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View Full Version : I'm a bit confused - Please help. Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!



kyrie
11-08-2007, 07:49 PM
Hi people,

I need some advice. I went to the doc today to get the results of my blood tests. My homocysteine levels were mentioned but not explained to me. The doc asked if I had a history of cystic fibrosis in my family. I got the impression that meant that they were slightly elevated. I think I need this to be explained. I am not a malingerer or malcontent or hypochondriac.

I am a bit frightened though. I was told my kidneys were borderline functioning. i.e. they could get worse or get better. BUT I was given no advice as to how to improve the situation, even though it is causing me painful swollen feet every day, and affecting my blood pressure. Most days I feel like I am walking on wood not feet. I am not all raw, I want to be, but I don't have the setup right now to allow it.

I have added a lot of raw to my diet particlarly green smoothies, juices, seaweed, fruit salad, and it is a little better but not by much.

I am only 31. They also found small changes to my heart, even though physically my heart is in almost perfect condition. I just did an ECG, and the rhythm is normal However I am still having a lot of chest pain, numbness around the arms, chest, back, etc. Stabbing pain that is. Also sharp stabbing pain in my back. It's just been getting worse for the last 6 mths.

Also my blood pressure has increased, twice in the last 6 months. I really don't want to start medication, even though I have a prescription.

I'm not so worried about my heart, cause it's job stress that's causing the problem. I'm in the process of being fired - for not meeting revenue targets which have been raised twice in 6 months, while business volume is nearly 3/4 less than it was last year - which looks like it will save my life longterm.

I've worked myself nearly into my grave for my employer, that is Sunday, public holidays, Christmas, New Year, Labor Day, Anzac Day, Easter Monday, APEC Friday (I'm in Australia) etc over the last two years in addition to my 5 days per week, 37.5hrs per week.

If I leave before they fire me, I might not be able to get unemployment until I find another job.

I want to leave, but am scared of that. However I am scared if I stay until they fire me I will have a fatal heart attack, cause they want us to make approximately 9 times our salary per year, no matter what is happening in the business, with no advertising at all for 1 year for our business unit, and they set up a website that competes against our business unit offering the same products, where the prices are again 2/3 less of the price that we can offer in the call centre.

So customers don't call us as much, and even when they do, when they hear the price they go to the website. They also spent $12 Million with Google to advertise the website, and spent millions paying film and music super stars to advertise other business units within the group, but no money on us.

WE can't even get marketing data for the last 6 mths. And my manager has been asking for 6 months for that kind of info. With no ETA in sight. We get no support from the National Management, but we are still supposed to pull a golden goose and myself over $500000 a year to meet my target out of sometimes nothing

The place is run like the Titanic. Looks good on the outside, but its really f*****d on the inside. They gave out $230000 in prizes to their top people across the group, but the following week, when they bought milk for our company, they bought discounted milk, that was about to spoil. :eek: :rolleyes:

So leaving is not a drama, I've had enough of the bs!! It's an iconic company in Australia, but working there just sucks. They don't really reward loyalty or initiative or bright ideas either. YOu get no credit when they use your ideas, none whatsoever!!!!

Another girl who worked for the same company in Melbourne committed suicide last year, just because of the insane pressure that they put on her.
( I can understand why she did it, and how she felt, cause the whole process attacks your self esteem, and I've felt that desperate because of the job myself, in the past, because you want to excel in spite of the crappy environment). Despite media coverage, nothing changed, and we have the Melbourne bosses now running the Sydney office. :mad: :eek:

Sorry for ranting.

I just want ideas from you all as to how to improve my kidney function and blood pressure, and to get my stress level down in the interim. Please.

I really don't want to die at this age, I've barely started living, since my doctor wasn't really helpful, any info or ideas you can point me towards would be greatly appreciated.

The only good thing coming from this is that I am an A type personality, and I am being forced to learn that sometimes hard work, and tremendous effort don't work, sometimes you aren't meant to be where you are, and you have to move on to survive literally. Not just beat your brains out against a brick wall, if it's not working despite all the effort - and willing it to- in the world.

Carla.

justinesmith
11-08-2007, 07:55 PM
Oh my. First, as you are WELL aware, no matter how good the food is that you put in your body, stress will kill you. For sure. Second, get Alissa's book if you haven't already. She makes raw a breeze. No worries about doing it "perfectly", everybody's "perfectly" is different. I know that there are a ton of great rawbies out there with more advice so I am going to just throw those two out to you. PRAYERS to you and I hope you find comfort and peace SOON!!

DavidZaneMason
11-08-2007, 08:07 PM
I hear you. Things sound very tough for you. My opinion is:

#1 - Get out of CRISIS.....and any situation that is causing it. Don't take it on board my friend. If you kill yourself....you're not doing ANYONE any favors......especially yourself.

#2 - If you cannot bring happiness to your day-to-day life through your job.....find another job.

