Tag: health and wellness

Christina Epperly MT ( My life as a massage therapist)

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends ! I’ve talked a little bit about my job as a massage therapist but I thought that it would be a good time to give all of you a deeper look into my career.  I know people consider career changes all the time. If you happen to be considering a career in massage therapy , I hope this gives you some valuable information to help you make your decision.  Anyways let’s get to it !

 

Christina Epperly MT ( My life as a massage therapist)

I don’t think it matters what career you choose or if you go to the best school in your field ( like I did ) nothing can fully prepare you for a career until you’re there.  NHI (The school I went to) provided me with excellent information and hands on experience. NHI went to great lengths to prepare all of the students for the real world of massage and I’m very thankful for that but one thing I’ve learned in life is that experience is truly the best teacher. Now, that I’m officially working as a massage therapist I find myself learning more and more everyday . My co-workers have been very helpful in sharing information with me and I’ve been soaking it up like a sponge. I’ve also got to be honest my body is not used to having to do the amount of massages in a day that I’m doing now. I’ve been sore but I can also feel my body getting stronger ! I’ve been making sure to stretch and to stay hydrated to help myself be the best I can be. I’ve been getting some great feedback from my wonderful clients, I love being able to help people relax and reduce their stress. Giving massages can also be relaxing for the therapist. I like the relaxing music and the fact that I just have one thing to focus on it’s a break from the stress of the outside world.  A career as a massage therapist is challenging but rewarding. If you are interested in the topic of health and wellness and enjoy helping others you may want to look into a career as a massage therapist .  Thank you for reading !

 

Rock on – Christina Epperly

Dear, OCD I’m in charge now

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends . Last month I wrote quite a few posts about my TMS treatments for OCD . If you want to read them just look at my posts on this blog from February 2019. Anyways, I thought it would be a good idea to give an update on how I’m doing since treatment.Hold on tight and here we go !

 

Dear OCD, I’m in charge now

In my previous posts about TMS I wrote about some of the changes that occurred during treatments. OCD began to lose it’s grip on me and I was feeling more in control then ever before. Well, I’m happy to say that things have continued to improve. Before receiving the TMS treatments, OCD controlled a large part of my day. It was always controlling what I could and could not wear, what songs I could and couldn’t listen to, what order I had to put the blankets on my bed and many more things that impacted my everyday life. I felt anxiety that if I didn’t follow OCD’s orders bad things would happen . I never truly realized just how much of my time that OCD took from me.  Now, things are very different I’m in charge now. I’m able to make my own everyday choices with feeling little to no anxiety. If OCD stars to give me orders I remind it that I’m in charge now and I do what I want to do. I was so used to following OCD’s orders that now sometimes I have to stop and ask myself what I want to do . I feel so free now! Now , don’t get me wrong life is not perfect and it never will be but I feel a lot better now that I’m free from OCD’s control. OCD still sneaks in with it’s unwanted thoughts from time to time but I can dismiss these thoughts faster and easier then ever before ! I’m so happy that I took part in the study at Stanford. Things are looking up.

Rock on – Christina Epperly

 

My 2nd MRI

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends ! Yesterday I got my 2nd and final MRI for the OCD study at Stanford. As always I’m excited to share my experience with all of you. Here we go !

 

My 2nd MRI

 

Things have changed a bit since my last MRI. After the TMS treatments my relationship with my OCD has changed in a huge way ! I’m now in control of my everyday choices instead of my OCD. I feel so free now. I wonder if the MRI showed any change . The MRI was just the same as before. I changed into scrubs and got some ear plugs. After that I got into the machine. I felt really cozy in the MRI machine and towards the end I almost fell asleep ! After the scan was finished I had a call with a doctor to discuss how I was doing after the TMS treatments. On the way home we stopped at this huge whole foods and I got this very cute dog cupcake Overall I’m doing really well right now and I’m so glad that I took part in this study.

Rock on – Christina Epperly

 

TMS day 5 ( the last day !)

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends ! It was a long week but I did it ! I completed five days of TMS treatments. I can’t wait to tell you about my last day so here we go !

 

TMS day 5 ( the last day !)

 

I was very excited for day five because I was going to be going home that evening . I was missing my bed and my cats a lot ! As always the day followed the same pattern of treatments as all the days before . I was feeling pretty good about how I was handling my OCD. I felt in control for the first time in years . When the day ended I was so proud of myself ! It had been a long week but I did it ! After my mom picked me up we went to the Stanford Shopping center. I went shopping at the American Girl store and I got a quiz book and a cute little lamb from the new girl of the year collection. After the American Girl store we went to Starbucks before making our way home. I was very happy to be back home and to have my OCD in it’s place.

