What to do when you're ready to throw in the towel?

[carleenc]

I have Hashimoto's, have had it since I was 11 but only managing with synthroid up until March when I switched to Armour. I'm about two months in to AIP and while I have seen some improved energy, no afternoon crash, I haven't seen much improvement with my acne.. It flares in cycles with my cycle but is always there. I eat fairly low sugar but still no big changes. I also lost about 10lbs but now it's stopped even though I'm still over weight ( 5'3 150lbs ) 
 I'm going through some stressful life stuff with my hubby losing a job, then finding a job across the country and now us trying to transition there and finances with all of that. I had a late miscarriage ( 22 weeks ) last July that my hormones didn't ever seem to get better from either, that's when my acne started, and I couldn't get rid of the weight. 

I guess I'm wondering if with the life stress, is it worth stressing so much about food right now too? Or could that be getting in the way of some recovery? When the day has just been super stressful and it's time for dinner there are times I just don't have the mental energy to cook an AIP meal for me and my kids and my parents who we're staying with until we can move with my husband, but there's no way to eat out AIP and even if there was, we couldn't afford it... I'm just so stressed and frustrated and find myself crying at the end of the afternoon/evening most days and hating every second of cooking and eating at this point...

[localkaty]

I'm really sorry all of this is happening at once. It sounds really overwhelming.

The best thing to do is find the changes that will bring you balance right now. Are there things that you know work for you, that are simple(-ish?) and sustainable? When I feel overwhelmed, or just want to figure out what's causing me issues, I find some sort of basic reset-type protocol most helpful. Falling back into simple, pared down routines that I know work and then making small changes helps me feel like I've got more control over what's going on. It's also a good way to isolate trouble spots. It's kinda sorta of the same system AIP is based on.

Simplicity and resetting can work well for skincare, too. Do you mind if I ask what you're using now? I don't know hormones, but I do know skin.

[carleenc]

I oil cleanse, use an ACV and water toner, then tea tree oil on the acne cysts, then a moisturizer by alba. I get cystic acne along my jaw and the sides of my neck, over my lymph nodes and then small whiteheads and redness along my cheeks and some on my forehead. I had perfect skin as a teenager. I'd honestly be ok with my weight where it is, I'm a size 6-8, but my skin is what is truly driving me crazy. I don't like wearing make up, only wear a tinted moisturizer on Sunday to church with blush, so having acne and redness all over my skin is making it thought for me to want to leave the house

PThe problem is my family doesn't want to eat a simple diet, they don't even like AIP foods I cook, which just adds to the stress... I know gluten was the biggest difference cutting it out, as far as my energy and brain fog, but after cutting the rest out I didn't see much of a difference.


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[localkaty]

Were you able to patch test the oil and the moisturizer? Those are really common sticking points for a lot of people when it comes to breakouts; finding the right oil can be especially tricky. If I'm remembering correctly, Alba tends to use a lot of fragrant compounds, herbals, and fatty alcohols in their products. Everyone responds differently, but those can sometimes cause problems (or irritate existing ones). I can't use any fragrance or herbal actives, but my skin freakin' loves fatty alcohols. On the other hand, a lot of my more breakout-prone friends can't even look at the word "cetearyl" on an ingredients list without reacting.

[carleenc]

Hmmm what would be a good basic moisturizer then? The tinted moisturizer I use is from alba too, I just don't get why my skin in my mid twenties is now so much more sensitive than in my teens. I've also noticed thicker hair on my jawline and upper lips... I thought maybe I had pcos so that's why I've started the low sugar diet to avoid insulin spikes but I haven't seen a huge improvement but it's only been two weeks with that and it's a lot harder not to cheat, especially since I'm stressed. I also cut out coffee/caffeine to help my adrenals too. Just not sure what to do when I feel ok besides my skin... I do still get tired easily or drained from too many social situations, but my skin is by far the thing I'm most stressed about health wise right now



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[maren]

Always remember that skin issues can have their origin in the gut. In my case, my face is the mirror of what is going on in my gut. The simpler I eat, the clearer my skin, and vice versa.

[Irene Adamson]

(((hug))) I am sorry you lost your baby. That is just so heartbreaking. I am also sorry about all the trying things you are going through. It all sounds stressful. Stress is a big factor in AI issues and in acne. I would really like to see you stick to AIP til you get settled in your new home and things start calming down. AIP won't hurt but it really maybe keeping other AI issues at bay during this stressful and sad time of your life. Hang in there! You are worth it!!

[_hashimom_]

There is no easy answer to your question. If you continue on an AIP diet, it's going to be HARD. Being on these boards is a great way to see that there are others in this boat with you and that we are here to encourage you and cheer you on this very difficult road. The answers to some of your issues are only going to come about through trial and error. I would just focus on a simple AIP diet with lots of bone broth added in...maybe that will help with healing some gut issues you have (if any) and in the process of healing your gut, maybe you will see some improvement with your skin.  Only you know your body best...maybe you could add a food or two back into your diet that might help during this transition time.  

One thing I would recommend is that you take time for yourself...to pray, to de-stress, to grieve the loss of your precious baby. You have A LOT going on right now and lots of heavy emotional things to process through.   

I feel like my answer is so inadequate, but I just couldn't read and not comment. Just know that you will be in my prayers tonight!

[basilicious]

Only two months in? "They" say ANY diet takes at least six weeks to see any real changes/results. (I don't want to sound crass but even my vet said that when we switched my dog's kibble!). Sounds like you've ALREADY made some great improvements like your weight loss and increased energy! Hope you find the strength to keep at it!