Second Remicade Infusion Completed...

Well Everyone,

My second Remicade infusion has been completed, and I was absolutely exhausted immediately afterwards.  However, I would rather be exhausted than in pain ANY day ;)  The process was the same as the first infusion, but this time I had a lot riding on my reaction to this particular infusion...this weekend happens to be our 6th wedding anniversary, and my over-achieving husband always takes me away to one of our two favorite hotels to shop, relax, eat, and have together time!  I was praying the entire time to have more energy after this infusion than the last, and it worked ;)  I will say that since I have started Remicade, my blood pressure has been elevated, so I'm not sure it that is a side effect, but I plan on mentioning it to my PCP this week.

I also had a chance to workout on thursday morning, I used my Zumba Rush game for Xbox 360 Kinect for 1 hour and 14 minutes, and I burned 872 calories...INSANE!  My heart rate stayed within my zone 3 (180-197)  for 53 minutes.  I definitely felt my heart rate begin to increase during the warm-up phase, and during the warm-up portion my heart rate was at 155.  I think it is so amazing how our bodies compensate and work like a well oiled machines.  Supposedly you can calculate your target heart rate zone for workouts by using the following:

Maximum Heart Rate

• Subtract your age from 220, 220 - 30 = 190 (This should be my maximum heart rate)

Lower End of your Heart Rate Workout Zone

• Multiply your Maximum Heart Rate by 0.7, 190 x 0.7 = 133 (This should be my lower limit)

Upper End of your Heart Rate Workout Zone

• Multiply your Maximum Heart Rate by 0.85, 190 x 0.85 = 161.5 (This should be my upper limit)

My target heart rate zone = 133bpm - 161.5bpm
My maximum heart rate during any workout should not exceed 190bpm

According to my actual measured (as opposed to the calculated) heart rate mentioned above, I was exercising outside of my maximum heart rate for a long period of time on thursday, as I spent at least 53 minutes with my heart rate between 188 - 195bpm.  I'm sure the calculation is just that, "a calculation", meaning it can be off by a few numbers in either direction.  However, I did use the Polar FT60 heart monitor watch to measure my heart rate during the entire 1hr and 14min workout, and I'm very happy with my calorie burn of 872 as measured by thewatch :)  This watch comes in handy when you are really serious about getting the most burn for your workout time.  Here are a few pictures of the Polar FT60 heart rate monitor watch.  They come in a few different colors, but I chose purple for Crohn's Disease, and it matched my workout shoes!

This watch is AWESOME, and I would definitely recommend it, not just for show, but for health reasons so you never over work your heart while exercising.

Hali's just hanging out these days

Hey Everyone,

Hali (my hair) has been being a real trooper lately.  She has just been hanging out and going with whichever moisturizer or styling gel I place on her.  I will say that with hot weather, I have had to utilize my Oyin Hair Dew almost everyday in order to keep her moisturized, and I have just started to use KCCC when I know it's extra humid outside, since it keeps away the frizz. Here are a few pictures of her.  I just placed color in her about two weeks ago, and this happens to be my favorite color.

She's been GREAT for me lately...I love being natural, especially since I workout sooooo much ;)
Shoot me any questions, can't wait to hear from you ;)

Health & Wealth

Finally done writing papers...

Good Morning Everyone,

I apologize for not being able to make any new posts sooner.  I have been inundated with papers to write this week.  However, with my last paper until the fall semester done...I have free reign to blog away :)  I even skipped out on working out for the past two days due to papers being due, and would you believe that my body is kicking my butt for it now?  Not so much yesterday, but today I was really exhausted towards the middle of the day, and by the evening my head was killing me.  I had my mother-in-law check my BP and it was higher than usual 140/80...my normal is usually 110/70!  So this could mean two things:

1. I'm stressed and need to calm down, and drink some water in case I'm inadvertently dehydrating my self.
2. My body is telling me enough is enough...it's time to crank this healthy lifestyle plan in to HIGH gear!

I'm going to go with number 2!  I have never ever had BP problems until I gained weight, so problem solved ;)  So, what's my plan for tomorrow...

1. Allow Jillian Michaels to kick my butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Allow Zumba to kick my butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With those two on my side I can't lose!

I will be very dedicated to MyFitnessPal in order to keep track of my eating.  It's weird, there are days I'm CRAZY hungry, and then there are days where I have to make myself eat.

I have been working on a post regarding women multi-tasking during sex, so keep an eye out...it should interesting ;)

Please comment, follow, ask questions, or just plain out say "hey" :)

Health & Wealth

Update on Alabu Soap

I have had the opportunity to try an additional soap formula from Alabu, and I love it.  I initially clung on to their Tea Tree bar of soap because I needed a cleaner that would clear up body acne from workouts with excessive sweating.  The Tea Tree soap definitely cleared up my acne, but in the process it dried out other very sensitive areas.  There had come a point where the Tea Tree soap was drying out the skin around my outer private area, and that was very uncomfortable and itchy.  I knew I needed to try another soap for everyday use and keep the Tea Tree soap for heavy workout days.  We tried Alabu’s:

• Oats and Honey soap – calms our son’s eczema patches and itchiness
• Sara’s formula – sensitive enough to be used over the entire body numerous times a day, and the    best part is that it continues to moisturize your skin with each usage.  After a shower, my skin does not feel dry or like it wants to crack.  My skin is very moisturized, soft, and smooth after using only two bars of this soap.  Also, I was concerned about the workout acne I had begun to accumulate on my buttocks...I had no idea that this soap would clear it up, but it did, and resulted in extra moisturized and smooth skin.

So, long story short, the Tea Tree soap may be better used for acne break outs, or for a patron with very oily skin, but not daily as it has the potential to dry out your skin.  The Oats and Honey would be great for everyday usage, especially for those with a dry skin condition such as eczema, because it’s calming and moisturizing.  Sara’s formula is very good for everyday usage especially for those patrons with extra dry skin + sensitive skin.  All in all, this company does an exceptional job with their natural products, and I will always shop with them.

Check them out here Alabu Skin Products

Health & Wealth

First Remicade Infusion

My first Remicade infusion was great!  There were no complications, and my husband was there to hold my hand the entire time!  When we arrived, I was greeted with financial documents to sign as each Remicade infusion costs close to $6,500...WOW!  Thank God for health insurance, and also the new RemiStart program where you complete an application and become approved for the usage of a discounted infusion rate.  With RemiStart approval, each infusion will cost you $50, instead of what ever your insurance company states is your responsibility to pay.  In my case, I would have owed my infusion center $650 for my first infusion.  However, with RemiStart I will only pay $50 for each infusion for the next year.  At the end of each year, you have to re-apply for the program.

After paperwork and bracelet placement, we were escorted back to our room, where the infusion would take place.  I was given pre-medication, an IV was started, and the Remicade began simultaneously with fluids.  All together the process may have taken 3 hours, but I was very tired and exhausted towards the end of the infusion, and almost achy.  By the time we made it home, I was clearly exhausted and wanted nothing more than sleep!

My second infusion is approaching, and it has been said that the second infusion is the point where difficulties are encountered if there will be any to encounter.  So we shall see :)

If there is anyone you know that may need or happen to know someone else who is taking or thinking about taking Remicade for an illness, please share this RemiStart link with them.  This website will give them the information they need in order to apply for the discount program.

Health & Wealth
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