m's diet history

[m]

I was diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis after a 2 month bout of diarrhea and nausea. My GI doctor did not offer me much in the way of information regarding this disease or its treatment. So I turned to the internet. I had read quite alot about the disease, including information on Dr. Fine's website. I was desperate for some relief and ready to try just about anything (traditional treatment with Pentasa did not help me). I decided to get tested by Enterolabs and when the results came back that I was gluten and dairy sensitive I cried. Then I got to work. I cleaned out my kitchen, bought some gluten-free food, ordered cookbooks on gluten-free cooking and never looked back. That was November 1, 2002. It was hard at first, very hard in fact but I stuck with it. I ate simply; plain meat, potatoes, rice, bananas. I cut back on vegetables (which I've never liked anyway) and stopped eating things raw. There was alot of trial and error at first. I would occasionally try to sneak something in (mostly processed food) and I would inevitably suffer a 3-4 day set back. After 3 months, I was feeling so much better (and not taking any drugs) that I knew that this was the way for me. Now after 2.5 years it second nature. I won't lie, I still miss some foods like bread and cheese but not enough to want to eat them and then feel sick again. I discovered after some additional testing and some trial and error that I am also intolerant of soy, eggs, yeast and corn. So I avoid these too. I think for me that the less processed the food, the better.
m

[Polly]

Melissa,

Has it really been 2.5 years since you started the diet? Time flies when you're having fun! I enjoyed reading your nicely-written summary, but I have one question. Where is your stash of sweets currently hidden and what are they?? LOL! I think you had to swear off jellybeans some time ago, no?

Love,

Polly

[m]

Alas, my supply of sweets has dwindled to but a very few; Droste Extra Dark Chocolate pastilles, Pamela's eanut butter or ginger cookies and Mr. Ritz biscotti. I have a special "Comfort" shelf above the stove. Seems I need alot of comfort. :)
m