Elimination Diet

[DebE13]

Well, I think I'm finally ready to commit to giving it a try. Since my thyroidectomy last September I've been coasting on my progress because it was all too overwhelming to deal with. During this time I got the entocort reduced to 3mg every 4 to 5 days. I was wondering if it was making a difference or not but know things start gurgling again when I stretch it further. I also do not have Normans or anything close to it but I don't want to increase the amount I take either. I'm not sure if that's a great strategy but I don't like being on steroids and didn't achieve Normans on 9 mg either. I am happy just to control the nocturnal issues and the ridiculous number of trips to the bathroom in the morning. I must say I know areas I need to just cut out of my diet such as peanutbutter/legumes and nightshades. I suspect histamine issues and have been keeping my head in the sand about that too. I've tried Allegra and Benadryl but it doesn't make a difference in my bowel habits. I continue to use them because I have a constant stuffy feeling in my deep sinuses so figure it can't hurt. I've been good with the rest of my diet in remaining GF, SF, DF, and EF (except for the egg in Udi's bread).

Over the past month I have returned to real bad WD in part to some nasty thing going on at work. I'm dealing with it the best I can but know it takes a toll on the body. I've become lax with possible offenders but I didn't notice a difference when eating PB vs not eating it. I know the reduced entocort plays a factor in my tolerance to some foods also. I just feel like I'm slipping backwards faster than I'd prefer so I decided to just stick with the same food and then slowly add other foods back in.

So are there any dangers in that plan? If I eat turkey and just turkey everyday for maybe three days, should I see some sort of improvement or is that not long enough to wait? I had turkey for breakfast and am ready to eat just that again for lunch. It may be a challenge for me because I already came home ravaged. But if I keep thinking in small timeframes I may be able to test it out. The will power required is a stretch for me but I also thought I would never be able to be GF alone and now that seems like a piece of cake.

I know the inflammation is still there if the WD continues but then I wonder if it just won't get any better than I am right now since it's been over two years. I won't know until I try! I just don't want to create any new issues because I didn't know any better.

[tex]

Hi Deb,

I'm not sure that I completely understand your plan, but I would be very surprised if an elimination diet would work (to bring remission) in only 3 days. It's not impossible, but I doubt that it is very likely. I hope I'm wrong. It's certainly possible that you could see improvement in 3 days though.

It's never too late to make changes that bring improvement/remission, but if significant healing is required, that would realistically probably take much longer than 3 days to accomplish.

Tex

[DebE13]

Nope, I wasn't clear with my intent...... I know three days won't bring remission but sure would be nice. I was hoping to notice some sort of improvement in a shorter amount of time if I stuck to just one or two foods only. I guess the patience requirement is not optional.

[carolm]

Deb, during stressful times when the gurgling starts back up for me, I find it helpful to drop back to a very basic diet, just like you are suggesting. Turkey, chicken and chicken broth, lean beef, carrots, squashes, maybe gluten free noodles (made from rice flour)-- you get the idea. Small servings, 3-4 times per day. Keep it safe and simple. I drink lots of water, make sure I take my antihistamines and get to bed on time. If I feel like I'm having gut spasms then I take 1 Imodium and that's been helpful. Fortunately that's not often.

Every problem has a life span and even things at work will resolve themselves. The challenge for me is not bringing it home with me and making sure I give myself opportunity to 'shift gears' with some enjoyable activity after work. I realize more and more that I need to be diligent and consistent when trying to establish effective stress management skills.

Good luck on your plan,
Carol

[DebE13]

Thanks for the reminders Carol. Sometimes it's easy to overlook some of the foods that could be causing problems. The more I think about it, the possible offenders that were a once in a while food (like PB) have become more regular in my everyday diet out of convenience.

I agree with leaving work at work. I am horrible about bringing it home with me. My husband and I work for the same employer so sometimes that makes it more challenging. Hopefully in a few more weeks I will be able to get back outside in the garden/yard to keep my mind entertained.