July 21, 2008 (BP Meds and Exercise)

This week was tough, yet amazing. I met with a friend for the first time in five years and she said, "Wow, you've put on a few pounds." It was made immediately clear that I still have a way to go. (She had put some on too, she just didn't know that I had been losing weight.)

I started taking blood pressure medicine this week for the first time and it really sapped my energy this week. The only time I felt energy was at the women's VBS that I attended this week, that was such a blessing. I skipped a day of exercise the day after I started taking the medicine for the first time in several weeks. I only got up early enough to do a whole exercise routine before work one day this week. However, I did put in full routine all but 2 days. I couldn't do as much on the second day of the meds. My weight lifting wasn't as high and my rpm's on the elliptical machine was about 5 less per minute than I had been doing. My heart rate stayed at 90% of a 40 year old instead of a 20 year old like it had been.

Friday, I willed myself to do as much as I usually was doing and my heart rate was worse (as in higher) than it was before because it is harder to do now. The meds are doing their job though. My blood pressure is normal now.

Here are the funny things that happened....My big toenail on my right foot finally was able to be removed pain free. I was bummed that Chrissie wasn't there to see it and say, "Ewwwwww." So I saved the toenail and showed it to her later so she could say, "Ewwwwww." Then I showed her the toe so she could say, "Get that thing away from me, Mom." I still have at least one left toenail that will come off before too long, maybe she'll be home for that one. I am an evil Mom sometimes.

I had to move all the stuff from our offices on Saturday because the painters came early. My back was aching by the time I finished. I thought it was ironic that all this exercising and weightlifting had not made me strong enough to move a few things without pain. I didn't mind because I was getting to work up a sweat and lift weights without paying someone else for it.

Unfortunately, my appointment with Marcella happened to be after work on Saturday. This was weighing and measuring day. I am only halfway to average for my bone structure and height. I have 15 lbs to go. I thought I was closer than that. I have lost 16 lbs since May according to that scale and 8% body fat. I have to lose that much more to be average. Dang. She fussed at me for not eating enough to change my body fat more and boost my metabolism. I really have no appetite because of the blood pressure medicine--hopefully that comes back soon. That was a really difficult workout on my back and shoulders thanks to the earlier workout at work, but I was able to do everything that she asked and she stretched me more because I told her that I came in sore. This time I actually was sore from the workout, so if Marcella asks me if I was sore the next time I can say, "YES!!!"

The good news is that I am finally in the next size down. My doctor recommended that I lay in the sun daily for the light rays and vitamins that I'm lacking to help my eczema and swollen joints. I thought, "MAN, I'm going to have to buy a bathing suit that fits." Then I thought, "Well, I'm just laying in the back yard. If I'm falling all out of my suit, nobody will see it." So I tried on my swimsuit that I haven't touched in two years thinking I'd be mortified. Guess what....it fit!!! That was soooo cool. I still won't be wearing it publicly any time soon because my stomach is still pudgy, but I won't be mortified if someone happens to come in the back yard while I'm sun bathing.