Michelles Weight Loss Journey's Story

SELECT CARE BENEFIT NETWORK (SCBN)...im getting reduced medicine again! THANK YOU!

ok, i just got off the phone with SELECT CARE BENEFIT NETWORK..and got signed up too receive my plavix at a VERY reduced rate, even cheaper than our DELL INSURANCE plan, by 4.00! it requires a one time fee of 50.00 too start the program. my meds are 30.a month, so its taking from our debit account.80.00 too kick-start this plan. a welcome package will arrive in the mail with highlighted areas, for myself and my dr too fill out. this requires a trip too his office for him too sign off the paperwork, which i will then send back into SCBN for finalization. SCBN does NOT send prescriptions out, they simply advocate for the reduced OR free administration from the DR for the medicine. (now, that im thinking about it...what if my dr doesnt give meds out? maybe he can write a reduced prescription for walmart? i dunno, but wll see how this works out) the payment for this plan will be debited from our bank on the 13th of every month...im guessing they allocate that date of withdrawal too your sign up date with the program. so if you sign up on the 1st, your debit will always be on that date every moth. easy enough for me too remember, anyway. one of the neater things i thought was cool, was at anytime i need too add any meds they offer, all i have too do is call and they add it. maybe i get ALL my meds for that 30 dollars. so if i need metformin, actos, lisinopril, and whatever...i could acquire it all for 30.00. beats 34.00 and 5 for every other one we were getting thu DELLS insurance plan. i want too thank everyone who posted in my blog, all the resources and avenues by which too obtain free/reduced medicines. ive printed up all the pages, and additional sites info, so i can hand them over too my Bishop and he as well, can show ppl, and help them with this way of getting medicine. your actions, and desires for my betterment of health, has possibly saved another persons life... for this, i thank you for them, and i thank you for myself. MICHELLE note, this is an older post...things have changed since this entry

WE FOUND OUT WE CANT AFFORD MY MEDICINE MONTHY ANYMORE WITHOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE...this sucks!

ok, so ive known ever since weve lost insurance, due to craig being fired, my plavix (for my heart) may be higher than were used too. im absent minded with this stuff in my system, and when id remember, id tell craig too call walmart up and ask what 1 plavix pill costs WITHOUT prescription. he never did. today he went and spent the last bit of money weve had on dog food, and kitty litter, and an attempt too get me a months supply of my plavix. everything came home EXCEPT the meds... 105.00$ a month is what it will cost. 5.00 a pill! we were paying 30.00$ a month and complaining about that... ive been staggering the meds too try too stretch them out. and im not taking anything except the plavix, against ALL drs orders. my dr told me, if i missed them all id live EXCEPT for the plavix, i MUST NEVER FORGET TOO TAKE IT. and when i told him it makes my mind like mush, he told me i had too stay on it for at least a year longer, because hes heard of bad things happening too ppl who stop the medication. greaaat. i cant get off it and i cant forget too take it. but i already know, i can go 3 days without it, maybe even 4, i cant remember the longets i did without it. so, i know i can stagger the dosage. im going too have too come OFF it all together, take the risk, or craig will need too hurry up and get hired so we can afford this, if we do not have any health coverage at his new job. a freind asked if i had tried with medicade with the state. the problem with that is, i have too request my sons father pay child support. im currently trying too have the mans parental rights removed. so thats not an option at the moment. this so sucks, for me and my heart. but, even still...i believe God has this under control, and wont allow me too suffer any more than i can handle, whatever happens wont kill me, because He understands the situation, and Hell provide. MICHELLE note: this is an older post, things have changed since this entry

