|
Post by floramorada on May 2, 2014 16:33:28 GMT -5
I've been feeling really depressed and overwhelmed this past week. School, money, health, life. My dishydrotic eczema is popping up in clusters on my fingers, and doubled over night - that's really fast, and it's freaking me out because, well, they the look freaky! (Little bubbles) They only show up when I'm really stressed of out of control, which is definitely how I'm feeling. Kind of stuck and panicky. I am even have trouble making myself do basic self-care things, or getting up at all. I have some coconut water with me at least.
We're supposed to be heading up to Seattle to see some friends this weekend. If I can gather my things and get myself together, I think maybe that will help.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 6, 2014 3:06:28 GMT -5
Feeling a bit better today, I was able to accomplish a few things. Last night I actually slept in my own bed at night, which hasn't happened in a really long time. Positive! I'm gassy again tonight, but not too itchy. Today I ate too many carbs and sugar, and not enough protein and acids. Leftover sardines, kale and sweet potato, but the rest was coconut water, dates, jicama, strawberries, and plantain chips. I installed f.lux on my computer and it looks craaazy! It will take some getting used to. I ordered the Prescript Assist probiotics today, since I finished my current bottle (Trader Joe's brand). I hope it helps, especially with the gas. It was really expensive. New month, new budget, but it's going to be really tight. I basically have $300 to spend on everything, not just food. I plan on ordering Fermented Cod Liver oil after I finish my current bottle of fish oil. I want to order a few boxes of EPIC and Tanka bars, they help so much when I'm on the go. That's half my budget right there. I have enough meat and fish in the freezer to get me through the month, and more than enough supplies to make many batches of bone broth. I have lots of rice, canned fish, and veggies are cheap. I went to two different Asian grocery stores today. Can Tho, has a bunch of interesting fresh veggies, seafood, and any fresh ingredients I would want to try and make Filipino dishes myself. Frozen pandan leaves, tamarind, cassava, coconut, really anything. I should go there more often. The other one, Viet & Thai, finally had Aroy D coconut milk back in stock. I pretty much cleaned them out, they have the best price I've seen. I have upcoming appointments with my PCP, Psychiatrist, Sleep specialist, and a Gasteroenterologist. Oh, and I went to yoga today. [Edit] I also want to purchase Tamanu oil, tallow, and some sort of humectant to try and make my own body moisturizer. Or perhaps try one that someone else has made, I've seen a few promising recommendations. I'm running low on argan oil, too. That can also add up quickly. Tallow Balms: www.vintagetradition.com/buffalogalgrassfed.vpweb.com/apps/webstore/www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieWoodSpritewww.etsy.com/shop/PrimalCareSkinBalm
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 7, 2014 0:02:05 GMT -5
I tried using an old Cetaphil cream on my lower legs because my skin was so dry. BAD idea. It had a painful burning sensation that lasted a couple of minutes, and now all my patches are red and inflamed. Not using that stuff again. Can't believe I used it everyday for most of my life.
Also, I love my pressure cooker! I was able to cook some frozen fish and kale super quickly for dinner tonight.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 7, 2014 22:07:53 GMT -5
I picked up a new veggie at the Asian mart the other day - jicama. It's such a great and easy snack, once it has been cut up into sticks. It's crunchy and refreshing, which is great now that it's getting warmer, and totally fills my crunchy snacking needs. And it's probably better for me than copious amounts of plantain chips. Definitely adding it to the regular rotation.
I now have three easy recipes for frozen fish fillets in my arsenal.
1. Curry coconut, either in a shallow pan (thawed) or pressure cooker (frozen). 2. Pan seared in some fat with S&P (thawed) 3. Pressure cooked with some water, butter, lemon juice, salt, and seasonings (frozen)
So easy and delicious!
Got my lab results today, cholesterols, glucose, and everything looks good except my CBC. Going back on Friday for more labs to further test for pthalocemia (sp?).
Still on the hunt for ingredients to make my own tallow moisturizer. Probably going to avoid vegetable glycerin as a humectant since it is derived from soy (I'm allergic). Maybe mix in hyaluronic acid instead, since it's mostly synthesized?
Oh, and Mickey Trescott's cookbook came in the mail this week. It's so beautiful and inspiring!
