Hi Ladies, just peeking in to wish May a happy holiday and say hi to all.

My stress level is increasing at work, much to my dismay. I find I get headaches from trying to squint to see this tiny laptop they set up for me in the managers' office. There is no air circulation so the air pressure seems to make my head feel three times it's size. I am interrupted numerous times per day by people trying to find the managers who use that office, and then when the evening mgrs come in, they don't want me in there, so give me attitude. But their presence prevents me from completing all the work I need to do before I go home, due to having to conduct their own business regarding the status of 218 residents while I am in there trying to finish up. Yesterday there were 7 of us in that tiny space, no wonder I have a headache ! I can hardly wait to get my own space again, hopefully back with payroll.

I think I have been doing amazingly well, especially considering my love of routine and quiet in order to concentrate. I've come a long way in being able to keep calm after having dealt with anxiety issues in the past. I'm OK, but still on edge, a bit jittery and out of my element. 3 of us were supposed to meet today to try to find some of our belongings in the wreckage in the basement today, but there was no time...hopefully tomorrow. I know that this situation could not be foreseen, but I feel out of sorts without all the stuff I need to do my job, and the fact that the management doesn't seem too concerned. It makes me a bit anxious and sad, like they don't value the work we do, and don't care about us. Sigh.

Sorry Ladies, I know I've already complained about this to you. I'm hoping I'll get over it now.

Well, my 2 kids packed up and checked into a downtown hotel for an anime convention a little while ago, so I won't see them for 3 days. Not sure what to do with myself, all alone in the house. Wish I had a David to spend some time with ! It sure will be weird here without them. Not sure how I'll sleep or get up tomorrow for work. I know I've told you that my oldest daughter gets up at 5:25 am, and my alarm is set for 5:30. But Anna makes the coffee and does all the dishes ! I'm going to have to wash dishes....or just fast until she gets home lol !

I'm thinking that once I get used to them not being here, it will some time for R&R, some "me" time this weekend.

@Janice. Yes do "me time" all weekend. Make it a stay-cation and pamper yourself. Soak up the sun on your deck, give yourself a spa, pedi/mani, the works. All while sipping your daughter's great chokecherry wine.
Sorry you're still struggling with work issues.
I'll pop back in tomorrow to vent about me day yesterday.

Hi everyone. Cant believe how the time has flown by with no chance to reply for various reasons. Hope you are all well, especially any of you who have fires close or bad storms.

I'll try to answer all of you but if I miss you....sorry! First off ...@Rebecca...so sorry to hear about your brother. It cant be easy dealing with that especially after everything else you have been dealing with. I am glad though that you got some time with him and it was a happy time shared. Makes the memories nicer. Sending lots of love and hugs your way.
The time to 1st September will fly by and then you will realise just what you HAVEN'T decided/finalised!

@Syl...welcome (Possible again,lol) I like the sound of Mio even if it is artifical...I hate water so unless I'm desperate I would use it to keep my intake up....and tea down,lol. Sadly we cant get it in Dubai.

@ Ellen...I'm so happy your heart flutters seem to be responding to the HeartCalm as well as the sleepless nights improving. Now we just have to get your weight dropping again but maybe the better sleep and lack of disturbing flutters will reduce your cortisol and show some improvement. Adding Baxter to the mix will be a definite calmer too....as long as he's a good puppy(do they exist?lol)
Thanks so much for your care and concern this last week. Your messages have been much appreciated.

@Karyn....hows the stall? Has it broken yet? Hope so and....yes, how do you keep your carbs so low??? Your happy messages are really nice and make me smile!

@ Kathie...totally understand what you mean about a heartfelt hugs being worth more than possible insincere thanks. We all know how much you have put into organising the wedding so I'm absolutely sure your son and dil do too and they know just how hard you have worked to give them the special day. Hope your blackeye blends away well. Looking forward to seeing some pictures....apart from knowing you are a blue-eyed blonde with freckles you have kept the rest secret! Lol
Strawberries with cream....is there any better way!!! Especially if you have runny cream AND clotted cream!lol

@Janice.....soooo sorry to hear everything that you are going through with the flood and being shunted around everywhere but you seem to be coping well and managing to control the stress without giving in so all power to you!! You are going from strength to strength!
I really hope you enjoy the 'me time' weekend! Have a think of the nicest things you want to do for yourself which you havent been able to or even new things and plan to do as many as you feel you want to! You will enjoy seeing the girls that much more when they do get back.

