Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Rachel--24]

Rachel, do you have enuf foods left to use a 4 day rotation diet? I am afraid you are going to lose (to intolernces) all foods or most! when you are having diarrhea that is when you are most liable to have that happen.

could you send me the same info you sent to the other posters on the new med and the pharmacist? hoping each day this week sees you feeling better. THX evie

Evie, good luck with the biopsy. If its DH that will give you a positive diagnosis for Celiac.

I dont have enough for even a 3 day rotation right now. There was a time that I figured a rotation would help and I planned out a whole 4 day rotation with foods I dont often eat and shopped for it and had everything written down and I actually got sicker than I was this past week. It was really bad. Thats when I decided there was more to it than just having intolerances to food. I was reacting to something other than the food. I was eating alot of vegetables on that rotation diet and had the symptoms of MSG toxicity really bad that week. I didnt make it more than a week on the rotation diet because of that. The symptoms were the same as what I went through this past week but worse because I was eating alot of the stuff treated with Auxigro and had no clue....this week it was just the sweet potatoes and yams and I'm aware of the Auxigro now.

When I get into this situation I do have alot of problems with any foods I eat and it will last a week or maybe up to 10 days but it usually gets better and I'll get less sensitive each day. I'm feeling alot better already but my main concern is gaining the weight back. This is the first day I've had no loose stools yet. The "D" is probably over with...its just not something that is common for me. I dont get "D" and I dont ever throw up...no matter how nauseus I get. Dont know why...maybe its genetic? My mom is the same...She gets more C and never throws up.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Aw, Rachel, what a lousy way to spend your vacation.

I thought of one thing, though: I used to get sick every time I came home from college, as soon as finals were over. I would crash at home in my own wonderful bed in my own room, and finally RELAX, and then BOOM I would get really sick. It was like my immune system decided to go on vacation, too. My mom said it was because I kept myself from getting sick during school and finals through sheer will-power, but as soon as I came home, I let my defenses down. This happened every Christmas, Easter, and Summer vacation like clockwork--you could set your watch by it!

Do you think it might be similar with your vacation?

Can you have chicken soup?

[Rachel--24]

Aw Rachel--that's awful that you were so sick all week! I was hoping that the reason you weren't posting much was because you were busy enjoying your vacation!

Naw...it was the brainfog!

Actually I was busy a couple days....I went on a shopping spree....saw a couple movies, but yeah....the vaction was kind of a blur.

I dunno if it was my new meds or all the brainfog but I was feeling kinda "giddy" I guess....not really focused or clear-headed at all. I ended up making an a** of myself on Friday.

I pretty much got all mushy with my ex and spilled out a bunch of stuff that under normal circumstances I would keep to myself. I'm usually pretty guarded....but not that night....nope I was pretty much under the influence. The sweet potatoes made me do it!!

Whatever...sh** happens and I can laugh at myself now.

[Rachel--24]

Aw, Rachel, what a lousy way to spend your vacation.

I thought of one thing, though: I used to get sick every time I came home from college, as soon as finals were over. I would crash at home in my own wonderful bed in my own room, and finally RELAX, and then BOOM I would get really sick. It was like my immune system decided to go on vacation, too. My mom said it was because I kept myself from getting sick during school and finals through sheer will-power, but as soon as I came home, I let my defenses down. This happened every Christmas, Easter, and Summer vacation like clockwork--you could set your watch by it!

Do you think it might be similar with your vacation?

Can you have chicken soup?

I dont think thats what happened with me. I think its because I stopped eating rice and wanted to replace it with something that would help me keep my weight on. Unfortunately I chose yams and sweet potatoes....even though they've caused problems in the past. I thought maybe these were "safe" and now here I am 10 lbs. lighter.

The other symptoms are improving by the hour but I'm just really bummed about the weight loss. My roommate said it doesnt look bad or even noticeable....it just looks like I'm thin. She said alot of girls intentionally starve themselves to look like this. She said I'm just more aware of it since I dont feel good and so I think I look sick too. Whatever....I think its gross to be this thin and want my 10 lbs. back.

