Hey everyone! It’s been about 60 days since my last health update, and I’m excited to share some big wins on my wellness journey. Last time, I talked about starting a pain management plan combining holistic therapies with medical care, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the results. For the first time in ages, I’m feeling almost pain-free—my fibro flares are minimal and way less intense. This new approach has really opened my eyes, making me more mindful and connected in so many areas of my life. Best of all, I’ve got even more positive health news to share!
Quick update on my diabetes journey! A while back, I was using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) to help manage my blood sugar levels, thanks to a study I participated in. It was a game-changer—so much easier and less painful than constant finger pricks. When the study wrapped up, I decided to ask my doctor for a script to keep using it. But, like with most things, insurance required Prior Authorization, and to qualify, I needed recent lab results to prove my diabetes diagnosis.
Here’s where things got a bit frustrating: I recently switched doctors, and my previous one wouldn’t forward my records. So, I had to pay or get my lab results sent separately. By the time I managed to get those results over, insurance had already denied the request due to ‘wrong information’—likely because my last labs were from April. Since I didn’t want to keep pricking my fingers while waiting, I asked for updated labs. And here’s the exciting part: my A1C dropped from 7.6% in April to 6.7% in October!
I’m thrilled by this progress and feel that the CGM study, along with my meds, played a big role in this improvement.
Big changes are happening! Over the past week and a half, I’ve been feeling a real pull to quit smoking cigarettes. After years of not much progress on this front, I started reflecting on my journey as a smoker. Back when I lived in Texas, I was up to a pack of 100s a day—way too much nicotine. My doctors and family have been on me about this for 16 years. The longest I’ve managed to quit was about a year, back in 2009 or 2010, but since then, my attempts have been short-lived, usually lasting a month at most.
When I moved back to Missouri, I made some progress, cutting down to about 10-13 cigarettes a day. Switching from 100s to shorts even stretched my stash to last a full month. But recently, I noticed I was lighting up almost every hour—up to 15 cigarettes a day! That was a wake-up call for me.
So, while waiting on lab results, I decided to really commit to quitting this time. I reached out to my doctor, got a prescription for generic Chantix (which my insurance thankfully covers), and put together a solid game plan. Monday, I picked up my meds, and started the first dose, and yesterday at 5:33 PM, I smoked my last cigarette! As of this writing, I’m officially 17.5 hours smoke-free, and I’m excited to see share my game plan, again I'm taking a holistic, spiritual, and medical approach to this.
While managing my fibromyalgia, it hit me—I could apply a similar approach to tackling my smoking habit. I tried pacing myself by holding off on the urge to smoke, but those ‘unhelpful passengers’ in my mind weren’t having it. The last time I thought seriously about quitting, I joined a study that provided nicotine patches, but I ended up opting out. They never asked for the patches back, so I kept them just in case. Now, I’m glad I did; I’ll be using them alongside Chantix for a more rounded medical approach to quitting.
I also reached out to a few of my pagan groups for ideas on incorporating my beliefs into this journey, and I was blown away by the support and creative suggestions I received. I’ve added some powerful new tools: crystals for emotional support, personalized mantras and affirmations for meditation, and a binding rune I drew on my wrist as a daily reminder. I feel really connected to this journey, especially with these symbols grounding me.
Today, I’m also starting therapy to have that extra layer of support. I’ve even downloaded an app that tracks my smoke-free progress—the cigarettes I haven’t smoked, the time I’ve regained, the money saved, and the health milestones I’m hitting. Sharing my journey on Facebook has been incredibly motivating, and I’m excited to finally become a non-smoker.
Before I wrap up, here’s a look at my future health and personal goals. In my latest conversation with my doctor about diabetes, we agreed to give it six months to see where my health stands. During this time, I’ll stick to my current meds, aim for a healthier diet, and avoid overindulgence. I’m also determined to keep avoiding finger pricks for now; we’ll check the labs in six months and consider the CGM again based on those results.
As for smoking, I’m focused on following my game plan, staying consistent with Stanza therapy to help manage my fibromyalgia, and really digging into my values and interests. My Stanza plan is already helping me do just that, and soon, I’ll be adding exercise into the mix to support my weight-loss journey. Looking forward to sharing more progress along the way! Have a blessed Samhain!