NO MORE INSURANCE...craig ost his job with Dell

i posted on my regular log, that craig had lost his job with dell... on this one i wanted too talk about how i feel, knowing, we do not have any insurance anymore. this kinda sucks. im on a medicine (PLAVIX) that isnt cheap, a dollar a pill WITH the insurance. we have NO IDEA what the cost is without it. assuming they pay 90% to your 10% (what you pay) each pill would be 10.00 a piece! we wont be able too afford that IF thats the cost. the worst part, im dealing with, i now coming too terms with all the struggling, and appointments, and riggors ive made too obtain gastric bypass...is now...non attainable (until craigs on another insurance that actally AGREES its worth the money invested.) thats the hardest blow ive had too deal with. i put on a good face, and smile, and act normal...truthfully, i have worrued VERY little over this NON-job issue because i believe (with faith) craig will find something that fits our means... but im saddened too know, my chance may be gone. civerage for this proceedure is on a job insurance basis. the job has too see the surgey as a VIABLE NESSESSITY too its employees and family in order too even cover it. DELL had an entire system set up too better the healthe of its employees and their families as well...' that INCLUDED the chance for gastric bypass....they felt if it meant the person (or family member) could gain better health, there by working better, it was allowed. now, thats been yanked from under me, and there is NO guarentee, craigs next job will even cover the proceedure. let alone the medicine im on too balance my health. im running low on my plavix as i write this.... wondering HOW im going too pay for this at full cost... if im right about the pricing of the meds, a 30 day presciption would be 300.00. i cant afford that. nut i also cant just allow my health too get too the point i die as a result of NOT being able too get this medicine. im not sure what were going too do. MICHELLE

LETTER FROM THE DR ABOUT CARTOID ULTRASOUND FOLLOWUP

it had been some time since i had been in the drs office for my cartoid ultrasound followup. in the past i had recieved a call within 24 hours of anything i had done before. in the back of my mind (WAYYYY BACK) i thought about this as an odditiy. i, however, refused too think anything BAD about the issue. figuring..no news was most likley GOOD NEWS. when, out of the blue a letter arrives at my mailbox, from, my dr. i slowly open it, fearful. filled with concern (unsure WHY, but i dread hearing from professionals) to read: "Date: (hand written) 3/23/09 Dear Mr/Mrs (hand written) Michelle Williamson I have reviewed your recent (hand written) carotid ultrasound/stress test/labs. Should there be any urgent issues too address, you will receive a phone call from our office, otherwise, I will discuss the full results with you on your next office visit scheduled on (hand written) 8-11-09. I recommend a follow up study in 3 months/6 months/12 months scheduled on (hand written) 0. Please feel free to call our office if you need to change the time or date of your follow p test or if you have an further questions. sincerely; (hand written) DRS SIGNATURE and then printed with his drs status underneath." so, i guess i passed. :) MICHELLE

CAROTID ULTRASOUND FOLLOW UP

it was hard for me too believe but i was back at the drs office again, for my follow up carotid artery ultrasound followup. checking too see if everything was flowing the way it should. i have no clue what all the colors represent on the screen. but there was a rainbow of them as the youg lady performed her duty, and made her notes for the dr. she was very good. i almost fell asleep with her running the ultrasound on both sides of my neck... craig took pics, not sure how well these came out, the room was REALLY dark this time. and he tried too get quality shots for me too blog about. MICHELLE

BOUGHT A TASTER OVEN...finally!

