A really NEW newbie

DJ · Post by DJ » Sun Feb 16, 2014 6:36 am

Yes, painful and a long healing process. He had to hobble for two months waiting for one part to heal before the other two could be surgically addressed. Then, post-op is a long journey with lots of physical therapy. We have OK health insurance but with frequency of PT, medical visits, and prescription fills, we were cranking out co-pays nearly almost daily at some points.
It was difficult that we were both "taken out" together and trying to hold full time jobs while taking care of ourselves, each other, and ailing family members. My most difficult task is learning to say no to unrealistic expectations at work and to friends living far away who would like me to be my old self and entertain them on Holidays and as weekend guests, plus be there for them as they decline. So, what I'm saying is that people don't seem to understand that I have declined and that I need time to try to get my health reestablished. I'm really working on that.

Misha · Post by **Misha** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 10:49 am

Thanks to all of you for your support!!!! I really feel welcome. And the bacon tip is awesome..... I love bacon!!!!!! I'm thinking about going either total elimination diet or do the stool testing.... I have Dr. appts Monday and want to see what they say...... I'm trying to figure it all out..... get caught up from the week.... It is all I can do to go to work.... My mother in law has just been put into Hospice care and I dealing with the stresses of that..... I don't like being afraid to eat..... I could lose 10 pounds, but that is the least of my problems...... I just want to get some of this under control.... I've "managed" my fibro for years....... flares here and there and have accepted some of the pain and fatigue as my normal..... Now this.... I can't deal with running to the bathroom....... and I've decided that auto immune..... inflammation just isn't supposed to be there...... So I am jumping into this~~~~
Again thanks for all the wisdom and best wishes!!!!

Misha · Post by **Misha** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 10:52 am

Gosh my kids just went skiing.... In a minute, things can really get messed up..... I wish him the best in his recovery....
My kids all live far and I don't think they realize in the least how I'm struggling..... I have to be better at informing them.... Nothing is easy.

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 12:21 pm

One more note Misha. Very few doctors acknowledge the strong link between MC ( or any IBD) and food, so don't be surprised if the doctor says it's all nonsense and that you can basically eat what you want.

I love your attitude and I can tell that you are going to get a grip on this. Remember that stress also plays a big role, so try to stay as calm as possible.

Good luck and keep us posted
Leah

DJ · Post by DJ » Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:50 pm

I like cross-country on well-groomed trails but I haven't had the desire this year. My hubby bought me a new bicycle last March, which is also when my MC presented. I want to brush the dust off and ride this year, even if it's just a little. My ability to sit still scares me. It's never been my nature.

brookevale · Post by **brookevale** » Mon Mar 10, 2014 9:42 am

Hi Misha,

I am new as well. I found what helps me is sticking to a diet of eggs, bananas, chicken, turkey, beef, almond milk (Silk brand as the others have Carageenan--a carcinogenic), bone broth (I make myself with either chicken or beef bones, simmer on low for 24 hours--it draws the collagen out of the bone to heal the gut), and veggies like carrots, green beans, squash, peas. Basically, yeah, I feel like I have an eating disorder too. I fell off the wagon this weekend after doing this diet for a week and making headway. Today I feel awful. I realized my gut is not in any shape to accept gluten, dairy, sugar, soy, basically anything not low in FODMAPs or Specific Carbohydrate Diet legal (minus the dairy). So, mostly paleo diet, but can't stomach nuts or seeds yet. I have lost so much weight that I obsessively weigh myself to make sure I haven't lost more weight. I also get the headaches and dizziness. They are ten times worse after eating--anything. Because I had been malabsorbing I became anemic. I had to get an iron infusion last week. Boy, did that bring my energy level up. But, I think I need more than one. Doctor won't order more though.

Hang in there.

~Fellow Newbie, Brooke

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 6:01 pm

Be careful if you plan to continue with probiotics because some have dairy. At my last visit to my GI the nurse sent home Align to try out after I told her I was sensitive to gluten, soy, dairy, and eggs. I read the box when I got home and it had dairy in it. Sometimes they just don't get it. I would go GF immediately. More good advise I received from my GI was to eat bland things like cream of wheat and saltines.

Don't do it. Please be patient because not everyone has immediate improvements by going GF. It can take months and you need to behave while waiting for improvements. It's easy to get discouraged- if you do, check in here because there is always someone to offer a word of encouragement.

Welcome and best wishes to you!