@ Cindy....wonder what happened to the baby birds? Flown or eaten?? You look brilliant in your photo! Well done!

Finally @ May. I know how much you have been looking forward to your break away with 'The Hunk'. I really hope it is the best break and medicine you can have. Calm and healing and....you never know....you may come back skinnier!!!

Thanks all of you who have been sending me messages regarding my health. Earlier this week I was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer after having several bouts of nasty pain. They say its caused by Helicobacter Pylori so they put me on the triple therapy which is 2 strong antibiotics and a acid inhibitor for 10 days. Ugghhhhh. Antibiotics gave me diarrhoea and as the temps here have been between 116 and 126F I managed to get dehydrated and had awful kidney pain for several days. Not to mention having to eat yoghurt to keep my gut flora happy against the antibiotics. Happily both the diarrhoea and kidney pain have stopped although I might leave a trail of fluid wherever I walk I am drinking so much Hopefully the weather will cool down a bit soon.
My carbs have gone up from around 18 to at least 34 this week but thats ok..still under 50 although the protein has been higher than the fats. Since having my Gall Bladder out 12 years ago if I eat a high fat meal I can guarantee an hour or 2 later I will be rushing to the loo with diarrhoea as the fat comes flying through (sorry if thats TMI)....couldnt add that to the mix so have had to keep the fats lower. Mind you its a useful reaction if I have got 'bunged up' which can happen with this WOE!Lol.

Amazed myself today as we went out with the in laws to a new Syrian restaurant, my favourite food. I was going to just eat whatever and enjoy....I ended up eating salad, meat and chicken, hummous and 1 naughty thing...a bulger wheat ball filled with minced meat and pine nuts. A whole 6 gms carb for 1. I just didnt want any of the pastries, fresh baked breads or desserts! Damn! Having given myself permission too. Hubby said he didnt want any of those things either as the sustitutes I make at home meant he wasnt missing anything! Lol. I suppose thats good!

Last but not least I want to say today in case I dont get a chance tomorrow..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAY!!!

HOPE YOU HAVE A REALLY NICE DAY AND ITS A GOOD START TO YOUR HOLIDAY.

None of us would be on here without you starting this thread and you have given us a truly lovely place to be comfortable, friendly, miserable, happy but most of all supported by the lovely ladies who have joined. A huge Thank You (sincere,lol) and lots of love and hugs. You are a very special lady.

Good morning ladies ! I am way behind on reading and chatting in here, been a crazy kinda week. The smoke has cleared then was relaxed with clouds and a little rain a couple of nights. Thankfully the pool water is retaining it's warmth and I am still able to go in and do my water workouts then relax. Got back to my crazy yard working yesterday and it felt to good. I don't know where all the energy comes from, I have a BPC in the mornings along with a second cup plain to rinse the mug LOL. Then I am good till dinnertime. Have a friend going through some very hard times so have been staying up to the wee hours having marathon phone conversations with him. But it's helping so thats a good thing
@RATSMITH69 SO sorry for your losses, its always so trying and as stated above it never gets easier, you just learn different ways to cope xo
@janice, I hope they get you settled back in soon and you and your coworkers are able to sort out all the boxed mess !!
@jane Ulcers are no fun !! Been years since I had one but it's something I remember all too well. I had my gallbladder out ages ago but thankfully don't have any issues. No idea where the birds went, I am hoping they flew away, the adults are also absent so who knows but there's no evidence of feathers etc on the grounds
@May have a wonderful holiday and we will here all your adventures when you return xo

Hello. I just finished reading this entire thread in one sitting. I've been wanting to for a while.