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 9, 2014 1:42:25 GMT -5
Had a lot of liquid goodies when I got home today. I went to a super intense heated yoga class, and I'm trying to stay hydrated, so yeah. Downed 20oz of water from my water bottle. Made a smoothie with greens, beets, berries, and water. And large mug of bone broth.
Also was able to do some cooking - pressure cooker hake loins, kale, and roasted sweet potatoes.
I'm currently attempting my first batch of fish stock from the halibut bones the New Seasons butcher gave me. Since I had to thaw it, I think I'm just going to have to use it all and make a couple of batches.
First try: fish bones, carrot, onion, dried fungus, 1 tbs ACV, salt. Pressure cooked for 45 mins. Is it possible to cook fish stock for too long? Most online recipes recommend 20-30 minutes. I guess I'll find out. I want to try another batch with some seaweed. Also one with garlic or ginger. Also a more traditional recipe with white wine and herbs. Also Filipino and Vietnamese variations. Mmmm, sinigang!
I also have some beef liver thawing in the fridge... that will be another new experience.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 9, 2014 5:52:57 GMT -5
I just ate a Coconut Cashew Crisp Zing bar. I don't know why, I just caved. It's definitely not AIP - it has nuts, seeds, sweeteners, pea protein, and quinoa. At least it's organic, gluten free, and soy free. I hope I don't feel too bad the next few days. I'm noting this here so if I do feel worse, I'll be reminded of what caused it.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 12, 2014 9:59:48 GMT -5
I'm researching doctors/medical practitioners to help my journey. Looking at the big picture, labs, getting and official diagnosis (since I still don't know what I "have," just all my symptoms). Here are some resources: Functional Medicine Practitioners Primal Docs Paleo Physicians Network Gluten Free Physicians
Dr. Alex Vasquez seems particularly knowledgeable and promising, but I'd need to figure out how to afford him. A 90 minute consultation is more than half my budget for the month. This month I'm spending money on expensive supplements, skincare ingredients, and food. I could possibly afford it in June or July. Dr. Carrie Jones and Dr. Chris Meletis (both NDs) both come recommended in the PNW AIP FB group. I wonder if insurance would cover any of these, I'm assuming not.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 13, 2014 20:25:35 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 18, 2014 20:05:45 GMT -5
Been feeling pretty crummy lately, which is why I haven't been posting. Just trying to survive - buy food, make food, eat food, show up at doctors appts, show up at class, do enough schoolwork to get by.
I signed up for only two classes for the summer term - math and painting. I'm wondering if I should drop down to just one so I can focus on healing. We'll see.
I have several appts coming up soon: Psych for meds, pay bill PCP for thalassemia lab results New functional medicine internist New gynecologist New gasteroenterologist
I started a new probiotic yesterday - Prescript Assist. I'm starting off at one capsule per day, in case of any detox symptoms. After a while hopefully I will be able to do two per day for 30 days.
Husb's relatives were in town yesterday and we went out to lunch with them. I ate out for the first time since Easter. We were at the food trucks so I had something from The People's Pig - Porchetta with a fried duck egg, roasted garlic and roasted red peppers with olive oil and lemon over salad greens. No massive reaction so far. We'll see how I feel tomorrow.
I plan to add FLCO to my regimen after I finish my current bottle of fish oil.
I made a batch of liver and onions recently. It's not bad. I also made a simple batch of fish stock with onion, carrot, and dried fungus. Not something I'd want to drink out of a mug, but it's delicious combined with other dishes.
I'm not fully AIP - I still eat white rice (it makes food go so much farther), soy-free dark chocolate, nuts, pastured soy-free eggs, Mae Ploy chili paste, and the plantain chips I eat are made with sunflower seed oil. I'd like to go fully AIP for the month of June, as well as sugar-free. That will require some more planning and prepwork.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 22, 2014 1:14:28 GMT -5
Skincare: I tried spraying a glycerin/water mixture on my skin for extra hydration, followed by my homemade body butter. I got the glycerin from Rite Aid for about $6. Hopefully I can get my hands on some grassfed tallow this weekend. It's an improvement I think, but it doesn't last all day on my skin. After a couple of hours I'm dry and flaky again. When applied to wet skin (like after a shower) it feels fine, but for reapplication on dry skin, it really burns for a minute! Ow. Although technically I am spraying an alcohol on already dry, irritated skin, so that's probably why. It fades after a while then it's fine. I wonder if there's a way around that. I'll know more about how my skin reacts to it after repeated use. Other that that, it seems to be working all right.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 24, 2014 19:07:25 GMT -5
Potential diagnosis: psoriatic arthritis? My mom always had psoriasis.
