Hey there....

I realized when I was leaving a comment on a blog that it's been a very long time since I've posted. To follow up the bad news I reported in my last post, I have some very good news to report now. I went to have my bone density test this past fall, two years following the first test -- the one that showed I had osteoporosis. They use the same machine at the same facility, just to make sure the results are accurate. The technician told me that, though she wasn't supposed to tell me any results, it seemed as though things looked a bit better than last time. My doctor's office called a couple of weeks after the test to tell me that I no longer have osteoporosis. I still have osteopenia, but my bone density has improved in my hips, neck, and spine! I have had no loss of stature, so my bones in my spine haven't compressed at all. When I saw my doctor in person, she was floored. She said, "WHAT?!? You've improved your bone density 11%! I've never seen anyone improve their bone density that much -- what are you doing?" I told her I was taking kettlebells twice a week, yoga/pilates once a week, and taking some supplements for bone health. I'm taking 2-3 tablets of this supplement, along with extra vitamin D3, vitamin K2, and one Strontium tablet every day. I think the supplements have probably helped, but I really think the kettlebells may have made the most difference. I am far stronger and have much better balance than I did two years ago.

After failing the protein test a few times while donating plasma, I decided not to eat strictly vegan any longer. I was eating plenty of beans and veggies, and felt fine, but if I wanted to donate plasma, I apparently needed a bit more protein. I go to breakfast with my dad once a week, so I usually get some kind of eggs then, and I have either kefir or greek yogurt after kettlebell class. I'm still not eating meat though. It doesn't really hold a lot of appeal for me. I had my best cholesterol test results in ten years this past fall, so what I'm doing is working.

My weight has held steady for a long time now. I don't weigh myself unless I have to (they weigh me when I donate plasma and at the doctor's office), but I can tell by my clothing how things are going. Well, and by my diet. I mean really -- we all know if we're eating too much. I'd guess that my weight fluctuates by 8-10 pounds. I have months and months when I really eat healthily and don't hear the siren song of sugar, and my pants are loose. Then comes Christmas and all of its treats, and suddenly they are too snug.

I've been seeing a therapist to help me get over some issues with my dad. I won't go into them now, but seeing her has really helped me. Dad and I have a much better relationship now, and she's now helping me with my self-esteem and confidence.