Now what?

[Lesley]

I went on a very strict elimination diet over 3 weeks ago. Lamb, potatoes and apple puree. The oil I used is olive, which hasn't upset me before. Potato chips in olive or sunflower oil (ditto), a squeeze of lemon for my tea, one piece of chewing gum chewed over 2-3 days before changing (for my dry mouth) and absolutely-no-additives apple chips added when I was getting horrible C, and thought the fiber in the peels might help. I get them at Costco, and they are excellent!
I added oatmeal (deemed safe by both labs) and carrots, (MRT). 8 days ago I started 3 ml of LDN.

Nothing has changed. I have several days of C, take a Dr. Shultze's and have exactly the same type of BMs. Everything that indicates inflammation.

I know it's early days with the LDN, but the "safe) diet thing isn't working for me either. It's never really worked. It stopped me having 24/7 W, explosive D, but moved right into C and this cycle, with occasional flares. Last flare was awful. D at night again, so I started the strict diet. I am losing weight again in spite of mounds of potato and apple chips. I had HORRIBLE cramps the day before yesterday after 3 days of C, so I took A Dr. S, and the D started late yesterday.

I am exhausted by this. Down and Exhausted. I don't know what to do anymore.

[CathyMe.]

Lesley,
I'm so sorry that you're feeling so awful. I don't have a lot of advice but can tell you I"ve been researching LDN for a few weeks now and from what I gather, it can take a while for it to work, if it's going to. I've read in several cases, it can take up to 2-3 months? Big hugs to you.

[Zizzle]

Lesley,
I hate to advocate more diet restrictions, but have you done a trial elimination of nightshades? You are eating a lot of potatoes, and from what I know now, they have the highest level of toxic alkaloids of all the nightshades! I cut them out last October when I started the AIP diet, and have only reintroduced small amounts of potato starch in baked goods in the last 2 months.

[Zizzle]

My other question is do you try to buy organically grown potatoes? I'm amazed at the amount of pesticides and fumigants used on potatoes. They are on EWG's Dirty Dozen list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanine

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=da ... n=rss_feed

A favorite side dish during the holidays, this starchy vegetable should also be noted for its high level of unhealthy residues. Pesticides play a significant role in the growth of a potato. Before seeds are even planted, insecticides to kill off wireworms are sprayed into the soil. To prevent the spread of blight, seeds are drenched in fungicides. Systemic insecticides that penetrate the entire plant are used when young potato plants are covered with dirt. With 37 possible pesticides, potatoes might make the list of foods to avoid (or at least buy organically).

Alternative: A similar and tasty alternative is the sweet potato, which is low in pesticide contamination and healthier overall.

http://xfinity.comcast.net/slideshow/ne ... levels/10/

[Lesley]

I always try to get organic potatoes where available. I try to get to TJs to get them. Ralph's were green last time. Potato chips usually don't come from organic ones.
I know I am eating a lot of them, but it's basically the only thing, besides oats and lamb, that both enterolab and MRT showed I had no, or very little reaction to.
I don't know what else to eat if I cut them out. Only lamb? Maybe I have to do a Jean and make some lamb bone stock and eat only lamb for a week or 2. That would be SO hard!

Cathy - thanks for the words of encouragement. I am SO exhausted, and so tired of being so sick and tired.

[Zizzle]

Lesley,
Were you reactive to sweet potatoes and squashes?

[Gabes-Apg]

Soy is still used on organic vegetables, they just use organic soy oil.
I find a lot of products in the 'organic only' shops have soy. I still peel about 3 -8mm off the vegetables regardless of where I purchased them.

Sorry that things have not improved.
While you are 'trapped' with your current doctor and the various limitations that you have, sadly and frustratingly this might be as good as it gets for you.

[Sheila]

Lesley, I can't wait to hear good news from you. You are going through such a tough time and I'm so sorry. Wish it were better. Perhaps the LDN will kick in soon and give you some relief.



Sheila W

[ldubois7]

Lesley,

I feel for you, friend! I eliminated my seeds and pecans and just eat meat/veggies/coconut right now, and I'm hungry!!!
It just seems to be never ending!

Maybe you should try the bone broths.

Take care and keep posting! :)

[Polly]

Lesley,



Love,

Polly

[carolm]

I'm sorry Lesley. I posted earlier that I was hoping to hear from you re: your progress with LDN. Of course I was hoping to hear that you were starting to feel better.

I wish I had some words of wisdom or even a half-way decent suggestion.

Hugs to you--

Carol

[Lesley]

Z - Squash was fine, but I haven't introduced it yet. Sweet potatoes were iffy. I am going to wait until healing has at least started before I try them again. I LOVE them.

I do bone broths, but I made them using both lamb and beef. I need to make them from only lamb. I have a bunch of lamb chop bones but not enough yet. I will get some shanks tomorrow.

Thanks for the hugs, you guys. You don't know how much that means to me.
Gabes - I think you might be right. In which case I am going to add things in so I don't go crazy.
I am also have to come to terms with my back going to hurt like this forever too.

I am so hoping LDN kicks in and helps eventually!

Love and hugs to all of you.

[humbird753]

Lesley, I too am sorry you are having this much difficulty in finding relief. Please know you are in my prayers.




Paula

[Lesley]

One thing I know. I am going through a tremendous amount of stress, and I am sure it's having an effect.
Another thing I know is that without you lot I would be in way worse trouble.

Love you all!

for each of you with kisses!

[Heady]

Lesley.. I'm sorry you're experiencing such grief. Are you still chewing gum? Does it contain artificial sweetener. Being a diabetic, I was using it daily and have given it up. Even the gum & the breath mints. I found it gave me gas and runs. You have inspired me to try lamb. I have never eaten it before. I will BBQ it tomorrow. I will also try making beef bone broth. I wish you well in you're quest for comfort. Many hugs