Also anemia of inflammation or anemia of chronic disease?
-Flaky, itchy scalp that never quite heals.
I'm having the hardest time deciding if I should keep or drop the painting class this summer. I'm going to keep the math class because it's required for my degree. I think the right thing to do would be drop it. I'm having a hard time accepting that. If I drop the class I will have time to take care of myself - make food, go to doctors, fix my sleep cycle, and even go for slow walks in pretty places. Generally take care of all the business I've been putting off because I've been too busy with school. And hopefully have a few months of less stress. My worry is that if I have all that time, I will spend it lying around all day addicted to the internet. And I want to continue making art! But it will be better for me in the long term to take this time for myself, to pursue diagnosis and treatment, give myself time to heal, and time to detox and have flares without the added obligations of school. That way I hopefully return to school in the fall renewed and ready to work.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 27, 2014 0:54:23 GMT -5
I found out yesterday that Thalassemia runs in the family. My uncle (mom's brother), my aunt (mom's sister), and my two female cousins have it. I guess my mom just doesn't know. So it's highly likely that I have it too. Either way, hopefully I'll find out tomorrow.
The past couple of weeks have been a struggle, and I haven't been able to do very much at all. Just doing the basics to take care of myself has been tough. The pain has constantly been bad and my skin and joints have been really inflamed and terrible looking. I've been taking a lot of epsom baths and slathering on the hydrocortisone ointment (ingredients: petroleum jelly & hydrocortisone) all over my body to help deal with it and keep me semi-functional. I know it's not good for my skin long-term though to keep using that though.
On Sunday I woke up and it was like I was a new person! My skin looked amazing and not inflamed at all. I have no idea why that is. The pain and body stiffness is still present, but at a significantly lower level. My joints are definitely still stiff and painful.
I sent my aunt and uncle my current "eat and don't eat" foods list. We went over to their house yesterday to celebrate memorial day and also my cousin's birthday. They prepared a wonderful paleo/AIP meal! -steamed mussels in wine -fresh yam noodles with bok choy and roasted cauliflower -coconut rice -blackened whole tilapia -grassfed lamb with a cilantro chimichurri -bison steaks with caramelized onions and roasted skinny asparagus -grilled corn on the cob (that's the only thing I didn't eat) -there was birthday cake of course, but I had fresh cherries to snack on
Holy moly it was good. And the best part? No reaction the next day. None, from food that I didn't prepare myself. It's a miracle, and I'm so grateful for the lengths they went to to accommodate me and make sure that everything was safe. <3
I finally got my hands on some grass fed tallow. I used that on my skin tonight after a bath (espsom, magnesium oil, ACV, baking soda, ginger, a few drops of tea tree oil) and washed my skin with a honey goat milk soap. I know I probably have a lot of buildup from the petroleum products, but I don't know how to get it out. I also got my hands on tamanu oil, sea buckthorn oil, and emu oil (as well as a brush for dry brushing) so those are possible mix-ins to my own tallow balm. I also have glycerin and hyaluronic acid in my supply. I could also potentially add FCLO or the butter blend! The tallow by itself is kind of grainy, and took some working into the skin for it to dissolve. I should remelt it. Once I find a combination that works for my skin I can make my own whipped tallow body butter.
I looove the the New Seasons on Hawthorne. It's so much better stocked than the one near my house. They had a shelf with just green plantains, coconut, and other paleo goodies. The bath and body section is insane. But with all my impulse buys there, I'm done spending for the month. It's also across the street from the Cultured Caveman, a paleo food cart. I picked up some bacon wrapped dates and a cup of bone broth as a snack. So that's TWO meals I didn't have a reaction to that I didn't prepare myself. Joy!
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 27, 2014 1:56:54 GMT -5
Other random updates and tweaks.
I've been eating just the yolks of my pastured soy-free eggs and that seems to minimize any reaction that I had previously.
I've been making sure to get out and sit I the sun as much as possible. Vitamin D!
Finally getting close to multiple doctors appts his week.
Getting to the end of the school term. It will be stressful getting there, just trying to survive and pass all my classes at thi point. It will be okay though.