Does everybody have special plans for the holiday weekend??

I'll be working....today is my last day off.

I'm told someone might invite me to go see fireworks...so maybe thats what I'll be doin on the 4th. I hope so....I love watching the fireworks plus I like spendin time with this person. So we'll see.

I'M SO SORRY I CAN'T HELP YOU BUT YOUR MY EXPERT AND WHERE I GO FOR ADVICE SO HONEY..I JUST DON'T KNOW ENOUGH TO HELP YOU..BUT WILL KEEP CK'N ON YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU

JUDY

Thanks for poppin in Judy. Your thoughts and prayers mean alot to me.

I'm feeling better now....just wish it were the first day of my vacation instead of the last. I blew it w/ my diet but next time I have time off I'll be way more careful.

[dlp252]

dlp, hope you had a great day yesterday on your birthday. What did you buy?? Anything you can share??

Hope you find the deed.

I had a great birthday and fun shopping yesterday. Let's see, I bought 4 pairs of crop pants...I live in them in the summer and can wear them to work and even have worn them to church the last two Sundays, lol. I bought some chunky sandals and a tote with wheels for my trip on Wednesday...I always just take a tote with me for the 4 days I'm in Vegas, but it can get heavy with all the stuff I cram in, so wanted something small with wheels. Found it. Oh, and I also bought a sample kit of ProActive because my face is breaking out like a teenager...I figure it must be all the sugar/fruit I've been eating and probably the stress at work isn't helping.

Rachel - I'm so sorry you've had such a bad week! Glad you are feeling better...hope you get to go to the fireworks.

I'll be going to a BBQ on Tuesday, but will be home long before it gets dark. I went to this home last year...it's really fun because the entire neighborhood knows each other and they all get together to have a parade...the different families/blocks even make floats, so they close down the streets to cars and have their own little parade which winds around the neighborhood. Last year the police, fire department and paramedics even joined the little parade. It was fun.

[jerseyangel]

Hi Donna--I'm glad you had a nice birthday--and some productive shopping! I love crop pants, too, and wear them almost all the time in the summer. I actually bought a new pair of khaki ones today. I used to use Proactiv--I probably used it for 7-8 years straight (had it sent automaticly). I stopped last year, when my skin began to get dry for the first time. But, while I was using it, I was very satisfied with it--it took care of my occasional breakouts and kept my skin clear.

[Rachel--24]

Donna, that sounds like alot of fun!

I got alot of crop pants too...I actually got a ton of new clothes this week. I couldnt find any new sandals though....I was looking for that tangerine color but havent found any yet. Every summer seems like I get a new favorite color.

Have a great time in Vegas!!!

[jerseyangel]

Rachel--I guess we're gonna have to keep you away from those sweet potatoes

Speaking of sandals--I am addicted to Birkenstocks. They are so comfortable, and now you can get really cute colors. I never thought I'd wear them, but I tried my first pair last summer and they're all I want to wear now cause they really mold to my feet--like walking barefoot!

[Rachel--24]

I am soooo happy today! I always have to spend one day of my w/end taking care of the yardwork....which really sucks in the summer when everything grows so fast. Its alot of yard to take care of. I've always dreamed of having a gardener but figured its too expensive. I had a guy out fixing the sprinkler system this week and I asked how much he charged for gardening service. It was too expensive so I figured I'm destined to be doing my own yardwork forever.

This morning my ex (and co-owner of the house) was here and said the price wasnt bad at all and to call him back and hire him so that I dont have to worry about yard work anymore!! My ex is gonna pay for it....how cool is that!! I feel like its my b-day today....its sooooo much stress taken off of me and I can have more of my w/end for fun stuff and the yards will always look great!! I am just so excited about this.....can you tell??!!

Rachel--I guess we're gonna have to keep you away from those sweet potatoes

Speaking of sandals--I am addicted to Birkenstocks. They are so comfortable, and now you can get really cute colors. I never thought I'd wear them, but I tried my first pair last summer and they're all I want to wear now cause they really mold to my feet--like walking barefoot!

