Year End Update 2007

I had a bit of a headache a couple weeks ago but nothing else since I wore the mouth guard. I only wore it 3.5 weeks.

I have not been very successful in avoiding holiday/emotional eating.

Better times in the New Year!

Regularly scheduled migraines

September 15, 2007
1300 h took 3 Hekla lava pellets
1330 h took 3 Hekla lava pellets
1530 h took 3 Hekla lava pellets
1600 h took 3 Hekla lava pellets
1610 h took 2 Motrin
1625 took 1 Tylenol 3

September 16, 2007
0845 h took 3 Hekla lava pellets
0900 h took 1 Tylenol 3
2037 h took 1 Tylenol 3

Mid October 2007
Need to find the dates for this. This was right on "schedule" though, about 1 month after my last set of migraines.

November 3, 2007
Pressure headache all day; not "on schedule" - only 2 weeks since the last migraine. Weather-related perhaps...

November 4, 2007
Pressure headache all day

Saturday, November 10, 2007
Had a dental check-up and cleaning. The new dental hygienist asked if I had any health issues so I mentioned random migraines. She noticed a wearing of my hind teeth where I was grinding! I've never been told that in my entire life. The dentist agreed saying she doesn't see me "that often" to have been able to diagnose that. Every 4 to 6 months for 9 and a half years isn't often?? [I recently learned Dr. Debra C. Bachus' clinic opened in February 1998 and I started seeing her in June '98.)

In any case, they would normally recommend I get a mouth guard but since I told them I planned on getting metal braces in the spring that changes everything. My teeth/mouth shape will change and whatnot. However, Dr. Bachus did recommend a skin graph on one of my lower right teeth, where it has receded and is showing softer tissue. It should be done prior to the braces giving it at least 8 weeks to heal. I need to see a specialist, a periodontist for that. There's one at Dr. Glassman's office (145 King St. West), my endodontist's clinic where I'm going for a follow-up December 11, 2007. I have yet to make an appointment with the periodontist though (need to verify that Dr. Leve is the name).

Since the 10th I've worn my karate mouth guard to bed at night. I'll do my own test to see if I no longer have headaches since it should prevent grinding. I had no idea I grind my teeth and when I asked why I did that the dentist said my brain keeps thinking while I'm sleeping. Wonderful... How do I control THAT? I can say though that since I was recommended to get braces the alignment of my teeth bother me and I press them together to try to get them to "fit". They don't fit together well and I'm constantly trying to correct them. That's only been since March/April though.

How Toxic Are you? Take "The Detox Quiz"

Taken from Chapter 1 of The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan by Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC

This sickness doth infect the very life-blood of our enterprise.
--William Shakespeare

Do you need to detoxify? Take the following quiz to find out. You may be surprised to learn of the many symptoms that are linked to toxins in the body. Score one point for every habit or symptom you have experienced within the last year.

Sleep and Energy
__Tired in the morning or during the day even after a good night's sleep
__Disrupted sleep
__Ordinary activity leaves you feeling exhausted

Mental and Emotional
__Confusion
__Feeling agitated or nervous
__Unexplained feelings of anxiety or sadness
__Excessive anger or irritability
__Mood changes
__Depression
__Memory lapses
__Feeling restless or shaky
__Difficulty understanding new concepts
__Mentally sluggish
__Clumsiness
__Difficulty making decisions
__Negative outlook

Eyes, Ears, Mouth, and Nose
__Itchy ears
__Sensitivity to noise
__Itchy or watery eyes
__Dark circles or bags below eyes
__Swollen or inflamed eyelids
__Bloodshot eyes
__Sensitivity to light
__Sneezing fits or chronic cough
__Runny or itchy nose
__Itchy palate
__Coating on tongue
__Speech problems

Skin
__Dull-coloured, pale, greyish or yellowish
__Loose and flabby
__Wrinkling
__Acne or other blemishes
__Eczema or psoriasis
__Hives
__Cellulite
__Other skin problems