[TMI] The Husb and I were "intimate" today for the first time in about four months. We've had sex maybe three times in the past six months which has been frustrating because we just got married in December. We're newlyweds, dang it! I've just been too exhausted or in too much pain to even think about that. [/TMI]
Once school gets out I'd really like to do a no sugar, full AIP Whole 30.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on May 27, 2014 19:59:27 GMT -5
I had a nice two day reprieve of feeling pretty good. This afternoon my skin is rapidly heading back to how it has been all month - red raised bumps and patches, itchiness and pain, and general body-wide inflammation. It started when I ate a bunch of plantain chips made with sunflower oil earlier today, maybe that had something to do with it?
My groin lymph nodes are still swollen, but there's been tenderness there for a few days now, which is new.
I also have that weird "tingly" feeling throughout my body, where it feels like some sort infection is brewing. Hmph.
i'm also suuuuper gassy today.
Something interesting happened today. I turned in my homework for my drawing class today, the assignment was to combine different images over some structural lines in order to create a composition, in charcoal. My images were pretty random - a plant from our window sill, an Instagram I took of a tram here in Portland, and a silhouette of a pregnant woman with her hands on her back looking up, that I found on the internet. Then I used texture and value to differentiate between shapes and stuff.
Of course the first thing my prof asked when he saw it was if I was pregnant, and the second thing he asked was if it had to do with me and going to the doctor. I guess he got that from the tram, which goes to a hospital and health sciences university, and the placement of the woman? I think that's really interesting because I do have multiple doctor appointments coming up. But I wasn't trying to create any meaning in the drawing, just putting stuff on a page and trying to make something somewhat aesthetically pleasing while getting my homework done. But it goes to show that when making art, it will always be representative of you whether you mean it to or not.
I don't have a picture of it because I turned it in, but I'll take one when I get it back at the end of the term.
|
|
|
Post by floramorada on Jun 11, 2014 3:42:02 GMT -5
My pelvic ultrasound results came back yesterday, and the results are positive for PCOS. I am having more labs taken tomorrow regarding this, and have an appt. with my gyno in about two weeks to discuss the results.
Several doctors have mentioned in passing that it looks like I have psoriasis.
My gasteroenterologist will be treating me for SIBO. But that is after an abdominal ultrasound, an endoscopy (second week of July), and a follow up appt with him, so it will be more than a month before I begin that treatment. I should go ahead and schedule a follow up appt. with him.
I bought a Fido jar and will be attempting to make my own sauerkraut!
So I am modifying my diet at this time for: psoriasis, SIBO, and leaky gut.
No idea what to make of PCOS, that was really unexpected and I'm not sure what to do with that information. Makes me wonder what is going on with my thyroid. I have many labs and doctor appts coming in the next few weeks, so more information is coming. Still working towards an autoimmune diagnosis.
For psoriasis: - No grains, legumes, dairy, eggs (maybe yolks), nuts (maybe macadamia), seeds (or seed oils), nightshades, or sugar - Low carbs and limited starches - Low fruit - Lots of salmon, sardines, grass fed beef, etc. - Lots of broth & gelatin - Liver 2-3 times per week - Regular sun exposure, appropriate D supplementation - Low stress, lots of sleep - Coconut oil daily - Fermented foods - start with a bit of sauerkraut - Keep taking probiotics, start taking FCLO
For SIBO: - GAPS/SCD diet? - No sugars - Low/No fresh fruit, No dried fruit - Low/No starchy vegetables - jicama, parsnips, plantains, sweet potato, taro, tapioca, arrowroot, yams, yucca - Low fiber - ACV or lemon juice before meals - digestive supplements? - Chew food thoroughly - Lots of broth, and soup - Sun exposure, sleep, low stress - Fermented foods - sauerkraut, coconut kefir, water kefir, kombucha, etc. - Ginger tea - Homemade gelatin gummies
Other thoughts: - rheumatologist, endocrinologist, hematologist, dermatologist? - turmeric? - l-glutamine? - zinc? - vitamin C? - Keep a food journal
() Modify food list in excel (x) Make appt. with allergist () Get copies of records and test results from allergist () Schedule follow up appt. with gastro (x) At psych appt, discuss and schedule testing of D levels (x) Communicate gastro visit findings to internist & PCP (x) Buy a file folder to keep labs and medical records organized () Buy silicone molds for gummies
|
|