That is not a cozy windchill, but your weekend sounds lovely, Gabes! Have a glorious time. Hope the wine is grand. (I realize your weekend is well underway....)
Your attitude is great - I'm not in the mood for any 'consequences' at the moment, but I see what you mean ;)
Love,
S
Very much need some advice
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Thanks to all for the advice, and to Gabes for the restaurant advice. It is all very complicated, it can be a full time job trying to figure out how to eat.
Tex,
I wanted to use natural thyroid and my Dr. said I could if the combination of synthroid and cytomel did not work. So far they seem to be working. My Dr. does check my free T3 and free T4, but also checks my TSH. She tries to keep my TSH below the "established" levels.
I think part of it can be my thyroid, but the only thing I have changed in the last 4 months (diet, exercise, and other meds are the same) is going on entocort. The gain is all in my stomach. My legs still look athletic and musclar as they always have from running and hiking. My arms still have tone and definition from weight lifting. It is very weird, it is just my stomach and my face.
But everyone has given me good advice and I greatly appreciate it.
A few other things I have recently started doing that will hopefully make it easier for me to taper off the entocort"
1. Started taking fish oil supplement.
2. Started taking a pro-biotic.
3. Started gluten free as much as possible.
Hopefully this will all work.
Tex,
I wanted to use natural thyroid and my Dr. said I could if the combination of synthroid and cytomel did not work. So far they seem to be working. My Dr. does check my free T3 and free T4, but also checks my TSH. She tries to keep my TSH below the "established" levels.
I think part of it can be my thyroid, but the only thing I have changed in the last 4 months (diet, exercise, and other meds are the same) is going on entocort. The gain is all in my stomach. My legs still look athletic and musclar as they always have from running and hiking. My arms still have tone and definition from weight lifting. It is very weird, it is just my stomach and my face.
But everyone has given me good advice and I greatly appreciate it.
A few other things I have recently started doing that will hopefully make it easier for me to taper off the entocort"
1. Started taking fish oil supplement.
2. Started taking a pro-biotic.
3. Started gluten free as much as possible.
Hopefully this will all work.
Yes, I agree, that sounds like Entocort, alright.Andi wrote:It is very weird, it is just my stomach and my face.
Too much oil, (especially fish oil), can cause D, (not necessarily an MC reaction, but still D), and so can many/most probiotics that don't match our individual needs. That doesn't mean that they will automatically cause you problems, though. Many of us take fish oil and/or flax seed oil supplements, and as long as we don't overdo them, we are fine. If the D should return, you might try dropping the fish oil, and the probiotic, to see of one of them is the problem, and if they are, you can experiment to find out which one, and change types, or dosage, if necessary.
Also, please remember that if you are sensitive to gluten, even trace amounts can cause a reaction, or prolong a reaction, and gluten antibodies have a very long half-life, compared with other antibodies. The Enterolab stool tests are so sensitive that they can reliably detect gluten antibodies for at least a year after gluten has been eliminated 100% from the diet). That means that even small amounts, on a somewhat regular basis can be sufficient to perpetuate a reaction. Other food sensitivities can also prolong a reaction if small amounts are ingested on a daily basis, but once they are eliminated completely, the reaction should end rather quickly, (within a day or so), because their antibodies have a comparatively short half-life. Gluten, on the other hand, has the capacity to cause a reaction to continue long past the withdrawal date, often on the order of weeks or months.
Best of luck with your treatment program.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
Thanks for the advice about fish oil, I did not know it could cause "D", as could the pro-biotics. That is very interesting and I will definitely keep that in mind.
GF is going to be a work in progress, i am new at it and will probably make some mistakes. I am trying though, even if I have to give up being 100 percent vegetarian (which I guess I already have by taking fish oil supplements).
Thanks for keeping on top of things and sharing your knowlege.
Thanks for the advice about fish oil, I did not know it could cause "D", as could the pro-biotics. That is very interesting and I will definitely keep that in mind.
GF is going to be a work in progress, i am new at it and will probably make some mistakes. I am trying though, even if I have to give up being 100 percent vegetarian (which I guess I already have by taking fish oil supplements).
Thanks for keeping on top of things and sharing your knowlege.
