Enough!

I've had a series of random medical issues dating back about 17 years. Most of them, at this point, are minor annoyances. Some have led to surgeries and major medical issues or complications. MANY of them involve food. Red meat, dairy, things too high in refined sugars or sugar alcohols, caffeine, artificial sweetners, high fructose corn syrup, dairy fats, fats in general, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower ... you get the point.

People wonder about my overzealous infatuation with food and all things nutrition-related. I remember the first time I went grocery shopping with Himself. He said, "Is there a reason you read every single label?" There is. If I change brands of anything - I read the labels. (Himself no longer goes shopping with me). Fortunately, rather than turning me off food, my obsession has made me have a fairly healthy relationship with food - I don't eat things I don't like, I eat the things I do and once in awhile, I eat something I love that either a) hates me or b) goes straight to my hips.

I'm healthy. I eat a decent amount of fruits, vegetables, fiber and protein (thanks to my blood sugar issues). I lack in calcium, but I can single-handedly support a cheese farmer in Vermont (Vermont extra-sharp white cheddar - yum!), so I try hard. I constantly evaluate what I'm eating.

Today, however, I've had enough. Enough of trying to analyze everything that goes in my mouth. I watch my calcium, folic acid, vegetables/fruits, fiber, protein, carbs and calories/fat. It's almost enough to drive one mad.

It finally did today. It's the "almost fainting" spells. For a couple of days, I've become dizzy and lightheaded at very random moments (I'm used to the low-blood sugar ones, but, thanks to modern medicine, that hasn't happened in months). Finally annoyed, I call the doctor (they hate me).

The nurse tells me that my last blood draw came back as low in iron. She asks if I like red meat? Not so much. A little, but it doesn't like me. How about broccoli? Love it. It hates me. Prunes? The sugar content is enough to send me into orbit. Exasperated, she asks about beets, beans, dried fruits and organ meats. Sugar issue, haven't been able to tolerate any kind of "remotely looks like it *might* be Mexican" in 5 months, sugar issue and just plain GROSS! She sighs (again) and explains it is definitely clear why my iron levels are low.

She advises me my best option (I can't take a supplement) is to eat lots of spinach and green leafy things and to come in next week so we can discuss it.

*sigh*

One more label to read when I go grocery shopping this week.