First off, let me apologize for not keeping in touch as well as I should be. With my first real week of work just kicking in, I'm finding it hard to find the time to concentrate and write in my dear blog. Rest assured, I will come around and start updating you more on my life - as terribly unexciting as it is! I will also start taking a gander at your blogs, I feel so out of touch and out of the loop with all of you!!
I would also like to thank you all for voting for my mum in the makeover contest. Sadly, she didn't win. I don't understand how since I had everyone under the sun voting but perhaps the other person had more friends - or maybe looked like she needed it more. Regardless, she still was in the top ten out of thousands (actually that is probably not a good thing) anyway she gets a $100 gift certificate to a spa so that's pretty sweet - she really deserves it.
Work is going OK for now, I know it's going to be one of those good/bad day jobs that will totally depend on the mood of my boss - but more on that in a later post.
What I wish to discuss with you today, dear readers, is what I am currently going through. Ei, HELL!
I have been plagued with stomach problems since I was 12, I have been tired for as long as I can remember - these are just part of my life. But lately I have been SO bloated that I can barely do up my pants, my stomach literally will stick out so it looks as if I am pregnant. I can only wear baggy clothes - plus I am gaining weight too!
So I started seeing a naturopath doctor after realizing that most doctors dont have time to care or listen - that's free health care for ya!
My naturopath is really nice and we spent an hour discussing my health history. There are many reasons for my tummy problems, one might have to do with frequent antibitotic use which can destroy the gut - the other may be an allergy.
So he decided to put me on a cleanse. Not the wild rose or master cleanse but a medically-supervised TWENTY EIGHT DAY cleanse.
I am on day four at the moment and boy...it's not easy.
Basically, the plan is to get me eating as "clean" as possible over the next month and start getting rid of the toxins in my body. Then we will add back foods to my diet - slowly - and see which ones make me tick.
So, what does this wonderful cleanse consist of? Well, there are too many things I have to cut out, the mains ones being NO CAFFEINE (tea, chocolate, coffee), NO BOOZE (soooo hard with so many social situations coming up!), No Wheat (and wheat is in everything), No corn, NO DAIRY, no SOY, No sugar (or honey or fake sugar). No pop. No nothing, really.
What can I have? All veggies, all fruits (except for Oranges), Rice, millet, olive oil, spices, nuts (except peanuts), rice or almond milk, beans, fish, chicken, turkey and lamb.
Sounds like the ingredients of a wholesome dog food.
Oh, and acidophuolus capsules (the good bacteria because my antibiotic use has rid my body of it and I seem to only produce the bad kind) AND a liver detoxfying vitamin/protein shake that tastes like Vanilla sludge that I will take up to three times a day.
Like I said, I am on day four - I'm still bloated but - and excuse my graphicness - for someone who isn't very "regular" I am going shithouse like 6 times a day! It's insane! I know this is vital cuz I need to get rid of the toxins but geeeeez. I'm tired too, as I am going through caffeine withdrawal, and yesterday it felt like I had the flu (a side effect of withdrawal as well).
It's super hard to go into a coffee shop and just get herbal tea, especially when I know a hit of caffeine would jolt me up - plus passing up those free samples of coffee cakes isn't fun.
But I'm doing this for my health, to finally get to the bottom of this, and I know I have to follow this through till the end.
Seriously.
Doctor's orders
9 comments:
Welcome back!
I feel for you with this one as Ive had this for 10 years (sounds like you have IBS to me hon - do you look 6 months preggers by any chance?)
I have finally got my hospital appointment next month to see whats going on (you gotta love the NHS). Although they havent diagnosed me as a Celiac ive gone wheat free - oh its hard, but it needs to be done.
For wheat free living, check out http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/ for serious inspiration on how to change your foodie life.
Hope you feel better soon, most of all, get relaxed, stress and IBS is a total nightmare. Kx
Oh... girl... I do not envy you!
Good luck with it all, though. At least you're going to find out what it is!!
I think I've heard Dandelion tea is a good natural supplement for caffeine?
I know where you're at, I've always had poop probs! Are you on the Pill by any chance? Still I came off it, my guts have thanked me for it, it can really upset the 'natural balance' of your intestines.
OOH! Good luck sista!
I have Celiac's (wheat free living for me!) and it's a pain in the ass. However, after two years of no wheat (and you are right, it IS in everything), I have to say that I feel a million times better. Good luck with everything and I hope you feel better soon!
I had to cut out wheat for a time and that was hard, wheat is in everything!
As you know i dont drink coffee and I just dont get the drink, it tastes bad, its bad for you and its addictive. It must be hard not having any but I've never had a cup and I get up like everyone else. Im big into green tea. Are you allowed arizona drinks? I live off those and they make me feel great.
Wee-H - as a matter of fact, I DO look like I am 6 months pregnant. OK, maybe 3, but still! I was tested for Celiacs too and I don't have it so that's good but I'll still find out whether I am sensitive to it or not. And I do have IBS too - it's hard not to stress though and I know it's a terrible combination.
Michelle - I used to drink Dandelion tea to lose water weight - it's nasty stuff. And I am on the pill too - however, there is NO way I'm going off it. I'd rather have stomach pains than worrisome sex :P
Brandy - Thanks, my aunt has celiacs and because it runs in Scandinavian families a lot, they thought I would have it too - I dont but I can appreciate how hard it is to avoid wheat. Luckily, I love rice.
Kiwi - actually, studies show (many studies) that coffee in moderation is actually good for you. It prevents liver disease and has antioxidents and a whole lot of stuff. But they dont recommend you go over two cups a day, because it really is addictive. I just like the taste and the ritual and when I am done this, I might just start drinking decaf every other day.
I can't have green tea though - it has a lot of caffeine in it as well. And Arizona drinks are full of sugar and/or artificial sweetners and I can't have either of those.
Hey, you know your man loves you when he has to roll you off the sofa when you arent even pregnant!
Let me know how you get on with your appointment - sounds like we have something very similar and your diagnosis could help me too. :)
Ick. I hate belly problems. Seems like everyone I know has IBS. I'm not a health food person so I hate to sound like one but with all the crap people put in their bodies, it's no wonder we all feel like crap.
Good luck on your cleanse...you're a stronger woman than I am.
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