Physician, Heal Thyself!

I have a little problem.

About two weeks ago I had a rough weekend. It started on Friday night- I forgot to bring a snack to work, so after going most of the day without eating I got some fast food (Wendy's) at 2pm and had a super late lunch (this is after I didn't eat breakfast that morning). Dinner wasn't much better, and that night I woke up at about 2am with a sharp pain under my right ribs. At first I thought it was painful gas, but it was a little too high, and didn't move or respond to massage at all. Hmm. The next day I had brunch with my family (chicken strips and fries at a restaurant), and for dinner that night, at Sam's grandma's we had breakfast for dinner: pancakes, bacon, sausage; the works! Again, I had pain, more severe ... and I was pretty sure what was ailing me. However, that didn't stop me from yet ANOTHER fatty meal on Sunday ... and even more pain. The worst pain. HORRIBLE pain.

So what's wrong with me? Gallstones!

I had suspected as much after the first (painful) night, and my aunt Amy, who is an ultrasound tech, was able to confirm it. I'm having quintuplets! Seriously, there are five, three really small ones, and two larger ones (but still relatively small). Since then I haven't had any pain, which is good, especially since I don't want to have surgery! I like my gallbladder, and yes, I know I can live without it, but I'd rather not, since I figure it was put there for a reason.

Thankfully, I'm of an experimental nature, and eager to put my medical training to use on myself. I know that some simple additions to my diet can help soften and dissolve the stones, especially if I combine them with herbs. (I'm actually going to the clinic for a treatment tomorrow!) So what exactly will I be doing? Well, for the next two months I'm going to cut down on meat, and I'm going to avoid rich, heavy meat in particular. No fast food, less processed food, less fat content, and no nuts. Increased vegetables, especially radish, parsley, green apples, lemon, lime, (these are all foods that help soften and dissolve stones) and olive oil (which stimulates bile production- to help push it all out). Drink more water, especially with added lemon, and chammomile tea. Lemon is particularly good for the gallbladder and quite effective at disolving stones.

There is a gallbladder flush that consists of drinking 1/4 cup of olive oil followed by 1/4 cup of lemon juice on an empty stomach before bed - and it's supposed to work for 99% of people - but I'm going to try this gradual method for a while first! After two months or so, I'm going to have my aunt ultrasound me again and see where I'm at.

Disclaimer: Now, please, don't do this kind of thing yourself without proper medical supervision. At least make sure you actually HAVE gallstones first! An inflammed gallbladder or even pancreas can cause similar symptoms- make sure you have a proper diagnosis. Anyone experiencing pain like this accompanied by a fever, chills, or jaundice should seek medical attention right away, as it may be something serious.

Ten Year Reflection

Ten years ago, I graduated high school – ten years ago yesterday to be precise; and ten years ago today I came home from Grad Night at Disneyland, sleepy, and dazed. It hadn’t quite sunk in.

Three years before graduation I had made the choice to go to Santa Susana High, which, at the time, was something of an experiment. It was a brand new school, a magnet school focused on performing arts and technology- every classroom had a computer or two (or three … there were plenty of computers!) and they promised a chance to get our feet wet in the arts. That meant band, dance, choir, and of course theatre, which was what attracted me. I had been bitten by the acting bug at a young age, and I remember the day in Jr. High that I realized theatre was something I could actually participate in, rather than just observe and enjoy. I was on the floor of the gym at Hillside, watching a scene from The Diary of Anne Frank – and someone said something about a drama elective, and I came home an announced that I was going to take that class the next semester! I did a drama workshop through the Simi Cultural Arts center … but I wanted more. When they announced the idea for this new magnet, I was overjoyed! I was bursting at the seams with happiness – and it seemed like all my friends at Jr. High were too. In fact, everyone vowed that they were “totally going” next year. I filled in my application as soon as I possibly could and mailed it off, making the happy announcement at lunch the next day. My friends started to lose their enthusiasm. They started to change their minds. And suddenly, I was the only one going to this new school. Oh my.

My parents told me I could always change my mind, and I thought about it, but I had a feeling it would be good for me. The first day of school was kind of scary, and I kept getting lost. I had a handful of acquaintances, and over the course of that first year I saw myself making new friends, remembering old ones, and making a place for myself at this new school. I was very much involved in theatre, the Drama club, and the Thespian society. Because the school was new we were eased in- the first year we only had grades 8-10, the second grades 9-11, and the third grades 9-12. In my three years there I was always the upperclassman, and it was nice. We set the foundations of the school – we chose the colors, the mascot, and my best friend wrote the alma mater. I really came out of my shell there, I grew as a person, as a friend. I finally found people who thought like I did, and I journaled it all.

Today I was finishing the last of my unpacking. I’ve been in this apartment for almost a month, and in the last of the book boxes I found my collection of journals. My first full volume was dedicated to high school – I actually finished the last page ten years ago today.

“16 June, 1999

Well, tomorrow is it, the big day, and until 5 minutes ago, I was so scared because I had no idea whatsoever about my future and my life. I made dinner tonight and Cathy/Mom was gone, so it was just Dad and I sitting outside, eating. He started talking about how life and growing up wouldn’t be as scary as I though it would be, and then he said something about the flute. Usually this means something I don’t want to hear, but he said how he was in band, and he really like it, but how he knew I didn’t love it like I said I did because of little things, like he had to remind me to practice and all that. He said how I should never keep a job I didn’t like just because of the money, and he really enjoyed his job, that’s what keeps people going. Then he said he knew I had always liked acting and that he knew it was my passion and he was glad he could see that and it made me cry because sometimes I think maybe he doesn’t love me or really care and notice and I was very wrong. I knew today that my dad loved me and it was a really good feeling.”

