Hey guys,
Sorry things have been quiet and my post have been very sporadic over the past few months...
As you may or may not have guessed things have been quite busy and a bit hectic to be honest.

As stated in my last posts M. and I went to Forster for Christmas.
Over the Christmas break we saw a fair whack of our friends...before Christmas M. had his work party in Sydney, but we were already in Forster so we drove to Newcastle where he stayed with some of our friends for the night and caught the train to Syd.
I also got the chance to catch up with them, but then left to catch up with another friend for a couple of hours before heading out to yet another friends to stay the night- I maximised my time in the hunter for the short time period I was there and saw as many people as I could!!
It was great seeing them all and having a good catch up is always great for the soul!

We had three Christmas'- one with my family (sans Mum, Dad, and my soon to be sister-in-law); one with M.'s Mum, Mum's partner and his brother; and one with his Dad, Grandma, Aunt and Uncles, Dad's partner and her daughters.
We did my family the weekend before Chrissy, we all gathered down at a local park and had a pretty awesome BBQ, had some pretty epic play time in the kids playground, and did presents (well M. and I did- we only do kids for presents, and as we don't have kids we don't get anything. I also give out a small handmade gift to each family- recipes to come).

On Christmas morning we headed round to M.'s mums place and had a yummy fruit breakfast, some of her AMAZING Christmas cake! and presents.
Then we headed back to M.'s Dads for more presents (the Dad's partners daughters have kids), a massive Roast Christmas Lunch with all of his Dad's side of the family and some relaxed drinks....unfortunately my body had other plans though!!
It isn't nice to talk about but I had a period from hell, it was heavy and extremely painful AND it did end up interrupting my fun on the day- I had to depart the festivities a while after lunch to go rest with ice packs and extra pain killers.

We came back just before New Years and spent New Years Eve having a lovely home cooked meal and some relaxed drinks at a friends place.
After New Years things have been rather busy between medical appts; catching up with friends in our local area; heading back to Forster again for a weekend; and then this weekend just past I flew up to Brisbane to visit my younger brother, his missus and their little one.
A couple of weeks ago, M. and I headed back to Forster to visit family again. M. did some work for his dad at the caravan park he runs and I attended my sister-in-law's (second eldest brother's wife) 30th Birthday Party at the Tuncurry Race Courses, followed by taking my eldest brothers little ones to Stardust Circus and making pizzas!!

Australia Day itself was pretty quiet for us, but on the public holiday on Monday M. and I we packed up some simple yummy food and went on a picnic out to a little park by the beach further down the South Coast.
It was very windy that day, but we lucked out and found a protected area, which was awesome.

Last weekend I flew to Brisbane to not only visit my younger brother and his little family, but to attend my soon to be sister-in-law's Bridal Shower. It was a backyard party that was truly fabulous, her bridesmaids did an amazing job with the decorations- a mad hatter like tea party theme, and some absolutely delicious food, followed by some fun games.

Since Christmas and New Years my health has been not so great, after the abysmal period I had over the break my hormones and pelvic pain and health conditions have not improved at all, in fact I'd say they have perhaps worsened.
I'm not on any Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) meds atm so my cycles are a little all over the place, even so they were normally within 34-40 days, but atm I haven't had a period in over 45 days and my pelvis is very freaking painful!!! At times I’ve had symptoms that would normally prelude a period but it does not eventuate for some reason, so for now I am just waiting.
With my IIH things have taken an interesting turn...
My GP finally listened to me and allowed me to have a blood test to prove that my dehydration was getting beyond the point of reasonable and that I was not able to treat it at home myself.
My blood results came back with some expected but not so good results, my sodium was on the high side of 'normal'; my chloride was was moderately above the 'normal' range; my renal function/kidney function was just inside the stage 2 of CKD (which I am not very happy about as I have been on her about my dropping eGFR for a while now, as it has been slowly dropping), my bicarbonate is on the lower end of 'normal'; and my blood pressure was low- all of these things clearly indicate I am dehydrated!!!
So she finally agreed that yes I am chronically dehydrated and wrote a letter to my neurologist stating that I have chronic dehydration, that my endocrinologist has previously done tests to see if the dehydration, night sweats and hot flushes were caused by hormones, sickness, or likely to be medications- it seems to be more likely medications, with Diamox (one of my IIH meds) being the culprit for the dehydration, as it is a diuretic.
So I recently went to see my Neuro, Dr O. and he agrees the dehydration is indeed chronic and in need of treatment. We talked about how I am still having headaches everyday and that sometimes I am able tell the difference between an IH high pressure headache and a dehydration headache.
Once more we talked about Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring, but I said that I am worried that with my not knowing the extent of my dehydration headaches compared to my IH headaches I do not really want to go ahead until we know for sure that it is IH. Better to be safe then sorry!
He agreed, and suggested that I come off Diamox, to treat the dehydration and see if the headaches minimise/ or if they get worse due to coming off the Diamox and my ICP increasing. Then if and or when my headaches do get worse then we go in for the ICP Monitoring.
I have now been off Diamox for three weeks and my dehydration has indeed slowly improved, but unfortunately my headaches have increased and the symptoms are more IH high ICP pressure headaches- meaning that coming off the Diamox has been a bit of a catch 22!!!
I am going to wait a bit longer until I decided for sure that we go ahead with the ICP monitoring soon, as I would prefer to wait until the Diamox is completely out of my system.

