I'm very surprised!

Usually, when I have Cayenne (the four-year-old granddaughter)for a night or two, I am exhausted by the time she goes home. This visit she spent 5 nights with us, and we were on the go most of the time.

I'm amazed to say I found I was MUCH more patient with her, and after dropping her off at school today I didn't feel like I needed to come home and go right to bed. Typically, I'd be ready to drop and glad to have some peace and quiet. Nope! Instead I miss her a lot and would go pick her up in a minute if I could. That is a BIG change.

I'm still sleeping well. A little trouble with RLS a couple of nights this week. Not up and down all night though.

Vitamin B treatment today if I clear Vitamin C. Vitamin B is an important area in the gluten intolerance issue. Grains contain massive amounts of B Vitamins. Theory is that part of the problem may not be with the actual gluten itself, but with those things contained IN gluten. One is Vit B and the other is protein.

I've looked forward to this milestone, but also dreaded it because for 25 hours my diet is limited to mostly white food. White Rice, White fish, cauliflower (which I don't like). Sounds REALLY yucky to me, but if it gets me to where I want to go, then I'm ready. I can stand to lose a few pounds.

Sleep, sweet sleep

This is my first day off until after Easter. I LOVE my job, but down time is important and healthy. I've had some comp time coming, I've got vacation time and Good Friday is a holiday.

This weekend is my ex-daughter-in-love's wedding. Our granddaughter will be staying with us from tonight until sometime Wednesday. Let's just see how much energy I have!!

Primarily, I'm checking in today because I fell asleep around 10:30 last night, and woke a time or two during the night. Actually woke around 7 am feeling rested and good. Not that I'm not my old groggy self in the morning. I just don't feel "I can't do this" with the day in front of me.

I'm extremely grateful. If you've never had problems: getting to sleep and staying asleep, the significance of all this sleep talk probably escapes you.

But take it from me and the countless others who are up walking the floors, watching TV, reading or on the computer because it helps relieve the frustration of just lying in bed hoping you'll pass out.

It's a beautiful day! Thank God and enjoy it.

Woo-Hoo! That's modern language for Praise the Lord!

I cleared calcium today. On to Vitamin C which is pretty restrictive. NO fruits, veggies, etc. Stay as far away from plants, grass, nature-type stuff as possible for another 23 hours. Dinner was orange roughy and a plain baked potato. Hey, it beats fasting-right? I'm already thinking about what I can have for a snack. I have always been a grazer. This is to my benefit because I've always preferred lots of small bites a day rather than 3 large meals.

I met Kelly today. She brought her daughter in for a treatment. Kelly is sold enough on NAET that she is having her daughter treated now for food cravings. Because the avoidance period is much more difficult for a child, Kelly and her husband are willing to pay $150 per laser treatment for their daughter. The regular treatments that require the 25 hour avoidance of the substance are $50 each. No one pays that kind of money unless convinced NAET works.

I got the full story from Kelly. The question I have been most wanting to ask is, "What did you eat that first meal after the 25 hour period when treated for grains?" I've thought so often what I'd want most, so naturally wanted to partake vicariously. She had fish and chips, beer (total barley and absolutely prohibited on a gluten free diet) and cheesecake for dessert. Thanks for my sweet niece, Jes (the wonder baker) I've had fabulous cheesecake since being diagnosed. So, that's not a biggie to me. Neither is beer. But honest to goodness fish with tempura batter?? You betcha!

Kelly researched and figured it out on her own--about the Celiac/gluten intolerance. She went gluten free immediately and felt so much better she couldn't think about eating gluten again. Even for the biopsy. Don't blame her. I've had three of those things, and if I never see another hospital gown--open in the back, of course- I'll be happy. It's not just the actual procedure. It's the DAYS of preparation before, the general anesthesia and then the days it takes to feel normal again.

I am more encouraged than ever.