Yeah.....sweet potatoes made me lose my mind!!

I've never had a pair of Birkenstocks but everyone says they're super comfy. Do they have tangerine color?? I did see one pair of tangerine sandals that were really comfy at Macy's but they were $80 and I didnt know if I wanted to pay it. I may go back for them if I dont find anything better. Dont Birkenstocks run about that much too??

Wow! I cant believe how much better I'm feeling today! I got my mind back and no loose stools!!! It always amazes me how fast my body recovers from even the worst reactions. It was definately the sweet potatoes...no doubts there....but man, they tasted sooo good. I fell in love with sweet potatoes and like every other love I've had....I lost them.

It still feels like someone punched me in the chest and back though.

[jerseyangel]

Rachel--That's so great that you're getting gardening/lawn help. I love doing everything *inside* the house, but not outside. My husband works a lot, and I'm home, so I try and keep the yard done--really not that bad most of the time. Our yard isn't too big, but I have lots of raised beds, stacked stone, fence, etc that all have to be weeded and trimmed around. Yesterday, my husband did it all because it has been so hot and I can't tolerate the heat. With two of us here all the time, it always gets done one way or the other.

I have an adorable pair of Birkenstock that are like a soft yellow/tangerine/peach kind of swirl pattern. They do usually run in the 70-90 dollar range, but they last forever and don't really go out of style (for what they are). I get mine at QVC--they have a good variety, and their prices are also pretty good compared to stores.

[Green12]

I had a great birthday and fun shopping yesterday. Let's see, I bought 4 pairs of crop pants...I live in them in the summer and can wear them to work and even have worn them to church the last two Sundays, lol. I bought some chunky sandals and a tote with wheels for my trip on Wednesday...I always just take a tote with me for the 4 days I'm in Vegas, but it can get heavy with all the stuff I cram in, so wanted something small with wheels. Found it. Oh, and I also bought a sample kit of ProActive because my face is breaking out like a teenager...I figure it must be all the sugar/fruit I've been eating and probably the stress at work isn't helping.

dlp, I love cropped pants/capris too. I also wear them all the time. Sounds like you did good on your shopping spree. I tried ProActive several years ago and it definitely took care of the breakouts, I only used it for a very short time but like Patti said, it does its job. And 4 days in vegas?? How exciting, have lots of fun!

Speaking of sandals--I am addicted to Birkenstocks. They are so comfortable, and now you can get really cute colors. I never thought I'd wear them, but I tried my first pair last summer and they're all I want to wear now cause they really mold to my feet--like walking barefoot!

I'm a flip flop girl myself. I like flops, thongs, and mules. I'm really into shoes from Merrell right now, I wish they weren't so pricey.

I have never owned any Birkenstocks but I see them around a lot, those and Crocs. Crocs are everywhere, they don't look like they are comfortable but everyone swears they are.

[Rachel--24]

Jersey, I actually enjoy doing the outside yardwork.....its the inside I cant stand doing. The only thing is now that I'm not home all week its just too time consuming for what little time I have off. Its 3 big yards and I would call it very high maintenance with all the stuff I planted now growing big. It was a new house we bought so everything I planted was babies. To be honest I didnt think I had a green thumb so I'm pretty amazed this stuff is still alive and even flourishing now!

I just dont have time for it now but last summer when I was on disibility it was my biggest joy to start feeling better and working outside in the yard.

I think I'll check out the Birkenstocks. I remember seeing a catalouge with all different colors and styles. I used to think they only made that standard brown looking one.

[Judyin Philly]

I actually enjoy doing the outside yardwork.....its the inside I cant stand doing. I just dont have time for it now but last summer when I was on disibility it was my biggest joy to start feeling better and working outside in the yard.