Andi,
We have found that it takes 8 weeks for the residual benefits of Entocort to wear off. Since your wedding is in 2 months, the timing may be something for you to consider. I have an expression: "Never underestimate the power of Entocort." It's very natural to think that our remission is due to our body healing, diet working, etc., but you won't really know until you've been off Entocort for 8 weeks.
I wish you luck and hope that going completely GF will chase this MC beast away.
Gloria
We have found that it takes 8 weeks for the residual benefits of Entocort to wear off. Since your wedding is in 2 months, the timing may be something for you to consider. I have an expression: "Never underestimate the power of Entocort." It's very natural to think that our remission is due to our body healing, diet working, etc., but you won't really know until you've been off Entocort for 8 weeks.
I wish you luck and hope that going completely GF will chase this MC beast away.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Andi,
I can address your question about eating out, as I do so more frequently than dining at home. What I have learned is that eating Atkins-like is best and I have found some somewhat reliable restaurants.
Typically, I eat a breakfast for most of my meals on the road, even for dinner. Eggs, crispy bacon, hash browns.... These all seem to work well for me. Of course, none of this is cooked in butter. When I am weary of that fare, I order a well done fillet, steamed vegetables, and usually a baked potato with nothing on it. Sounds bland but with a little salts and pepper, I have acquired a taste for it.
I have even successfully inserted oatmeal from Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, or IHOP into my regimen.
I also carry safe dried foods with me - soups I can hydrate, Lara Bars (in moderation), bananas, and even an occasional apple.
On days where I see no safe food options, and I know this is bad, I simply fast until I can get to my next safe meal. But that is where carrying a banana, Lara Bar, etc. Comes in handy too - as a filler to tide me over to my next meal.
For me, and until my life affords me the opportunity to get off the road, I will continue to cope and hopefully refine and improve my methods of eating. And oh yeah, if I am in town for an extended period of time in one location, I stay at hotel with a kitchen and cook most of my meals for myself.
Hope this helps.
Rich
I can address your question about eating out, as I do so more frequently than dining at home. What I have learned is that eating Atkins-like is best and I have found some somewhat reliable restaurants.
Typically, I eat a breakfast for most of my meals on the road, even for dinner. Eggs, crispy bacon, hash browns.... These all seem to work well for me. Of course, none of this is cooked in butter. When I am weary of that fare, I order a well done fillet, steamed vegetables, and usually a baked potato with nothing on it. Sounds bland but with a little salts and pepper, I have acquired a taste for it.
I have even successfully inserted oatmeal from Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, or IHOP into my regimen.
I also carry safe dried foods with me - soups I can hydrate, Lara Bars (in moderation), bananas, and even an occasional apple.
On days where I see no safe food options, and I know this is bad, I simply fast until I can get to my next safe meal. But that is where carrying a banana, Lara Bar, etc. Comes in handy too - as a filler to tide me over to my next meal.
For me, and until my life affords me the opportunity to get off the road, I will continue to cope and hopefully refine and improve my methods of eating. And oh yeah, if I am in town for an extended period of time in one location, I stay at hotel with a kitchen and cook most of my meals for myself.
Hope this helps.
Rich
"It's not what I believe. It's what I can prove." - A Few Good Men
Thanks Gloria,
I'm still working on it... two steps forward, one step backwards kind of thing. I do get hit every once in a while, but as Gabes suggested, you can almost tell in advance when that is going to happen. If we would just trust our gut instincts more often, we would all do so much better (very true for me at least).
I went to dinner with an associate Friday night in Richmond, VA. Ordered my usual filet, veggies, and baked potato - and he was shocked that I didn't get the potato loaded-up with cheese, butter, etc. But then again, this is a guy who is really self absorbed and has never shown any concern for me or about my condition. If it doesn't directly impact him personally, he really doesn't care (sad, really). He is really a stressor in my life. But enough about that.
So then he orders this brownie fudge sundae thing for dessert. It looked awesome but I told him I would pass as there was nothing safe on the dessert menu. I also told this to the waitress. Furthermore, I had filled my tummy sufficiently already... which is always my goal with the main course because desserts are so off limits on the road. So when the waitress returns, she has a double portion of that brownie concoction with two forks. She tells me I can taste it. Amazing!!! Just a taste... Yeah right. So then I started to think about the meal I just ate and if there was any risk in those ingredients. But I felt safe knowing that I kept it simple and I told them what they could and could not add to the food.
