Checking In and Odds and Ends

[JoAnn]

Hi All, it's really hard to catch up with all the posts when you have life pull you away for things. I've checked in briefly at times and am sad for the flares (believe me I know how emotionally and physically trying they can be) and hope everyone is finding their way through them and out of them. I'm glad to read that others are doing very well with diet, entocort, and are able to taper off. Way to go Linda for a fast resolution of your symptoms and Ginny, great news about tapering off Joe, I'm glad to read that your plan is working well for you. Polly, I hope you're doing better and things are stabilizing and also everyone else I read about (Ant, Harma, Gabes) Thanks Tex for all the great information you find and share with us. I had a nice chat with Gloria on the phone while she was in Utah. We weren't able to meet in person, but hopefully next time.
I've been off entocort 4 months now and things continue to go well as long as I'm vigilant about my diet. I tried Honeysuckle White turkey per Gloria's recommendation and seemed to do fine with it. (I think a turkey started me off on a flare last year,watch those turkeys!) I also discovered Bison hotdogs at my local grocery store that taste wonderful. They are High Plains Bison 100% bison, no nitrates, minimally processed. (other ingredients vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt, turbino sugar, spices, celery juice powder.) I didn't react to them. I have been experimenting with coconut yogurt and have made some batches that taste great. The only thing I'm finding a problem with, is that I am a lot looser after I eat it. I use GI ProStart yogurt starter which is dairy free, but I'm thinking the probiotics might be causing me problems. I am now experimenting with using the probiotic I take each day as a starter, but my first batch didn't taste that great. Still working on that. Speaking of coconut, I'm sure many of you have discovered these, but I thought I would bring it up for those trying to get more coconut in their diet. I buy Jennies coconut macaroons in the can at my local grocery store. They are gluten, dairy, soy, and yeast free. They do have some egg whites in them, but it doesn't bother me and I tested sensitive to eggs.
Tex, I have an egg question. I tested positive to eggs, and have avoided eating them alone. They don't seem to bother me in baked goods. I have my own flock of chickens and 4 ducks. My ducks are laying eggs like crazy even though the hens have tapered off due to the shorter days. Does an egg allergy apply to all eggs? Is it possible I could eat the duck eggs and be OK? Also, if I tried it, would I know right away or could I be damaging myself if I ate them over a period of time? Thanks for any insights you might have on this.
Once again, thank you all for being here and sharing your experiences. They keep me going and inspire me especially on days when I feel sorry for myself for having to cope with all this. I hope everyone takes care of themselves and can avoid getting "run down and over" by the holiday season that is upon us. I am so thankful for this group and the unselfish leadership that Tex gives us each and everyday and to all the pioneers who were here when I needed help. Love JoAnn

[tex]

Tex, I have an egg question. I tested positive to eggs, and have avoided eating them alone. They don't seem to bother me in baked goods. I have my own flock of chickens and 4 ducks. My ducks are laying eggs like crazy even though the hens have tapered off due to the shorter days. Does an egg allergy apply to all eggs? Is it possible I could eat the duck eggs and be OK? Also, if I tried it, would I know right away or could I be damaging myself if I ate them over a period of time? Thanks for any insights you might have on this.

Good question. I would say that it's possible that you might be able to eat duck eggs, (since a few people who are sensitive to cow's milk can tolerate goat's milk), but the odds are probably not particularly good. Still, some people who claim to be allergic to hen eggs, say that they can tolerate duck eggs, so it might be worth a try. The fact that you can tolerate eggs in baked goods, may help to shift the odds in your favor. The only way to find out, of course, is to try.

Since you react promptly to all your other food sensitivities, (as far as we know), I feel pretty confident that if you are sensitive to them, you would react relatively quickly, (and not be intolerant but asymptomatic). Besides, there is some question about the validity of intestinal damage that does not cause clinical symptoms. It may be of no more significance than sound in a forest when there is no one there to hear it. Contrary to earlier assumptions, asymptomatic celiacs are no more likely to develop non-Hogdkins lymphoma, than someone in the general population. In the absence of clinical symptoms, and in the absence of any increased risk of lymphoma, asymptomatic disease may be a moot point.

Please let us know the outcome, if you decide to try this, and I certainly wish you the best of luck with it, if you do. There are quite a few members who would probably be interested in the results. As far as I'm aware, no one here has ever tried duck eggs as a substitute.

Love,
Tex

[Ginny]

Linda, glad you are still doing well; it is very encouraging and best of all you seem to be able to add more and more back in to your food supply. Good to know about the Honeysuckle white turkey. I've tried Boar's head awhile back and it just did not agree with me, but that was true prior to MC; processed meats have always bothered me to some degree. I am still interested in the yogurt; I hope you perfect it and post it.

I am always interested in how you are doing. I believe we are kindred spirits in this MC disease. Keep us posted when you have time. This time of year starts to draw all of us in different directions and our time seems to evaporate.

Always wishing you the best, Ginny

[Linda in BC]

JoAnne;

Thanks for the very positive and upbeat update. So glad to hear that things are going well. 4 months off Entocort.. WOW!
That is so hope -inducing.. Good for you.

Yes, I think many of us are anticipating your "perfected" coconut milk yougurt recipe. Oh, how I miss yogurt!!! I used to just love it for dessert...

Linda