tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555350870784610052024-02-18T19:32:55.550-08:00WSR My Life in StoriesWSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-79948543229510474512022-09-18T15:57:00.000-07:002022-09-18T15:57:34.658-07:001991 VW Syncro availableMy 1991 Volkswagon Vanagon Syncro (the 4WD version) is available. It's the commercial model with rubber mats, jumps seats (removable), power package (electric door locks, windows, cruise control), AC. The back seat folds into a flat bed witih open space 9' long, 5' wide and 3' high. It's rated at 6,000 lbs gross weight with 1700 lbs carry capacity, but closer to 2,000 lbs.<div><br /></div><div>The Syncro model shares the same body and interior as theVanagon models, but with a different frame for the 4WD drive train and suspension. The motor is same but the transmission is a 5-speed which is a normal 4-speed with a low 1st gear. The 4WD system uses a fluid drive for AWD which varies power front-rear and left-right based on traction.</div><div><br /></div><div>My understanding is the system normally runs 20%-80% front to rear and 50%-50% left to right but based on wheen traction can vary to 80%-20% front to rear and split left to right based on traction. The US models can switch to lock rear drive to 50%-50% to each wheel. European models have additional front drive and power transfer switches to lock equal power to all wheels.<br /><div><br /></div><div>It's a one owner (bought Larson VW dealership August 21, 1991), original condition interior, original paint (no dents or scratches), original engine (2.1L 90 hp, 186,000 miles). Replaced transmissioin (125K), clutch (150K), brakes, power steering rack and tie rods, power steering pump, AC compressor, master brake and clutch cylinders. It has new stainless steel exhaust system (GoWesty) and new 15" wheels and tires.</div><div><br /></div><div>I change the oil and filter every 2,500-3,000 miles (20w/50 Castrol) and always use premium fuel. It's need some front suspension work (ball joints and bushings) and CV joint service. The estimate is $4K, and ready for years of reliable, durable driving with normal maintenance. Here is a collection of photos.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgrnJ4Eq_iHaX9BZcHibZxdKMFMgKXYPIHGPe59CUhQI7OFFJYquf-dZxjOkHOJiWe2y9l8O4T6Y_2rOhX-28k_gDUwZz0oIF8DKePeXAiNLQoCdcdqrpoLgOQ-oy-ajHjmrPM6Q5AgGWbNItfFm1O_KuHv_y1rDagfLz7_vSWDa4x8mHKcxgv3c/s4032/img_5899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgrnJ4Eq_iHaX9BZcHibZxdKMFMgKXYPIHGPe59CUhQI7OFFJYquf-dZxjOkHOJiWe2y9l8O4T6Y_2rOhX-28k_gDUwZz0oIF8DKePeXAiNLQoCdcdqrpoLgOQ-oy-ajHjmrPM6Q5AgGWbNItfFm1O_KuHv_y1rDagfLz7_vSWDa4x8mHKcxgv3c/s320/img_5899.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AFZx7pggNJ04178Qt-9C5UYmxIqbLg-B0PdsrYSVlxMi5gYClJjDN7LPUkcCHuMewaYViw_U3qow0fklBXV04U0snrilyeQpH3SjPkToQtL2ttAruHmPDksKIOcZ66h7Wnzwiox2emLJYbNWvONrUl1jGyMjdLRypVqIL6X-u_nE2YxkzNHMWUc/s4032/img_5900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AFZx7pggNJ04178Qt-9C5UYmxIqbLg-B0PdsrYSVlxMi5gYClJjDN7LPUkcCHuMewaYViw_U3qow0fklBXV04U0snrilyeQpH3SjPkToQtL2ttAruHmPDksKIOcZ66h7Wnzwiox2emLJYbNWvONrUl1jGyMjdLRypVqIL6X-u_nE2YxkzNHMWUc/s320/img_5900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lhN2KtIGdA4qcWXvemTMzgh4zaMnbwD0NpmAul-Mr8xjs037cx6eeRzhapaHO9QxtIWAwWV0XhkgcaFNXxgCPvS8nb5nzty8Ad0yQM0m9Gi8B1ZAJ2f6fpzBk29kKUZN-aqLZCmCuMWGjBzv7aJ_tGZhkUbNvxMgk-lo_uiqDDk8gwvacfAW90I/s4032/img_5901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lhN2KtIGdA4qcWXvemTMzgh4zaMnbwD0NpmAul-Mr8xjs037cx6eeRzhapaHO9QxtIWAwWV0XhkgcaFNXxgCPvS8nb5nzty8Ad0yQM0m9Gi8B1ZAJ2f6fpzBk29kKUZN-aqLZCmCuMWGjBzv7aJ_tGZhkUbNvxMgk-lo_uiqDDk8gwvacfAW90I/s320/img_5901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyh8Y6WOXJc9Gy6SBfvF6PHaSbMbMKRavE5TIvvjCvqBpnPUvRE5kP4ZDc9qDoUN1-Mdqw4YvKXpgGeDtlFFIEnLqSiRscEmoGDj-ASzZ0j38InGmETd9geQqbYk4Rq15oVmshJSV8C46mT_WUclDZBAqlxHcOwXS8OXoSkM5JeILDKHa4z58Ont4/s4032/img_5903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyh8Y6WOXJc9Gy6SBfvF6PHaSbMbMKRavE5TIvvjCvqBpnPUvRE5kP4ZDc9qDoUN1-Mdqw4YvKXpgGeDtlFFIEnLqSiRscEmoGDj-ASzZ0j38InGmETd9geQqbYk4Rq15oVmshJSV8C46mT_WUclDZBAqlxHcOwXS8OXoSkM5JeILDKHa4z58Ont4/s320/img_5903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw8_XbV8RIK0SCevW5xHLCjkGhijLhN9XyjP9-_c0jXQaY7OSY89QpWCgICnzkq8Q1Ki1SYipx1CzSmRrN-IeE4xjQgNn15DD23Ed4Cs71D7GXCDTxBLf954f8n9XsBjW-ddIGOAF08FbSr1NgmaQH7Km8iszMg0IwaPqE3b3b-sAUqdwrZwHgFY/s4032/img_5906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDcsuDu8lWI6oJ2RfjKDD3oZlB2Ugirhy6ucPj2dJMm3M9jBnT1psL_4KcS3JwAIpQU0WPqGGTsVex8FMLQZ5aOFGeqtAWHQ29kN2WewBVbmSzr4r5i-7c-otId0Oyyd23tnZfZA-cU39ffcrLszHQDmGHlqSk-hD4T1OoEcy0WOKbOi_rxT93PU/s4032/img_5910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDcsuDu8lWI6oJ2RfjKDD3oZlB2Ugirhy6ucPj2dJMm3M9jBnT1psL_4KcS3JwAIpQU0WPqGGTsVex8FMLQZ5aOFGeqtAWHQ29kN2WewBVbmSzr4r5i-7c-otId0Oyyd23tnZfZA-cU39ffcrLszHQDmGHlqSk-hD4T1OoEcy0WOKbOi_rxT93PU/s320/img_5910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kiNQqv6KmIywxeqsyjirHzXtGV3R5XLpyk6oL94glhnjht1a27NSLTWgIviBukduxlblY14FTKoL0sYCh0_N-gw6h48BWmSczpalO5knxJDS0lfZcnSurEecHp8ECQFFCcpqDguth0Kl_gEEIH9k-rtPQUgzwJVcxl5Q1SxJQrqvFf3mFYfn5XI/s4032/img_5912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kiNQqv6KmIywxeqsyjirHzXtGV3R5XLpyk6oL94glhnjht1a27NSLTWgIviBukduxlblY14FTKoL0sYCh0_N-gw6h48BWmSczpalO5knxJDS0lfZcnSurEecHp8ECQFFCcpqDguth0Kl_gEEIH9k-rtPQUgzwJVcxl5Q1SxJQrqvFf3mFYfn5XI/s320/img_5912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you're interested, asking price is $48,000.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-38727862672919680792019-01-01T05:30:00.000-08:002019-01-02T13:39:40.332-08:00WalkingAfter I pinched my Sciatic nerve in June 2011, again in June 2012 and then severly in July, it took until September where I could walk any distance, so I started walking first along the <a href="http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/ruston-way/">Ruston Way</a> parkway in Tacoma. It's a beautiful walkway park along the waterfront from Old Town to Ruston in northeast Tacoma.<br />
<br />
From there I started walking to and from Gig Harbor where I live. It's 3+ miles direct from my place to the commercial area off highway 16 in Gig Harbor and 4+ miles to downtown Gig Harbor. I've stayed with the former destination for now but have found different routes which varys the walk from 6-7 miles to 8-10 miles round trip depending on the route.<br />
<br />
So far the walks each month has had to fit into the schedule of work, life and trips, which is as follows for the months to date.<br />
<br />
-- 2012 --<br />
January - 14 trips for 88 miles<br />
September - 7 trips for 28.5 miles<br />
October - 10 trips for 46.5 miles<br />
November - 4 trips for 20.0 miles<br />
December - 9 trips for 45.0 miles<br />
-- Total for 2012 - 228 miles --<br />
<br />
-- 2013 --<br />
January - 17 trips for 101 miles (lots of cold rain/snow walks)<br />
February - 10 trips for 60.4 miles (includes one 7 mile test walk)<br />
March - 13 trips for 76.0 miles<br />
April - 19 trips for 132 miles (includes two 8 mile walks)<br />
May - 16 trips for 122 miles (7.5-8 miles except one)<br />
June - 17 trips for 136 miles (8 miles with two 7.5 or 9 mile walks)<br />
July - 16 trips for 130 miles (8 miles with two 9 mile walks)<br />
August - 20 trips for 162 miles (8 miles with four 8.5 mile walks)<br />
September - 22 trips for 175 miles (8+ miles except one 6 mile walk)<br />
October - 26 trips for 201 miles (6-9 mile walks)<br />
November - 21 trips for 166 miles (8 miles but one 6 miles)<br />
December - 27 trips for 208 miles (8 miles but four 6 miles)<br />
-- Total for 2013 - 1,669 miles --<br />
-- Total distance - 1,957 miles --<br />
<br />
-- 2014 --<br />
January - 26 trips for 205 miles (8 miles but three 6 or 9 miles)<br />
February - 12 trips for 90 miles (6 or 8 miles)<br />
March - 9 trips for 55.5 miles (6-6.5 miles)<br />
April - 2 walks 2 miles<br />
May - 10 trips for 64.5 miles (6-6.5 mile)<br />
June - 17 trips for 125 miles (6-8 miles)<br />
July - 15 trips for 120 miles (8 miles)<br />
August - 14 trips for 113 miles (8-8.5 miles)<br />
September - 14 trips for 112 miles (6.5-9 miles)<br />
October - 14 trips for 112 miles (8 miles)<br />
November - 11 trips for 64 miles (most 6 miles)<br />
December - 12 trips for 72 miles (all 6 miles)<br />
-- Total for 2014 - 1,135 miles --<br />
-- Total distance - 3,092 miles --<br />
<br />
-- 2015 --<br />
January - 9 trips for 54.5 miles<br />
Februrary - 15 trips for 90 miles<br />
March - 15 trips for 90 miles<br />
April - 5 trips for 30 miles<br />
May - 12 trips for 72 miles<br />
June - 10 trips for 60 miles<br />
July - 8 trips for 50 miles (two bike trips)<br />
August - 4 trips for 22 miles<br />
September - 14 trips for 84 miles<br />
October - 25 trips for 150 miles<br />
November - 23 trips for 138 miles<br />
December - 26 trips for 156 miles<br />
-- Total for 2015 - 996 miles<br />
-- Total distance - 4,088 miles --<br />
<br />
-- 2016 --<br />
January - 24 trips for 140 miles<br />
Februrary - 20 trips for 120 miles<br />
March - 20 trips for 120 miles<br />
April - 18 trips for 108 miles<br />
May - 16 trips for 96 miles<br />
June - 15 trips for 90 miles<br />
July - 22 trips for 136 miles<br />
August - 22 trips for 131 miles<br />
September - 13 trips for 78 miles<br />
October - 7 trips for 42 miles<br />
November - 11 trips for 66 miles<br />
December - 18 trips for 108 miles<br />
-- Total for 2016 - 1,235 miles<br />
-- Total distance - 5,323 miles --<br />
<br />
-- 2017 --<br />
January - 22 trips for 132 miles<br />
Februrary - 20 trips for 120 miles<br />
March - 26 trip for 156 miles<br />
April - 21 trips for 126 miles<br />
May - 14 trips for 84 miles<br />
June - 23 trips for 148 miles (few 7-8 mile walks)<br />
July - 27 trips for 162 miles<br />
August - 30 trips for 178 miles<br />
September - 15 trips for 90 miles<br />
October - 20 trips for 120 miles<br />
November - 19 trips for 114 miles<br />
December - 28 trips for 168 miles<br />
-- Total for 2017 - 1,598 miles<br />
-- Total distance - 6,921 miles --<br />
<br />
-- 2018 --<br />
January - 18 trips for 108 miles<br />
Februrary - 16 trips for 96 miles<br />
March - 4 trips for 24 miles<br />
April - 0 trips for 0 miles<br />
May - 0 trips for 0 miles<br />
June - 17 trips for 102 miles<br />
July - 11 trips for 66 miles<br />
August - 11 trips for 66 miles<br />