I hope you have all been well and that your Holiday season was jolly and that this new year brings happiness and joy!
xo

Garlic Ginger Chicken Chilli Stir-Fry with Vermicelli Noodles...

Delicious, healthy, fresh and quick- what more could you want from a stir-fry?
We can all appreciate a meal that is quick and easy using fresh ingredients that help to fight off the feeling of pain and sickness.

It seems that M. and I brought the colder weather back with us from Tassie to home... as we have had cooler temps and rain for the past couple of days!!
As I am feeling a bit run down already this is a great dish to help ensure I don't get a cold in this cooler change.

..................................................................

Garlic has been used for thousands of years for many different purposes. One of the main uses is to reduce cholesterol and other fats in the blood.
But it can also be used to help fight off colds, flu, coughs, sinusitis and chest infections. To get any real benifit from it you need to consume it raw, or as close to possible.
Ginger is used in Chinese medicine to treat colds, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. It can also be used as an analgesic, an anti-inflammitory and in some studies it has demonstrated anti migrain effects when applied to the temples as a paste.
Karallieddee,L. & Gawarammana, I., 2008, Traditional Herbal Medicines. Hammersmith Press, London
Chilli can be used for many different things, but some benefits are helping lower blood sugar levels after consumption (through reducing the amount of insulin required by the body), stimulates circulation, purifies blood and can boost your immune system.
Read more: http://www.speedyremedies.com/chili-benefits.html

Serves: 4- 6
Ingredients:
   1 cake of Vermicelli Noodles
   1 large chicken breast, trimmed and sliced
   1 tbsp sesame oil
   2 garlic cloves, finely diced
   1 thumb sized piece of ginger, finely diced
   1 tbsp chilli sauce           
                                    (because I am using the sweet chilli sauce it doesn't help to lower blood sugar levels-
                                              due to the cane sugar- but it doesn't increase quickly, like with normal sugar)
   1 medium brown onion, cut into wedges
   1 large carrot, julienned
   1 Lebanese cucumber,  julienned
   1 bunch bok choy, trimmed washed and 1/2 of the bunch ripped up.
   1 can baby corn, rinsed thoroughly and snapped in half
   1 large handful cashews
   hot water
Method:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, whilst stirring, until the chicken is almost cooked through but is yet to pick up any colour. Add onion and sautee till the onion is slightly wilted.
2. Meanwhile fill the kettle and boil, pour boiling water into a large heat proof bowl and add the vermicelli noodles, stir gently with a fork to break them up.
3. Add chilli paste, 1/4 of the carrot, and the baby corn. Stir and cook for a minute or two, it will start to run out of 'juices' so add 3 tbsp of hot water from the noodle bowl.
4. Cook for a further 4-5 minutes on low to medium heat, at the end of the time add the garlic, ginger and ripped up bok choy and stir (allowing it to slightly wilt). 
5. Drain the noodles and toss through the remainding half of the bok choy. Take the leaves out and lay around the inside of the bowls.

Serve the noodles, then the chicken stir-fry mix and top with the cucumber and remaining carrot.
Enjoy!

Start the Day by Drinking Your Oats...

Lately I have been looking into ways I can increase my soluble fibre naturally and easily.
And the solution came easily- why don't I just add them to my smoothies?!

