Debbie Cousins's Journal, 14 August 2024

How you are doing well. Get better soon.  

I'm sorry you are regretting your toe surgery, but I'm praying that you will be glad you had it someday. I think feet can take a very long time to heal, and in your case, it has inhibited your exercise that helped you control your weight. I'm also praying for your surgery and that you heal quickly. In answer to your question Stevia is considered the safest "artificial" sweetener but some think not enough testing has been done to even assure that. I've read that the biggest problem with it is that some companies add "alcohol" (esters ??) to it which would trigger a sugar like reaction for some people. I still use it. I don't really care for the taste of it but can tolerate it so use it sparingly. The pink and blue "bags" are quite dangerous to our health in my (and many, many others) opinion. In the heat of the summer months they are a real temptation but I usually succeed avoiding them knowing they kill over half of the friendly bacteria in our gut. I often have intestinal problems or IBS and I need as much health as possible. I've been on a slow descent, memory included, but have a fierce desire to stay independent. I will continue praying for you, my dear sister in Christ. Even though you don't hear from me, I think of you almost every day. I send my love to you across the many miles.  

Hope your surgery went well. 🙏 

Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope everything went well with the surgery.