September - 7 trips for 42 miles<br />
October - 8 trips for 56 miles<br />
November - 1 trip for 6 miles<br />
December - 14 trips for 84 miles<br />
-- Total for 2018 - 640 miles<br />
-- Total distance - 7,561 miles --<br />
<br />
Notes:<br />
<br />
Year in review. January and February was the same as 2017, getting 15 or more days a month, but then in late February I came down with the flu, even after getting a flu shot the previous fall. The CDC later reported the 2017 vacine was for the wrong strains and was the worst effective vacine in years.<br />
<br />
After not walking in March and April for the flu and two episodes of food poisoning, I resumed walking in June, only to succomb to severe shin splints. July turned out worse than June with another bout of food poisoning and adverse food reactions. August, September and October didn't faired any better.<br />
<br />
I kept coming down with colds, flu, or some bug that leaves me tired and my digestive system doing crazy thing from not working to working overtime. In addition to that my back has gotten worse where I have mild back and leg pain almost all the time. It's been there ever since the severly pinched Sciatic nerve in July 2012, but slowly it dimished to be pain free some days.<br />
<br />
That changed from the two months off for various unknown reasons, and it's less related to weight, only hurting more the more I weigh, and the weight that makes me almost pain free is getting lower with a smaller margin to gain and pain resumes. This continued through fall and into winter.<br />
<br />
November was the worst month since spring. I forgot to get my flu shot earlier and came down with the flu early in the month that lingered until early December, but after getting the flu shot then I got out for the walks in mid-month before the side effects of a drug I started for my digestive system hit my body and walks came to a halt.<br />
<br />
I also discovered during walks on cold morning when the temperature gets below freezing, my body has problems generating heat to stay warm. It's intermittent but on the those days, for whatever reasons, the body just can't generate the heat and becomes completely cold and takes hours to warm up when I get home.<br />
<br />
This occurs despite the layers of clothes I wear. I'm still sorting out the conditions it happens because it's intermittent and we don't get sub-freezing mornings that much in the Puget Sound. The body is fine when it's between freezing and 40 degrees.<br />
<br />
That's it for the year. Hopefully this year will be better. The goal is to get back to walking 7-8 miles per day instead of 6 miles, and eventually get back to hiking, but that dependent on my back and my body to feel better. So it goes, but at 69 I can't complain that much (ok, I do here).<br />
<br />
<br />
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<!--2--><!--2-->WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-91051710537056894622018-03-14T16:34:00.002-07:002018-03-14T16:34:20.543-07:00Taking a BreakThree weeks ago my walk, while the distance is the same every walk, was very hard, something I'd experienced since doing field work in winter weather 20-plus years ago. On the walk home is near weather around freezing and a 5-7 degree wind chill I couldn't get warm.<br />
<br />
The walk to town was fine, but try as I want my body just couldn't get warm. Not just my hands as often happens during this weather, even with gloves made for Raynaud's Syndrome, but my whole body. And I felt cold the rest of the morning.<br />
<br />
I decided to take a few days off, but then came down with the flu. Yes, the flu despite getting a flu shot last September, only to learn in January the CDC said the shot was only 50% effective at best for this year's flu.<br />
<br />
The flu wasn't severe but lasted over 2 weeks. I walked one day during it and barely made it home feeling exhausted. That was my last walk. I didn't fully get over the flu, it merely settled in my digestive system to give me all sorts of reactions to food.<br />
<br />
I'm slowly getting over that his week but haven't started walking again, and I'm not sure when I will. The surprise is this time I haven't gained weight, likely the result of the flu. Normally I gain weight after 5-7 days rest or being sick.<br />
<br />
I'm one of those who gain weight being sick. Always have, until now. I don't know why the change but it's what is, and hopefully feeling better I'll be walking again soon. And don't get me started on Daylight Saving Time. I hate it.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-62170394957641593232017-08-29T13:54:00.000-07:002017-08-29T13:54:12.193-07:00Two poundsIt's just two pounds. Many people eat that much in one meal. We all gain and lose up to or more than that during a day, and over time from our exercise, eating and activities. And it's weight easily absorbed by the body, often stored as fat, and kept in the digestive system until it processed and expelled.<br />
<br />
It's just two pounds. But to my body it's everything. As I finally reached 135 pounds, the weight now varies between 135.0 and 137.0 pounds. I got there over a week about a month ago dropping from 140 pounds to 136 pounds. Not sure why, only that it did.<br />
<br />
Since then I don't get to or over 137.0 pounds anymore, but it takes exercising (walking 6-8 miles 5-6 days a week) and watching my diet (what, how much, when I eat). I don't count calories except in estimates to know where I'm at for my Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and adding calories from walks.<br />
<br />
This is about 1400-1500 calories on non-walking days and 2000-2200 calories on walking days. None of that however is reflected so much in my weight, measured daily first thing in the morning before anything else. The naturopath said it's the time must before you body begins to change from sleep to awake.<br />
<br />
I don't worry too much about the number so much, just to know the lowest weight I am for an idea of the floor my body is at when the digestive system is completely empty. The fat level is slowly decreasing, but it's not so much reflected in the weight except over weeks or months.<br />
<br />
What I monitor is the change between days as it's indicative of what the body kept or lost from the previous day(s), which is why is varies 0 to 1+ pounds. This relates back to what, how much and when I ate the day(s) before the digestive system is still holds or lost.<br />
<br />
What's important these days is that this small difference is in the digestive tract, which in turn enlarges the large colon, which in turn puts pressure on the lower back and Sciatic nerve, causing the lower back and legs to hurt.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure why this happens, only it does. There's no pain when I'm 135.0, mild pain at 135.5, moderate at 136.0 and more at 136.5-137.0. And the pain makes the walks harder for every .5 pound, reflected in muscles feeling tired and sore and the pace slows, from 14 minutes per mile to 15+ minutes per mile.<br />
<br />
This is where I'm at. Not where I thought or want do be, but am. The back specialist noted two years ago from scan of my lower spine (L3 and lower) from the 2012 and 2015 scans my compression is less but the degeneration is slightly worse. Two years later it's likely a little more worse for wear.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is where I'm at now. I walk 5-6 days a week, and watch my diet, namely what, how much and when I eat. From there it's helping the digestive system with supplements the naturopath recommends after all the tests, to process food through in a timely manner.<br />
<br />
So it's the work to balance the exercise, diet and body, specifically the digestive system to work. I've learned the less I eat the better I feel, the more I eat the worse I feel, which is counter to what the body needs for energy. <br />
<br />
And the more I stay within my short food list the better I feel, the more foods I try, as naturopath recommends to expand microbiome in digestive tract, the worse I feel as the body takes time generate the bacteria and digest the food(s), usually adding weight for 2-3 days while it processes the food.<br />
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That's conundrum between food and digestive system, digestive system and lower back, lower back and walking, walking and fat/weight. Such is life now.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-61753358251332838092017-05-01T09:09:00.002-07:002017-05-01T09:09:33.205-07:00WhyOn my walks some mornings, people will stop to say they see me walking a lot (20-24 days a month), and ask why. After an explanation about my Sciatic nerve I pinched in June and July 2012 which left me flat on my back, I realized I continue walks for a few reasons.<div>
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This has been a question I've asked myself since reaching my goal weight of 140, and now under 140, for the last 3-4 months. I haven't lost all the fat yet, still 1-2 lbs left to lose which will take most of the rest of this year at the rate I lose it now. </div>
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The first is about reaching 60 where time and age catches up with the body and it's a slow decline from now on. It's really simple, every morning I get get better or get worse. It's not really that simple because after 60 you're only slowing the decline of time and age of your body and mind.</div>
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The second is I've driven the weight and fat below my genetic predisposition, so after not walking for a few days, the body will begin to readjust to add both back. I feel it at the 3-4 day mark where it takes a few walking days to get the body back.</div>
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So walking is keeping the weight and fat off, and hopefully losing the remaining fat over the spring and summer. Walks are now for sustaining what I've gained. The third is a followup to the second, the less weight, the less pressure on the lower back and Sciatic nerve.</div>
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The last is simply it's good mental and physical exercise. I'm basically lazy, and can be a good couch potato, so forcing myself to get up and ready and then get out the door to walk 6-8 miles helps remind me who's in control.</div>
