Life has certainly taken a forced healthy turn since Christmas. When I first went to see Dr. Petropolous the morning after my Gall Bladder attack he mentioned that I needed to give up gluten. Hmmm...I'd read a bit about gluten free lifestyles and alternate cooking, but after being told that I started doing a lot more investigation. What I found was encouraging, there are so many blogs written by women who had already been cooking and eating gluten free for years and were freely sharing some fabulous recipes. "OK", I thought, "I can do this."
At my follow-up appointment with Dr. Petropolous I started asking about various foods and told him how I was feeling. After some muscle testing he delivered the verdict. My life needed to become not only gluten free, but dairy free, and corn free as well. "Really!?!?!?" Ok, more reading and learning. As for the corn - it's in everything!!! Corn syrup, corn starch, anything malted, tortilla chips, some coloring agents, etc, etc. Good news, I learned that potato starch, tapioca starch or arrowroot powder are good substitutes for corn corn starch in baking. Which is good, because a LOT of gluten free recipes use corn starch.
I started narrowing down the gluten free blogs I'd found to those that focused on dairy free. I also started looking for dairy free, gluten free chocolate bars and cookies - hard to find, but they're out there. With a couple successful gluten free baking attempts and my chocolate cravings properly satiated I again thought, "OK,I can do this."
Then I had another attack and went to see Dr. Petropolous again. I told him that each time I had an attack it started with my stomach acting up with gastritis which brought on the gall bladder pain. Again, more muscle testing and more restrictions. The latest diagnosis is Candida. So...that means absolutely no sugar (honey, maple syrup, agave syrup), no dried fruit, nothing with vinegar (mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles) no canned fruit or bottled fruit juices. Basically, I can eat fruit, vegetables, and protein (eggs, nuts, fish, chicken) and can drink fresh squeezed fruit juices or water.
This new eating regimen will need to last for at least 12 weeks to clear up the Candida. Then hopefully my gall bladder will have settled down enough that I can safely complete the liver and gall bladder cleanse to get rid of the gall stones.
I had been so scared of eating after the second attack that when Dr. Petropolous gave me the list of foods I could eat I made myself a couple of fabulous salads. Well, my stomach was still very sensitive and got very angry again. That brought on my worst attack yet and landed me in the ER for pain meds. That was a drag. We had to wake up the boys at 3 am to take me to the hospital. Once the drugs were on board I was able to relax. I was sent for an Ultrasound and the Doctor confirmed that I had gall stones and sludge in my gall bladder. The good news was that it wasn't inflammed or infected so surgery was not imminently necessary. With that info Steve and I felt more comfortable following our current treatment plan with Dr. Petropolous to try to get me healthy.
The next two weeks were a roller coaster. My stomach took a few days to settle down and I had to drink freshly juiced cabbage apple juice along with Aloe Vera juice and/or chicken broth. Then I got a nasty cold and both the boys got sick. Finally, I've turned the corner and we are all sleeping better and on our way to good health.
The bright spot in the whole thing is that I've lost 15 lbs. Yup, 15. I went through my closet and was able to fit into a dress I hadn't been able to wear since my honeymoon.
The hardest part of this whole thing is that I've been stripped of any type of crutch I was using to feel good emotionally. Coffee, chocolate, and sugar - my three addictions are gone. I've been going through withdrawals and learned how often I would reach for chocolate or some type of sugar to "feel better". Or, I'd use one of those as a "treat" or "reward" for a stressful day with the kids. I miss going to Starbucks with a good book, a cup of coffee, and a cookie. There's no point to even go to Starbucks since I can't even have tea right now. I feel sort of lost when I get a chance to go have some free time, I don't know where to go. So much of life is about eating and with my restrictions I'm the odd woman out right now.
I leave Thursday for another class at Purdue University. I've been told the catering service can accommodate my food restrictions for meals, but I need to bring my own snacks. Fortunately I will have a rental car to get to the store or hospital in case my gall bladder acts up again. I also found a health food store only 3 miles from the college. That, plus the ability to have a fridge in my room will hopefully keep me safe and fed until I return to my own kitchen.
I've certainly been talking to God a lot and remembering His promise that I can do ALL things through him. I didn't know that would include the ability to resist eating things I'm not supposed to eat. The sugar cravings are tough, but so far I have not yielded to the temptation. I keep remembering the pain of the attacks and the pleasure of fitting into size 6 pants.
Next week is my birthday. I think I've found a recipe I can make that will suffice for my birthday apple pie. I also found a gluten free bakery that offers dairy free options. So when I can have sugar again on occasion I'll know where to go.
So that's the scoop. I'm sure there's more to come!
This is the outfit Tyler decided to wear when he was riding his Tricycle. He loves to go up and down the sidewalk in the front of the house either on his scooter or his tricycle.
Looks like he was escaping from the basement - silly boy.
Heavy looking on while Daddy installed our new cooktop.
Sydney, Paige, Dariela, Matthew, Isabella
Mmmmm....I can't wait for birthday cake!
The beautiful birthday girl.
Lots of swimming fun.
This was the weather outside - a snowy wintery day.
Sleeping with Daddy. This doesn't happen very much anymore. Steve savored the moment until I had to put Tyler on his bed.
This African Violet was given to me by my neighbor Bill. It was in it's last days, but has come back beautifully.
Matthew's school celebrated Western Day. Tyler and I decided to join in on the fun for the afternoon. The ECE and K classes got their own "horses" to ride. Anyone who "mistreated" their hourse had to send it to the corral for a little while.
Ropping a steer.
Cow sounds
My cute little cowboys.
The boys decided they needed to make "sleeping chambers". Not sure where they came up with the idea, but they sure had fun.
Daniel Sesay officiating.
Notice the cake base. Drummer extordinaire, Scott Page.