My name is Donna. I am New York but have also lived in Miami, FL; Ft Worth, TX; near Athens, GR; Sacramento, CA; and OKC, OK; (conceived in Hawaii - TMI?)
User name - old nickname from ex-husband
Birthday - May 15, 1962; 53 now, no clue about menopause my hormones have been a mess since my early 20s
Favorite LCHF meal - Boiled chicken legs with broth

Gained 35 lbs in 2 months back in 1984 - lost 15 by starving; could not conceive until 1986; gestational diabetes in 1987 (gained 70 lbs while pregnant - lost 65 in 3 months); Insulin Resistance and polycystic ovaries diagnosed in 1989 left untreated; extreme facial hair growth; little or no menses from age 1987-1996 (now still regular - when will it end?); microprolactinoma found in 1998 - weight now at highest 275+ lbs; lost 55 lbs in 2 months in 2000 doing WW and LC but then broke my arm and gained it all back; Type 2 diabetes diagnosed in 2000 - untreated until given insulin in 2003; uncontrolled blood sugars (A1C @ 13) and recommended for gastric bypass; was too afraid and started Atkins in August 2009 and lost 98 lbs in 10 months (stopped insulin within 2 weeks); had tummy tuck, brachioplasty, and thigh plasty to remove excess skin in Fall 2010; developed lymphedema and painful lumps; wore compression garments for over a year; told my swelling was in my imagination when doctors could not figure out how to help me. Gained weight and could no longer exercise without pain; given diuretics that caused my kidneys to begin to fail (okay now that I stopped).

I started seeking alternative medicine and was found to have many food sensitivities per kinesiologist/chiropractor/dietician/allergists. From 2011 - 2014, I gained 60 lbs back but was still not diabetic. I water fasted for a month in 2012 and lost the excess water but it came back when I began eating again. My ovaries have no eggs, my progesterone is that of a 20 year-old, my estrogen is elevated, I still get some facial hair and I still get a period each month. Diagnosed in May 2014 with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and treated with Synthroid. Started elimination diet with dietician; hit head-on in a high speed car accident in October 2014 and was hospitalized for months and still am not allowed to exercise. I had several fractures and most of my small intestine removed. Until June, I ate what I wanted but I am so swollen and in pain from it I knew I had to do something. So, I am back on LCHF, mostly keto and already less swollen and in less pain.

Here's the good part:
I am down 12 lbs in 4.5 weeks and hope to lose about 35 more. But we'll see, it is more about the swelling and less about the scale for me.
I have overcome my bingeing compulsion
I am no longer afraid to eat
I feel in control again
I found a doctor in my insurance plan who will prescribe T3 in addition to T4 and listens to me
I met a wonderful man last month who does not mind my hideous scars
I have excellent libido (sorry if TMI)
I just got offered my all-time dream job when I thought I would have to retire on a disability
I have found this excellent, supportive group of people who understand

I promise never to post so much at once again

@May Happy, merry, glorious, BIRTHDAY to you! May it be filled with love and laughter and celebration with the ones you hold so dear! I'm singing to you; can you hear it?

Happy Birthday May ! I'll never forget your birthday, since this was my grandmother's birthday too. Hope you've had a lovely day.

Welcome @toadqueen. This is the best group here.

Well, it was a truly *kitten* day at work yesterday, and I had a mini meltdown after having promises broken. I continue to be shuffled around without a proper work space or respect given to me to do my job, feel overwhelmed with the workload, lack of consideration and lack of communication. It's like working in a war zone, but the last straw was the management having a private pizza party right in front of us nobodies.

Then when I was at my lowest point, I had a knight in shining armour swoop me up and take me down to his office so I could complete my work. He adjusted the chair, brought me water, put on "AC/DC" for me because that's what I was in the mood for ( usually listen to classical). I wanted to kick someone's butt. I looked at him like I was in the "twilight zone" not believing that someone was attending to what I needed. He gave me a little pep talk too, so that was nice. He also says he is going to let me use his office during construction, after witnessing the treatment I have received. That would be nice, as he's got a fridge, coffee maker and filtered water there. And he days on Monday he'll help me go through the wreckage to find my belongings and I can set them up in his office. Nice guy. Gave me a hug and keeps telling me I'm beautiful. blush

I was exhausted when I got home though. But good news, the scale is down. I skipped eating yesterday evening despite the stress, which was good. That's new behaviour for me, better chance now that I can keep up that behaviour trend now. Went through my clothes and purged too big clothes and that felt good too.

A new day today ! Going to make chicken bone broth since it's cooler here today, and my supply in the freezer is dwindling. OK ladies, I'm off to see Dr Randy. Have a great day/evening !