8ntfat

I will not pretend, I do not struggle just as much as the next, but I will be honest and say that where I struggle, is in the choices I make and I have come to realize over this journey that it isn't that "Life Happens" it is about not being prepared for life to happen.

I find that I can be lured away from exercise and eating right with the validation that it is ok cause I can just start again tomorrow. Or those who mean well telling me that it is ok because "I don't look like I weight 200 lbs" Niceties are not my friend but the truth is. I have found that when I am disciplined and organized I do better, hmmmm. That is what I have been trying to teach my at-risk students for over 5 years, and it seems as I am hearing if for the first time.

About me? I am the average female with too much to do but 3 years ago I decided I would take control on not just my weight, but my health. HAHA, No one else was willing to do it for me, darn. Anyway in 2 years I lost close to 100 lbs with diet, exercise, and learning that I am worthy!

After fighting doctors for over 10 years, I found one last year that would give me the hysterectomy that I felt I needed. She was not on board at first, but when I asked what was so extreme in a 42 year old woman having one, she had nothing to argue. Came to find out after the surgery the condition I had,(some big long word) could not be diagnosed without surgery. SO GLAD I CHOSE TO FIGHT

Thought I was on the road to recovery except beings I had had so many stomach surgeries 3 c-sections and others due to trying to find my pain. the doctor opened me hip-to-hip expecting a mess of lesions. After three days in the hospital, I got to go home with a gaping wound to recover.

As I fought that and insurance covering any type of care, my next planned surgical date on my road to living healthy to fix my deviated septum was coming quick! I have struggled through ear, nose and throat infections my whole life because I feared the pain it would take to give a open nasal passage. I was born without one on the left side of my nose. It went well and I healed well from it. I had an amazing doctor who cared to give me a beautiful nose in the process. :)

Well back to the hole in the belly, after fighting insurance from May to Oct, my surgeon called to tell me I was approved for a scar revision. YEAH! Hysterectomy, Nose Job, and a Tummy Tuck all in one summer!! Wow! was I thrown for a loop.

I spent until about 30 days ago pouting about what I was a year ago. Healthy on the way to a sexy body and now still in pain(the doc says I have fibromyalgia due a lifetime of surgery) and a run down tired Nana :(

About 30 days ago, I weaned off all pharmaceutical medications to take my health back in my control. Wow! Now I know how my students feel when they or their parents are not regimented enough to be consistent with medications.

Any way I guess I am just here to encourage you to FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE! No one will do it for you. Don't take the attitude of "That's Life" but be diligent to create your life. I have found that if I allow everyone else to come first because their crisis is much bigger than mine, I tend to have no balance in my own life and then I am no good to anyone.

HAVE COURAGE ~ WE ARE WORTHY ~ AND THAT IS MY REALITY!

~Sheila Rae