head still. (I have been considering duct taping
them around my head!)
6) Mentos and ginger ale. (The meal of champions for 2-3 days after a
vertigo attack!)
Yeah it doesn't take much to make me happy when my world is spinning out of control. Thankfully I haven't had a bad one in awhile. (I touch wood and say a little prayer as I say this...)
The sun is shining so all is good.....time to go for a walk!
1) My 99cent IKEA trash pails strategically placed throughout the house. (At that
price why not get a dozen!)
2) A big glass of cold water with a bendy straw.(Raising my head is out of the
question!)
3) The air conditioner and all available fans turned on high. (Sub-arctic temps
rock!)
4) Walls and door jams to bounce off of on my way to bed . (Just wish they were
cushioned!)
5) Good fluffy pillows to hold my head still. (I have been considering duct taping
them around my head!)
6) Mentos and ginger ale. (The meal of champions for 2-3 days after a
vertigo attack!)
Yeah it doesn't take much to make me happy when my world is spinning out of control. Thankfully I haven't had a bad one in awhile. (I touch wood and say a little prayer as I say this...)
The sun is shining so all is good.....time to go for a walk!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Hoping and Coping
A few new insights this weekend. After chatting with a fellow "dysfunctional vestibular-ite" I realized just how much Meniere's has changed me for the good. I am more outgoing for one and no longer afraid to tell people how I really feel (physically, emotionally and mentally). This is huge because I used to always let people think that all was well with me all the time. It was exhausting to say the least! Now I take inventory of my energy levels and make better choices as to how I am going to use those precious little bursts of momentum. The win-win here is that I get more things accomplished and feel good about my achievements without having the life sucked out by trying to the things I have no control over. I know life is not all butterflies and rainbows and that it will throw me the occasional curve ball, but at least I am getting better and better at knowing when to duck!
Another revelation is just how funny my life has become with Meniere's. I am constantly amused with how this condition affects not only your balance but your whole thought process. Now I have an excuse for being forgetful and putting things where they don't belong. I have on occasion caught myself making a cup of tea and then going to sit down on the couch to read a book only to discover the cup of tea has not made the journey with me. Apparently sub-consciously I wanted iced tea because there it is sitting on the top shelf in my fridge! Just focusing on walking can be a challenge especially when you are chatting with a friend at the same time. I have taken out more garbage cans and small dogs than you can imagine. Grocery stores can be like a human bumper car ride especially if my Meniere's is on high alert. Mind you bumping into people is a lot softer than those cement pillars!
Well that's all for now.......working on the computer is a challenge so time to get off and give the eyes a rest.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Remember to laugh!
Another revelation is just how funny my life has become with Meniere's. I am constantly amused with how this condition affects not only your balance but your whole thought process. Now I have an excuse for being forgetful and putting things where they don't belong. I have on occasion caught myself making a cup of tea and then going to sit down on the couch to read a book only to discover the cup of tea has not made the journey with me. Apparently sub-consciously I wanted iced tea because there it is sitting on the top shelf in my fridge! Just focusing on walking can be a challenge especially when you are chatting with a friend at the same time. I have taken out more garbage cans and small dogs than you can imagine. Grocery stores can be like a human bumper car ride especially if my Meniere's is on high alert. Mind you bumping into people is a lot softer than those cement pillars!
Well that's all for now.......working on the computer is a challenge so time to get off and give the eyes a rest.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Remember to laugh!
Friday, February 4, 2011
A Little Help From My Friends
So the rain has returned and so have many of the annoying Meniere symptoms. It is hard returning to the world of Meneire's after having a four day run of feeling pretty decent. Never the less this last stretch of feeling almost free of this crummy chronic vestibular crap was a breath of fresh air. It is good to know that those days have not disappeared into the great abyss!
Maintaining some sort of social life is so critical through this journey. I am fortunate to have friends that are willing to put up with the uncertainties that comes with being my friend these days. I thank each and everyone of you that encourages me to get out, while assuring me that the guest room is ready if I need to lay down. I appreciate the door to door chauffeur service that you give me on the days I do not feel safe to drive. For the willingness to talk to me on the phone when I feel lonely and just need to hear a human voice because my dog and two cats don't speak English. Yes I am blessed to be surrounded by such caring people and that has made the difference.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Maintaining some sort of social life is so critical through this journey. I am fortunate to have friends that are willing to put up with the uncertainties that comes with being my friend these days. I thank each and everyone of you that encourages me to get out, while assuring me that the guest room is ready if I need to lay down. I appreciate the door to door chauffeur service that you give me on the days I do not feel safe to drive. For the willingness to talk to me on the phone when I feel lonely and just need to hear a human voice because my dog and two cats don't speak English. Yes I am blessed to be surrounded by such caring people and that has made the difference.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sunny Days Equal Happy Me
Seems like the sunny days are more conducive to me feeling better. My symptoms always decrease and my energy increases. Living in the NW makes this a challenge since we are in the gray season. The last three days have been beautiful and sunny and have renewed my spirit and given me a good dose of courage. Meniere's has the power to suck the life out of you if you let it. I know that first hand. I will try to never give in to it even when it rears its' ugly head during those rough vertigo days. I have met a few people that have had a hard time with this condition and I hope and pray that I can remain positive throughout this journey.
Hope you all stay spin free! Have a great day!
Hope you all stay spin free! Have a great day!
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