Today is the day, I've been waiting for this test since learning about adrenal function last summer when I was taking the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute's  Fibromyalgia Advisor program. I was doing some research and I came across this article about adrenal fatigue and I believe that I have issues with adrenal function, not necessarily fatigue but they are not functioning properly.

Exhausted? 10 ways to know if you have adrenal fatigue, and what to do about it by Margaret Floyd Barry 

1. You’re a “night person” (you have trouble getting up in the morning and you have trouble falling asleep at night, even when you’re exhausted) ✓
2. Your blood pressure is either above 120/80 or below 105/70 ✓
3. You get a headache after exercising ✓
4. You clench or grind your teeth
5. You get dizzy when you stand up quickly ✓
6. You crave salty foods ✓ 
7. You perspire easily, regardless of the temperature
8. You’re always tired ✓
9. You need to wear sunglasses outside during the day ✓
10. You don’t stay asleep at night ✓

I got 8/10 in that questionnaire. According to the article: "If two or more of these describe you, you most likely have some degree of adrenal dysregulation."

I spoke to my new naturopathic doctor about my issues and she agreed that we should get the tests done. I had to pay out of payment for this testing, but I believe that it will be worth knowing if I have issues with adrenal functions and steer my treatments and dietary changes to meet any of those needs from the adrenals working overtime. Next up in my testing is a new set of blood work and looking at factors that were overlooked when I was working with GP. I am still without a family physician and I hope that I can see the college clinic doctor for things that can be covered by OHIP and be easy on my pocket book. I am grateful I can put some money towards naturopathic treatments.

If you suspect that you may have issues with adrenal functions, please get in touch with your general practioner for a discussion and possible testing.

I wanted to share my favorite products I use on a daily bases for my self-care and products that ease my pain during recovery from a flare or daily pains.

Every night before I fall asleep, I use Yves Rocher Anti-Fatigue/Anti-Tiredness Foot Soothing Iced Gel & Yves Rocher Light Legs Fresh Gel. I just discovered these Yves Rocher products this month and I love them very much, I don't hurt as much in the morning.
My favorite pain relief topical cream is by Mind Body Matrix. I was gifted a sample size bottle last summer when I joined the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute. I was so pleased that I felt immediate relief in my back, neck, and shoulders (or wherever else, I had applied it for pain relief). It is a pricey item, but I believe it is worth the cost, for it's an alternative to prescription medication that I don't have access to.
I use an essential oil called Worry Not, I apply it at bedtime on my wrists, breathe in the aroma and peacefully fall asleep.
If I have a headache, I use a frozen eye pillow created by KrumaCreations, either on the back of my neck or over my eyes.

​I am so grateful for my educational opportunities. I am happy, I was brave enough to start college at 39 years old (September 2019). I am grateful for the students I worked with last year and the teachers who were super supportive of my limitations. I worked as hard as I could and I am proud of those grades. I became overwhelm when COVID-19 restrictions come into place while I was trying to earn my diploma and homeschool my children. I had the right support team in my husband, my mom, my children, and my fibromyalgia coach. Sad I didn't graduate with the lovely ladies I got to know in OAD 2019-2020, something better came from this, it became the time to focus on my health and growth plan. I graduated my three month program to become a certified fibromyalgia advisor. Now to focus on the next goal IWAP, class of 2022!

I'm Pinterest Famous

​Tami added the graduates on facebook & pinterest.