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Anyway, that's the thoughts on the walk this morning when a couple asked me why I walk so much. It makes my day.</div>
WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-32206587162311450702017-04-23T16:28:00.003-07:002017-04-23T16:28:52.035-07:00Food ExperimentsI've been trying new foods or retrying old foods for years through the problems with my digstive system, almost always ending in an adverse reaction, usually moderate to extreme constipation. Some foods would work normally once but then never again, to be crossed off the list.<br />
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Now that my digestive problems have been diagnosed and treated, first to treat the bacterial infections/overgrowth with anti-biotics and probiotics, and second to treat the damage to the digestive system with supplements for the acids, enzymes and proteins to digest food, it's taken time to rebuild it and make it work again.<br />
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The other missing part of the treatment was a diversity of foods to rebuild the bacteria in the small and large intestine, mostly the latter, to digest and process a greater variety of foods. The problem is the first time you try a food, the system doesn't have the bacteria for it, so it has to build it.<br />
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This means I never know how the system will react with new foods, because you have to eat it a few times to build the bacteria for it. With that the food experiments have taken on a new role, but first I have to want to eat the foods, something I don't have an interest to try a range of foods.<br />
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The naturopath recommended starting with plants, mostly vegetables since they have the greater variety of bacteria to add to the system. Before I've reduced the list of them to carrots, celery and occasionally peas. To that I've been trying two vegetables a week.<br />
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A few weeks ago it was asparagus and cauliflower, two vegetables I really like, and they worked enough I can eat them again. Last week was tomatoes and lettuce with refried beans. I love tacos with refried beans, some meat, tomatoes and lettuce - the food experiment minus the meat for now.<br />
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The beans are high in fiber, which I rarely eat because of its effects on the digestive system, like a tunnel boring machine. Yeah, they and the vegetables were not good reactions, so I have to decide if I want to try them again in the future.<br />
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This week is green beans, another one I like. No idea of the other one yet, something to browse the produce market and follow the taste buds. I've only added a few non-vegetables to focus the system on the fewest new foods as possible.<br />
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Some foods are old foods I've had a range of reactions to over the years, mostly potatoes, but they have a lot of starch which strains the system. I still try one of my favorite foods, potato chips, every now and then, but stopped when the system has problems digesting it.<br />
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Anyway, just some thoughts on foods. There's a long list of foods to try this year, and at one or two a week it will take awhile. The two health supplements to help the digestive system works very well, something I recommend now if your system isn't working.<br />
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Don't always assume it's a bacteria balance/imbalance issue and just try probiotics, something most gastroenterologists say because they don't know anymore or any better. There are tests to check for some of the acids, enzymes and proteins needed for digesting and processing foods.<br />
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Get them if you haven't had the test. That's how the naturopath discovered my pancreas wasn't working to produce enough enzymes to digest some foods. You can also add the supplements which provide these elements, but I would recommend clinicial standard supplements for their quality and quantity and lack of unnecessary ingredients.<br />
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The worst case scenarios is the supplements just add to existing acids, enzymes and proteins you don't need and you can then discontinue them. The other supplement is Butyric acid which feeds the cells in the lining of the large intestine to protect it and help process foods, which has been a great help.<br />
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That's it for now.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-48851563822262256612017-04-19T15:25:00.003-07:002017-04-19T15:25:32.230-07:00Food Anew<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
After my naturopath, who specializes in digestive system care, found and treated the problems I’ve been having for 9 years now, after 3 gastroenterologists couldn’t find with a succession of tests which in hindsight were a waste only but they had to follow the diagnostic protocols and then, finding nothing, said there wasn’t anything more they could do for me, I’ve found food again. </div>
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After two ant-biotics to eliminate the bacterial infections, probiotics to rebuild the bacterial balance, and then taking two health supplements to restore the digestive system’s acids, enzymes and proteins, the digestive system is normal again, adding a variety of foods to rebuild the diversity of bacteria in foods in the system for digeting foods.</div>
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Yes, I’ve found food again, and going to the supermarket to buy what I can eat and not just go to see what I can’t eat, albeit only a few at at time and in small amounts for now to reorient my digestive system to the variety of foods it won’t revolt but simply taste, digest and process like a normal system should and does. </div>
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Food. Real food again. Simple word but a world of joy. The joy of walking around a good grocery store (Metropolitan Market in Tacoma, any of them are good along with PCC markets in Seattle) seeing all the foods from around the world, seeing and smelling all the food in the deli, browsing all the fresh produce, fish/seafood/meats, just enjoy the privilege many people in the world don’t have, and enjoying the thought of eating again and not worrying about the effects, or worse problems, later, but simply enjoying it.</div>
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Food. A basic staple of life. Food again. Lost and found anew. So much exploration ahead to renew my connection with food and life. Simple things the vast majority never think about other than a momentary thought what they wanted to eat without regard should anything go wrong because it won’t. Simple decisions, momentary, to think, “You know what would taste good right now?”, or walk into their kitchen with the whole array of foods to decide what to fix and eat for the sheer joy of food.</div>
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Food. We take for granted until we can’t and find we’ve lost the right to that joy. But now I’ve found it again, and on the slow road back to what everyone else accepts as common, food, any food. Time will provide that as I explore food again.</div>
WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-73909987455539859322017-04-10T12:40:00.001-07:002017-04-10T12:40:51.941-07:00FoodI had a followup appointment with the naturopath last week after prescribing (in the sense they can) health supplements 3 months ago to help digest food. For the most part, they helped a little but not significantly, and not for periods when matters got worse.<br />
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At the end we discovered I have two problems. First she reasoned from the symptoms and results of the health supplements to date my digestive isn't working because it's not producing enough of the acids, enzymes and proteins to fully digest food.<br />
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We know from tests my pancreas doesn't produce enough enzymes to help break down foods. Now she suspects the stomach isn't producing enough acid to predigest food and the small and large intestine aren't producing enough of all three to fully digest and process food.<br />
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This is why I have a lot of undigested food among other symptoms. So she prescribed new health supplements which adds the recommended acid, enzymes and proteins to the whole system. In the short time since taking them the changes have been more than a significant improvement.<br />
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The system is working to digest food again, which leads to the second problem. She added a probiotic after the antibiotics which helped somewhat but often excerbated the problems, meaning too much bacteria in the system which was a reflection of the first problem, not working.<br />
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She talked about the idea it's less what you eat sometimes but what you don't eat. Since I've had the problems over the last 9 years and especially last 3 years I've reduced my diet to the minimal which doesn't cause problems, and only try new foods occasionally, which usually causes problems.<br />
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And this is the second problem. The digestive system adjusts the diversity of the bacteria to the foods you eat, the more diverse the foods, the more diverse the bacteria, and vice versa. This is key when I ate foods I haven't eaten in awhile, sometimes years, the bacteria isn't there to digest it.<br />
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That's what has been part of the problem. I need to expand my foods to give the digestive system a more diverse microbiome to tolerate and digest foods. But before I can do that I have to make the system work to digest food in the first place.<br />