Digestive System
__Nausea or vomiting
__Diarrhea or loose stools
__Constipation
__Belching or gas, especially after eating
__Foul-smelling bowel movements
__Bloating or abdominal discomfort
__Heartburn or indigestion
__Certain foods irritate your stomach
__One or less than one bowel movement per day
__Frequent urination
__Water retention or bloating

Eating Habits
__Have cravings for foods
__Drink alcoholic beverages
__Eat fast foods, packaged or frozen foods
__Drink coffee or tea
__Consume sweets (including any sweetened foods: juices, carbonated beverages, condiments, or desserts)
__Consume white flour products (bread, pasta, cakes, cookies)
__Consume fried foods or margarine

Joints and Pain
__Aching or painful joints
__Joint stiffness
__Headaches or migraines

How did you score?
0-5 - Excellent
You are probably experiencing great health. Keep in mind that being symptom-free doesn't guarantee a lifetime of great health. If you are detoxifying regularly, keep up the good work. If not, you may want to consider doing The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan once a year to maintain your health.

6-10 - Good
You need to detoxify to improve your health. You will likely find relief from many of the symptoms you experience by limiting your exposure to toxins and conducting The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan.

11+ - Time to Detox
You are experiencing many nagging symptoms that will improve by detoxifying. The energy and effort you invest in healing will pay tremendous dividends. Keep reading - The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan will show you how to get started on the road to incredible health, amazing energy, and an improved qualify of life.

My score is 7.

Runny nose - watery eye - migraine, right temple

Tuesday, August 28th, 2007
My nose, specifically my right nostril, starts to drip. I have a runny nose big time.

Wednesday, August 29th, 2007
My running nose continues through Wednesday and by evening I’ve developed a headache – on the right side of my head.

I take 3 volcano ash pellets before bedtime.

Thursday, August 30th, 2007
I take 3 more volcano ash pellets in the a.m. Not only is my nose running, my right eye is watering – literally dripping tears, and I have a huge migraine in my right temple. I can feel a sensation in my upper jaw. Similar to before where it sort of feels like I need to floss but it’s “higher” up and “inside”. Again, I can make a dotted line from my upper right gums to my right temple.

I take a packet of magnesium mid-morning. The pain seemed to dissipate a bit but by afternoon I realize I have not been able to focus and do much work today. I feel a little nauseous.
A colleague gives me 2 Extra Strength Tylenol Ultra Relief Headache & Migraine pain relief e-Z-tabs around 2:30, 3 p.m. I leave work at 3:30 p.m. and on the train I realize the pain is going away. I make it home and don’t have to fall into bed.
I take 3 volcano ash pellets at 10:30 p.m. and another 3 pellets 15 minutes later. In between I drink a bottle of water with magnesium.

Friday, August 31st, 2007
I had woken up just before the alarm and I seem to be pain-free however once I get up I still have the pressure in my head.
I take 3 volcano ash pellets and a shower. It’s better than yesterday but instead of suffering throughout the day I ask my colleague for a couple more Tylenol tablets. By early afternoon I seemed to have killed the migraine. However, I proceeded to have half a glass of white wine at 3 p.m. and the pressure feeling is knocking on my right temple. It’s not pain though and I’ll know better next time than to tempt fate. :)
I have a packet of magnesium in my water. I can still feel a sensation in my crowned tooth but the migraine has disappeared completely by late afternoon.

I take 3 volcano ash pellets before bedtime.

Adriana's blog

What better way to display my friend's link than as a page in my health blog. ;) Her info can be used as both information and inspiration.

http://blueironweb.com/blog/

Yagi seminar 2

Saturday - July 28 - Another karate training seminar. The first hour we learned a type of massage Yagi Sensei called "Setai" (say-thai) so that was informative. We later trained in kata and had to perform in pairs for him. To him, I'm only 1st degree as he hasn't graded me for international ranking. I have my 2nd degree with my dojo. I'm starting back into karate so I hope to improve both of those rankings. Sensei Joe just got Yon-dan! (4th degree black belt)

Yagi seminar 1

Friday, July 27 - I participated in a 2.5 hour karate training seminar and it went over well. Afterwards at the party, I proceeded to have a few shots with the Sensei's (though I believe they diluted the bottle of sake for everyone). Later I drank one cooler and only then did my head start to feel a little heavy and I hadn't yet eaten. Coolers aren't that great anyway so it looks like I just might stay away from alcohol altogether. I had some pasta salad and water.

red red wine

Tuesday, July 24th - I figure one glass won't hurt and I didn't even finish it; that was around 9 p.m. I got home within an hour later and suddenly my head starting "pounding pressure". I had to lay down.

