Vitamins

I've had a hunch for a while now that my body doesn't quite work right. With the RA, it can cause inflammation pretty much anywhere in my body. And often there are digestive issues. So I'll get right down to it: I have to take a butt load of vitamins in order to not feel like a train hit me. I think that the RA has somehow affected my ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, so I need lots to make up for it. I jsut saw my new GP yesterday, and as per her routine new patient exam, she ordered the most bloodwork I've had done at one time. Thankfully, the bloodwork came back normal... except my vitamin D. No surprise there. I hide from the sun, and with the cold, my time in it now is all of 30 seconds a day. So that was a relief that the "fasting" blood sugar and cholesterol came back normal. I had never had those checked before and have family history problems. So anyways, the doc also wants me to start taking fish oil 0.o YUCK. But she gave me some advice on how to keep it from stinking- store it in the fridge! I had never thought of that! Let's just hope it doesn't give me reflux or cause me to burp it up.. Gross. That's the experience I had with it previously, so I've avoided it since. We shall see.

SO! In all this, I recommend the adult gummy vitamins found at Target. Vitafusion is the brand. Then I LOVE GNC's Hair, Skin, and Nails formula. It has many vitamins in it that the multi has, so I only take 1 a day of those to prevent any overdose. The vitamins that the HSN one has are plant based, so they are easier for your body to expel any extra. It also has made a HUGE difference in my hair regrowth rate. I've noticed my lashes grow back in a lot sooner. It's also easy to swallow.

Another tip: vitamin supplements absorb more easily when taken with food. So, when you can, take your vitamins with a meal. :)

Realization

This is how it feels

Lance and I have been dating for a little over 4 years now. And it was right about this time 4 years ago that we knew we were going to get married. So 4 years ago I began planning our wedding. Only we didn't know we'd have to push back the date at least 3 times. So, to say the least, it literally felt like time stopped and we were not moving forward. The constant idea of a wedding and getting married was constantly out of reach. Well, I just had the realization that it is only a little over a month away. I can count the days, and I realize there is very little time left to do anything. It really also makes the need to keep my trich under control. If I slip up now or anytime between now and the wedding, I don't know how I will forgive myself. It's incredibly difficult for me. I've essentially been without eyelashes for over 10 years, and when they start growing in they usually only last 3 weeks. Well, we're at that 3 week point and the lashes feel extremely strange. I find my hands constantly wander to my eyes to feel the lashes. So far I've been able to keep myself under control due to not having a job or school or comparable stress. Also staying away from caffeinated drinks (soda and coffee) is a HUGE help. I CANNOT drink one ever again if I'm to keep all my hard work. There's something about the high sugary caffeine drinks that just really cause my brain to freak out and get overstimulated. That then causes anxiety and triggers the trich impulses. So yeah. I'm writing this so my hands will stay busy. The realization of how close I am is scary and, yes, anxiety-provoking. I just have to keep reminding myself to breathe and stay calm. But the lashes do feel incredibly strange right now.