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Friday, April 20, 2012

Eye Problems and Diet Soda Round Out My Week


Since last writing, a couple of things have happened. I had an issue with eyes that kept me from being able to do much for a couple of days and I’ve given up soda.

The eye thing turned out to strain on the retinas of my eyes. Bright, arcing slashes of lightning bolt shaped light flickered in my eyes for an hour or so last Wednesday. It didn’t hurt but I could see them even with my eyes closed. The light seemed very bright and was uncomfortable to look at but there was no way to look away. Once it subsided, I saw several “floaters” in my vision for a couple of days. So I called my eye doctor and they squeezed me in on Friday, fearing a retinal detachment.
Fortunately, there were no tears and they explained to me how things like this are more common as we age, particularly as we cross the 50 year mark. Great, something my body has to be right on time for! Lol. There is nothing that can be done to prevent more of these episodes but I did learn what to watch for and when I should call the doctor again because it might actually be a detachment. Even that is correctable but I have to say – this getting older stuff sucks.

It was more of an arc but this is close to what I saw but up close and personal in my eyes


It really got me thinking about my age and my health. Being 50, for me, means I am probably well past the halfway point of my life. Time is running out for me to “fix” things” There aren’t that many tomorrows left.

So Idecided to do something I’ve known I should do for a long time. I gave up soda.
I drink diet coke primarily, and decaffeinated when I can find it. I don’t buy soda and keep it in the house so I thought I was doing ok, only having it when I went out. Problem is I would go out once or twice a week and get soda from places that had free refills. Then I would sit drink 30 to 40 oz. each time. I also got a 20 oz. bottle every time I went to a store or gas station because I was thirsty. Or I’d have my husband bring me one on his way home from work. It averaged out to at least20 oz. of soda a day.

That doesn’t sound like much  but even at a $1/soda – which is low – that’s $30 each month. Plus I’ve read about how diet soda metabolizes in such a way as to make you hungry and make you crave more soda. So in essence its making you eat and drink more. Well no wonder I’m not losing weight!
Now I know soda is not to blame for my condition. I am. But this journey is about taking baby steps to get healthy. So I took this one and here’s what I’ve experienced 6 days into this.
Even the caffeine from a 1 soda/day diet has had an impact. Today is the first day in six that I haven’t woken up with a headache caused by caffeine withdrawal. The headache was bad on day three that it woke me several times throughout the night. 

I seem to be sleeping worse. This may not have anything to do with soda withdrawal as I am under a good deal of stress right now and I still have that apnea thing to contend with but I’ve noticed I’m waking up more since giving up the soda. I will have to see if that changes as I get farther into this.
I’ve lost 3 lbs. OK, wasn’t expecting that. But here’s the thing. I don’t like milk and fruit juices and I don’t drink tea (Caffeine) and don’t like green tea even without sweeteners which are also bad for me. Crystal Lite and those things are not providing me with any nutritional value and can add up to a lot of money. So, yep, I’ve been drinking water and more of it each day. 

Is the lack of diet soda making the difference or the increased water? I have no idea but I’ll take. Today’s weight was 264.8. A long way to go but that’s okay. Next week is the sleep study and hopefully another step on the road to a fitter me.


3 comments:

Rebecca Livermore said...

Good for you for giving up soda! I don't drink a ton, but I do drink it and would probably be much better off without it. It's addictive!

Unknown said...

Way to go! I've given up soda mostly myself. It is expensive and tends to leave me feeling bloated. I've switched over to mainly drinking water and unsweetened tea. I wish you the best of luck as you continue on your journey towards a healthier and happier you! :)

Jolie du Pre said...

You're going to feel so much better with soda out of your system!!

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