Wednesday, July 25th the headache is still there.

I take 3 pellets at 8:26 a.m. The headache dissipated slightly.
I take 3 pellets at 8:48 a.m.
I take 3 pellets at 9:06 a.m.

The headache persists, even though it's "less" at 10:39 a.m.
I know it's "there" but no pressure, no pain at 11:45 a.m. however it proceeds to "nag" off and on over the next couple of hours (I'm at lunch with a friend).

I take magnesium and water at 1:55 p.m.
No pain, no pressure 2:18 p.m. but it's lurking at 2:32 p.m. I continue to be nauseous off and on as well from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. but once that subsided it was like I had a new head and felt great! I enjoyed the evening being pain-free after having suffered for 18 hours due to a few ounces of red wine.

Thursday, July 26 - I had one shot with my Sensei from Okinawa and that was it. I ate well except for a couple of sweets and didn't drink.

ND results part 2

{{I did a cleanse in November with good results but saw no results this last time in June; of course I didn't stick to all the guidelines. So now my naturopath has some new information... And I haven't posted the original guidelines yet.}}

Since you are finding the cleanse frustrating let's change our approach slightly. The area that has room for greatest improvement is Exercise. As you know, output has to be greater than input for weight loss to occur... so keep up the biking but we are going to have to step it up a little bit more. I want you to sweat when you are working out... push yourself! You can do this!!!

Follow these simple dietary guidelines:
1. No eating after 8 p.m.

2. Only limit your intake of the following:
a. Bread
b. Pasta
c. Milk
d. Cheese

3. The following foods are allowed:
a. Yogurt (Bio Best and Liberty are good choices)
b. Cottage Cheese
c. Brown or Wild Rice
d. Rice / Soy / Nut Milk

4. Snack on vegetables
a. Cut up celery, cucumber, broccoli, etc.
b. Use hummus as a dip
c. Make 1/2 of your lunch and dinner portions vegetables

5. Only eat until you feel satisfied.. not full. Stop when you get this feeling and wrap up the rest of your food for a snack.

6. Water: Keep your intake around the 2 liter mark.

7. Make your own smoothies and fruit drinks; freeze & bring to work, yogurt, protein powder, fruit, ice, milk/juice, flax...

8. Try the following "weight friendly recipes"

Weight Loss Recipe # 1
1 cup of Basmati Rice or Brown Rice
Broccoli
Beets
Beet greens
Raw carrots

Eat these five (5) items as frequently as you like. These are low in calories yet filling. This provides a small amount of carbohydrates, which are essential for the brain, and causes the kidneys to excrete toxins from the body. A mono-diet of basmati rice cooked with lemon and turmeric, served with steamed vegetables will help you shed pounds and leave you healthy and glowing.

The Yogis' Weight Loss Recipe
Makes 4 Servings

4 or 5 zucchinis, unpeeled
4 celery stalks
1 cup parsley leaves
1 sprig of mint
Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup non-fat cottage cheese per serving

Wash, dry and take ends off zucchinis and celery. Wash and dry parsley and mint. Steam zucchinis and celery for 15 minutes or until soft, then puree in a blender with parsley, mint and ground black pepper. Serve with non-fat cottage cheese.

Eat this no more than three (3) times per day. Besides helping to lose weight, this is excellent for cleansing the intestines and clearing your skin.

You may also drink Yogi or Green Tea.