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So that's where I'm at. First, get the digestive system working, which signs seem to show it is working now, but this will take time as it and the body adjusts to the health supplements. Then, slowly add news foods, mostly fruits and vegetables which diversfy the bacteria in the system.<br />
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The goal being not to worry about what I eat with a far more diverse diet. Eventually I might be able to drop the probiotics, but it's clear I won't be able to drop the other health supplements since they're the one adding the acids, enzymes and proteins my system doesn't produce anymore.<br />
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But I'll take it since I can begin to enjoy food and not worry how my system will react.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-21109465719114974542017-04-01T14:57:00.002-07:002017-04-01T14:57:14.976-07:00Weight and MilesWhen I first started walking in September 2012 I weighed about 190 lbs. I had pinched my Sciatic nerve the previous July which left me flat on my back for nearly a week and the advice from the back specialist, "Get you ass out there and walk, as far as you can, as often as you can, and add a backpack to add weight later."<br />
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It took awhile to get the miles up from a few miles to 6 miles and later 8 miles a day with the plan to walk 20-25 days a month. It took only a few months to get to 5-6 miles and a few more months to get to 8 miles, but it took a year to get to 20 or more days per month.<br />
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And it wasn't consistent over the years, there were setbacks from bacteria problems with my digestive system which took 4 years to resolve, no thanks to gastroenterologists who did all sorts of tests but nary an answer, and a naturopath specializing in digestive system to find the answer and presecribe two antibiotics.<br />
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For the last 2 1/2 years I dropped the walks to 6 miles during the worst of the digestive problems, which caused intermittent problems with the lower back and Sciatic nerve. The 6-mile distance helped keep the walking while minimizing the problems.<br />
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For the most part when I walked at least 15-20 days I lost weight and after the first few months the ratio was about 80 miles per pound of weight, meaning fat. This was due to the calories for the weight loss based on distance, walking pace, and weather and temperature (all walks outdoors along rural roads).<br />
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As the weight dropped, the total calories used also dropped, and as you might expect, the miles per pound increased for every 10 pounds lost, but not in a linear manner, eg. at 180-170 lbs it was about 90 miles, 170-160 lbs it was about 100 miles, and 160-150 lbs it was about 120 miles, and 150-140 lbs it increased from 120 to 150 miles.<br />
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As I approached 140 lbs I was below my genetic weight and fat, where the body fights losing and changes to add the weight and fat back to the genetic predisposition level. Below 140 lbs it's become even harder, taking over 300 miles to lose one pound, 140 to 139 lbs, and recently reached 138 lbs after over 500 miles.<br />
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This means the remaining weight, about a pound of fat, will take even longer, and the walks will be to keep the weight under 140 lbs than to lose anymore weight. I don't know how many days or miles this will require but for now the walks are for habit, to get up and out the door early in the morning.<br />
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I'll still walk 6 miles, maybe increasing to 7-8 miles later this spring or summer, and keep the 20-24 days per month simply for the routine. I'd like to change to or add running but that's still on the horizon when the body feels it's ok, because of the pounding the lower back takes with running<br />
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I've run short distances with no problems, so there's promise, but for now walking works, and I get to stop at a cafe at the turn-around place in town.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-58861336207275431362017-01-07T11:10:00.000-08:002017-01-07T11:10:43.448-08:00Cold Weather IIWell, I learned this week, after a week of sub-freezing temperatures with 8-12 degree wind chills, that my body is better in cold weather than I wrote earlier, so much so I can walk in weather in the low 20's with a wind chill into the low-mid teens.<br />
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It's a matter of adding a layers of clothes, especially the legs since I wear above-the-knee shorts now all the time. I dragged out all the winter clothes I used over my 13 years of doing year-round field work in Oregon, Arizona and Washington.<br />
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Much of the clothes have shrank some, even though I'm smaller and weigh less than when I did field work, but there was enough to use to keep me warm under the NorthFace Gore-Tex two-layer coat wiht a down inner liner and some Marmot gloves for Reynaud's Syndrome.<br />
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In addition I changed my morning breakfast snack to help fuel the body better for the walks. And adding bread now adds some carbohydrates. The only problem is when it gets into the 30's and colder my nose runs faster than I walk so I go through a hankerchief every walk.<br />
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That said, I got out five days this week in sub-freezing weather is only problems with walking into 15-20 mph winds. Wind goes through Gore-Tex, but the underlayers do a good job keeping me warm. Only the face gets cold.<br />
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I learned I prefer 40's and rain to 20-30's and clear and windy. I can stay dry, but staying warm takes more work, although walking on the pre-dawn, moonless, clear mornings offer the stars, where in some places there's very little light from the area.<br />
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What's cool on some walks are the places where you can stop and hearing nothing, just silence except for the natural sounds, owls, etc. You can just stop and listen for awhile to the quiet, until commuters drive by which you can hear a mile away,<br />
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In other news, I've done more food experiments, some good and most not so good. I'm still limited on the vegetables (carrots, celery and peas) after trying a few more. The same happened with fruits, all but organges are out, including bananas.<br />
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Meat is still regional free-range turkey and some natural, drug-free brands of sandwich ham after trying a range of beef, veal, pork, etc. Seafood is ok occasionally (crab, shrimp). I haven't tried any fresh or canned fish yet, and probably won't for awhile.<br />
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Bread is still baguette, sourdough bread, some croissants (depends on bakery), cornbread and Ritz cracker, while muffins, biscuits, scones, etc. are out. Not sure why but it's the reality for now. I haven't tried regular breads yet, and like fish, won't for awhile.<br />
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The same applies to other foods, such as grains (rice, oats, etc.), meaning haven't tried them yet. Potatoes (white, yam, sweet, etc.) are ok occasionally in small quantities. They're great as a base for toppings.<br />
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Anyway, that's it from here for early January. The cold weather isn't stopping the walking, only bad food experiments are.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-89604816236747349522017-01-02T15:32:00.000-08:002017-01-02T15:32:10.033-08:00Newspaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My parents and their siblings went through my paternal grandparents' home in Valley Falls, Kansas, in the mid-1970's moving all the furniture out to various family members, which I got the last of the bedroom sets from the 1880's with a rocking chair (their wedding present), and wholesaling out the rest of everything in the house.<br />
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Before the wholesaler's crew came they went through the house one last time. The basement was full of everything they saved from the day they move in after my grandfather had the house built around 1910 before sending for his future wife.<br />
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In the attic, more of the same, boxes and cupboards full of everything they saved. Surviving through the depression my grandmother never threw anything out she could save. In one cupboard in the attic they found this framed page from the Valley Falls Vindicator newspaper, dated September 28,1949.<br />
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They had no idea why she saved that page and had it framed, but they set it aside. Later reading the page they found the reason buried in the public notices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pgTOlhr6v3Pb84_BUau-5ntJMVdaBo9eKbpQz1CBxKQJgN26Islc4WqCQKwN0c6obGYPVuRXzrptlOAbdIroIs960CqvaksTCjXw-XxOJCxiSzXrzFpQ6CDuSSFrZ-7M8c51xA8D13w/s1600/img_0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pgTOlhr6v3Pb84_BUau-5ntJMVdaBo9eKbpQz1CBxKQJgN26Islc4WqCQKwN0c6obGYPVuRXzrptlOAbdIroIs960CqvaksTCjXw-XxOJCxiSzXrzFpQ6CDuSSFrZ-7M8c51xA8D13w/s320/img_0359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My birth announcement. It's been hanging on my bedroom wall the day I got it to remind me one day those years ago someone cared to remember me. My parent would eventually go on to kick me out of the house in 1968 for failing their expectations in college.</div>
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I would enlist in the US Air Force and rarely return home, only for family reunions or emergencies, and my father rarely spoke to me during those visits. I would later learn his treatment of me was because his father (my grandfather) did the same to him as he did to me.</div>
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In 1940 after failing his father's expectations in college (one of the Kansas univerities) my grandfather kicked my father out of the house. He joined the US Army and later transferred after the war ot the US Air force when it was separated from Army (Air Corps). </div>