Rachel, I didn't realize that we had that in common..I feel like I've lost a big part of me this past month not being able to get into my gardens.. just realized it's been 1 month today I was dx'd with celluitis and had 'foot over head'--kinda hard to garden that way

When we were in CA i got some 'plastic 'crocks' and love then. they were $30. i have alot of feet problems and these are sooooo comfortable.

glad your feeling better today..don't over do at work tomorrow.

judy

[rinne]

Rachel, I've been wondering what you do at work and if there is something there that is toxic to you. I remember hearing about "Konk" many years ago, it is an insecticide that is often found in produce areas of large supermarkets. It releases insecticide automatically every twenty minutes and is in a canister that is generally mounted on a wall.

[Rachel--24]

Judy,

Wow its been a month already with your foot?? I hope it gets better soon! Its hard when we dont get to do the stuff we enjoy because of being sick.

I hope you can be back tending to your garden real soon though.

For anyone interested in Ketotifen I'm poking around the internet looking for any useful info....basically cuz I need some hope again. Maybe I should call that pharmacist again. Hehe...maybe I should call him everyday so I can hear him tell me this stuff is gonna make me well again. I'm sooo impatient but his words made me feel great that day. Anyway, I'll post whatever info. I come accross. So far found this.

Ketotifen in prevention and therapy of food allergy.

Molkhou P, Dupont C.

Allergy Department, Hopital St Vincent de Paul, Paris, France.

Ketotifen, benzocycloheptathiophene, (Zaditen) an orally active, anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic drug in a dose of 1 mg twice daily was given from 2 to 20 months in 20 selected patients with food allergy (FA) or food intolerance (FI). Sixteen children and four adults of which ten had atopic dermatitis (AD), six urticaria or/and angiooedema (two of which with oropharynx pruritus, oedema of the lips and anaphylactic shock), two asthma, and two gastrointestinal disorders. Food allergy was proved by clinical history, exclusion diet positive challenge test, skin prick tests (SPT) total IgE (PRIST) and specific IgE (RAST). Gastrointestinal permeability was measured in 5 out of 20 patients using mannitol and lactulose as probe molecules on three occasions: (1) by ingestion of the markers alone, (2) with concomitant ingestion of the offending food(s), and (3) with previous administration of ketotifen (2 mg) six hours before ingestion of markers and offending food. In all five individuals, food ingestion resulted in a significant rise of lactulose: mannitol urinary ratio and previous administration of ketotifen resulted in a normalization of the mannitol:lactulose urinary ratio. Patients with urticaria and/or angiooedema, gastrointestinal symptoms, asthma, and oropharynx pruritis with oedema of the lips were completely protected. In patients with AD, 70% were greatly improved or improved but 30% remained the same. It is our impression that ketotifen offers a new therapeutic dimension and therapy in FA.

Ok...so basically what the article says (its kind of technical) is that they measured for "leaky gut" or the permeability of the gut in 5 people on 3 different occassions. All these people had food allergies. When they ate food and then were tested...their guts had become significantly "leaky". When they took the Ketotifen 6 hrs before eating the foods the tests for leaky gut came back normal. They were totally protected when they took the Ketotifen before eating. Seems pretty promising.

Man...how long has it been now...only 5 days...I got a long way to go and soooo impatient. I've been praying today for this med to work. I just want to eat food again w/out being in pain.

Another article. I'm getting my hopes up again.

The efficacy of ketotifen in a controlled double-blind food challenge study in patients with food allergy.

Boner AL, Richelli C, Antolini I, Vibelli C, Andri L.

The effectiveness of oral ketotifen was compared with that of placebo in 26 patients with food allergy in a randomized, double-blind parallel study. Patients were selected on the basis of food allergy as established by history, clinical improvement after an exclusion diet, and reappearance of the symptoms after a challenge with the food. Thirteen patients were given ketotifen and 13, placebo. Ketotifen or placebo were administered twice daily for 1 month after the first oral provocation test and the last dose was given 12 hours before the second oral provocation test. Ketotifen protected patients (7/13) significantly more than placebo (2/13; P less than .05). The results of this study suggest that ketotifen may be useful for some patients with food allergy.

If I get better soon I dont know how I'll ever thank my doctors!!! I'll be soooo grateful!

[miamia]

Naw...it was the brainfog!