{{I've had a problem getting into a regular exercise routine so here is one more attempt of Dr. Jen's to get me started...}}

At Home Exercises: Do these daily and you will notice a difference:

1.a. Side Lunge & Touch -> Step out to one side with one foot and touch hands to ground/foot 10 x each side

1.b. Horizontal Row -> In a push-up position [on toes] with hands on weights, pull one hand up to ribs in a rowing motion 10 x each side

Rest & Repeat

2.a. Squats -> Feel slightly angled out and squat as far as you can go 20 x

2.b. Push-ups 10 x

3.a. Single Leg Dead Lift -> On one (1) foot, bend knee and touch floor 10 x each side

3.b. Curl & Press -> Bicep curl then press weights over your head 10 x

Rest & Repeat

Homeopathy - Whole Vial

Is it possible there's a cure!?

From my Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Jennifer Tanner, Hons. B.A. (Kin.)., ND:

It is quite plausible that you have found the root cause to your headaches. Any disturbance along a nerve root can cause residual pain and discomfort even for years to come. The remedy I have given you today is called Hekla lava (it is from volcano ash) and it has an affinity for dental type nerve pain. Hekla lava has been found helpful in situations where facial neuralgia or headaches have been caused by derangement of dental nerves or where a deteriorating tooth irritates the nerve. In your case, it may have been either or the infectious rag left in your gums. This remedy treats pains that at times are found on varies locations in the head and face (temples) and may become so severe that the pain affects eating or sleeping patterns and for tooth an jaw areas that have become sensitive to pressure.

Dosing:
Hekla lava 6CH: Take three pellets daily before bed time.

* Always take away from food, coffee and toothpaste.
* This should provide you with almost 6 weeks worth. When I see you next in September we will reassess the remedy and the dosage. Look for a lessening of tooth/gum pain and sensitivity as well as less frequent or intense headaches.
* Cause: it is possible to have a return of symptoms, this is normal and will pass.
* If you experience a headache you may take 3 pellets every 15 minutes for one hour until the headache dissipates.

The vial contained 80 pellets which doesn't make sense for 6 weeks worth I'd need 6 * 7 * 3 = 126 pellets. Eighty divided by 3 equals 26.67 days worth and I used 9 one day for a headache so that leaves me 71 which is a treatment for about 24 days. I will start a steady treatment of the remaining pellets in August, or when I get another migraine - whichever comes first.

Pain free

Within 15-20 minutes of taking the Tylenol 3, the pain subsides. I've been headache-free for 2 days. It's nice. It is humid. I need to help with the black belt grading tomorrow but to prepare I must review all my kata.

constant headache

Thursday, July 5 - have a constant headache all day. It doesn't go away by bedtime so I take a Tylenol 3 from my prescriptions in December.

Meeting with my endodontist

Tuesday, July 3 - I meet with the Endodontist whose assistant takes a couple x-rays. He says there's no infection - I guess that part is good. But it doesn't explain my migraines. He told me the next time I get a swelling and pain to come in and see him.

This was an appointment where I was supposed to follow-up with the endodontist anyway regarding the surgery in late December but because of this "soreness" I killed 2 birds with one stone. I finally related my migraines, the pain in my right temple to some kind of dental pain, because I could feel a trail between the 2 points. However, there is no infection and as for the healing of the gums, everything is great. He had already said he thought it healed quickly when I saw him a week or so after the surgery. I associate the healing to the specific herbal remedies I was given for that.

how does one concentrate?

Thursday, June 28th - headache is constant and varies in intensity however it is always there! Very annoying and frustrating. How does one concentrate? I feel a throbbing in my gum area; almost a sensation like there is something caught in my tooth so I floss but the sensation is "higher". I relate this to my migraine - my headaches are always on the right side, my right temple and my root canal, gum surgery, dental issue is on the top right side.

slowly developing a headache

Wednesday, June 27th - the lump and soreness have disappeared but I'm slowly developing a headache.

the start of a headache

Wednesday, June 27th - the lump and soreness have disappeared but I'm slowly developing a headache.

Migraines

In general, I'd say I have excellent health however for the past few (4 or 5) years I've had sporadic headaches and migraines that I cannot pinpoint the cause of.

I wanted to document my recent experiences...

Monday, June 25th - my upper right gum has a lump and it's sore to the touch.