October 07, 2015

Week 8 Weigh-in

This week was not as smooth of a ride as far as weight loss goes, as the past seven weeks were. I started running again, and for me, running after some time off always makes my weight loss stall or slow down. I run for reasons other than weight loss, though, so I am okay with that. My weigh in today:


I was 141.5, which means I am down one pound this week. While it's not the two pounds I've been losing, I'm very happy with the loss! My body fat was 25.7%, which is down 0.6% (that's good!), and my waist was at 26.5, which is the same as last week.

I didn't change anything this week, other than the fact that I'm back to running again. I'm only 8.5 pounds from goal now, so I figured the weight loss would slow down sooner or later anyway ;) I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing, and hope that I continue to lose. I would love to see the 130's soon, though!

I had a dentist appointment this morning (just a cleaning). My bottom molar has been bothering me a bit more than usual over the past six months, so I mentioned that to the hygienist. When I broke my jaw in 2010, I apparently cracked my molar (just the tiniest amount) and I've had little issues with it now and then. The hygienist did an x-ray to compare it to last time, and she called the dentist in to check it out.

I absolutely HATE going to the dentist, because anything having to do with teeth gives me the heebie jeebies (for lack of a better word, haha!). There is something about teeth that just completely weirds me out.

Anyway, the dentist wanted to 1) tap on the tooth to see if it was painful, and 2) apply freezing cold to my tooth to see if that was painful. I kind of panicked, and told her I'd rather just deal with the occasional twinges of pain that I get from my tooth. She said I would have to see a root canal specialist (!!!), who would probably do it anyway. So, I allowed her to do the tapping and the freezing cold, which surprisingly didn't bother my tooth (although my heart was racing and I was practically hyperventilating).

From the look of the x-ray, she said my tooth is dying (hearing that made me panic even more) and I would need a root canal in the future for sure. To me, there is pretty much nothing more terrifying than a root canal. I've never had one, but the thought of it is worse than anything I've endured (including my jaw surgeries and giving birth twice).

I'm terrified of having it done. The dentist said that as of right now, my tooth is okay if I don't mind dealing with the twinges I get once in a while. Eventually, if it gets to be more painful or more frequent, I should go see the endodontist about having a root canal :( Someone please tell me it's not as bad as I'm imagining...?!

After the dentist, I went to The Salvation Army. While I was there, Andrea texted me to see if I wanted to go to lunch at Panera this week, and I asked if she was available today--so it was totally last minute, but we met at Panera for lunch. I had the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (which is amazing!) and chicken noodle soup.


Normally at restaurants, I tend to order the same thing each time I go; but Panera is one place that I love pretty much everything, so I order different food every time. It never disappoints! I thought that the drink I grabbed was orange flavored sparkling water, but after I poured it into a glass, I realized it was something like sparkling orange juice--with 140 calories! So I didn't end up drinking it.

Tomorrow, Jessica and I have plans to walk 10 miles in the morning. I'm a little nervous--that's a long walk! I think the worst case scenario is that I'll get blisters, because my feet are soft from not running for so long. The Detroit Half is a week from Sunday, though, so I have to get ready to walk it!

31 comments:

  1. Try not to stress about the root canal. I'm 27 and I've already had 2. They were not bad at all. I've had normal cavities that were much worse.

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  2. Katie, I fell a few years back and did damage to one of my bottom front teeth and recently found out that it had died but I wasn't in any pain yet. I went ahead with the root canal despite being terrified because I knew I had to do it eventually and I wanted to "rip off the band aid" if you will. I had heard so many awful things about them and had myself in full on panic mode but I can honestly say it was the easy and painless. And I didn't even need meds for any residual pain either. When I went for my follow up the next week, I asked the endodontist about it because I couldn't reconcile what I'd experienced with what I'd heard and he explained hat the great root canal myth. Evidently, there is only pain of their is infection in the tooth and because I had my root canal done before it reached that point, it was painless. The gum tissue around the tooth we just slightly tender. But, I'd bet you'll have an equally painless experience.

