And So it Goes...

My doctor called last week and decided for me to do a complete dietary overhaul for a minimum of four weeks.  The list of foods I "allowed" to eat is pretty ridiculous, even though my doctor practices what he preaches.  Fact:  We can't say that about many people.


All organic.  (OUCH!  Expensive.)  Mostly fresh.  NO preservatives.  No food that has a label which includes more than five ingredients.  After hanging up the phone, I shook my head, felt defeated, and thought, "F&$% this."  (I'm pretty sure I didn't think that, but said it out loud with many other expletives.)  It's almost been a week of me practicing the "non-industrialized-food-all-organic-preservative-free-diet-oh-so-delicious-diet."  So many people have made comments to me about how they've read about it, or heard about it, or TRY to follow it.  But as it turns out, they don't really.  


So my research has continued with the assigned physician reading.  I'm a little concerned about the state of affairs surrounding our food industry.  Nonetheless, I'm trying to remain focused on fixing my gastrointestinal system.  When I feel better, and if I'm not busy picketing for teacher rights, maybe I'll pursue further studies into our food nation.  


I've been doing it; eating fresh organic fruits and vegetables, stoneground wheat bread, organic lean meats, and organic peanut butter.  I haven't given in to any cravings for chocolate, soda, baked chips (that I love so much), pretzels dipped in buffalo sauce, or non-organic peanut butter.  It's kind of like being in a constant state of PMS.  A friend of mine at work, who truly practices this lifestyle, assures me my palette will adjust and I might even start enjoying it.


The single most challenging part of this is being around people who are openly eating the foods and drinking the cherry sodas I want so badly.  It's not that I expect my friends to change their lifestyles, that would be irrational and unheard of.  I guess what I seek is a little empathy and respect about this whole process.  But is it necessary to eat those foods MULTIPLE times in one evening while sitting by me?  Or, to look at me and say, "Oh, sorry," over and over again. Or, to continue discussing "THE DIET" after I've asked people to stop.  I mean, you're discussing how amazing the diet is while eating piles of fried food?  In the future, I'll refrain from going to restaurant-type locations with groups of people.... at least until I feel more comfortable with what I'm consuming.


The good news is I returned to the mall on Saturday to purchase a pair of jeans I already purchased recently.  But this time I bought them a size smaller.  I'll allow it!!!

Five Days In...

Over the weekend I experienced uncontrollable itching on my scalp, back, and neck.  Additionally, hives presented themselves in the same areas.  And as always, this was in conjunction with my uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms.  The itching has been a symptom I didn't connect to my other symptoms.  I simply tried to relieve it with Benadryl.  I've been doing research daily on gluten-free diets:  What can I eat?  What about cross-contamination?  How long before I see relief?  CAN I STILL EAT AT GRANITE CITY?? (I certainly can't eat their fries and GC dip, which is uh-mazing.)  The answer to this question is obviously, not really.


Some conclusions I have drawn during the beginning of this endeavor:
1. Gluten-free is expensive.  


2. Losing weight happens quickly, although this may be because my caloric intake is pretty low thus far.


3. Gluten-free pretzels are too thick to enjoy.


4. According to much of my reading, this diet may take 2-4 months to show relief?  Am I wasting my time?? At best, remaining completely gluten-free for 2 weeks is the earliest people experience any relief with gastrointestinal or skin symptoms.  For others, the results seem daunting. 


5.  My husband makes the most mouth-watering, delicious asparagus ever.  (I've had copious amounts every night, leading to aspara-pee.)


I've been living on tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, gluten-free crackers, salsa, and cilantro.  I'm reading more about appropriate MEAL options.


I called my allergist today to discuss food allergies; mostly because of my hives and itching.  I was referred to my primary care physician, who referred me to an allergist.  And the circle continues.  We are responsible for our own health care.  We are our own advocates.  I feel blessed to have a physician at Mayo who cares.


Speaking of which....


My doctor at Mayo INSISTED I read the book In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.  As a matter of fact, he told me he didn't want to speak with me again until I read the book (probably because he told me to read this selection months ago, and I neglected the assignment.)  So, I've been dragging myself through the book.  While I haven't finished the book, it contains some scary information about the industrialization of food.  I won't get into the details, as you can choose to read the book independently.  However, in conjunction with gluten-free, I'm attempting to watch preservatives.  Good grief.  I'll come back to this book at a later date.


And to end my evening blog, I quote, "But in some cases, the study found, HSAs reduce preventive care- high deductibles deter people from costly medical tests regardless of the necessity of screenings."  I won't get into insurance politics, or union issues.  But I'll allow anyone who reads my blog to ponder this sentiment for a while.

Two Years Later...

Exactly two years ago this month, I ended up in the hospital after attending a friend's baby shower.  My "heartburn" had intensified over a course of four weeks, and I had limited my dietary intake to plain bread and broth.  Needless to say, I was not getting the necessary nutrition to function.  I was informed that my gallbladder was functioning at "less than zero percent."  That's right; less than zero percent.  As a result of my extreme attempt to tame the "heartburn", my blood work showed nutritional deficiencies and I was immediately put on supplements.  I also met with the available surgeon at the hospital, who confirmed that my gallbladder would be removed within a matter of days.

While the surgeon claimed it was likely that I would receive a tremendous relief from the surgery, relief could not be guaranteed.  I'm grateful he didn't guarantee anything, because my cynicism about the small chance I would not feel better allowed me to remain grounded.

Immediately following the removal of my gallbladder, my gastroenterological symptoms intensified even more.  *Disclaimer: Do not continue reading if you believe that some people provide TMI.  It was at this time that I would bend over to pick up a basket of laundry and bile would fall out of my mouth.  It just fell, I didn't even gag.  I lost too much weight.  I couldn't eat anything without getting sick.  I was living on dietary supplements and Gatorade.

I'll eliminate several details of the journey that brought me to this day.  But inevitably, I acquired a phenomenal gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, who declared without doubt that I exhibit super-gastric belches.  Amazing.  I'm a party favor.  He has been my physician for almost two years.  Several treatments have been attempted with little success.  I'm still suffering with extreme stomach discomfort ranging from gut-wrenching, stomach-holding pain, to intolerable reflux sensations.  

I returned from Mayo this week after having an upper and lower GI, a manometry, and a gastric emptying test...all a part of my check-up.  Many solutions were discussed, but the one I started implementing this week is a gluten-free diet.  It is my intent to document my symptoms, dietary changes, and challenges.  On day four, gluten-free has already proven to be more than difficult.

I hope not to scare people away with this seemingly boring blog. Rather, I seek advice and stories from people who share similar stories.