Oats contain soluble fibre called beta glucan, which is known to help in reducing cholesterol by the blocking of re-absorption of cholesterol when it passes through the digestive system. Regularly having oats lowers the cholesterol levels in the body.

- Oats contains low levels of sodium. This reduces the risk of contracting high blood pressure and hypertension.

- The soluble fibre present in oats tends to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, thereby reducing the spikes in the blood sugar levels, helping people like me who have insulin resistance (due to PCOS) or diabetes.

- Eating oats leaves one much fuller, therefore you tend to eat less. This is especially good for those trying to lose weight.

- Oats contains very low levels of fat and lesser calories. This makes it good for overall health.

- Being a good source of natural dietary fibre, oats are beneficial in curbing the problem of constipation.

- Oats are also known to contain compounds called phytochemicals that can reduce one's risk of cancer.

Here are some of my favourite oatmeal smoothie recipes to date...
Really you can chuck anything in there- I like bananas (even though they are higher in GI) as a base in most of mine as it makes it really creamy but mainly because it is a double action in helping treat my dehydration- see treating dehydration naturally.

To make smoothie construction easier I like to pre-freeze ingredients like bananas, berries, apples, mango flesh, etc.

Berry Choc Banana Oatmeal Smoothie..
1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice milk

1 1/4 tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tsp agave syrup

1 1/2 frozen banana

1 large handful frozen mixed berries- I used blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries

Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Raspberries Oatmeal Seeds and Coconut Smoothie..

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

1 1/2 large handfuls frozen raspberries

2 tbsp pepitas

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

2 tbsp shredded cocounut
Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Spiced Apple Oatmeal Smoothie..

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, to taste

Pinch of turmeric

1/2 apple, cored and diced

1 tsp maple syrup or agave syrup

A few drops of lemon juice

1 fresh date, pitted (optional)

Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Banana Choc Oatmeal and Seeds Smoothie..

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

1 1/2 frozen banana

1 1/4 tbsp raw cacoa powder

2 tbsp pepita seeds

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

2 tbsp shredded coconut

Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Banana PB Choc Coconut Oatmeal Smoothie..

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

1/4 cup coconut milk

1 1/2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter, home-made if possible or reduced sugar, oil and salt
1 1/2 tbsp raw cacao powder
Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Ginger, Berries and Oatmeal Smoothie..

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

1 large handful of mixed frozen berries- I used blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries

1/2 thumb of ginger, thinly sliced

Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Mango Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie..

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

2 mango cheeks, diced

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Mandarin Ginger Oatmeal Smoothie..
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk; almond, oat or rice

1/2 mandarin, peeled seeded and as much plinth removed as possible

1/2 thumb of ginger, thinly sliced

Method:

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high speed until nice and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
Serve.

Treating Dehydration the Natural Way...

Dehydration (hypohydration) in simple terms: is the excessive loss of body water, with an accompanying disruption of metabolic processes.
It is literally the removal of water from an object; however, in physiological terms, it entails a deficiency of fluid within an organism.
Taken from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydration

I am not going to get into the nitty gritty details of what dehydration is, the different types, what causes it or how it actually occurs.
If you want that info Goggle it, or I suggest this page : http://www.hydration.net.au/page/shop/info_page/a/infopage_id/e/46 is a great resource tool!!
But I will tell you that dehydration can occur due to many different reasons, some of them not easily apparent .

Instead I am going to by-pass all of that and skip straight to symptoms of dehydration, chronic dehydration and how to treat it!!

Someone who is chronically dehydrated at a point somewhere between normal and the mild dehydration may even be able to develop a tolerance for that state so that it becomes the “new normal” for them. Suffice to say that any level of dehydration can and will lead to long term consequences if left unadressed.

The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration in adults appear when the body is depleted by about 2% of total fluid. In this mild dehydration state symptoms are:

Thirst

Reduced Appetite (often despite a lengthy period without food)

Skin Flushing (especially face and neck)

Dark Coloured Urine (may be confused by supplement use or some foods)

Dry Mouth (and difficulty producing saliva)

Fatigue

Mild headache

Chills

Dizziness

At this point sometimes simple consumption of hydrating fluid will generally arrest any further development of symptoms.If the dehydration is allowed to continue to develop so that fluid loss reaches 5% of total fluid the following symptoms of significant dehydration are evidenced:

Decreased sweating and urination

Increased heart rate, respiration and body temperature

Extreme fatigue

Muscle cramps and Rheumatism

Severe headaches

Shrivelled and dry skin

Nausea, constipation and digestive Disorders
Rise in cholesterol levels

Cystitis and Urinary Infections

Neurosensory disturbances (tingling, numbness)

At this point simple consumption of significant amounts of hydrating fluid may arrest any further development of symptoms but often medical care and intravenous fluid are required.