“18 June, 1999

Well, I graduated last night; now I’m part of the proud alumni at Santa Susana! This last month or so, I’ve started to realize how many people actually cared about me. […] It hasn’t really hit me completely, but it will. […] When we graduated, Mrs. Hauser [our principal] gave each of us a rose, and we were supposed to give it to someone who helped us get through high school alive; so I told Dad what I thought of our talk yesterday and I started crying and everything. He cried too, so I don’t feel too silly. […] I’ve changed so much these past three years. I don’t know what I believe in, but I think there was definitely a reason I came to this school. It was so I could have my “calling” and so I could meet people who mirror me so much I can change all the bad stuff inside me. But most importantly it was so I could finally accept myself and learn what real true love feels like (we’re talking strictly friendship here!). […] So now, I say adieu, but it’s not really the end, it’s just the very beginning!”

Here I am, ten years later. I’m not an actress, but I think everything I learned about myself during that time has made me a better person. I’ve always taken my father’s advice to heart- no matter what you do, do what you love, what you're passionate about; do what makes you happy ... and I’m so glad for it.

Veggie of the Month: Asparagus

Finally!! I know I'm late! Honestly- I think I'll have to skip the Leeks of May and just jump right into my June veggie ... but meanwhile, enjoy this overdue entry intended for APRIL ...

Asparagus oficianalus, a member of the lily family, and originally from Eurasia. Asparagus was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans over 2500 years ago, and was one of the few wild plants ancient Romans would eat. It was became very popular during the Middle Ages, and eventually made it’s way to the states after Germany began canning it in the mid 19^th century. It has long been thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. It is considered to be a good herb for cleansing, as it is rich in nutrients and has diuretic qualities.

Asparagus is usually available in the spring, but can usually be found year round. It comes in three varieties: green, purple or white - although white asparagus is really just green asparagus grown without light – kind of like albino asparagus!!

Medicinally, asparagus is used as a diuretic. According to Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford (my new favorite book, btw) asparagus has a “slightly warming thermal nature; bitter and mildly pungent flavor. Contains the diuretic asparagines, which explains its capacity to eliminate water through the kidneys. Treats many types of kidney problems but should not be used when there is inflammation [Marcelle's note: this is because it’s warming, which can aggravate an inflammation]. Helps to cleanse the arteries of cholesterol and is useful in vascular problems such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis.”

I remember the first time I ever ate asparagus – I was about 10 years old, spending the night at my friend Amy’s house, and for dinner her parents cooked asparagus. I had been taught to eat what was put on my plate, even if I didn’t like it very much - and I did not like it. I choked down that first horrible meal with a smile on my face! I have since found it much more appetizing, and the recipe I’m including is so super easy! Actually, it’s hardly a recipe at all … so the real recipe is for the Cajun seasoning salt I used to make it!

Cajun Seasoning

[I honestly don’t remember where I got this recipe – there are many different versions of Cajun style seasoning, the key is the cayenne pepper! I’m kind of wimpy so I actually put less cayenne in, but I love the mix of the other spices. The quantities of this recipe are also very easily reduced.]

Ingredients:

table salt, 26 oz cayenne pepper, 5 tbs black pepper, 3 tbs onion powder, 3 tbs garlic powder, 3 tbs

chili powder, 3 tbs thyme, 1 tbs sweet basil, 1 tbs bay leaf, 1 tbs

Mix and powder all ingredients, except salt, in a blender. Mix thoroughly with salt until everything is evenly distributed. This can be used as any seasoned salt! Of course, you can always experiment until you find a combo you like.

Oven Baked Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus
• Olive Oil
• Cajun seasoning

Preheat oven to 425° F. Snap asparagus at the tender part of the stalk [it will just snap where it needs to]. Rub with olive oil and Cajun seasoning, and arrange on a cooking sheet. Bake in oven until tender, about 10 min.

It’s that easy!

This was the last dinner I made for Sam and I in our old apartment … we paired it with some grilled chicken and my special herby brown rice. Yum!

Funny fact: the day after eating this, I noticed my pee had a little bit of an asparagus smell. Apparently, that’s genetic! Only certain people have the ability to produce smelly pee … or to smell it at all! I knew I was special. :)

Sources & Further Info:

http://www.sacredhearth.com/herblore/herb/asparagus

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977173950

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=12

Updates

Well, I can't believe it's been over a month since my last update. I'm embarrassed!

Things have been kind of crazy in my neck of the woods ... most of my spring break from school was spent apartment hunting, and then on Memorial Day weekend I actually did the moving part! It was bittersweet - Sam and I got separate places - but there is something kind of nice about having the bed all to myself again, heh heh heh ... I have roommates again, which is kind of cool, and they have babies, which is even better! I love babies. I'll be having a lot of baby time in my future. I started a new semester - we're already five weeks in and I can't believe it! I have my first Herb Formulas midterm on Wednesday.

I have a lot of updates coming - including my last monthly veggie, which was one of the last dinners I made at the old apartment! Stay tuned.