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  3. Forgive the typos. I am typing on an iPhone that is auto correct happy!!!

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  4. The Mediterranean veggie sandwich is one of my favorites! I go through phases where I don't really eat much meat and that's my go-to. The autumn squash soup is really good too, but it's a little higher in calories -- although I will always figure out a way to work it in to my meal when I go to Panera Bread.

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  5. Katie, I think you're fabulous. But seriously, pull on your big girl panties and get the root canal done. You'll have some discomfort, but nothing terrible. The alternative is that the tooth abcesses, maybe down into your jawbone. I've had that happen 3 times, due to stress grinding leading to 3 cracked molars. The pain was horrendous, the kind I'd only wish on my worst enemy. Weekends in a morphine coma until I could get the teeth extracted. If nothing else, think of the example you're setting for your kids. You're doing so brilliantly being someone they can proudly emulate in their lifestyle choices. Don't teach them to avoid something unpleasant, but necessary, because it's a bit confronting. And super duper well done on the running and the weight loss. You continue to inspire. Karen in Sydney.

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  6. Ditto everybody else. Root canals are not bad. The worst part is keeping your mouth open.

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  7. I had to have a root canal a few years ago and I was terrified! But it really was no big deal! I listened to my iPod the whole time and it didn't last as long said thought it would. You can do this!

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  8. I'm not sure why you would have to see a specialist...? (I've had two root canals by regular dentists). They aren't as bad as some people make it out to be, but I would definitely not wait until you get to the "unbearable pain" stage (ask me how I know...) The only problem I had was that one of my roots had a secondary little rootlet (?) which the dentist missed the first time, so that I kept having some pain after the fact. After he went back in for the rootlet it was fine.

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  9. Oh man, I went to the dentist yesterday and I have to see an endodontist about a possible root canal too! What scares me most is the cost! That is painful enough!!

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  10. The worst part about the root canal is having one's mouth open for so long and the plastic cover they put over your mouth to keep any dental materials from being swallowed. The actual root canal was painless. I also hate the dentist and teeth freak me out, but the root canal should not be painful physically...mentally I still get a bit freaked out.

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  11. I have had several root canals by an Endodontist--good results and minimal pain on all. No worse than a filling in my opinion. You're all numbed up and good to go! Fear of the unknown is the worst part, but u'll be a-ok!! Good luck! ;-)

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  12. Get the root canal sooner rather then later! I had one and as a commenter above said the worst part is having to keep your mouth open while they do it. My jaw muscles were sore the following day but the procedure was painless. I had the unfortunate experience of getting an infection below an old filling and it moved rapidly to my jaw bone (only took a couple of days!). I wound up having to have an extensive procedure and a cadaver bone graft placed in my jaw. The pain from the infection was so horrible I didn't sleep for 3 days leading up to surgery! My advise, take care of it now rather then waiting to have a problem arise.

    Nothing freaks me out more then the dentist as well but I've learned the hard way that you don't want any type of infection.

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  13. Yup. Agree with the others that a root canal is not bad. I have had several, three or four at least. The worst pain is the one to your wallet. lol And also agree that you really want to do it sooner rather than later. The problem's not going to go away and you will only be subjecting yourself to more work later.

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  14. Adding my agreement here...get that root canal done sooner than later. I wish you could see my husband, he's a dentist who is really good about putting people at ease when they are terrified. :) There may be some discomfort, but nothing like having a broken jaw or giving birth.

    I also noticed when I run my scale doesn't move down as easily...frustrating, but you have a great attitude about it.

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  15. I am going to try and walk 10 miles this weekend too....the most I have walked is probably 6 but what is 4 more? MN this weekend is suppose to be BEAUTIFUL so I am getting out taking advantage of the sun!!

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  16. Great loss this week, once again! Adding in the running probably contributed to some water retention, so I bet if you stick to program it'll continue dropping. I'm 8-9 lbs away from goal now, too! Let's do this :)

    Sorry about your tooth troubles :( I just had my first ever cavity filled last week. I was so bummed out about it, haha.