When 10% of body fluid is lost immediate emergency help is required and in many cases this level of fluid loss is fatal. The symptoms of severe dehydration include:

Muscle spasms

Vomiting

Rapid pulse

Dim vision or temporary blindness

Painful urination with very low urine volume

Confusion

Respiratory depression

Neuromuscular seizures

Chest pain

Gastritis, Stomach Ulcers

Unconsciousness

Without immediate medical care including intravenous fluid, and other strategies to minimise organ damage, fatality or significant loss of organ function is almost certain.

The treatment for minor dehydration, often considered the first port of call, is drinking water and stopping fluid loss.

Plain water restores only the volume of the blood plasma, reducing the thirst mechanism so the hydration levels can be replenished.

Solid foods can contribute to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.

In mild to sever cases of dehydration you need to replenish both water and electrolyte levels (through oral rehydration or fluid replacement by intravenous therapy).

This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as
water; clear broths; frozen water;

sports drinks (though you should look at the sugar levels!! It will make you more dehydrated)

electrolyte mixed drinks or ice pops (though you should check your blood results for potassium levels and sodium levels- if sodium levels are up maybe skip the pre-mixed electrolytes);

Coconut water re-hydrates more efficiently than water, has higher potassium levels than a banana, and has equal to or more electrolytes than pre-mixed specific electrolyte drinks;

Chamomile tea is an old favourite. Decaffeinated teas are an excellent choice when it comes to fluid replacement. Chamomile has the added benefit of being a natural pain reliever so it also helps relieve the stomach cramps that often accompany dehydration;

As well as consuming :

Bananas have great water content and are especially good for restoring potassium that has vanished with dehydration;

You can also try watery fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries. Watery vegetables such as cucumbers are good, too.

For severe cases of dehydration where fainting, unconsciousness, or other severely inhibiting symptom is present (the subject is incapable of standing or thinking clearly), and emergency attention is required.
Fluids containing a proper balance of replacement electrolytes are given orally or intravenously with continuing assessment of electrolyte status; complete resolution is the norm in all but the most extreme cases.

People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, caffeinated tea, and sodas.

…...........................................................................................

I personally chow down on bananas, A LOT of them!!!
And I looked into how to best replenish my electrolyte levels without affecting my pre-exisiting health conditions or making my dehydration worse... for me the pre-mixed electrolyte drinks, ice pops and sports drinks are a BIG HELL NO- they have waaayyy too much sugar in them, but also the sodium levels are too high.
Being chronically dehydrated for an extended period of time has driven up my sodium levels and severely depleted my potassium levels- HUZZAH!
So the best thing for me is coconut water and lots of it!!!

As well as drinking at least 2-3 ltrs of water a day.
At this point in time we are still not entirely sure what is causing my dehydration; we think it is most likely medication based.
But until we know for sure we cannot treat the cause of the problem, only the symptoms- even when we do know we may not be able to do anything about it as the medication in question is a vital one in the treatment of my IIH!!

ANYWHO... below are some yummy electrolyte drink recipes I snagged and minimally adapted from Everyday Roots.

Make Your Own Electrolyte Energy Drinks...

http://everydayroots.com/homemade-energy-drink

Lay-Low Recipe

1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 1/2 to 2 cups coconut water

2 tablespoons agave or honey, to taste

Method:

Toss everything into a food blender and blend until the honey is dissolved, or just use some elbow grease and blend it by hand. Pour yourself a tall glass, drop in a few ice cubes, and enjoy.

Bright ‘n Early Recipe

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 1/2 to 2 cups of coconut water

2 tablespoons agave or honey, to taste

Method:

Same as above. You can halve or double the recipe as you need, and feel free to experiment with flavours. Keep in mind citrus fruits, especially orange, are a good source of electrolytes.

Sweet and Smooth-ie recipe

3 cups of coconut water

1 cup of strawberries

1 cup of ice

2 tablespoons agave r or honey, to taste

Method:

Throw into you blender and let it run until everything is thoroughly mixed together and the mixture is smooth.

