Today I went in to see my doctor regarding my blood pressure medication. I was just on the cusp of needing it at the end of the summer so I started taking a diuretic. It caused terrible cramping and it also caused major clotting when I was giving blood (this has not been confirmed that it was the medication – we’ll find out if I clot so quickly on April 6th when mom and I give whole blood). One day I was giving platelets and there was a clot in the line a foot long. Can you imagine? That was in my VEINS! All I could see was a heart attack or a stroke right there in that line. I immediately, as of that day, quit taking it. You’re not actually suppose to just quit taking blood pressure medication.

I feel like all of this weight gain and blood pressure issues was related to that year where I ate whatever I wanted, sat in that brace and drank alcohol every night. Seems like a likely trigger doesn’t it? When I went back in to my doctor today, my blood pressure came in at a 134/83. I was pretty proud of that because I was feeling pretty bad at the end of the summer. I’ve worked pretty hard to get my blood pressure numbers down both at the gym and in the kitchen. Am I great in either location? Nah. But I’m really trying to get back on track. I’m trying to make good decisions and I’m trying to think ahead to how “whatever I’m doing – eating/working out” will effect me throughout the day. I’m conscious of my sugar intake and am making real efforts to find foods that have more protein so I can hit my macros (STILL working on that protein – apparently I don’t like a ton of protein-rich foods – who knew?).

I need to see my weight shift soon to see progress. Do I feel the progress in putting on my clothing? Yes. They’re looser. I’m not constantly looking for the XL’s any more, the L’s will do. That said, I’m still physically heavier than all of the people around me. I’ve gained a LOT of muscle and since I’ve started running I’ve even put ON 2-3 lbs. I have to think it’s muscle because I haven’t changed my eating habits (except maybe to adjust for the additional calories I’ve burnt). Here’s to hoping this muscle I’ve been building starts burning calories in my off-time like it’s suppose to! Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always been heavier than other people my size. I’m a muscular build. It’s something I’ve come to accept and it’s something I actually value because it means I’m stronger than other people in my size range as well. That said, I’ve got goals and my goals require me to be lighter both for the sake of my joints and lifestyle!