#3 - Just make commitments to eat healthier and healthier every week. Set small goals and keep them.

-Until you are out of crisis....and can live a basic, joyful day-to-day life.....anything else is just patching a sinking ship.

-Love & support,

-David Z. Mason

Marcus
11-08-2007, 08:59 PM
Carla,

You need a group of loving, supportive people around you who can listen to, and understand what you are going through. Maybe you can find that here, but maybe you need to have those people available to you in person? Maybe you can benefit from having both?

I've been hanging out and reading (much more than posting) for awhile and can tell you this: The wonderful people here will support the h#!! out of your choice to embrace a raw food lifestyle. They will even help a little beyond that. But what you are describing *seems* like more than an online community can deliver. Not that you shouldn't ask!!!!! . . . . . but I think you need a strong support base right around you that can hug you and invite you to picnics & parties and what-not.

Keep posting and keep looking. Some of your struggles look *quite* familiar to me. My tiny piece of advice is: Give the company what you're willing to give. Don't be deliberately lazy, but don't kill yourself. Have a meaningful life outside the company. Work hard for 40 hours (no more) per week, then go home. If they have a problem with it, they'll never be able to say they caught you loafing or slacking. This way, you can sleep well knowing you gave them their fair share of your labor, and you can stop stressing about the rest.

Then invest the rest of your time and energy into something that makes YOUR life better. :)

Just my 2 cents.

StarFire
11-08-2007, 10:51 PM
Oh... my ... goodness... Carla...

first of all... BREATHE....

second... here's a hug.... http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/tha857f08c.gif...

Gosh... I'm so sorry you find yourself in this position. It is very difficult to be in the midst of all this and have to worry about not only job security - but making ends meet and everything else going on in your life....

I used to manage a law firm for GE ... it almost killed me. Corporate life almost killed me. I finally made a choice - and moved home (to hawaii) and changed my career direction. (and about to change it again.)

I am 51 years old. one thing I have learned... life is to short to spend it working at a job that is not my heart song... not my dream... and so -- I am about to jump in with both feet and eventually become a certified teacher under Alissa Cohen... my dream, my hope, my desire... this dream makes my heart sing .. it brings tears of joy to my eyes and laughter to my heart... this is what makes me happy -- this is where I need to be -- whatever it takes for me to get there... I need to do this. and so I shall...

I'm not sure what your heart song is... I do hope you find it. Because Carla - when you DO find it... it's wonderful... things become so much clearer... and joy fills your every breath... THATs where I want to be!

now as far as your kidneys... I've had many MANY issues with kidneys over the years - starting at the age of 4. (fast forward) to the age of 27. I had complete kidney failure. I couldn't get off of the potty - cuz I had lost COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY BLADDER. I had blood and mucous coming out - and intense pain. I was young ... and very stupid....

but -- fortunately - my husband at the time was a herbologist. He came into the bathroom and said... "I'll be right back - I'm going to the store to get corn on the cob."

I thought he was insane... corn at a time like this --??? :eek: he said ..."trust me".

he came back and husked each ear -- he took the silk of the corn and poured hot water (not boiling -- but very hot) water over the corn silk. He then added cayenne pepper and steeped it for about 15 minutes or so.

He gave me cup after cup of that while I sat there on the potty ... after 2 hours - I had regained control of my bladder, the mucous and blood had stopped and I was peeing clear liquid....and the intense pain... it stopped too.

Following that -- he added alfafa and red raspberry to the corn silk tea -- to strenghten me and nourish my system. It worked.... to this day - if my kidneys begin acting up -- cornsilk tea.... (and fresh is the best) you can find it dried at your hfs.... but fresh - raw -- organic... the best!!

I know that will help with your kidneys... and the raw foods - will only benefit you even more.

One thing I have found - with raw foods - I can handle more stress than if I were eating cooked foods... not sure why -- but it's true.

Seems to me carla... that you are standing at a cross road in your life.. and you have some choices to make.

truly -- this is a wonderful place to be -- it may not seem like it - but really ... it is. You can BE ANYTHING YOU WANT... DO ANYTHING YOU WANT... GO ANYWHERE YOU WANT....

you can regain your health -- if you choose to... you know the path that is before you... but will you take it. ??

read beppas testimony... she was diagnosed with MS.
she had a choice to make... lay down and give in to that diagnosis.... or fight back -- give herself every possible chance and benefit possible to regain her health.... beppa chose to fight... and she is an amazing example of what raw foods can do for us.

another thing to look at --- go over to http://www.youtube.com
check out 'crazy sexy cancer'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmjcKqXHJSM

it isn't about sex... or crazy people... but it is about a woman -- a very YOUNG woman - diagnosed with cancer. she went vegan ... and got a little better... she went RAW... AND HEALED HERSELF.....

if she can do it... WE CAN DO IT TOO.....