What's been going on??? Why the break again?? PART III

What the hell is going on with my body?!

In the last several months my body has been having some symptoms that have my specialists and myself worried.
I have been enduring chronic dehydration, worsening night sweats and hot flushes, changes with my bowels, and hormonal changes… 
I first really took notice of my dehydration back in April this year.
I knew I had been feeling dehydrated for a while before and I had mentioned it to both my GP and my Neuro Dr. P, I thought it was just a few times I hadn’t drunk enough that day, or that the level of toxicity release during physical therapy sessions were causing it so I increased my fluid intake and took the occasional electrolyte drink/ ice-e-pole.

But then in April I started to get twitching (mainly in the left eye area), tingling and numbness on the face. My Neuro’s first response was to take me off Diamox, and dramatically reduce my Topomax dose and to get bloods done and urine done- potassium, phosphate, renal and kidney function.
These all came back relatively normal- it did show that I was dehydrated and I stayed off Diamox and on low dose Topomax for 3 months… it did nothing for the symptoms so he put me back on the high dosages.
 I talked to my naturopath about the symptoms and she got me taking a higher dose of Magnesium and Fish Oil. But it still hasn’t made much difference to the symptoms.
My dehydration has stayed put the whole time, and has gotten worse.
My BP is lowish; I have high levels of inflammation throughout my whole body causing cramping (and increasing toxicity); I am constantly thirsty no matter how much I drink; and the ‘moist’ (hehe not the nicest word- but sums it all up) areas of my body (that should stay that way) are drier; my LDL (bad cholesterol) is up; my reflux/ heart burn is worse; I have constipation (though lately it comes and goes due to hormonal changes we think?!); and I am constantly tired and have less energy.
AND my headaches are worse- but that could also be my IIH… or both the IIH and the dehydration we have no way to find out unless we do the ICP monitoring- but we can’t do that until my dehydration, night sweats and hot flushes settle…

I have been getting night sweats and hot flushes for quite a few years now, this comes as part and parcel of having seriously F*$@ UP hormones due to Endometriosis, PCOS, and as a result of having been on at least 12 different HRT in the last 8 years (including a HRT that put me through synthetic menopause).
But in the last 3-4 months my night sweats have gotten to the stage where they are nightly and are waking and/or keeping me up.
And I am waking up in a pool of my sweat every morning- causing me to wash my sheets everyday- it’s a pain in the arse to say the least!!

My hot flushes aren’t just happening at night but during the day, causing me to feel like my body is an asteroid entering earth atmosphere (i.e. on fire) and I have to take all my clothes off, sit under the fan on the highest setting, drink lots of water, get ice packs (or if I had a bath tub sit in an ice bath), and get a bucket ready in case I need to heave!!

 

I have been having some pretty radical hormonal changes in the past two months!!
It is a big statement to say but I know it has been happening because of:

1. I am in-tune with my body and take note of everything that happens and changes.
and 2. These hormonal changes would be hard to miss- some of them really freaking hurt!!!
It started with my spotting between induced menses cycles (I am/ was on Provera to induce a period- a 10 day course once every 2 months); then viscous discharge between periods- indicating that I may be ovulating again finally!; then PMS symptoms in the forms of horrendous pain swelling and tenderness in my breasts, mood changes, abdominal bloating, fluid retention, acne, digestive upsets- including constipation and diarrhoea, drop in self-esteem and confidence, feelings of loneliness, food cravings, increased appetite, irritability-including angry outbursts, mood swings and crying, sleep changes-including, and insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Then last fortnight mixed in with all of these symptoms I got my first natural period!!! 

A first for me in at least 5 years.

I have spoken with my GP about these issues numerous times- I personally think that there is an interaction occurring between my brain drugs (mainly Diamox as it is a diuretic) and my hormones.
Whereas my GP first thought was maybe all of my symptoms were indicative of just basic hormonal changes and possibly diabetes.
Because I have PCOS I am insulin resistant and she thought that maybe I had developed diabetes…
I knew I wasn’t because I have done everything within my power to stop that from occurring, but I was happy to do the blood tests to rule it out- and I was right I wasn’t!!
So then she thought that it was all hormonal and suggested I see my endocrinologist again.

