Here we go...a chronicle of the first two weeks of hCG treatments, but first the prologue.

I went into this "protocol" program with the hope that I would reset my hypothalamus. What does that mean??? Well, to better understand the function of this small, but vital, section of your brain, check out Wikipedia. Basically, my hormones sent me on a roller coaster ride each month and since the age of twelve it has gotten progressively worse. This led to behavior I consider less than admirable and cravings that were totally out of control. Mood swings, irritability, a tendency to become depressed and the dreaded weight gain and loss and gain and gain and gain...

After delivering my third child in January of 2004, I felt like I was spiraling downward. I became pretty depressed and I thought it was primarily due to my unhealthy work environment. While that definitely contributed to the problem, there were several other contributory factors. The cycle of feeling "blah" and self-medicating with either food or laying in bed all day continued until late 2008 when I finally believed that this was NOT God's plan for my life. I had talked myself into believing that this was what I was worth - what a lie! I decided to face my fears and truly seek the Lord about what was going on inside my body physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. They are all connected and all were out of alignment. I needed a serious adjustment!

I had heard about hCG injections for weight loss and that intrigued me. When I learned that hCG therapy had been studied for ovarian treatment and other hormone related issues, my interest intensified. Since my left ovary has been fighting against me for over twenty years (and recently gaining in strength in its opposition!) I was willing to consider almost anything as an alternative to a hysterectomy. I found as much information as I could gather via the internet, talked with several obstetrician friends and other friends in the medical field, and prayed, a lot. One day, I felt compelled to go online and see if any clinics in the Puget Sound area were offering these treatments. Much to my surprise and delight, the natural health office that I had been going to for a couple of years was now prescribing hCG! This led to my Christmas request, receipt of gift and launch of the real me.

After Christmas, I called and secured the first available appointment to meet with the Naturopath at Natural Health Technologies. On Tuesday, December 30 I showed up early to my appointment. After filling out all the paperwork, I met with the counselor. He walked me through the program, suing a Powerpoint presentation, and answered my many questions. I next met with the Naturopath. Dr. Corpuz is a Naturopathic Physician with specialized training in hCG treatment. He was very comprehensive and asked me a lot of questions about my goals for my body. He and I agreed that it was good that my goal was total health, not just a focus on weight loss. I was clear that I wanted to keep my ovaries, stay off of synthetic drugs and feel fantastic, and I was willing to work for it!

Here's how it went those first two weeks:

Dec. 30: Opted for the Power Shot (which includes an energy boosting B-12 shot) and forced myself to gorge on high fat foods, as prescribed. Had a great dinner that night!
Dec. 31: Tried to eat creamy foods and higher quantities but didn't really want to...until I realized I could end my year consuming ice cream at The Muckleshoot after my husband's band performed!
Jan. 1: I decided that gorging is a dirty trick to make you HATE food! I felt terrible and gross - Happy New Year!
Jan. 2: Day two of the Very Low Calorie Diet - no problem and feeling great!
Jan. 3: Feeling really good and noticing that my jeans aren't tight anymore. Can this be true already? Great morning walk my bestie.
Jan. 4: Lots of energy, definitely losing weight and inches. Nice walk with my mom and Caius (5 year-old son)
Jan. 5: Continued high energy and still not missing sugar or bread - weird!
Jan. 6: Second shot and oh-my-goodness I lost EIGHT pounds already! I am so encouraged!
Jan. 7: Still feel great, enjoying my short walks but wishing I could really work-out...must wait...
Jan. 8: Feeling good, still losing weight and inches at about a pound a day. My jeans are now too big! Do NOT go shopping yet.
Jan. 9: Feel great; pinch myself because it just keeps getting better. My family is noticing my attitude change and talking about it. This is when it's nice to be talked about!
Jan. 10: Still all good!
Jan. 11: People are asking me about what's going on with me at church...I start sharing...promise a blog at some point...
Jan. 12: Monday mornings never felt this good before! Okay...we're at the end of the second week so I'll stop here for tonight.

This a lot to read so if you got to the end, please post a comment. I promise there is a valuable prize coming your way if you post something!

Going to tuck myself in now all cozy next to my fabulous husband. Nighty-night!

Slightly Broken

I promised a chronicle of my first two weeks using hCG and I planned to post it tonight. However, I broke my toe this evening and have been laid up (with no laptop!) since. So, off to elevate and ice I go. Look for the story tomorrow night!

Love and peace,
Aleida

First Post - Finally!!!

I've been talking about posting a blog for quite some time now...always acutely aware that I have no "spare" time to be blogging. However, I have come to the realization that I need to be writing, charting, documenting, sharing, blogging my journey. Mostly, to hold myself accountable. Read on...

This Christmas I asked for one thing from my husband. Well, two-in-one. I asked him to support my desire to try hCG treatments to attempt to reset my hypothalamus. One, I asked him to support me emotionally with more encouragement than what might come naturally. And two, I asked for his financial support. He gave me both in the best card he's ever given. I was excited, amazed, somewhat stunned and truly encouraged.

I called Natural Health Technologies (where I was already a patient) and scheduled my appointment for the first available date: Tuesday, December 30. Since then, I have lost 28 pounds, gained back 5, lost 1 and have now re-entered Phase II. I feel better than I have since I was about twelve and most of my cravings for sugar are gone. I am even Motrin-free and fairly friendly for the second menstruation in a row! That is nearly miraculous. My skin is clear, my energy is way up and my irritability is way down. This will all make sense to you once you've read the chronicle of my journey.

Interested in learning more? Check back tomorrow night and I will take you through the first two weeks.

Oh, and are you wondering why I call this "Lessons From the Sandbox"? This title was given to me many years ago from my Aunt Cynthia when she encouraged me to write a book about all the problem solving skills we learn and funny sayings we hear by observing children at play, especially in the sandbox. I've been working on the book for more than ten years now. I've kept the title and the dream. Maybe one day there will actually be a book. Until then, there's a blog.