In the end, I was fine, or at least as fine as my MC condition allows me to be. No blowouts - so to speak. And the funny thing was that my associate almost made us late for our flight because he was having blowouts. I said, "Welcome to my world". He didn't get it. But I did think it was funny and also knew that if he was having so much problems, just think what would have happened to me. It's just not worth the risk, especially when you are so far from home. There is absolutely nothing worse than being sick on the road - it scares the living hell out of me anymore. Has happened to me twice and I really questioned how I was going to make it home.
But thanks for your support, Gloria. In the end, I will find a way to change my role so that travel is reduced to perhaps even non-existent. But for now, I simply must continue to cope like the rest of us.
Rich
I'm still working on it... two steps forward, one step backwards kind of thing. I do get hit every once in a while, but as Gabes suggested, you can almost tell in advance when that is going to happen. If we would just trust our gut instincts more often, we would all do so much better (very true for me at least).
I went to dinner with an associate Friday night in Richmond, VA. Ordered my usual filet, veggies, and baked potato - and he was shocked that I didn't get the potato loaded-up with cheese, butter, etc. But then again, this is a guy who is really self absorbed and has never shown any concern for me or about my condition. If it doesn't directly impact him personally, he really doesn't care (sad, really). He is really a stressor in my life. But enough about that.
So then he orders this brownie fudge sundae thing for dessert. It looked awesome but I told him I would pass as there was nothing safe on the dessert menu. I also told this to the waitress. Furthermore, I had filled my tummy sufficiently already... which is always my goal with the main course because desserts are so off limits on the road. So when the waitress returns, she has a double portion of that brownie concoction with two forks. She tells me I can taste it. Amazing!!! Just a taste... Yeah right. So then I started to think about the meal I just ate and if there was any risk in those ingredients. But I felt safe knowing that I kept it simple and I told them what they could and could not add to the food.
In the end, I was fine, or at least as fine as my MC condition allows me to be. No blowouts - so to speak. And the funny thing was that my associate almost made us late for our flight because he was having blowouts. I said, "Welcome to my world". He didn't get it. But I did think it was funny and also knew that if he was having so much problems, just think what would have happened to me. It's just not worth the risk, especially when you are so far from home. There is absolutely nothing worse than being sick on the road - it scares the living hell out of me anymore. Has happened to me twice and I really questioned how I was going to make it home.
But thanks for your support, Gloria. In the end, I will find a way to change my role so that travel is reduced to perhaps even non-existent. But for now, I simply must continue to cope like the rest of us.
Rich
"It's not what I believe. It's what I can prove." - A Few Good Men
Hmm, based on the later discussion, think I will try cutting out fish oil and Culturelle. Andi, I can tell you that I only did a month of Entocort before being switched to Colazal due to bone density issues. I did not gain weight in the face, probably because I was on it so briefly, but since being treated with the 5-ASA anti-inflammatory, have lost inches in the low belly, and can fit into pants that did not fit me last fall. However, maybe as with many women my age, am not as happy with how my upper belly is responding.
As I have had issues with eating in the past, having to obsess about what I eat now is very problematic for me. I have not lost significant weight, nor do I expect to; it's the idea of having to document what I eat and think about it so much.
As I have had issues with eating in the past, having to obsess about what I eat now is very problematic for me. I have not lost significant weight, nor do I expect to; it's the idea of having to document what I eat and think about it so much.
Suze
Dear Rich
In answer to another post. Yes, like you, I still travel quite a bit. Also in Hong Kong most entertaining (biz and social) is done in restaurants (unless you are mega rich you cannot afford a larger flat.... so we go out). Your story about the desserts is just like my experience. And, I agree that if I could settle down a bit and eat more safely at home, things would likely be better. I will need to work on a plan for that.
All the best, Ant
In answer to another post. Yes, like you, I still travel quite a bit. Also in Hong Kong most entertaining (biz and social) is done in restaurants (unless you are mega rich you cannot afford a larger flat.... so we go out). Your story about the desserts is just like my experience. And, I agree that if I could settle down a bit and eat more safely at home, things would likely be better. I will need to work on a plan for that.