I saw him last fortnight and I had a lengthy chat with me about all of my symptoms, not just hormonal. He personally thinks that it is more likely to be medication based side effects- especially the dehydration (he thinks that is Diamox), but that there are a lot of other medications that I am on that could be causing the worsening night sweats and hot flushes.
He is very happy that I have had my first natural period, and he thinks that all of the PMS symptoms are explained by that, but that we need to keep an eye on my hormones now. As rising oestrogen levels can be bad for my PCOS and Endo.
I am to stop taking Provera to induce a period if I have a cycle naturally, but if I don’t get a period within two months then I should induce one!
He has ordered full spectrum blood tests (in other words a hell of a lot) to try and figure out what is going on with the night sweats, hot flushes and dehydration.
And has asked me to take my temperature each time I have a hot flush or wake up during the night with excessive sweating… as this is a basic method to help him determine whether it is bacterial/ viral or hormonal/ drug based: if I have a raised body temp then it means there is something else going on indicative of a bacterial or viral infection. Whereas is my temp is normal but I just ‘feel’ hot then it is more likely to be hormonal or medications!! 

In the mean time I have been trying to Treat my Dehydration Naturally…

What's been going on??? Why the break again?? PART II

Now onto another goings-on...

In June I was at one of my best friend’s engagement parties!

I am honoured to be the MoH and I did a slightly awkward and tipsy speech in her honour, hehe.

It was a great night to say the least; I had a lot of fun catching up with the lovely couple, their families and friends, making a few new ones in the process too.

It was held in her home town of Bulahdelah, which is roughly an hour north of Taree and an hour of Newcastle/ Maitland.

Being as a lot of people attending the couple hired a bus from Maitland and they plied us with alcohol whilst journeying too- jello shots, beer, cider and vodka cruisers... that's why I was a tad tipsy for the speech, lol.

Anyway there is a point here- I ended up having a spectacular night as the night wore on because I ended up dislocating my left knee on the D floor- yup if you’re going to do it, dancing is the best way!!

Because I had no pain killers and there was the bus trip back to think about, I gave all caution to the wind and decided to get smashed!!!  Great idea till the following day when it hurt like a B*%$H!

When we got home to the South Coast the following day I made Dr. appts and imagery appts.

It turns out that I dislocated Patellar, but that it thankfully went back in on its own- but it was misaligned, that I had severely stretched out the ligaments and tendons, and that I had burst a couple bursae- fluid in the knee.

I was told to keep off it as much as possible for the first few weeks; wear a brace; elevate it; ice it; get some physical therapy; and with time slowly stretch it out, strengthen and exercise it.

I had been receiving fortnightly Craniosacral Therapy, for my head and overall body. So decided to increase it to weekly sessions- this has been very helpful, I can straighten my leg a hell lot more now than what I was able to 13 weeks ago.

I still wear my brace when I am out of the house, gardening, or standing for an extended period of time (cooking), or when it hurts.

But overall things have improved significantly.

I have been told to be careful, as once you dislocate your patellar, and have hyper-mobility of the ligaments, it is easy to do it again or damage the knee.

For me this is already a problem as I already had issues with this knee…

 I bruised the bone a few years ago coming of a mountain bike- was a spectacular fall, even though I was in pain at the time I laughed my arse off because it would have looked hilarious!!

What's been going on??? Why the break again??

I am sorry to say that once again I have taken an extended break from Doe-full again...

There has been a lot going on behind the seems; some great things, some crappy things and some sad things; and to be honest I haven't really been coping with it all very well.

I have felt the break tremendously, as I always do, as sometimes I wish I could just jump on and say what is going on without thinking about how I write or how things may come across, if I did... well let's just say some might be a little worried by my tumultuous and erratic posting.

And on the food front things had to slow down too as I wasn't able to get in the kitchen as much as a liked- but I am getting back in there now!!!

I wouldn't be surprised if you were now a little confused and maybe a tad bit worried by my above ramblings.

So I shall enlighten you as to what has been going on...

Let's start with my head as that is the centre of all things lately and well it's the body's control panel:

Since the end of May, and before really, my IH and headaches have been a constant issue.

The last health post stated that my head was all over the place and to be honest it hasn't changed much at all!

M. and I were having issues with my Neuro and were getting fed up with his lack of action or any plan whatsoever.

Dr P. had been my Neuro since May 2012, after my stenting procedure. And during the course of my treatment under his care he hasn't actually done anything that has improved my health at all- it stagnated.