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My father also rarely went home again, and rarely spoke to his father, not even attending his funeral in the early 1950's when we were stationed in Virginia prior to being transferred to England. I never knew the reason my father acted toward me as he experienced with his father, only that he did</div>
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But I always knew my grandmother loved me and kept a reminder I keep today to remind me to thank her.</div>
<br />WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-63401428184887014982016-12-26T09:42:00.000-08:002016-12-26T10:55:43.770-08:00WheatOne of the first foods which was dropped in January 2012 when the gastroentrologist recommended the FODMAPS diet for a change after almost 4 years of digestive problem was wheat. That was the last time I ate wheat outside a few time as food experiments which turned out disasterous.<br />
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What we did was to shrink my diet to the minimum foods I knew I could eat and see what happened. It's a minimalluy balanced diet with a little of each food group and with health supplements I have a healthy diet. Everything else, FODMAPS and many more foods were off-limits for the next 4-plus years.<br />
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When it comes to new foods I use the three-strikes, rule. I give a food two tries to be ok with the digestive system, forgetting the taste buds which often loves those foods, and the third time it's off the list. I will occasionally go back to foods on the no-eat list but they only get one chance and they're effectively permanently censored.<br />
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That has been my food regimen for the last 4-plus years, so when I got through the 10-day regimen of antibiotics this last fall and waited a few weeks, I tried wheat again, a croissant, which didn't go well, so I thought I had lost wheat for good. I tried it again twice more, different things, such as cornbread and crackers, but the same thing happened.<br />
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Then for some reason about a month ago I tried a baguette bread and nothing happened. There are 4 Seattle or Tacoma bakeries which makes great fresh bread, three solely bakeries and one in Metropolitan Market (Seattle-Tacoma chain of about 6 stores).<br />
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When that went well I tried the other three brands with no problem. Then croissants, agains no problems. Then cornbread, minor problems but nothing significant. And then a favorite junk food, Ritz Crackers, no problems.<br />
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So I thought wheat was back. Or so I thought, but biscuits, doughnut and muffins didn't go well. Why those I don't know, but probably something else in it or the type of wheat. Who knows, but I got some wheat back and now baguette bread is a mainstay of my diet with occasional cornbread or croissant.<br />
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And Ritz Crackers are the occasional snack food with something on it. I'll take it for now. I haven't tried other wheat products yet because I don't eat enough wheat everyday to buy the quantity bread, rolls, etc. come in where baguette fits the size and the 5-7 days I take to eat a loaf.<br />
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I haven't tried other grains or similar foods, mostly because I don't see a need so far and all of them produced adverse reactions in the digestive system. I'll take what I have for now, a little wheat in a few products, locally made and fresh, except Ritz Crackers.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-87356243828361675162016-12-22T15:38:00.000-08:002016-12-22T15:38:26.061-08:00DecemberI had my final appointment of the year with my Primary Care Physician (PCP) as a followup to the work with the naturopath and to talk about some concerns I've had from all the recent blood tests and other tests which left questions.<br />
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The end result of it was getting complete blood tests for two things and a blood test for a followup. The first was the complete tests for my thyroid gland. Some of the previous values showed some questions because I get periods where I'm cold (shivering) and my body can't seem to generate enough heat.<br />
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I noticed this a little last winter but it wasn't frequent or prolonged, but this winter it's frequent and sometimes prolonged. The problem is I don't have all the symptoms for thyroid problems, but enough to suggest something isn't right, at least enough to check it.<br />
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The second was a complete iron test. My iron levels are just above the halfway level of the normal range, but my ferritin levels are almost below normal, indicating something isn't working, so a more complete blood test is necessary.<br />
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In addition we added the hereditary hemochromatosis tests. My Dad had the disease, diagnosed almost too late to save his liver. The signs suggested he was an alcoholic but the tests revealed hemochromatosis, meaning I'm at least half susceptible for it.<br />
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The question is if I'm just a carrier or predisposed for the disease. This is key if I want to add an iron supplement to raise my ferritin level. I've always avoided iron supplements (alone or in anything) out of fear to trigger the disease if I'm prone to it.<br />
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This is key with these is that the thyroid and iron problems are indicative of anemia and fatigue which I've been feeling a lot of this winter, but it's been lost in bacteria problem and now resolved, it became obvious, especially adding the last blood test.<br />
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The last blood test was a followup of my previous hemoglobin test, which showed I'm pre-diabetic, meaning I'm above normal but not in the type 2 diabetes range. This is something my Dad also had, again diagnosed almost too late before it worsened in to type 1.<br />
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All of this leaves me knowing I have risk factors I have to watch the rest of my life. I'm over the bacteria problems, except if I have to take antibiotics again, but I know what to do then. I'm still sorting out the dynamic balance in my digestive system with supplements, probiotics and food.<br />
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But it's working reasonably as I can expect. The key is to keep walking, watch the diet, and take all my health supplements, half essential, and half choice. The plan is to walk about 20 days during the winter months, the cold help burn more calories (fat too) and see where I'm at by March.<br />
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Right now I'm down to 139 pound, plus or minus half a pound with about 3-4 pounds of obvious fat left to lose, but it's the fat my body is genetically predisposed to keep, so it's harder to lose and easier to regain if I don't walk, hence finding the balance for the number of walks per month.<br />
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That's it for the winter. I'll see what happens by March.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-47850992667978452122016-12-17T11:35:00.000-08:002016-12-17T11:35:01.846-08:00Cold WeatherWell, it's obvious winter has long arrived everywhere, including the Pacific Northwest, namely the south Puget Sound area where I live and walk 6 miles most days a month (usually 20 or more days but sometimes fewer days for reasons). It arrived more so the last week or so.<br />
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Normally winter in the Puget Sound lowland is cool with respect to the mid-west, with the long winter with seasonal snow, and often the east coast, with their winter snowstorms causing all sorts of problems.<br />
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Here's it's mostly rain and cool, lots of cloudy to overcast days, often continuous for days on end and even a 2-3 weeks with just a peek of sunshine, and temperatures in the 40's most days, occasionally the mid-to upper 30's. But rarely snow below 500-1,000 foot elevation.<br />
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Over the 3 of the last 4 winters of walking in the early mornings my body and immune system has generally been very robust against the cold, and fighting colds, flu, etc. bugs, meaning weather didn't have much of an effect on me, just add warmer clothes and I was good to go.<br />
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Beginning last winter with the bacteria overgrowths (long story written about on this blog ad naseum) I began to be more sensitive to cold, flu, etc. bugs, but not so much the weather. Fast forward to this winter now free of the bacteria problem, thanks to an excellent naturopath, but things have dramatically changed.<br />
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I've become less sensitive to cold, flu, etc. bugs, except to be mildly sick for a day or so and then am back to normal, but I've become more sensitive to cold temperatures, which is what I learned this week when the cold snap hovered over the region with temperatures in the 20's.<br />
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I learned my body, or really my metabolism, is good keeping my warm while walking down to the low 30's, but I feel slightly cold into the upper 20's and especially with a 5-10 degree wind chill, common during our cold snaps with artic winds from the north.<br />
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I learned my body quits keeping me warm below the upper 20's, and all the winter clothing doesn't help. This happened this morning with temperatures in the mid-20's (24-26 degrees) and shortly into my walk it was evident my body couldn't keep up with the cold, even with no wind to speak of.<br />