Actually I was busy a couple days....I went on a shopping spree....saw a couple movies, but yeah....the vaction was kind of a blur.

I dunno if it was my new meds or all the brainfog but I was feeling kinda "giddy" I guess....not really focused or clear-headed at all. I ended up making an a** of myself on Friday.

I pretty much got all mushy with my ex and spilled out a bunch of stuff that under normal circumstances I would keep to myself. I'm usually pretty guarded....but not that night....nope I was pretty much under the influence. The sweet potatoes made me do it!!

Whatever...sh** happens and I can laugh at myself now.

Rachel-

I am so sorry that your vacation turned out to not be much of one. I've also tried the rotation diet without much luck an dI also get the same way when I ahve a abd reaction to something I react to everything I eat for like a week.

I am glad to hear you are feeling a bit better.

I love that you said "the sweet potatoes made me do it" I always say things like this - I guess it helps to add some humor to bad situations.

My doctors away for the week but as soon as he comes back I am going to talk to him about the meds your taking. They sound like something that could really help me it seems like you an dI have a lot of similar problems. Again I hope you are feeling better and that your next vacation is a more positve experience.

Miamia

[mouse]

Thanks Rachel for the information. I printed both out for when next see my GP. It sounds so promising.

[miamia]

Judy,

Wow its been a month already with your foot?? I hope it gets better soon! Its hard when we dont get to do the stuff we enjoy because of being sick.

I hope you can be back tending to your garden real soon though.

For anyone interested in Ketotifen I'm poking around the internet looking for any useful info....basically cuz I need some hope again. Maybe I should call that pharmacist again. Hehe...maybe I should call him everyday so I can hear him tell me this stuff is gonna make me well again. I'm sooo impatient but his words made me feel great that day. Anyway, I'll post whatever info. I come accross. So far found this.

Ok...so basically what the article says (its kind of technical) is that they measured for "leaky gut" or the permeability of the gut in 5 people on 3 different occassions. All these people had food allergies. When they ate food and then were tested...their guts had become significantly "leaky". When they took the Ketotifen 6 hrs before eating the foods the tests for leaky gut came back normal. They were totally protected when they took the Ketotifen before eating. Seems pretty promising.

Man...how long has it been now...only 5 days...I got a long way to go and soooo impatient. I've been praying today for this med to work. I just want to eat food again w/out being in pain.

Another article. I'm getting my hopes up again.

If I get better soon I dont know how I'll ever thank my doctors!!! I'll be soooo grateful!

Rachel-

oh my- you are gettting my hopes up to- eating with no pain dosen't even seem fathomable to me anymore- If this works for you - or me I will give your doctor my first born child!!!!

miamia

[Rachel--24]

I love that you said "the sweet potatoes made me do it" I always say things like this - I guess it helps to add some humor to bad situations.

Hehe....it really was the sweet potatoes though!

Rachel-

oh my- you are gettting my hopes up to- eating with no pain dosen't even seem fathomable to me anymore- If this works for you - or me I will give your doctor my first born child!!!!

miamia

Are you gonna call the pharmacist? Talk about giving someone hope...he talks so highly of the Ketotifen you cant help but get excited.

I cant wait till my next doctor appt. My doctor had put some other people on the med before me so they had a head start and I'm wondering how they're doing on it so far. They've probably been on it about a month before me.

[christine 25]

Hehe....it really was the sweet potatoes though!

Are you gonna call the pharmacist? Talk about giving someone hope...he talks so highly of the Ketotifen you cant help but get excited.

I cant wait till my next doctor appt. My doctor had put some other people on the med before me so they had a head start and I'm wondering how they're doing on it so far. They've probably been on it about a month before me.

Hi Rach,

glad you are feeling bettter.

Im slowly getting over my worst week day by day.

I know that some medications caused my reactions, it wasnt food, I was taking some stuff for pain, and anxiety and it dried up my mucus membranes and everything I ate created swelling, even normal foods. Everytime I take new meds or supplements I get ill and all foods make me sick. I think I have a sensitive liver, and metabolism.