Rock on – Christina Epperly

TMS day 4 ( Valentine’s day)

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends ! Valentine’s day 2019 was my fourth day of TMS treatments. Hold on tight as I tell you about day 4 !

TMS day 4 ( Valentine’s day)

Day four ! It was so close to the end of the week ! Plus it was Valentine’s day and my mom was coming to pick me up and were going to get frozen yogurt ! The thoughts of seeing my mom and frozen yogurt kept me excited for that night. The day of treatments were the same as the days before. I was very used to the treatments by day four . Every hour I went and got my TMS treatments and then I went back to my office and hung out . While I was in my office I decided to challenge my OCD again. Things were going pretty well I wasn’t listening to OCD’s orders any more so I went for it . I went on to YouTube and I watched a horror movie trailer then I watched a countdown about horror movies and I didn’t freak out ! Before I began the TMS a trailer for a horror movie popped up on one of my social media feeds I could only make it through a few seconds before closing the ad . Now let me make this clear I don’t like horror movies and I’m not gonna become a big fan of them but with my OCD I can get very easily upset if I see an ad for one . It can raise my anxiety levels and even make me angry . Now I’m able to work on getting myself use to seeing those kinds of ads with out getting upset.  After the TMS sessions were done for the day my mom picked me up. First we went to Whole Foods then we got some Frozen Yogurt at Pink Berry. It was a great way to end another long day of TMS .

Rock On – Christina Epperly

TMS day 3 ! ( Breakthrough)

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello ,my bucket list friends ! Yesterday was my third day for TMS treatments . It was awesome when I noticed even more change in myself . Ready to ready about it ? Here we go !!

TMS day 3 ! ( Breakthrough)

Day three was a very rainy day but other than that it started out just like the other two days before . Get up early ,get the tracker put on , do TMS,and hangout in my office . Well ,while I was spending some downtime in my office. I got an idea what if I tried listening to a song that my OCD told me I couldn’t. Years ago my OCD told me I couldn’t listen to one of my favorite songs House of Fire by Alice Cooper and if I disobeyed the order and listened to the song something bad would happen. I was a little nervous at first but I went for it and it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made ! I was so happy playing the song over and over and even watching the video ! I felt so free ! I can now make more of my own choices without suffering anxiety . While that was the biggest highlight of the day. I also got to enjoy some yummy snacks from the cutest Disney snack pack ever ! After the treatments were done for the day I went back to where I’m staying and ate, relaxed, and watched the masked singer . I get tired on these long days and I miss home but I’m so thankful to be a part of this study ! I’m also thankful that I’m showing less OCD symptoms !

Rock on ! – Christina Epperly

TMS treatment day 1

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello ,my bucket list friends . This week I’m getting TMS treatments at Stanford for an OCD study . Today was the first day of my TMS treatment . It’s an interesting topic that I can’t wait to tell all of you about. Here we go !

TMS treatment day 1

My first day of TMS started bright and early . I didn’t sleep well last night so I was already tired but I was ready to begin .First stop was the room where I would be receiving my TMS treatments. I had been in the treatment room before but now was the time for my first official TMS session . A device called a tracker was placed on my head and it would stay there for the rest of the day . It made me feel like I was in a science fiction movie ! I liked the tracker and I took lots of pictures of it . It felt weird when it was first put on but I got used to it very quickly . There were also stickers put on my chest to measure my heart rate thoes stayed there for the rest of the day also . Since the TMS sessions are short and only take place once an hour I had a room to go to in-between treatments . I filled up my down time with different activities but my favorite was doing word searches in my American Girl brain benders book . The treatments themselves were pretty simple I sat in a comfy chair that is similar to a dentist’s chair. Then the heart monitor was connected to the stickers on my chest . After a few sessions I was able to connect the cords to the stickers myself . After that a coil was placed on my head and the treatment begun. TMS is a very interesting feeling and it’s kind of hard to explain but each treatment seemed like it was over before I knew it . I was there until evening with some wonderful supportive staff . It was a long day but I’m so happy to be a part of this research ! Now , on to day two ! Rock On – Christina Epperly

Getting ready for TMS and a trip to the American girl store

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends ! Next week I’ll be up at Stanford all week for TMS treatment. Today I went for one more appointment before my treatments officially start also I finished my appointment early enough to walk across the street to the Stanford shopping center. It was quite a day and I’m excited to tell you all about it . Here we go !