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The question is if this is from age, now 67, the weight loss, now under 140 lbs, or a combination of those and other factors where my body just can't generate the heat to stay warm even while walking. This is new to me, something I now have to get used to during winters.<br />
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I'm ok when it's in the 30's whether it's raining or snowing, and only when it gets below 30 degrees will I know my body won't stay warm, but not enough to feel cold, just not warm. Below that though, it's going to be a day to day decision for walks.<br />
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I have enough good winter clothes to the upper 20's (wool, fleece, down, GoreTex, etc.), but I learned that's the limit my clothes will keep me warm and below that the body just can't keep up with the temperature, unless I went for a full winter set of clothes common for the upper elevations or the mid-west.<br />
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Anyway, that's the story today. No walk, or a short one with a quick u-turn into it. Lesson learned about being older and lighter and weather. The good news is these periods are brief, mostly 1-3 days before it warms back into the 30's when I can walk.<br />
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<br />WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-65136666528634919462016-11-28T15:58:00.001-08:002016-11-28T15:58:09.015-08:00Normal IIIIt's been two weeks since the last update with some progress in the midst of a few setbacks. Seems finding normal will take time and it may not be consistent anymore, or that's the events so far. What I've learned is food isn't so much my enemy anymore but my risk.<br />
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Since I've been take a special probiotics, practitioner (clinical) standard for rebuilding digestive bacteria, and an pancreatic enzyme (also practitioner standard), the system processes foods easier and quicker most of the time.<br />
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I say most, which is why food is now a risk than the enemy. My basic diet keeps things working, more or less, meaning weight gain or loss is ~ 1/2 per day. The weight has dropped to the 141 lb range, which means I only gained 1 lb from the hiatus and resuming walking.<br />
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I've tried some food experiments, but sadly most of them were not favorable to add them to the diet. I have added sweet potato and yam but not white potatoes. Not sure why but the system doesn't like them and especially not one of my favorite foods, potato chips.<br />
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The walking has been intermittent. More than October but far less than I wanted. It seems after two days of walks I always come down with cold/flu symptoms which stops the walks for 1-3 days depending on the severity and the body's reaction.<br />
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The walks are getting easier with most days not experiencing the problems I had with the bacteria overgrowths. The distance is, and will be through the winter, 6 miles, just to stay on the safe side of not pushing the body and muscles too much for awhile.<br />
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The winter walks are better for the weight and fat as the body has to burn more calories getting and keeping the body warm. I dress just warm enough to avoid being cold or getting too warm. This means dressing where I feel cold for the first 1/2 mile when the body gets warm.<br />
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The hope there is to get more consistency to the walk schedule, but right know that's just hope than reality, but sticking with diet, not adding too many food experiments, helps, but gets boring eating the same fairly restrictive diet.<br />
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At least I have wheat now. I still have to limit it for small quantities at a time and for a day, but the system isn't bothered by it, when it's gluten or gluten-free. I still avoid most wheat products and restrict it to regular or sour dough baguette bread, croissants, cornbread and Ritz crackers. Any other wheat products put them in the food risk catagory.<br />
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Anyway, that's life so far. It's better than a month ago and a quantum leap better than 2-3 months ago with almost no signs of any bacteria problems, only small, occasional problems but no sure if it's normal or overgrowth bacteria.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-55893535895765801532016-11-14T12:03:00.000-08:002016-11-14T12:03:49.303-08:00Normal IIIt's been a week since the initial post-antibiotic update, so here's some more thoughts on events of the last week. First, the antibiotics didn't kill and flush all of the bacteria overgrowths but enough the body is working on the rest, even a week later. This will last awhile.<br />
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Second, the probiotics are also working more to replace the bacteria overgrowth and restore the digestive system bacteria, but it's clearly a different dynamic balance than I've had before so the digestive system is adjusting to it with a range of reactions.<br />
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Third, I've added more foods than I have eaten in years without any severe adverse reaction, which in part was due to the bad or other bacteria in the system than the current bacteria. This includes wheat where I've added baguette bread, cornbread, croissants, and my favorite Ritz crackers (sorry, we all need our junk food).<br />
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The new foods still take time for the system to get used to them, which to date is just a few different vegetables, eg. broccoli, cauliflower, etc. I have a whole list of foods I want to eventually try from all the food groups, but I'm parsing the food experiments out slowly, one or two per week.<br />
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Fourth, I've resumed my morning 6-mile walks. I moved the time I walk out the door from 5 am to 6 am to give me more time in the morning and have daylight on the walk home (3 miles to town and back with a break at a Starbucks) until latter this winter when sunrise is later than my walks. This also allows me to run errands at shops that open early.<br />
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Lastly, the weight. During the problems with the bacteria I gained 3-5 lbs depending on the day and the severity of the bacteria's effects on the body. During my 3-week hiatus from walking I also gained 1-2 lbs, which is normal as I've pushed the body lower than it wants so it adds it back quickly.<br />
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Since the end of the antibiotics, it took awhile, but I managed to lose all but 1+ lb of the weight, from the loss of the accumulation of the bacteria masses and side effects, and from the walking getting toward losing weight again.<br />
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For now I'm about 1-1 1/2 lbs above the weight I was two months ago when the worse problems started. This will take about a month to work off with walking and watching my diet. I don't eat on a regular schedule or eat full meals, but just snack my way through the day eating about every 2-3 hours or so.<br />
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I've calculated my basal metabolic rate with and without walking and calculated the approximate calories with the diet I normally eat, nothing exact or specific, but enough to be in the ballpark to know where I'm at everyday. It doesn't mean I skimp on foods, I just make sure I don't do overeat too often or too many days.<br />
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For now I can look to work toward my goal I've had for over a year, to get to 140 lbs. I've come close a few times for a few days but never longer due to the bacteria problems. I also know my body likes to be about 150 lbs, so I'm pushing it below my genetic predispostion.<br />
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I'm pushing it not to lose the weight but lose the fat. The genetic predisposition includes a fair amount of fat I've never lost, even when I was my healtiest and fittest, I still weighed 150-155 with 10-15 lbs of fat. It's just my body type.<br />
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The reasoning when I started walking and still is that at 67 I'm at the point it's my last, best chance to lower the weight and risks from the fat through an activity, walking, I can do consistently throughout the year to stay fit. I'll likely get back to some weight training.<br />
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Anyway, that's life so far.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-86331711192710261502016-11-10T10:02:00.001-08:002016-11-10T10:02:53.790-08:00Down Vest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN89nBD7WgIMch28LD_99mGWIQfEKHKoltZWDHsyxORNmQLyqLhwDIOZ0FoLS-X9tBaFfhBbuuCoGZhugRRpzKFQL-YFIL-gijmR9UAJhll2o0ZYUjOnk7km_5n-N0xULQ8pgcXXbiJk/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN89nBD7WgIMch28LD_99mGWIQfEKHKoltZWDHsyxORNmQLyqLhwDIOZ0FoLS-X9tBaFfhBbuuCoGZhugRRpzKFQL-YFIL-gijmR9UAJhll2o0ZYUjOnk7km_5n-N0xULQ8pgcXXbiJk/s200/IMG_0357.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DEBGTPoOrOSKt9ISKCMjw1zlUgeaQ5S02hRI4a3G8uw5VWiTAhWFlGluWtOmLTG0a95ruZmHLwIOqjdmldY6jRI0mXI6oQjipBhU2AtMltyByX2KS1T4AO5r8NjhkmEFIIpwdMT6QnM/s1600/IMG_0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DEBGTPoOrOSKt9ISKCMjw1zlUgeaQ5S02hRI4a3G8uw5VWiTAhWFlGluWtOmLTG0a95ruZmHLwIOqjdmldY6jRI0mXI6oQjipBhU2AtMltyByX2KS1T4AO5r8NjhkmEFIIpwdMT6QnM/s200/IMG_0356.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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After I started working for the USGS in Eugene, Oregon I was assigned the upper Willamette River basin field trip for a year (1978-79) and then moved to the McKenzie River basin field trip the following year.<br />
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During the winter working in the upper McKenzie River, which overall was my favorite field trip of the three for field technicians (the Oregon coast trip being the third), each taking 7-8 working days with almost all being overnight for the week staying in small towns.<br />
