Refusing to get SICK!

We have been experiencing some extreme weather here in Philippines, one minute it is super sunny and humid and the next minute it is freezing cold and pouring rain. For people like me with poor body resistance, I get sick quite easily but with the mountain of things that I need to get done, getting sick is not an option.

I have found my best defense against those nasty colds and flu.  Whenever I feel sluggish and I start having headaches and irritated throat, which are the most common symptoms of cold and flu, I take a vitamin supplement called Berocca. Berocca are tablets that you dissolve in a bottle of water and I usually take it after a meal, once a day until I can no longer the feel those pesky symptoms. Berocca contains Vitamin B-Complex, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc. I found this supplement really effective and it gives me energy to get through the day. 

I also take take Strepsils, which are antibacterial lozenges every 4 to 5 hours to soothe sore throat. Two of my favorite flavors are the "Soothing honey and lemon" and "Cool".  I am never without these products and I always stock up on them because I like being healthy and energetic. With these products and drinking lots of liquid and getting enough sleep are my surefire way of staying active and healthy. 

Update: Still Alive!

I'm still alive after experiencing massive chest and back pains that I had to rush to an hospital to get myself checked. I'm not gonna lie, I thought I was having a heart attack and I'm still 25 years old.  I was admitted in Medical Hospital for about 3 days and had full battery of test work-up just to make sure what was wrong with me.

It turns out I have minor Mitral valve prolapse, which means a valve on the left side of my heart was not functioning well. The valve thickened and does not close properly so it disrupts the flow of blood resulting low oxygen level in the blood.  It is an inborn heart defect and there was no need for permanent medication but I just need to avoid food and drinks with caffeine and strenuous activities. The doctor said it was good that I did not ignore the pain and decided to have it checked because early diagnosis meant I can make lifestyle adjustments and I don't have to resort to heart medication just yet.

Take care of your health and always listen to your body.

Update on my Hormonal Imbalance (Hypothyroidsm)

Here an update on my ever continuing battle of hormonal imbalance.

I went for my quarterly medical check-up on the first week of May and my doctor observed that I have gained weight which was a bad sign I suppose.  And as my doctor got my laboratory results back she found out that my hormones level were really crazy. It was too bad because my hormones level had improved before that was why I was now on a quarterly check-up schedule but now it seems something had gone wrong.

My doctored asked if I was not taking my medications because based from my lab results it was as if I was not taking my meds for about 2 weeks.  I told her that I was religiously taking my meds everyday and that I bought my medication for the whole quarter in bulk. She asked if I checked the expiry date on the medicine that I bought. And then Oh oh...  I totally neglected to check for the expiry date because I was buying it from a big pharmacy which I assume will not sell expired meds. My doctor advised me to always check for expiry dates especially for medicines. I may have been taking expired medicine for the past 3 months and that may have adverse effects on my body. My doctor then increased the doze of my medication to correct the hormonal imbalance and schedule me for a laboratory work and check-up this coming June 8.

During my check-up, my doctor asked me if I was feeling something wrong with my body just some observations.  Well I told her the following: (yup! I enumerated it all to her)

I told her that...

I was gaining weight when I did not change anything to my diet.
I always feel sleepy or tired especially every after meals.
I was breaking out every now and then.
My period was now on its regular cycle but it usually hurts especially on the 1st and 2nd day.

She explained to me that all the things that I was feeling are symptoms of hormonal imbalance. She told me that if I start feeling those things that I should know there is something wrong and I should not hesitate to visit the clinic. She also said that I should monitor my heart rate because when my heart rate is low that is when I usually feel sluggish and tired, she also advised me to get some exercise and to continually take my medicine. She said exercise and drinking a lot of water can help reduce the ache that I usually feel when I have period.

So lesson of the day... Always check expiry dates on medicines and always take notice of the things that you feel because its a sign that your hormones have gone crazy again.

Wish me luck on my next medical check-up! Stay healthy everyone.

Acne + Weight Gain + Irregular Period = Hormonal Imbalance (Thyriod Problem)

Having clear skin and a fit body is really important to people especially to girls. I started being conscious of my appearance starting University and more so as I started working. I am currently in the banking industry and being in that industry we are expected to look pleasant and present ourselves with grace and confidence to our client to better serve their needs.

I never had spots or pimples when I was in high school. I was lucky enough to have clear skin all throughout high school and about halfway through University. Even during my menstrual periods, which don't occur every month, I rarely ever get any breakouts. I have basically an irregular period, the longest number of months of me not having my period was 6 months and that really bothered me but I was so scared to have myself checked. I have also observed that I had high metabolism. I could eat a whole family size pizza all by myself and not gain weight ever, so basically I ate whatever I want and whenever I want.

It all began to change when I started working. I was still skinny but I have observed that my neck was getting bigger and I had trouble swallowing food. I had my suspicions that i might have a thyroid problem because I know it is hereditary and both my grandparents have it so there is a big possibility that I might get it. One day i fainted in the office during morning assembly and I was rushed to the hospital. Finally I was checked and referred to a doctor specializing in internal medicine. I had my lab done and I was thoroughly checked and I was diagnosed with toxic hyperthyroid. My thyroid gland is producing too much hormones than what my body needs that is why I had such high metabolism.

My doctor was very nice and explained to me all the food that I need to avoid which were a lot and most of it were my favorites and she had me on medication for hyperthyroid. I was diligent in taking my medication but I was not able to give up on my favorite food which were forbidden. After 2 weeks I went back to see my doctor because I had this rashes on my body and it turns out I was allergic to the medication. I was given two options, either I undergo surgery to remove my thyroid gland or I take radioactive iodine to kill my thyroid gland. I chose the latter because I am afraid of the surgery it will leave a scar on my neck and there was a chance that I could loose my voice. The radioactive iodine side-effects were bearable compared to risk of having surgery.

After I underwent radioactive treatment I was not allowed to go near anyone, I was isolated for about 3 weeks and even after then I was not allowed to go near people especially pregnant women and babies. Nurses and doctors wore special suite when entering my room and I had no visitors. I did not feel any pain, I was just now allowed to go near people. It was my mini vacation in isolation, I did nothing but eat, sleep and watch TV.

Now years after my treatment, I am healthy and religiously taking my hormone supplements and going to my scheduled check-ups. From my experience I have observed that every time my hormones are not within the normal range I tend to get massive acne breakouts, weight gain, and delayed period. My doctor advised me that aside from taking my hormone supplements, I need to have healthier diet and I must exercise regularly. It is really important to consult with your doctor to check if hormonal supplement dosage needs to be adjusted. So for those of you maybe showing the same symptoms as me, have yourself checked with your doctor to get proper medical treatment.