All the best, Ant
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"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
Suze,
I started finding my food diary stressful (I was overthinking every symptom and trying to figure out which food might have caused it). I have set it aside temporarily, and am now planning ahead what I will eat instead. So I know what I'm eating, and I don't stress about writing it down. If I need to do that, I will find a less nerve-wracking way in a few weeks. I also cut out most of my supplements other than Vitamin D & a B-complex vitamin, at least for now.
Gloria has been using a very specific, three-day rotation diet; she recently reposted a link to this. Her food list is likely to be more restrictive than yours, but I am thinking of adapting it so I have more meal plans worked out ahead for the majority what I eat. I wasn't tracking quantities of food, with rare exceptions, just which foods. For now I may write down only when I eat a food I have not had in a long time, so I don't panic if I have weird symptoms the next day.
I think you have to balance the helpfulness of the tool against the distress it may cause you, and if the upset is too great, make up another method. There is, as Gabes says, no right or wrong way... just your way.
Rich, great eating tips. You've found a lot of great strategies for a tough travel situation. And good for you, navigating that Friday evening meal. The "of course you can eat this" and "just a taste" themes of our culture... makes you wonder who's got the health problem, huh? The idea of risking hours/days of misery for a few minutes with a brownie fudge sundae... no thanks!
Ant, I'm adapting your restaurant cards. You've done so much to make the unavoidable eating out safer, and therefore more enjoyable - I know it's never risk-free, but thanks for sharing your tips, too.
--Sara
I started finding my food diary stressful (I was overthinking every symptom and trying to figure out which food might have caused it). I have set it aside temporarily, and am now planning ahead what I will eat instead. So I know what I'm eating, and I don't stress about writing it down. If I need to do that, I will find a less nerve-wracking way in a few weeks. I also cut out most of my supplements other than Vitamin D & a B-complex vitamin, at least for now.
Gloria has been using a very specific, three-day rotation diet; she recently reposted a link to this. Her food list is likely to be more restrictive than yours, but I am thinking of adapting it so I have more meal plans worked out ahead for the majority what I eat. I wasn't tracking quantities of food, with rare exceptions, just which foods. For now I may write down only when I eat a food I have not had in a long time, so I don't panic if I have weird symptoms the next day.
I think you have to balance the helpfulness of the tool against the distress it may cause you, and if the upset is too great, make up another method. There is, as Gabes says, no right or wrong way... just your way.
Rich, great eating tips. You've found a lot of great strategies for a tough travel situation. And good for you, navigating that Friday evening meal. The "of course you can eat this" and "just a taste" themes of our culture... makes you wonder who's got the health problem, huh? The idea of risking hours/days of misery for a few minutes with a brownie fudge sundae... no thanks!
Ant, I'm adapting your restaurant cards. You've done so much to make the unavoidable eating out safer, and therefore more enjoyable - I know it's never risk-free, but thanks for sharing your tips, too.
--Sara
Dear Sara
Glad the "to the chef" card was useful.
On a sad note, the local Hong Kong Thai family restaurant that translated my card into Thai could not afford the exorbitant landlord's rent and has had to sell out to a Thai restaurant "chain" with a "central kitchen" - i.e, big business that industrializes food. I cannot eat there any more.....
Best, ant
Glad the "to the chef" card was useful.
On a sad note, the local Hong Kong Thai family restaurant that translated my card into Thai could not afford the exorbitant landlord's rent and has had to sell out to a Thai restaurant "chain" with a "central kitchen" - i.e, big business that industrializes food. I cannot eat there any more.....
Best, ant
----------------------------------------
"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
Dear Gloria and Sara,
Thanks for your kind concern about my friends. They (with two kids) are facing an uncertain future.
And, for me, I hope I will find another friendly restaurant.
But here is my real worry. What sort of world is it when quality loses out to soulless, mass production? Isn't it the industrialization of food that is the likely cause of our suffering?
Best, ant
Thanks for your kind concern about my friends. They (with two kids) are facing an uncertain future.
And, for me, I hope I will find another friendly restaurant.
But here is my real worry. What sort of world is it when quality loses out to soulless, mass production? Isn't it the industrialization of food that is the likely cause of our suffering?
Best, ant
----------------------------------------
"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....