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    1. I just noticed your waist measurement! How do you have the tiniest waist ever?!

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  17. Oh girl! You can handle a root canal. Look at how far you've come with flying! Now my question is - why can't "your" dentist do the root canal. I've never had to go to a specialist for that. Quite frankly a root canal is basic dentistry and any dentist can do it. If not maybe you need a different dentist! But seriously I think I've had 2 root canals. . . I don't know if I remember. They have to numb you and that's probably my least favorite part. But you don't feel a thing after that. I've heard SO many horror stories about root canals. Here's what I think - I think people that have bad experiences with root canals have an infection or some other trigger to make it painful. I had a bad infection once and that basically prohibited numbing. It was the worse experience I've had at the dentist. I'm not saying this to make you more scared. But I'm saying it to say be proactive. Get this done NOW! Before something happens to make the whole experience worse. Honestly a basic root canal is nothing. You got this!

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    1. Dentists often refer their patients to endodontists for root canals on molars because they can be more complicated. My dentist does this, my sister's dentist does this, I am sure a whole bunch of dentists do this.

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  18. I have had a few root canals, went to an endo. You are SOOO numb, it lasts forever. Take motrin just to stay ahead of any potential discomfort and aside from any triggers/complications it is not so bad. My jaw hurt more for holding it open than my mouth did after!
    paying for the crown was the really painful part.....

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  19. Please, I am BEGGING you Katie, do NOT wait to get this root canal done. Once your tooth is dead, the pain is unbearable. You know how some people say tooth pain is worth than childbirth? Well, I believe them! I can't even describe the excruciating pain. My tooth was dying too and when it decided it's time on earth was done, I was crying in pain. Honestly, the root canal is not bad at all. You're thinking the worst and it's such a simple procedure. And so worth it compared to the tooth pain. I have faith in you, you can do it!!

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  20. I have had five root canals (yay genetics and soft teeth) and it is the IDEA of a root canal that is far, far worse than the actual procedure, I promise. I have had root canals from my regular dentist and one from an endodontist. It is very similar to a filling except it takes longer. You are just as numb, you don't feel a thing, and you won't hurt afterwards. Trust all of us when we tell you get it done the sooner, the better.
    Congrats on your weight loss, awesome job! I love Panera because of the choices, too. aLthough I used to get chicken lemon orzo soup and now they don't make it anymore. Lame.

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  21. 1) Root canals are not as bad as they sound, I promise. The hassle of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent ones to come in is the hardest part. I've had two root canals (1 and 5/6 without anesthesia - the 1/6 was because the endodontist freaked out, not me!) and even that way it was way better than childbirth or my jaw surgery! And they should have all sorts of anesthesia options for you, including an IV that will totally knock you out if that's what you need.
    2) Congrats on your weigh-in and measurement decreases! I am flat out jealous of your waist measurement. My weight has dropped steadily at about 1/2 lb a week for the last three weeks but my stupid waist measurement (my main goal by far) has not budged! My abdominal fat has decreased for sure - but, go figure, that falls right inbetween all those important hip/waist measurements.
    3) And a question (sorry this is so long) - when counting calories, do you ever have "I'm so freaking hungry" weeks (not just a day or two)? Actual stomach growling, headache, grouchy hungry, not just looking for things to chew on. What do you do?