Carla... you can do this... we are here for you. Sorry to go on so long... but ... well -- I know you will be okay ... you just need to trust the process and realize what an amazing time in your life this is.... you are standing at the brink of an open door to the rest of your future... how exciting is that??

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/image5-1.jpg RAWK ON .... blessings on your journey...

RawkStar
11-09-2007, 09:02 AM
I've been there. I'm so sorry. I can't add to the advice you've already received because it's all been so wonderful. I can say that an elevated homocysteine level doesn't have to mean cystic fibrosis. It can be a sign of B12 deficiency. So, either take a supplement or increase your super-food/phyto-foods and see if there is an improvement. Hope that helps.

luna99
11-09-2007, 10:38 AM
he came back and husked each ear -- he took the silk of the corn and poured hot water (not boiling -- but very hot) water over the corn silk.


first, what exactly is corn silk?

second, starfire - I love you. You are my personal hero. You are beautiful as all get out and such an amazing soul. Great response to the OP. Much love.

Nurse in the Raw
11-09-2007, 10:44 AM
Getting an unemployment check is not worth the harm you are causing your body due to the stress. I would be actively searching for another job. After 8 years of working under the same conditions, I woke up one day and said, "my health is more important than this stupid corporation that does not even recognize my daily efforts," that day I gave my notice and now I am a nurse with a rewarding job and no stress.

Its not that you CAN do it.....you HAVE to do it. When people around you are committing suicide, are alcoholics/drug abusers or are on depression/anxiety meds, its time to get out! You can't breathe your way out of this type of environment. It is a train wreck waiting to happen, so get off the train.

StarFire
11-09-2007, 03:25 PM
first, what exactly is corn silk?

second, starfire - I love you. You are my personal hero. You are beautiful as all get out and such an amazing soul. Great response to the OP. Much love.


luna I lovez ya too girl !! ... you are such a sweetie ...thanks.... http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/blush-2.gif ;) .... and


corn silk is the golden threads you find just under the corn husk...

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/goofypics029.jpg the tea is actually quite tasty!

crystalmoon
11-09-2007, 04:26 PM
You have had such great advice already but I just have to say LEAVE that job now, dont even work notice just get out as quick as you can. I worked under that kind of stress & at 36 nearly died from multiple blood clots & deep vein thrombosis. An ambulance removed me from my place of employment! Thats what it took for me to leave that hell. I knew I needed to leave the place for at least 2 years before my poor body just gave up on me. I feel very lucky to be alive today. The job just is not worth losing your health/life over.

I am still in the process of striving to regain my health & am only now able to consider starting to work part time, I reached total burn out. Please please save yourself from more pain.

greenday
11-09-2007, 07:27 PM
There is no price tag on health. Follow your heart and listen to the stress signs your body is giving you and GET OUT. It may seem hard in the moment to make such a huge decision, but first before all else YOU are the most important consideration. I am so sorry you are in that situation and I hope you have brighter days ahead and feel better. Some super good advice here on nutrition, follow what you can! :)

diali36
11-09-2007, 08:25 PM
It may be worth the trouble and time to find another doctor. One who will listen to you, talk to you, take time to explain to you, and work with you to get back to health. It doesn't seem as if the doctor you now have is responding to you at all.
Have you told him how worried you are? Have you asked any questions? Be your own advocate and speak up for yourself, if you don't the docs will just rush in and rush out to the next person.
I wish you well.

kyrie
11-17-2007, 09:42 AM
Hi all,

I gave my resignation in on Wednesday morning. So since then no chest pains, unless I'm at work. I have about a 1.5 weeks left.

I just need to get over an ear infection and organise my life, and figure out what comes next.

I am learning Casta Diva in my singing classes, and now listening to the piano arrangement.

Also thank you all sooooooo much, from the bottom of my heart for your support. It helped a lot.

A special thanks to Starfire. Maybe one day soon I'll get to Hawaii and I can say aloha!!

I really hope this works out.

I am looking forward to summer on Sydney's beaches. I live in Darling Point right on the harbour, just walking distance from the beach at Double Bay, and just down the road from Rushcutter's Bay.


If you are in Sydney this December (our summer) drop me an email. I'll show you around.

Carla.

StarFire
11-17-2007, 12:50 PM
Just stopped in to check on you! and here you are you rawmacious babe you!!! EXCELLENT :D ! You just made a wonderful investment in your health and in the quality of youR life. Im so happy for you!

now -- don't let anything at work ruffle your feathers for the next week and a half.... just let it all go -- put a smile on your face and relax... cuz girl... YOU ARE NOW FREE!!! and those bozos.... will still be there - killing themselves for somebody elses company. ;)

make sure you get some of that cornsilk tea in you though. That will seriously help you okay?

hugs.... http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/tha857f08c.gif ... soooo proud of you!!! RAWK ON!

crystalmoon
11-19-2007, 07:08 AM
Wow well done for being so brave...awesome :)