 

Getting ready for TMS and a trip to the American girl store

I had a two hour appointment scheduled at Stanford today . This appointment took place in a different building then the MRI scan did. ( you can read about my MRI HERE ) I have been to this building before for other appointments related to the study . Today I talked to a doctor about some of my OCD symptoms then it was time to meet the TMS machine . today we were just figuring out the right way to set the machine for my treatments since everyone’s bodies are different . After getting it all sorted out I was done for the day . I still had sometime before my ride came so I walked across the street to the Stanford shopping center . It wasn’t raining when I left my house so I didn’t bring any rain gear but it was raining pretty good by the time I left my appointment . I got a little wet on the walk over to the shopping center but not to bad . I love American girl dolls so I was excited to go shopping at the two story American Girl store. I have been to the store before but it’s been awhile.  I bought two books . The first one I decided to buy was a book about Blair the girl of the year for 2019 . The 2nd book was a brain teaser book filled with fun puzzles. I also got some free stickers . I spent a while walking around the store looking at all the dolls and other items . I really like this store it’s so fun and decorated very nicely . After going to the American Girl store I got some lunch at Starbucks. It was packed day and I’m both nervous and excited for next week . I can’t wait to tell you how it all goes !

Rock On – Christina Epperly

 

 

My first MRI ( OCD research)

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello my bucket list friends ! On Monday I did something pretty exciting,I got my first ever MRI . I was nervous at first but it was an interesting new experience and I can’t wait to share it with you .  Now I’m not sick or anything , I’m lucky enough to be participating in an OCD research study at Stanford. With all that being said here is the story of my first MRI.

 

 

My first MRI

I’ve been doing the pre-screening for this study for a while now but I didn’t want to say anything on this blog until things got going .  The study will be researching TMS treatments for people with OCD. TMS has been used for OCD and other mental health conditions but usually the treatments are done in a time span of 4-6 weeks . For this study I will be doing the treatments for one week . The study will see how effective the treatments are in the span of a week . During the study I will be getting two MRI scans . The first one was completed on Monday and the second one will be done after the TMS treatments are completed. On Monday I went to Stanford University to get my first MRI. I arrived about 45 minutes early so I had some time to explore the beautiful campus . It was raining on and off that day and I had to keep my hair dry for the MRI so I kept my hood on most of the time while I was exploring .  My favorite thing about the campus was this big beautiful fountain I took so many pictures by it . After some exploring it was time for the MRI. I was nervous but it wasn’t that bad at all .  I did some paper work then I got dressed up in some fancy blue scrubs. After putting in some ear plugs it was time to say hello to the MRI machine . I felt nice and cozy in the machine it wasn’t bad at all in there.  It was loud even with ear plugs and you can call me weird if you want but I kind of liked the noise .  I was in there for about 90 minutes I think. When it was done I felt a little dizzy but not bad I was very tired that night but it is all worth it to be apart of this amazing study .

Rock on – Christina Epperly

 

Things I love – January 2019

Posted on by crazydreamsgirl

Hello, my bucket list friends ! Back in November I did a post called products I love right now (you can read it here ) I enjoyed writing the post and I have seen many other bloggers do similar posts each month . I decided it would be fun starting this year to share the things that I’m loving each month . It could be anything from a certain TV show to a new brand of lip gloss . Before we begin I want to give a big shout out to the other bloggers that do posts like this one , you guys are great inspiration .Now lets get to it

 

Things I love – January 2019

Burt’s Bees facial cleansing towelettes with peach and willow bark -I love Burt’s Bees ! I have some other products from them. These towelettes smell so sweet and help me to wake up. I recommend them for sure !

Trader Joe’s peppermint green tea –  I’ve gotten in drinking tea a lot more lately and when I saw this at the store I just had to get it . It’s a great and interesting blend of green tea and peppermint flavor .

Audible- I really enjoy reading but I get so busy it’s hard to make time for it . Now that I have Audible I can listen to books and get things done at the same time. There are many great books to choose from including a book about Alice Cooper read by Alice himself ! I love listening to him even when he’s reading . Of course there are other books I have downloaded as well . I recommend this app to anyone who loves to read but doesn’t have the time.

The Book of me – I got this book for Christmas and it is so much fun to fill out . It’s a do it yourself biography . It is filled with tons of questions that will take you down memory lane. It is great activity to do in your spare time.

The Masked Singer – This show is so much fun to watch ! Basically there are a bunch of celebrities wearing head to toe costumes that completely conceal their identities . After they sing the judges try to guess who they are . Each week on celebrity is voted off and their identity is revealed . It’s a great show to watch with family and friends . Try to see who can guess the most identities correctly.

Stash Chai tee – And here is another one of my favorite teas ! My friend gave this to me and I just love the flavor ! It is just the right amount of spice without being over powering

Hint Fizz water –  I’ve been drinking these for a long time but I feel most people mainly know about the regular Hint water the ones that are not carbonated. I love the flavors of hint but I love water more when it is fizzy so this is the perfect combination. The Hint fizz waters are a little harder to find then the normal ones but they are worth it !

Rock on – Christina Epperly