taxes had come in, and craig PROMISED me wed get that taoster oven when it did, last bit of cash we had was spent on this thing. even bought TALAPIA FISH, and SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST... so, i have the thing, have had it for some time, and all ive made in it thus far was heated bread...they certainly didnt come out like the toast im used too, but it works so im not complaining. soo, while im posting this up, im searching for EASY taster over recipes that wont cost me an arm and a leg too make...im still poor, after all... so heres one for BAKED CHICKEN ----------------------------------- Baked Chicken Baked Chicken is one healthy way to enjoy chicken without all the excess fat that comes from frying. Then if you realize you can enjoy baked chicken right from your toaster oven it makes preparing dinner a breeze. The ingredients you will need to prepare Toaster Oven Baked Chicken include: * skinless chicken without bones * Wheat germ (i never thought about using this as a coating) * Garlic salt * Chives * Non-stick cooking spray *Turn on your toaster oven to 350º Fahrenheit so it will be ready to bake after you have the chicken prepared. Run chicken under cold water to remove anything left by packaging. *Pat dry completely and put onto the toaster oven tray. Spray with the cooking spray and roll the pieces of chicken in the wheat germ until evenly coated. *Sprinkle next with garlic and chives evenly. *Give another squirt of Pam just to coat the chicken a tad. *Now toss into the toaster oven and bake until you can stick a fork into it and juices run clear. *Usually about 35-40 min. Toss a salad to have with it and enjoy. You now have a meal for four people. ================================================================================= MINI MEAT LOAVES (i think i can make this!) --------------------- Ingredients: · 4 1/2 lbs ground beef (id use ground turkey, its healthier) · 2 eggs, beaten (or egg beaters type of product) · 2 small onions cooked/finely chopped · 2 cups bread crumbs (or something that soaks up the juices and helps the egg hold everything together) · 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese · 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped · Salt & pepper to taste Directions: Mix ingredients together then spoon it equally into 6-cup muffin pans. Bake for 30 minutes and serve. ================================================================================= MINI PIZZA ----------------- Ingredients: · 2 English muffins · Pizza sauce · Shredded Romano cheese · Pepperoni (and other things you may enjoy on your pizza) Directions: Cut the muffins in half and place them cut-side up on a baking pan. Add the sauce, cheese and toppings. Bake at 450 degrees F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. ================================================================================= QUICK PIZZA ----------------------- For this quick and easy recipe for your toaster oven, you will need the following ingredients: * 1 package refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls, * 2 tablespoons tomato sauce * 2 tablespoons mushrooms, pieces * 1 oz. Mozzarella cheese, finely grated * 1 tsp. Parmesan cheese * 1/3 tsp. dried basil * 1/3 tsp. dried oregano Allow your toaster oven to heat to 350º Fahrenheit. Open the rolls and lay out onto your counter. Spread the tomato sauce over each one, but not all the way to the edges. Take the remaining ingredients and alternate them over all the biscuits. Next, take and fold over from shortest to longest side and seal, in order to keep the filling in place. Put them on the pan and slide into toaster oven. Bake about 10 minutes until golden brown. To make appetizers, when cool, cut into bite-size pieces. Yields: approx, 10 full size or more according to the bite size you create. ================================================================================== REUBEN HOTDOGS (thats making my mouth water reading it!!!!) Ingredients: · Hotdogs · Buns · Sauerkraut · 1,000 Island Dressing · Yellow Mustard · Swiss cheese, sliced Directions: Cook hotdogs according to instructions. Heat Sauerkraut. Place slices of Swiss cheese on the hotdog buns and toast them in the toaster oven until the cheese melts. Add hotdogs, sauerkraut, dressing and mustard to taste ================================================================================ STUFFED HOT DOGS (MMMMMMM!) -------------------------------- * 4 Ball Park Franks, Knockwurst, or your favorite link sausage * Mustard-Cheddar stuffing (recipe follows) * Reuben stuffing (recipe follows) * 4 hot dog buns * ***Mustard-Cheddar Stuffing*** * 2/3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese * 4 tsp. prepared mustard * 1/4 c. finely chopped onion * 1/4 c. sweet pickle relish * ***Reuben Stuffing*** * 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese * 6 tablespoons sauerkraut Split each hotdog by cutting it almost all the way through without cutting in half. Lay the frank upside down and broil around 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Take each hot dog and place in a bun; stuff the frank with your choice of either the Reuben or Mustard stuffing. Place back in toaster oven and broil just until cheese melts. ================================================================================= thats a good start, wont have too purchas too much too make these things, and i can have an alternative too whatever the family is eating as well. which i need, because my home is STILL highly carb oriented, and being the type 2 diabetic i am, isnt working so well for me at this juncture in my life. maybe ill make a NEW blog all about toaster oven recipes...id have it as a backup, and resource too go too when i need inspiration and ideas for something "different" too eat. MICHELLE

QUIZ - WHATS YOUR TRUE BODY TYPE?

You Are an Endomorph

You have a rounder, softer body type.(duh, lol) It's difficult for you to lose weight. (no kidding!) Endomorphs are known for being friendly, generous, and warm. (i try) It's likely that you're a relaxed person who enjoys good times, good people, and good food. (yes, yes and YES!) You are warm and affectionate. You provide comfort to others and crave it for yourself. (true true)

What's Your True Body Type?

NEW - HIGH BLOOD SUGAR MAY LOWER BRAIN POWER...so, now i can blame my memory issue on my type 2 diabetes!

High Blood Sugar May Lower Brain Power Type 2 Diabetes Raises Risk Of Alzheimer's When blood sugar levels rise in people with type 2 diabetes, they stop thinking as well, according to new research from the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. A drop in test scores was seen when people had high blood glucose levels over two to three months, but the drop was not seen because of changes in blood sugar through the day. The results were based on studies of nearly 3,000 people over the age of 55. "One of the little-known complications of type 2 diabetes is memory decline leading to dementia, particularly Alzheimer's dementia," said Dr. Jeff Williamson.(hmm, wonder if hes related in anyway?) "This study adds to the growing evidence that poorer blood glucose control is strongly associated with poorer memory function." Others studies have found that people with diabetes are 50 percent more likely to get Alzheimer's disease than other people, according to a news release. Chronic exposure to high blood sugar may be to blame. The study appeared in the journal Diabetes Care.

