Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Saga Continues

Hey guys,

I know I've been a little MIA recently, but there is good reason.

Yesterday, I was hit with more unnerving news that just made me want to throw my hands up in the air and scream.

I had a dentist appointment and this was the first time I had seen my doctor since the whole mouth fiasco. I spent over an hour talking with him about it and after consulting me and advising me, he HIGHLY urged me to seek out a more "qualified" doctor for another opinion before I head into this surgery. Apparently, my problem goes well beyond the local oral surgeon since I am now dealing with heavy problems that lie in my lymph noids and nerves. He suggested seeing a neurologist or medical surgeon and someone with experience in this area. If by chance there would be a complication in this surgery, the results could potentially be detrimental and cause permanent damage.

I really didn't realize how serious this has become. Every doctor I have seen has admitted that they have never seen anything like this or to this magnitude. So that is why, in a few hours, I am heading to Baltimore to see a world renowned oral surgeon and neurologist at the University of MD. This guy is top of the line and the best of the best, so I feel extremely comfortable being in good hands, but at the same time, terrified with what will happen next.

Unfortunately, Toly is unable to come with my today because he has a HUGE conference and presentation for work that he has been working on for weeks. My dad volunteered to step in and come with me, thank goodness! ;)

I'll keep you updated, but for now, this is where I am at.

I also wanted to take some pictures of the before to show you all what my face actually looks like.




Sorry they are a bit dark, but you can clearly see the abscess in my lower left cheek. It's been 5 months of pain, swelling, and discomfort. I'm just ready to figure out what this is and how to get better. Let's hope this doctor is finally able to help me.
Even despite the bad news, I was still motivated to cook a fantastic dinner last night. Toly asked if I just wanted to get some take out, but cooking actually relaxes me and helps me when I am stressed. It's entirely therapeutic.
I made an Tofu Apricot Stir Fry that truly rocked! I'll share the recipe with you later, but I think this is becoming my favorite stir fry creation. Something about apricot and balsamic just pair so well together.


I decided to take the day off. My appointment isn't until later this afternoon, but since there is an 1 and 1/2 drive and I needed to run around and collect all of my paperwork, I figured it would be best to just take the whole day.
I let my body clock wake me up which felt great. It's been so long since I've not woken up and ran first thing, but today, I wanted to sleep, eat and then run.
I woke up at 6:30am and did a little morning yoga. Love starting my day this way!
Then, I moved on to making breakfast which was Pear Oats. These were delicious. 1/3 cup of oats, t chia, t flax, cinnamon, vanilla, 1 red pear, honey almond butter and honey yogurt. With a few puffins for crunch.



After I ate and digested a bit, I headed to the gym. I wasn't too sure how the method of eating breakfast first and then running would turn out, but it was actually not too bad. I didn't feel bloated a bit with a belly full of oats.
I did a fast 4 miles in 31 min and then a strength bootcamp.
1min of jumping jacks
3 x 15 shoulder press (40 lbs)
3 x 15 bench press (40 lbs)
3 x 15 leg extensions (60 lbs)
1 min mountain climbers
3 x 15 lat pull down (40 lbs)
3 x 15 bicep curls (30 lbs)
3 x 15 rows (40 lbs)
1 min butt kicks with 5 lb weights in each hand
This was a great workout!
Now, I'm waiting for my dad to get here. I'm making us some lunch and then we are on our way to Maryland.
I'll let you know how it goes, but let's hope I finally get somewhere with all of this.
See you later!

16 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry you have to deal iwth this!! it sounds so painful :( hopefully this next doctor will know the right solution.. but wow that is such an intense work out! i'm impressed girl :) even wtih all this stuff going on. and your eats look DELICIOUS.. love asian inspired meals.

    xoxoox
    shelley

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  2. You poor lady :( Ugh- that Doctor makes me so mad! I hope that the new doctor is much much much better- please let us know how it goes. I'm so glad to hear your Dad is going with you. You have definitely had a great morning so far! Love the yoga, a delicious breakfast, and gym time!

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  3. Lauren!!! My heart sank reading this post. I cannot believe you are still suffering from the mistakes of that horrible doctor. I'm glad to hear you are in good hands now and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I hope you get back to us with good news.

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  4. Oh girl! I am totally thinking about you today. Sending out lots of good vibes! *fingerscrossed*

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  5. Oh my goodness, I am PRAYING that this new doctor will be able to help you and fix all of the issues. I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this.

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  6. Wishing you the best!

    Pear oats look great. Going to give them a try soon =)

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  7. cant wait for you to share that tofu recipe!!!

    <3, D

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  8. Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry all this is happening! I hope you find an AMAZING doctor who takes extra special care of you. Your dinner looks amazing--I can't believe you can make such fabulous dishes with all this going on. You're an inspiration <3 Take care!

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  9. Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about the recent news!! I'm glad to hear you're going to a really good doctor though ... I pray that he's able to fix it all in the best way possible!!! : ) We're all here rooting you on!!

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  10. Oh Lauren! My heart goes out to you and I really hope you get to the bottom of this. I was in a similar predicament around this time last year and the "not knowing what was going on" lasted till summertime. I finally got some answers relating to my medical condition and it relieves so much stress. I can definitely sympathize with you. Keep your head up and I think you've got a wonderful attitude to begin with. I love you!

    p.s. cooking is therapeutic for me as well :D

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  11. I don't comment often, but just know you're in my thoughts and I wish you a speedy recovery! :)

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  12. I am very happy to hear you are going to see the specialist in MD! Glad dad is coming along too.

    I'm here if you need anything sweet lady.

    **hugs**

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  13. I am praying for you girl! I have a good feeling that this doctor is going to offer you the answers and help you need :) Good luck today!

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  14. laurennnnn...i am not saying this is what you have, but i have had a problem similar to this several times. i am a natural staph carrier, which means i get infections easily. i have had several infected lymphnodes. the bump is very similar to what you have, and ive needed antibiotics to cure them. just saying...maybe this will be helpful?

    love you! get better soon!

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  15. hellllllo lovely lady! ok, so i just caught up on 4 posts.. for what it is worth (something, i hope!) your rolls LOOKED amazing. sorry the did not taste as great as they looked. and love love loved all the puppy pics :)

    now, as for this post.. dang girl i am sorry to hear all this! how frustrating it must be for you. i really hope you can get to the bottom of it. the stir fry and workout look fantastic.

    hang in there honey pie!! xoxo

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