Yes he put me on meds, then took me off them again then put me back on them again, he did a few run of the mill tests that confirmed that yep I have IH- but we already knew that!!

He did a lot of talking about possible treatment options or tests we could try or sending me off for a second opinion...

We did none of the tests or other treatments. He did contact another senior Neuro but did not give him my actual medical notes.

I'd had enough it was time for a new Neuro and a second opinion!!!!

So I reached out the support forum for IH Australia on FB asking for Dr's names, info and locations. I then conferred with my GP and we decided to try our luck with one of Sydney's leading Neurologists and a Prof. of Neuro- Dr O.

He responded quickly and was happy to meet with M. and I and discuss my case, within 2 months of first contact I had an appt with him.

I felt like I had for the first time finally met a Neuro that actually understands my health condition and is up to date with current research, technology, testing, treatments, and actually 'get's it' from the patient perspective!!

He was very straight forward and honest about my treatment- the only step forward at this point in time is to do Intracranial Pressure Monitoring for 24-48 hrs.

He said there was no point doing further LP's, cerebral venograms and manometry, and no way he would consider doing another stent- all because it hasn't worked so far why would it work now- which I completely agree with!!

This is quite funny because this is pretty much the exact opposite that Dr P. was suggesting.

Dr P. wanted to do another venogram and manomety and look at stenting the left transverse sinus ventricle (the right was done in May 12').

He said he conversed with the senior Neuro and they decided that I would not be a candidate for ICP monitoring... haha yeah!! I am starting to think he was just a crock of bull*$@!

ANYWAY!! so YAY new Neuro and second opinion- it's freaking fantastic news.

And I have decided to go through with the ICP monitoring, but I want to wait till we have cleared up what is going on with the rest of my body- hooray chronic dehydration, night sweats, and hot flushes... probably not a great idea to have that going on while I have an open hole in my skull!!

But the biggest pro about the procedure would be that we would FINALLY get a clear and accurate reading of what my ICP readings are like and if there are indeed fluctuating as much as we think they are.

Raspberry Marshmallow Cream Chocolate Pie...

This scrumptious pie is completely sugar free!!

Lately I have been craving marshmallows and haven't given into temptation because the traditional marshmallow are jammed packed full of sugar...

This is a problem for me because of my whole reproductive hormonal crap that I have going on (I talk about it so lovingly don't I lol).

The basic gist of it is that when I eat sugar, in all its forms it screws with my insulin levels.

Now I am not diabetic, or at immediate risk of becoming one, but yes I need to watch my insulin levels.

This is because my PCOS severely affects my insulin levels, and insulin levels affect my hormone production- which means that with the consumption of sugar and high processed carbs my body automatically makes fats cells and fat cells manufacture oestrogen!!

And what happens if I have more oestrogen- well it screws with my hormones, creates more symptoms and problems AND it gives into the cycle of sugar- high insulin- fat cells- oestrogen- resistance to insulin- repeat...which makes it very hard for one to loose any weight!

For more info read: http://kerryg.hubpages.com/hub/Lose-Weight-With-PCOS

Along with any PCOS guide book.

Ta-da mini biology lesson... I bet you didn't know all of that stuff now did you?!

So anyway, back to craving marshmallows, hehe, I have been thinking about it's pillowy soft yumminess for a while and I decided that I may as well try my hand at making sugar free marshmallow.

It isn't too different from the traditional recipe I used to make with my mum.

AND it's a whole lot healthier to boot as it is not just sugar free but also: wheat, gluten, dairy and soy free (the basics for Doe-full); and it is low GI, low carb and low fat!

Serves: 8-12 (depending on how big of a slice you like hehe)

Ingredients:

   3 envelopes unflavoured gelatin

   1/4 cup cold water

   3/4 cup boiling water

   3 tablespoons granulated sugar replacement or liquid sweetener (I used Natvia)

   3 egg whites

   1/2 cup frozen raspberries, loosely broken up with your hands

   1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

   2-3 tbsp solidified coconut cream

         (from a cold can, tipped upside down- take only the solidified cream)

Chocolate Pie Case:

   1/2 tsp salt

   8 tbsp vegan spread, very cold

          (OR ¼ 2tbsp oil- I used macadamia as I had run out of spread)