POSSIBLY JOINING WEIGHT WATCHERS

i have a friend from church. her names pat. and she happens to be my bishops wife. anyway, were connected on a couple of social networks and she had posted a comment for all of her connections too reply too which was something to the effect of: would anyone be interested in trying too loose weight with her, and possibly doing it via WEIGHT WATCHERS. i replied back, that i needed too loose weight and too let me know about weight watchers. she emailed me and asked if i could look online for the rates, so i did and sent her a copy of them. i didnt think 25 buck for 2 weeks was bad/50.00 a month. seemed reasonable enough. so she emailed me back and asked if *I* thought we could do it alone. no group , no weigh ins, no support ppl there for encouragement. she said she had the book and knew how too do everything by points like they tell you too do it. i said i didnt see why we couldnt do it alone, but felt we needed too incorporate one person, neutral, too answer too, and report too, and be there as the man-in-the-middle for us. im sure we can do it, but having to be held responsible too another person makes a person more motivated i felt. i took into account im diabetic and maybe the meal plans arnt good for me, so i looked online and searched out DIABETES & WEIGHT WATCHERS and hit a few forums with members who had told about their experience with type 2 diabetes and running the WW system, and all of them (about 5 i read) all had positive reviews too say about the WW program and their weight control and sugar controls. so, i sent pat back an email telling her all i could find was all good and we could start whenever she was ready. she had mentioned walking, and i said i REALLY needed to do that, and i have a treadmill, but i DONT walk, because i get bored and have no one too socialize with while i do it. so...i might be starting a well suited and proven program. and a walking regiment soon. everything helps. MICHELLE

6 MONTHS DRS VISIT...and i came back with a good report!

i was exhausted! craig and i had spent 24 hours onsite at a grand opening for a chick-fil-a in MORRE, OKLAHOMA. we were numbers. 14 & 15. when the event was over at 6am, we still had too take the tent down, and pack our van, im thinking we left the parkinglot somewhere around 7am. i DID have the unique chance too be on all the news stations the night before a few times. and 2 times this day, as well...talking about what its like too do these events more than once and WHY id do it...my common answer: "for the free food!" when you one of the 1st 100 too make it thru the 24 hour stay, your reward is a package of 52 coupons for FREE NUMBER 1 COMBO MEALS. and they can be used ANYWHERE, at ANYTIME. so, we headed home about 7am. and i needed too be downtown at my heart specialist a 10am. i was really tired, and had considered NOT going in, but i was very anxious for the dr to tell me hed let me OFF this dumb plavix im on, and tell him about my newst symptoms: numbness in my left ring finger tip, and pinky tip, as well as some pain i get occasionally in my left chest area. so i attempted too take a small nap. felt bad for craig because he DIDNT get too take a nap, and he was just as tired as i was. 9am rolled around WAY too early, and he came too me told me i had an hour before we had too be at the drs office. so, i dragged myself up. hopped in the shower. headed off. got to the drs in time, signed in took my camera with me because i wanted too note the weight i was at. i wasnt too excited about seeing it, too be honest. pretty soon i was greeted by one of the nurses, and she rememered me AND my name! i was in shock! i know she sees MANY MANY ppl, and it had been 6 months! thats amazing too me! i was led back to the drs side of the door, told too stand on the scale. and cringed as the scale was slid back and forth. amazed that the nurse DIDNT have to swap the weight too 300! i couldnt believe it! i was only 286...and im thinking thats what i was last time i was in his office, or roughly in that ballpark. i was so excited! :D i hadnt gained a whole lot of weight, actually maintained where i was (pretty much) for that whole 6 months. even tho i feel like i gained every single pound back onto me. with all the excitement, i was led too my exam room where my heart and lungs were checked, blood pressure was checked (slighly high, but i attributed that too the excitment). notes were taken. i was told the dr would be right in. sure enough. he came in shortly there after. we talked about my numness. he said too discuss that with my primary physician, he thinks its carpal related (and he might be right). he didnt seem too concerend about the chest pain. and i mentioned the plavix has made my meory shortened. he asked if i was SURE it was the plavix. i told him it was the only NEW drug i was on, and i didnt have this issue BEFORE i was put on it, so i can only deduce, its a result OF the drug. he mentioned another one hed see if hed put me on when i come back in may for the ultrasound on my heart (checking the stint). and adviseed i remain ON the plavix, because hes heard reports of bad things happening too ppl who go off the drug. that was the ONLY bad part about being at the drs, was hearing him say i had too stay ON that drug! UUGH! memorys flitty. after the consult with him, we were allowed too go. as we made appointments for the ultrasound, the receptionist said she saw me on the news when she was eating lunch someplace where the TV was on... and ya know what? she was the ONLY one who recognized me....lol after that, we went out for lunch, and went home. i went home, and didnt sleep because i was going too need too get daniel from school. but by the time it was time, i was well past my staying power too maintain any kind of awareness, i was slipping into sleepy time. i can remember hearing craig leave, and knowing daniel came in (i was on the couch) but so tired i didnt even care. MICHELLE