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I loved the McKenzie River field trip because for most of the year you worked alone often seeing no one else outside of those you saw at breakfast or dinner if you went to a restaurant. The McKenzie River trip had only two restaurants for dinner.<br />
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I like the trip because I (other technicians and/or I) stayed at one motel which kept a room open for us which had an common open area with a small kitchen. We were often the only guests in the winter so the room was next to the common room.<br />
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One day driving back to the motel I saw a bundle in the middle of the highway, and since I was the only truck for hours on that stretch of the road it wasn't hard just to stop and see what it was. It turned out to be this North Face down vest.<br />
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The only other folks working up there were the US Forest Service and the local utility company for the reservoirs and power station feeding the Eugene-Springfield area. It's a size medium and fit me, so I kept and used it all these years.<br />
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The patch is over a tear I got one day from a branch. I lost the down out of that section but someone at the office brought me a ziplock bag of down and I bought a iron-on patch kit to repair it. It's interesting to see how little down they put in new coats, like the jacker for my North Face GoreTex rain coat.<br />
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This coat has so much down it fluffs up 2-3 times larger than the new coats so only gets worn on the coldest, non-rainy days here, but still after over 35+ years it's still keeping bodies warm.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-71040105346247797802016-11-07T13:21:00.000-08:002016-11-07T13:21:11.237-08:00NormalIt's hard to tell what is normal anymore after this bout of bacteria problems. At least for now the antibiotics did their job taking the full 10-days regime to fight and flush it from the system and the probiotics to overwhelm the system with large amounts of very specific good bacteria.<br />
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That said, today was the first day in over 5 months I had one of those "Whew" and empty feeling moments with the body realizing the fight is over and it's time to recover to whatever the new normal will be after the two years of it and the recent 5 months severe problems.<br />
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What I learned from this experience is several things.<br />
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First, medical doctor can and do fail. All the tests the naturopath did was available to doctors, especially the two gastroenterologists who focused on physical causes than even more than a casual thought to the bacteria, which was the cause all along, the physical side being symptoms.<br />
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Second, believe what your body is telling you. You're the only one listening. Doctors only believe in tests results, and can't do anything that isn't a known conditions (diagnosis) with a known treatment. They won't just try to learn more, but give up, which they did for me.<br />
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Third, try specialized naturopaths. The naturopath, who specializing in digestive problems, ran the right tests to find the cause and two other problems beyond the bacteria overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria. First my pancreas doesn't work so I'm on pancreatic enzymes for life. Second, I'm pre diabetic which could worsen into type two diabetes if I don't monitor it.<br />
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Note. One test they didn't take was a full culture stool sample, tests gastroenterologist do routinely but only look for known infections than culture all bacteria. Had they done that they would have found the opportunistic bacteria overgrowths.<br />
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Also, my physician didn't do a hemoglobin test, easy done with normal blood tests. That found the pre diabetic condition. I also have very low ferritin level with normal iron levels, but can't take iron supplements for genetic predisposition for hemochromatosis, so I can't increase iron to increase ferritin or risk hemochromotosis.<br />
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Fourth, try clinical standard herbal supplements, available through naturopathic clinics. You might need an initial appointment to get assurance they're the right supplements for you, but it's worth the money and tests they want.<br />
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The probiotics I'm taking isn't available through stores, just clinics because it's medical standard, not consumer standard, probiotics with specific genetic strains of bacteria types than just a bundle of the family of each type.<br />
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The strains are specific genetically derived and bundled into supplements for very specific treatments. They're worth the extra money to know you're getting better quality and guaranteed quantity probiotics for your specific needs than just over-the-counter supplements which may or may not work.<br />
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Anyway, I'll see what happens now and at least this problem is under control again so I can get better and resume walking, eating normally again, and feeling good. What's not to like about that?WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-34692927352698459522016-11-04T06:34:00.003-07:002016-11-04T06:34:39.374-07:00Maybe NormalWell, I'm in the nineth day of the 10-day routine of antibiotics (tetracycline and metronidazole) and things finally changed significantly yesterday into this morning with the what we now know are some type of partial obstructions, seemingly bacterial in nature with food and other stuff.<br />
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I have an appointment next week as a followup for the results of the antibiotics with one 10-day regime refill available if this round isn't fully successful or the problem returns, which it has over the last 2 years of similar problems.<br />
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It's now (me anyway) thought this latest episodes started recently based on the body's reaction and the often not discussed in public bowel movements, indicated in was an obstruction, confirmed after the flu shot disloged 4 large masses (reported here before).<br />
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And the weight is beginning to return to normal, still 2 lbs more than normal (before episode), but far better than the 3+ to 5 lbs over normal with the problem (assumed accumulation of food from the obstructions).<br />
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In short I'll take it. I still haven't resumed walking as any walking over 143 lbs (normal 140-141 lbs) caused physical problems with the legs (feeling heavy and tired) and body (fatigue) during and after the walks beside the mental fatigue.<br />
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What I've learned is that naps are a good way for your body to heal. Often during this episode I've been taking 1 to 1 1/2 hour naps once, sometimes twice, a day, meaning the body is tired from any activity but also from the war going on inside, and naps gives the body the respite.<br />
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What I've also learned is the help probiotics gives at times, especially when antibiotics destroy the digestive system biota. And I can't say enough about clinical standard brand (not OTC brands) probiotics and health supplements to help even more.<br />
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Anyway, that's the story to date. Things are looking better than over a month ago when it started and nine days ago when I started the antibiotic routine. I'm down to the weight before before the antibiotics but not the weight before the episode, but it's real, measureable, and felt progress.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-50612468017553991812016-10-26T14:05:00.003-07:002016-10-26T14:05:59.603-07:00AppointmentI finally had the appointment with the naturopath today for the progress in the bacteria overgrowths, including the photos of the (bacteria) masses which came out a few weeks ago after the flu shot triggered the immune system to fight and expel them, except only some, not all of them.<br />
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As a result, I'm on the standard 10-day course of two common antibiotics, tetracycline and metonidazole, which are more targeted antibiotics than universal ones. Sadly the two have totally different criteria for taking them, the former no food for 1-2 hours before or after, the latter with food.<br />
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Go figure how to fit into a diet I eat small meals and snacks every 2-3 hours instead of large reguarly scheduled meals, but I will reschedule the eating habit. Near the end of the period I'll be on an ultra high dose of a family of clinician-standard probiotics (not OTC's) to rebuild the digestive biota.<br />
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We don't know if this will work since we don't know what the masses are (have presevative lab jar to take one for lab analysis if/when one comes out again) but at least we'll focus on the known bacteria overgrowthn and know if the masses are bacterial or not.<br />
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It took some discussion to convince the naturopath of this course, she wanted to wait for the analysis which I said only happens when the immune system is triggered to fight and expel them, such as the flu shot did then for those masses, but not for colds, flu, etc.<br />
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She agreed the course of antibiotics will help for the overgrowths, and if it helps against the masses, then we'll know, and if not, we'll know that too. Either way we win, and then can decide, if it's not bacterial, what course to follow, since all the tests for known parasiste, worms, etc. (non-bacterial) have come back negative.<br />
