I think I'm in remission.

renee2 · Post by **renee2** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 3:50 am

I just want to thank everyone for their support during what was a most difficult time in my life. I continue to read your stories but rarely feel qualified to chime in. I'm fortunate in that I wasn't sick long enough to become an expert. Ha. I know there may come a time when I relapse and need support again but for right now I'm trying to focus on some things I neglected while obsessed with the toilet.

I am able to eat whatever I want as long as I don't eat too much or too late at night. I haven't added spices back into my diet yet and probably won't until my body clues me in that I could try small amounts. I can eat vegetables and fruit, which is great news to me as I've always loved them. I continue to avoid pasta unless it's made from rice. I also follow the less than five ingredient rule. I don't eat anything that's canned either. I don't do dairy often, but a little cheese doesn't hurt me. I steer clear of butter and cook everything in coconut oil. I even heat a little of it for popcorn topping and now enjoy it that way, though I keep the portions small.

The only medication I take is an antihistamine as my allergies really kicked in when the gi symptoms lessened. I don't have to take them everyday.

I can go from a squatting position to standing up with much less support now but have a way to go with fully regaining strength. My stomach isn't as hard at the top but I still have some weight to lose. I've had to accept that it was more important for me to allow my colon to heal by eating protein and rice and potatoes, which caused weight gain for me than it was to concern myself with weight loss. I still have to remind myself that I can't push this issue without risking relapse.

I was forced to look at some life issues that caused me stress and watch my reaction and involvement with stressful situations. If I need a weekend off I take it. I don't get my grandchildren as often as I used to because they still wear me out. I got them two weeks ago for an overnight visit but this past weekend I stayed home. I slept well, ate well, and took my time getting ready for this work week.

I still haven't added any supplements into my diet and worry a bit about getting enough calcium for my age. I want to retry a daily vitamin, vitamin d, and magnesium but will wait a bit longer. I still have the magnesium spray but fear using it because I have some unexplained bumps that look like bites or something on my body. It's just a few but they are clearing up.

When I first stopped the pepto I wasn't sure it had been long enough because i had a few days of D, but that stopped. I have one bm a day now, in the morning, and though the color seems lighter then the pre LC days, and it's softer too, there's no urgency, food particles, or fatty looking stuff. I'll take that anyday.

I cannot thank all of you enough for helping me navigate through this. I hope I never have to go back to the early ways of treating it but if I do I feel so hopeful knowing that there is a plan I can follow to help me get through.

Post by **tex** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 8:03 am

Hello Renee,

Thank you for writing such an insightful and inspiring update. You definitely seem to have your priorities well organized.

I too get those bumps if I eat too much high-histamine food or if I eat any foods that interfere with the action of diamine oxidase enzyme (DAO), such as chocolate or black tea. (DAO removes excess or leftover histamine from the body.) The bumps tend to be visible for a long, long time, and they can become active again if another mast cell event occurs.

I hope that your remission lasts forever. You have earned it.

Tex

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 9:01 am

Great news!

Janie · Post by **Janie** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 11:26 am

So happy for you!

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 1:52 pm

Renee
that is awesome news!

the eating plan, the lifestyle changes, minimising stress is a fantastic foundation for wellness, well done for embracing those changes in such a short period of time.
learning to put your own needs first, guilt free - well done.

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:19 pm

Thanks for sharing, Renee. It's important to share the success stories for those who are just starting out. I know how much this group helped me and even when I read their stories it was hard to believe that I would ever get there. Wishing you continued wellness!

hollyweb · Post by **hollyweb** » Thu Jul 14, 2016 1:38 pm

Yahoo, Renee!!!!!!! Wishing you continued success and every happiness!!!!!! Please keep us updated and thanks so much for sharing. Your insights into yourself and your life are tremendous and show incredible courage.

~ Holly