Diagnosis: Chron's disease

[Duck on Wheels]

carbonated => gas, which can give pain, especially if you're already a bit tender. Same goes for other foods that cause gas (cabbage, peas, beans)
caffeine => dehydrates, which is tough on your mucous membranes when they're already struggling.
And then there are mechanical irritant foods (e.g. nuts) and foods that bulk up make your intestines work harder, which again can give pain. So try going low fibre for a while to go easy on those inflamed intestines.

The good news is, that once the meds have got his guts in remission, he can try tasting his favorite foods again. I've been staying low fibre for months now, but lately I'm ok with the odd tangerine or handful of nuts or a latte at lunch or ... whatever. I just don't overdo it. Yet.

[LBTC]

Thanks for asking, Amanda and for the encouragement, everyone!

It is rather a roller coaster, but who wants a level ride? So far I've discovered that I'm really not good at keeping a food diary, but I am pretty good at putting my meals I eat at work in 1/2 cup containers - I have about three of those plus a banana and some other healthy snacks during the day. Still need to eat every 2-3 hours, but I'm doing pretty well at small portions. (except over the holidays, but that's another story!)

A co-worker who has colitis told me his story just the other day and highly recommended a naturopath in Kelowna. My CW told me that he only saw the NP to get his wife to stop nagging him, and he was totally sceptical and refused to tell him about any food allergies he already knew about. The NP used electrodermal testing to determine my CW's food sensitivities and was dead on accurate. The scale even told him which foods are never, which are almost never, which are seldom and which are occasional once you're back to better health. Not only did the colitis flare he was in at the time, that drugs were not treating, clear, but his colitis seems to have stayed in remission for 5 years (maybe it's longer...). But the cool thing is, this also eliminated his eczema, and virtually eliminated his asthma! Now, looking at this guy I would never have guessed that he has one single health problem...he's a strapping cowboy working in a forest industry job. So there ya go.

I have an appointment with the NP on Jan 29. I've asked for the same testing at the same time as the initial consult since I have to take the morning off work and drive to the next city to see him. I'd like to think I can avoid the elimination diet and food reintroduction by seeing this guy, although I'm thinking I need to try it a little bit.

Have any of you done or heard of electrodermal food testing?

If I'm going to eliminate only one food this coming week, what should it be?

As far as staying active - we are going snowshoeing later today, I rode the bike on the trainer twice this week, the kickboxing place opens on Monday, so I'll check that out. I have pushed through the fatigue a bit, but realize I need to not overdo that....tricky balance, but I'll get the hang of it!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~