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Anyway, that's where I'm at today and for the next 10 days.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-19549406598704001162016-10-15T18:04:00.002-07:002016-10-15T18:04:48.718-07:00But FirstBut first some good news for a change. I can eat wheat again. I've tried samples of wheat, a croissant here and a roll there, always with adverse reactions, but last weekI tried a sour dough Ficelle and nothing happened, nothing.<br />
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So I've been buying locally made bread, local meaning Seattle bakeries (Macrina, Essential Baking, and Grand Central bakery) delivered a few times a week to the Tacoma Metropolitan Market in Proctor neighborhood, and the it's working. No adverse reactions or effects yet after 3 different brands and breads.<br />
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Yippee! Wheat again, but in controlled small amounts so far. Not to get carried away just yet, not until I solve the bacteria problem, then who knows what I can eat again because the reactions will be based on the normal bacteria and not the overgrowths.<br />
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It's why some days I have hope.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-69672047395039250322016-10-15T17:43:00.000-07:002016-10-15T17:43:36.225-07:00AnemiaLooking at the latest blood test results, several things pop out which, along with the bacteria problem, might explain why I feel tired almost all the time, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, or it feels like as I can take hour-plus naps almost anytime during the day.<br />
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First, the hemoglobin A1c test results show I'm pre-diatbetic (6.1%). My Dad had late onset type 2 diabetes they never caught until it was obvious, and with me there's been clues, like always higher than normal glucose level (never had the A1c test until now).<br />
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The problem is I don't fit the criteria for type 2 diabetes. I'm probably slightly underweight (140-145 lbs), generally fit (walk 100-150 miles a month), low end of BMI for my age and weight, and don't overeat or eat wrong or junk foods, except occasional potato chips.<br />
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The second is they discovered my ferritin levels just at the low end of normal, but my iron is in the middle of the normal range. I don't take iron supplements and avoid foods with iron additives because my Dad had Hemochromotosis.<br />
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I haven't had the genetic test yet (to be scheduled) for the predisposition but they say I have a 50% chance of having it but I've always tested negative for the disease. It's also why I stopped drinking alcohol except a beer a few times a year, besides I fall asleep when I drink it.<br />
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The stool test also discovered my pancreas doesn't produce enough pancreatic enzyme (at the low end of normal), so I'm on a pancreatic enzyme supplement, which is working, probably for the rest of my life.<br />
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The symptoms from the above conditions, which I've explained to a variety of doctors, was feeling tired, sometimes during my walks and always after my walks, was always dismissed as not eating enough or getting enough sleep, blah, blah, blah. You now the tune and tone.<br />
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So this is where I'm at now. The bacteria problem has a solution so far doctors have refused to prescribe, even as it worsened, but hopefully now with the photos, they'll act this time in the face of the obvious.<br />
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As for the rest of the problems, which add up to some sort of anemia, but I'm not sure what they can do. My glucose and hemoglobin aren't treatable with drugs, and I wouldn't take them anyway, but I'm not sure what I can change since I don't fit the profile.<br />
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Anyway, just venting frustration about medical professionals who need things to be obvious and then identifiable to be treatable, which my case doesn't fit, but it doesn't change the reality of things slowly getting worse, or at least feels like it some days.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-5882876124577257372016-10-13T15:05:00.001-07:002016-10-13T15:05:38.750-07:00Interesting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLQbRv1WkqT30c6o4eMhLT4K07qQeE27ylN2wKhYG-E1SY5qtNza-aZ4WL23icjp7a0aNPcSjP81xFuUZiWNQtRsI4ahCWvoiWPFx_xP3Y_LahIVifRE1BS1fhEeIBP5ScRb5XcLcTxk/s1600/img_9051-ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLQbRv1WkqT30c6o4eMhLT4K07qQeE27ylN2wKhYG-E1SY5qtNza-aZ4WL23icjp7a0aNPcSjP81xFuUZiWNQtRsI4ahCWvoiWPFx_xP3Y_LahIVifRE1BS1fhEeIBP5ScRb5XcLcTxk/s400/img_9051-ipad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anyone who reads this blog knows I've been struggling with a bacteria problem in my digestive system since November 2014 which went through bouts of getting better or worse, including the last two month is that order, better then worse.<br />
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The gist of this problem came to a head this week, which explains what's happening. Last week I got a flu shot, being over 65 it was the Fluzone quad shot which, as they've reported, I got sick for 3 days, including a very sore left shoulder.<br />
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At the end of the 3 days, during which time the shot triggered the immune system and attacked the bacteria in the digestive system, which then expelled 3 beetle-like bacteria masses plus a near golf ball-size ball of bacteria mass over the course of two days.<br />
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That's a tongue depresser and the mass is 1 1/4" long by 1/2" wide and 1/2" high. Really, three of them over 24 hours plus the ball mass. This is what is causing the inflamation with the bloating, gas and severe constipation. And there's more in there still.<br />
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I have an appointment in two weeks, the earliest I can see the naturopath and 2 month, the earliest I can see my Primary Care Physician (PCP). Yeah, sucks the medical system is not geared for immediate help besides urgent care clinic or emergency rooms, both not cheap even with insurance.<br />
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But alas I have the proof what's been wrong all along. And here's the flip side of these things. Your guess is a good as the professionals what it is because a very large mass of bacteria.<br />
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<br />WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-73719066786946964462016-09-30T07:37:00.000-07:002016-10-01T05:28:50.910-07:00Walking DaysThere are days the legs and body doesn't want to walk, and they let me know in no uncertain way, but for every reason I would have not to walk are the very reasons I walk, to let the body and legs know, despite the pain, stiffness, soreness, tiredness, it still has to work, and to let the mind know it can't cave to simple things of muscles not wanting to walk.<br />
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It's not mind over body, but mind simply saying it's what we (body and mind) do, and if even it's the worst walk in many days, and the legs give out and the body runs out of energy long before home, it doesn't matter, we're in this together to get home, no matter the price then and later.<br />
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There's always a well-earned snack and nap waiting on those days.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355535087078461005.post-54569205745160232442016-09-29T08:51:00.000-07:002016-09-29T08:51:55.882-07:00ProbioticsHere's something I've thought and talked to my naturopath and primary care physician (PCP) about, the former had discussed it if we went that route with the digestive bacteria problem and my PCP was curious to remember. Which is?<br />
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If you're going to take any universal antibiotic, consider taking probiotics during or near the end of the usual 10-days of the drug use, even though most of it will be destroyed, and take probiotics immediately after for days if not weeks to re-establish the bacteria balance in your digestive tract.<br />
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I've thought about this since August 2014 when I took Amoxicillin for an ear infection, and while my normal bacteria always re-established itself within a week or so with past times of Amoxicillin, this time it didn't and the opportunistic bacteria used the window to proliferate.<br />
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My body wasn't able to respond to that bacteria for about a month (October 2014) but then did for about six weeks before it stopped fighting it and the opportunistic bacteria took over my digestive system, which since July I've been working with a naturopath to reclaim.<br />
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We haven't succeeded yet as the opportunistic bacteria keeps returning along with the prospect of new types of bacteria in the last few weeks. We're holding out the "nuke" option of a universal bacteria, namely Amoxicillin, since it's been my mainstay antibiotic for decades.<br />
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If we do use, exhausting all other herbal remedies, then I'll take Allicin and Berberine with it to fight the bacteria it's helped to control in recent weeks, and I'll take probiotics to flood the system with good bacteria and prevent the opportunistic bacteria from gaining footholds in the digestive tract.<br />
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For now that's the last option, but it's there and this time I'll be better prepared to help the body prevent the opportunistic bacteria from proliferating again. Something to keep in mind because it's doubtful physicians and/or specialists think about this option when prescribing antibiotics.WSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.com0