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  22. I've never left a comment before but your concern regarding a possible root canal inspired me!
    I just had a root canal done this year for a tooth that initially only needed an old filling replaced...however, after the filling was done, the tooth experienced issues with biting (any bit of pressure caused pain). At that point, a root canal was recommended. I was SO nervous initially because of everything that I had heard about them in the past....but honestly, the worst part for me was 1) getting numbed up (I hate receiving Novicaine injections -- but once I was numb -- NO PAIN, just pressure, 2 ) keeping your jaw open for so long -- they give you a device to keep the jaw open but it is tiring and once it comes out...your jaw is so sore from staying open, 3) breathing -- they keep all of your teeth except the tooth they are working on covered with a dental dam so you have to breath through your nose and swallow any saliva that gathers at the back of your throat -- it is quite a challenge to swallow and breath at the same time!. Once the procedure is done, the only other thing to keep in mind is that your tooth will not feel "normal" for a while....I mean this is major surgery! My tooth felt "strange" but usable pretty much right away (after giving it a little bit of time to rest -- soft foods at first). Finally after about 3 months it is starting to feel more normal, but not 100% yet!
    I would say get the tooth done. You can read a lot about root canals online for any further information!
    I am very inspired by your blog and love reading it.
    Good luck with the tooth.
    Kaye

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  23. Running makes weight loss slow for me too -- that's not exactly my problem right now (more like too many chips ahoy cookies, pumpkin beer and wine) but it is truth :)

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  24. Easy peasy for root canals. And I had very real horrible dental trauma as a child ( horrible father who refused to pay for novacaine for fillings and wouldn't accept the "freebie" from the dentist who felt bad for me. I had a dozen fillings (poor genetics) as a child without any numbing at all). To say I tense up in the dental chair is the understatement of the year. I have had 3 root canals with novacaine plus nitrous oxide. I loved the nitrous so much I didn't want the procedure to end - I actually kicked off my shoes during the procedure much to my embarrassment. If you haven't had nitrous before, it's like having a good bit of wine but the minute the mask comes off, the feeling goes away without lingering effects. It's a godsend for us nervous nellies. Seriously - don't eff with this or put it off. That will not end well.

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  25. Easy peasy for root canals. And I had very real horrible dental trauma as a child ( horrible father who refused to pay for novacaine for fillings and wouldn't accept the "freebie" from the dentist who felt bad for me. I had a dozen fillings (poor genetics) as a child without any numbing at all). To say I tense up in the dental chair is the understatement of the year. I have had 3 root canals with novacaine plus nitrous oxide. I loved the nitrous so much I didn't want the procedure to end - I actually kicked off my shoes during the procedure much to my embarrassment. If you haven't had nitrous before, it's like having a good bit of wine but the minute the mask comes off, the feeling goes away without lingering effects. It's a godsend for us nervous nellies. Seriously - don't eff with this or put it off. That will not end well.

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  26. Hi Katie. I've had 3 root canals. They aren't exactly fun and get pretty expensive, but it's best to just get it over with. With the numbing you don't feel anything except maybe pressure. Good luck to you and take care!

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  27. Don't even sweat it! I've had one before and it was fine and painless and once it was done it was done no lingering soreness or anything. My dad was a dentist so I grew up going to him which obviously put me at ease but I think like any procedure people tend to stress but it will be fine!

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  28. I understand that your fear of the root canal is more than just the worry about the pain. I also have a sort of phobia with having anything done in my mouth. You might look into having the work done by a reputable sedation dentist. The dentist will put you under oral or IV sedation - you will not even remember the procedure. You're not totally asleep, so you can respond to the dentist telling you to open your mouth, tilt your head, etc, but you don't really end up with any memories of it. I had to have my two bottom wisdom teeth removed and another molar had to have a root canal and cap put on (all because of my fear of dentists and not seeing a dentist for almost 20 years). I did this in two sedation sessions, and there was no problem. (The stupid wisdom tooth recovery was horrible, but that's another story.)

    The down side of the sedation is that it's expensive and generally insurance won't cover it. Your dentist may be able to get some insurance coverage by verifying that sedation is necessary for the procedure for some reason, but it's pretty much certain that the insurance won't cover it all. However, if it's the way you need to get the procedure done, then it may be worth it. If it's something that you can plan to do in a few months (after the new year), then you can pay for it through something like a flexible spending account through your health care, if you have that available.

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  29. Just tried the Med Veg sandwich, and it was amazing. Thanks for that!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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