   1 1/2 cups GF/WF plain flour

   2 tbsp cocoa

         (or in my case as I had run out- and had to use drinking chocolate, and
                less 'sugar'. With 2 tbsp grated dark chocolate)

   1 tbsp granulated sugar replacement or liquid sweetener (I used Natvia)

   2-3 tbsp ice cold water

Method- Pie Crust:

1. Combine the flour, cocoa, sugar substitute and salt in a mixing bowl, add the spread or oil.
2. Cut the spread or oil into the flour mixture using either your hands or two knives.
3. Continue cutting them into the flour until the shortening and butter are mixed into pieces a little smaller than the size of peas.
4. Slowly add the water, dribbling it over the flour mixture one tablespoon at a time. While dribbling the water, toss the mixture lightly with a fork.
5. After the mixture is wet, use your hands to press it into a ball, scooping up any remainders from the bowl along the way. If the dough isn’t sticking together well enough, add a little more water.
6. Don’t over mix when pressing the dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 180
7. After the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Turning it over a few times while rolling out to prevent sticking.
8. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Method- Marshmallow:

1. While the pie crust is cooking, sprinkle gelatin over cold water in mixing bowl; set aside 5 minutes to soften. Add to boiling water in a small saucepan; cook and whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar replacement. Chill until the gelatin mixture is cool and slightly thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Meanwhile beat egg whites in an electric mixer on high speed into soft peaks.
4. Very slowly, trickle a small stream of the gelatin mixture into egg whites, beating until all gelatin mixture is blended. Continue beating until light and fluffy.
5. Using a spatula fold through the raspberries and cream. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly.
6. Scatter some raspberries and raspberry jewels into the cooled pie case and pour in marshmallow mix, top with grated dark chocolate and extra raspberries and jewels. Refrigerate until set.

Serve alone, or with some whipped coconut cream and enjoy!

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Will keep for up to a week in the fridge or a month in the freezer.

Raw Chocolate Peppermint Prune Protein Bars...

I made these delicious truffle like bars the week before M. and I went away for a week long road trip holiday with my Mum to visit numerous family members and friends.
It was lovely to catch up with everyone and to spend lots of time with my nieces and nephews.
We attended the dawn service at Enoggera Army Barracks and saw my younger brother march in the ANZAC Parade in Brisbane with his medals- he cracked the biggest grin when he heard us spot him!!

My younger brother with his missus,
and their gorgeous little
giggle pot!!

M. at the Macadamia Castle,
birthed by a knight fully
clothed and hairy!!

Dawn Service with the 6RAR

These protein bars were designed to help keep me regular while on the road and due to the increase in my pain meds- which have the unpleasant effects of binding me up.
They are high in soluble fiber, so watch out if you eat too many they may have you running to the loo! hehe

Because they are high in soluble fibre they have the added benefit of lowering cholesterol. How does this happen I hear you wondering???
The only way you can lower cholesterol forcibly is via excretion, and the only way that this can occur is by adding soluble fibre- the cholesterol gets attached and is then excreted- it doesn't sound all that pleasant to talk about but it is simple and very effective!!

If you are not fussed on prunes, or would like to keep them just as a high protein bar (less effective on your guts) you could use medjool dates...but they would end up with a higher GI rating.
They taste the same and are a great snack for after the gym, or when your feeling a little low on energy through the day- without reaching for any sugar products!!

Ingredients:

   3/4 cup almond meal
   1 cup raw cacao powder
   2-3 tbsp honey/ agave syrup
   2 tbsp peanut butter
   1cup prunes
   1/3 cup coconut, shredded

   1 tsp dried peppermint

   Pinch salt

   1/3 cup raw cacao powder for dusting.

Method:

1. In a food processor, with the metal blade, add prunes, honey/ agave, peanut butter and cacoa powder into the food processor and pulse until mixture is finely chopped and it comes together nicely. 
2. Add almond meal into the food processor and pulse for a few seconds until everything come together- it should roll up into a ball.
3. Press into a small slice tin or simply onto a sheet of non-stick paper and press into a square shape, folding over the paper to cover and help shape. 
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm then slice as desired. Pour the second portion of the cacao powder onto a plate or in a container, lightly press each side of the individual slices into the cacao powder, shaking off any excess. 

I keep my bars wrapped in non-stick paper in the fridge.
Unrefrigerated bars are good for about a day or two and they keep in the fridge for up to a week – if it lasts that long!

Enjoy.