dartdiva

Long Sordid story. Have been on methotrexate for psoriasis for most of my adult life... which in turn has many side effects one of which caused early menopause and messed up hormones.

I quit smoking in 2009... and not so coincidentally my thyroid crashed, and of course gave myself license to eat anything and everything.... so I gained 20lbs too.

I had many health issues that followed including high blood pressure, poor kidney function, repeated sinus infections, allergies, dried cracked feet, vertigo, blurred vision... and more.

Who knew???? I thought that quitting smoking was supposed to improve my health... I'm not a couch potato either. I downhill ski, hike, walk, play darts and badminton, and lots of shopping ;) It's just wrong :(

I am happy to report, that I am still not smoking, quit using the methotrexate. I am using the herb Chang Shan for psoriasis but am no really sure if it is helping. Will have to try stopping it for a period to really see.

Since using fatsecret to monitor my diet, I have increased my consumption of much healthier foods, and especially fluids, and my health has been steadily improving! I really think that I have been chronically dehydrated for many years... thus causing many of my health issues.

I had actually signed up months before, but really didn't use it until recently, and I am so happy I did. It keeps me accountable and honest with myself.

I had truly lost any inkling of portion size :) Now I weigh and measure everything, and am slowly getting comfortable with knowing my portion sizes again.