I do end up trying to catch up for the sake of transparency so radio silence can often lead to me sharing the many updates later.
I’m not sure where I was with things last time but I think it was gallbladder surgery recovery and some follow-ups so I’ll try to start there and hopefully not repeat too much. I could read my last post… but I’m pretty certain I can pick it up.
The stomach flu prior to surgery landed me with elevated blood levels. I may or may not have gone into it specifically being hemoglobin and bilirubin. Didn’t occur to me than that it could be *because* of the stomach flu but that’s likely. Did more follow up blood tests when I finally got in to see a gastroenterologist, even did some off the wall genetic marker tests, mostly looking at my liver possibilities. Did not get anything concerning back EXCEPT my kidneys are functioning at 77 and 90 is normal. However, unless there’s protein in my urine, only below 60 is a major concern. I have never had protein show up before so it could very well be temporary.
Weight loss came to a grinding halt but since GLP-1 drugs got approved for obesity (bmi over 30 or bmi over 27 and a health related problem like high blood pressure; I’m all of the above), it’s possible for me to get Zepbound covered and he asked on my last visit if I would be okay with trying it. I said absolutely; I plateaued on weight loss a couple months ago and kept up with diet and exercise. Hormones are completely blocking progress. I see him in September to discuss that again.
Monday I have the fibro scan to rule out any other possible liver issues. Keeping in mind my AST and ALT are only slightly elevated on the last blood test, it’s still possible these are residual from the gallbladder issues and still cycling out. Again, my surgeon remarked that my liver had no inflammation or signs of fibrosis or scarring from the outside. The fibroscan can look through the liver and see what everything else couldn’t so I’ll know if there’s any concern there. If so, early detection. And again, losing weight could reverse the problem. Which is why weight loss is imperative.
I did the research and Zepbound, taken properly, still takes a year and a half for someone my size to return to a normal BMI. Though because this has been an issue despite all efforts to change I might have to remain on it at maintenance doses lifelong. Celebrities don’t need it and abuse it which is why you see the freakish aging and bone visibility. You need to eat more protein to maintain muscle mass and rapid weight loss leads to the aged and loose skin. I will be taking it to lose 1-2 lbs a week *safely* as has been my goal all alone. I do not want to do this fast, I want to do it healthily. So I will NOT be taking shortcuts or overdoing it.
I am attempting to get a remote job, which may mean changing insurance but it’s a job with full benefits so… worth it. It’s the perfect job for me; flexible, computer oriented, task oriented, no micromanaging, so I’m really hoping I’ll get it. Leaving it at that because I’m both focusing on hearing back (and saying why I’m perfect for the job) and not getting my hopes up unless I do get it. So if I give more details it’s because I got it. Otherwise, I’m moving on without mentioning it again.
Our AC and furnace are done for so the summer heat has limited my motivation for crafting. I’ve been focusing my energy on maintaining a clean house and happy cats. I wish I had more exciting things to share but there is not much. I’m attempting to fix an old printer, staying organized for when the weather is good for crafts again and just focused on finding a career after this monumentally tough five years of health issues and finding productivity in pattern making sales, product reviewing and freelance design jobs here and there. I crave stability and routine to anchor me again. My dad is happily productive again and I’m more than a little jealous. I want to really contribute to improving this house and my own life too. I’ve done so much, raising my nephews and helping others, that having something for myself would do so much for my mental wellness right now.
And I apologize if I’m creatively stuck and putting off some favors for others right now but I promise this is temporary. I’m still finding strength and trying to set my feet on new paths (or forge new paths; not everything has to be novel to be an adventure though).
Regardless of when I update, hoping I have more good news and forward movement. I admit I’m impatient to get things moving again but also know that things worth having take time. Whether that’s losing weight, completing a big project or applying for that perfect job. Push ahead but give grace to things that move beyond our control.
Stay strong, people. Times are crazy but purpose can be found. Don’t ignore smaller steps believing only large steps make a difference. Just take steps knowing others could follow. Good can come from simply believing in your journey. Inspire anonymously and hope indefinitely.
I got plenty of gems in this brain of mine. Stick around and maybe we can learn from each other.