It seems like produce is the enemy with the chemicals they spray on them, that cant really be avoided easily anyways. The crazy thing is that we all should be able to eat fruits and vegitables and sweet potatos, they are not inherantly bad or anything. They are good for us, and we need them.

I was thinking that maybe I need enzymes to help break down the plants etc. so I talked to the people that make no-fenol and they are sending me some free samples to try. I'll see if that is going to help, im not really expecting much, so well see.

---I have noticed that my reactions are lessend when I eat pineapple.

Pineapple + food and I dont get headaches as bad, Im not sure, but I seem to notice that everytime I do.

Weird?

[dlp252]

I don't know if that is so weird Christina...I've heard for years that pineapple has good enzymes.

I love birkenstocks too...I have a couple of pairs. I also really like my Danskos but those are hugely expensive and they only have a few styles that I think are "cute". I almost bought a tangerine color on Friday, lol. I had a hair appointment and there is a shoe store near the salon which I always check out if I have time...they had some cute tangerine colored ones, but I decided against it since I actually don't have anything I can wear with them.

[dlp252]

Oh, and I forgot to thank you all for the feedback on the ProActive. I started using it on Saturday evening and already my spots are much smaller! I may be 51 but my skin is still a bit oily, so I'm thinking my face shouldn't get too dry from this. The rest of my body is dry skin, but not my face.

[Green12]

---I have noticed that my reactions are lessend when I eat pineapple.

Pineapple + food and I dont get headaches as bad, Im not sure, but I seem to notice that everytime I do.

Pineapple is rich with the enzyme bromelain.

Some fun facts about bromelian: Pineapple enzyme which is primarily used to assist digestion of protein and fight inflammatory disorders, plus has some antiparasitic action. Great for most arthritis, gout, and allergy problems, whose symptoms may be worsened by undigested proteins, since helps digest them while providing antiinflammatory action. Sufficient amounts can be had from fresh pineapple, primarily the core.

Oh, and I forgot to thank you all for the feedback on the ProActive. I started using it on Saturday evening and already my spots are much smaller! I may be 51 but my skin is still a bit oily, so I'm thinking my face shouldn't get too dry from this. The rest of my body is dry skin, but not my face.

Yeah, I remember that it does work fast. You will be cleared up in no time if you continue to use it! It did dry me out, that's one of the reasons I stopped using it, but you might be fine with it.

[AndreaB]

Rachel,

That's awful that your vacation was such a fog. I'm glad you are doing better though.

Is it true about the insecticide being sprayed on the produce? It seems like we have to choose against non organic with all the pesticides etc or the organic with all the msg. Neither of them sounds like a good choice. I have still been choosing organic for the baby since I figure it's the lesser of two evils. But I'm not even sure of that since msg is so bad for the brain.

Had a busy day at my mom's yesterday with not much sleep for the baby and a late night. S is fussier than normal and probably will be through tomorrow unless we can get him caught up on sleep. We were planning on heading north (about 15 miles) today to check out a carousel ride for the kids. We want to go bowling again since the kids love that but are short of funds with the financing of our new "old" van. We got tired of being cramped in the little 5 seater Saturn we had. We got a 6 year old Odyssey with only 45K miles! I love used cars with low mileage. The only problem with a van is the poor gas mileage.

I'll try and check in later today. I'm also supposed to be baking today and we are going out for a little while.

Hello and have a great day to all of you.

[Rachel--24]

Does anyone know if when we are not absorbing well (i.e. undigested food particles, weight loss, etc) are we also not absorbing meds as well either? I just wanna make sure all mt ketotifen is getting absorbed....not that I can really do anything about it if its not.

All last week when I had the loose stools I didnt feel any drowsiness from the meds...I was pretty much unaffected. Now the loose stools are over and today all I wanna do is sleep....I'm sooo tired. Do you think the meds get absorbed the same no matter what or could they be getting better absorption now that everythings not going right through me? Every where I look I just wanna lay down...even the sales floor at work looks comfy enough for a nap.