QUIZ - WHAT COMFORT FOOD ARE YOU?

You Are Peanut Butter and Jelly

When you're stressed out, you seek food that evokes good memories. (i thought i just sought relief from the stress, myself, lol) More than anything, change tends to wig you out.(BOY! does it ever!)And during those times, you crave what you know.(well, i only know what i know, so its safe too say, i guess, lol) You take solace in things that remind you of a more innocent, happier time.(thats true, i do) When it comes to comfort food, there's no such thing as too simple. Peanut butter and jelly totally fits the bill! (*IF* its all thats available..id go for a pizza OVER PB&J anyday!)

What Comfort Food Are You?

CHEST PAINS

for the past 2 weeks ive been having slight (but noticeable) chest pains. along with...the tips of my ring finger and pinky on my left hand. mostly, when i bend over, or stress out over something, like having too drive my kid back and forth too school. they arnt long, just a quick sharp pain, and its done. but they DO concern me...greatly. i have a followup appointment with my heart specialist this week. timing couldnt have been more perfect. this meeting is the 6 month (i can hardly believe its been 6 months) since my stint placement i had done when he did the artiriogram , and found the blockage there. now, if my memory serves me right, and its been really a mess since ive been having too take the PLAVIX for the stint, i could swear he told me he noticed another artery was blocked, about 30% at the time. and i think this follow up is too see if that blockage has gotten worse, or if the stint has done its job, or..maybe both. today, i didnt feel anything, numbness is almost completely gone out of my fingers. when i went in for the artiriogram (that eventually required the stint) i had numbness in my thumb, first finger, and my ring finger. and a slight pressure or "twing" feeling in my chest at the time. thursday well start too see what the issue is with this thing. im sure ill be fine until then, i was given a blessing by some church members about the issue, and blessings will only work based on the faith of the recipiant whos recieved it. so, for the belssing too work, i have too have faith that was was told too me will be right. and it wasnt anything about NOT seeing my dr, it was actually more along the lines of having those professionsals be inspired and led by the hand of God concerning this issue. and knowing, with wisdom, what too do and how too handle it properly. and...if it be the will of our Father, too have everything come too a pleasing station in my life. but with all blessings comes great sacrifice. so, i know ill be asked too do much for the reward too be given. i dont know WHAT ill have too do, but i know how the plan works. im ready. MICHELLE

HUMOR - SNACK COSTS

*Snack Costs* My friends and I had joined a weight-loss organization. At one meeting the instructor held up an apple and a candy bar. "What are the attributes of this apple," she asked, "and how do they relate to our diet?" "Low in calories" and "lots of fiber" were among the answers. She then detailed what was wrong with eating candy, and concluded, "Apples are not only more healthful but also less expensive. Do you know I paid seventy-five cents for this candy bar?" We stared as she held aloft the forbidden treat. From the back of the room a small voice spoke up, "I'll give you a dollar for it."

HUMOR - EXERCISE

Exercise I met someone in the elevator who was drinking coffee and complaining about how coffee made him nervous. I said why don't you quit drinking coffee. He said, "Because if I didn't have the shakes I wouldn't get any exercise at all."

HUMOR - "NEW DIET"

*New Diet* Needing to shed a few pounds, my husband and I went on a diet that had specific recipes for each meal of the day. I followed the instructions closely, dividing the finished recipe in half for our individual plates. We felt terrific and thought the diet was wonderful - we never even felt hungry! But when we realized we were gaining weight, not losing it, I checked the recipes again. There, in fine print, was: "Serves 6."