I had a conversation with someone today who knows me well. She told me it is obvious I am feeling not just better, but happier with WAY more energy. Even after nights like last night when I don't sleep so well, I still wake happy and ready to take on the day. That is just not my usual M.O.. Not that I'm depressed; just never feel like I have the energy to take on what I need to do. I'm finding myself with more free time to relax because I get so much done. I'm not constantly wondering if "is it too soon to go to bed?".

I'll be back after a day or so unless I have something extraordinary to report.

Cherrio! (I can't eat them yet, but who knows? Maybe soon?

what we all need now is sleep, sweet sleep...

I had a little trouble sleeping last night. Still no big deal compared with pre-NAET. At least I get to sleep within a relatively short period of time. I was restless, and couldn't seem to settle down.

It's weird but almost all problems with restless leg syndrome is almost exclusively in my right leg. A slight problem with RLS last night which the massager (Big old Medi-Rub 2000 I got at the Delmar fair years ago)helps to alleviate.

Treatment # 4, but visit 5

I am all set for my next treatment which is Vitamin C, berry mix, melons, cucumber and a small variety of other things. All the plants (Should avoid plants, grass, flowers, etc)are outside. Tomorrow I move the plants out of my office.

This is a bad time of year to need to avoid these things especially with the wind blowing.

I have had several people comment this week that it is obvious that I feel better---happier, more energy, more upbeat, less stressed. I hadn't really thought about anyone else noticing, but apparently they are.

I DO feel good. Last night I turned out the light around 10-10:30 PM and the next thing I knew I woke up this morning. This is just so not me. Especially Monday nights. I'm usually stressed because Monday nights are so busy and I often don't leave until 9-9:30 because the file notes must be completed right away.

If you're reading this pray for me as I continue this journey. I was so encouraged to ready Juanita's story (See her blog link in my prior entry)and that she had been diagnosed with Celiac and then confirmed no longer Celiac with another biopsy. That's the proof I've been looking for.


So pray I will be patient and not miss following some instructions. It's hard to remember or check everything. Like the Hollandaise Sauce and dog biscuits in prior weeks. To be honest though, I feel like a runner all tuned up and ready for the gun to signal I can take off and make it to the finish line. I am anxious to get through these 15 treatments and see for myself.

I have a friend who has begun treatments and a family member who is beginning this week. I am excited for both of them. I want them to feel as well as I do.

How it all started « Candida • H. pylori • Recovery

How it all started « Candida • H. pylori • Recovery

I feel REALLY good...

I'm not sure why. I have way more energy, so I get way more done. I got up about 7 AM and cooked (I never feel like cooking breakfast) eggs Benedict for breakfast. This is one of the very few egg dished I love. I use gluten free hollandaise sauce and GF English muffins which are expensive, but quite good. I finished laundry I'd begun last night, and after that was done cleaned out the washing machine & cleaned the coffee maker. Then cleaned up the breakfast dishes.

Straightened up the house and got cleaned up. Dropped something off at a friend's house on the way to Eva's (My ex-daughter-in-love) to help her put some things together for her wedding next weekend. Came home and weeded in the yard until the gnats drove me inside. Gnats! UGH! I've always tried to imagine how awful that plague of gnats must have been in Egypt.

I feel awake, energetic, rested and optimistic. I had just a little trouble with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)in one leg last night. I did the pressure points all around,some stretching and used the massager machine. I was asleep before 11. Woke, as I said, feeling really well.

I am hoping/praying I clear calcium and do not have to do that treatment or any other over. I am just anxious to get it done and be well. Vitamin C is going to be a challenge. More than I thought because everyone is bring citrus fruit around. I have a full Myers Lemon tree if anyone would like some lemons.

Whooppee!!!

Last night was the 5th night I did not experience restless legs which I have suffered from ALL MY LIFE. As I've gotten older and this gluten problem became apparent I was barely sleeping at all. I could take all the meds I had and I would NOT sleep.

After 4 NAET treatments I have just experienced my 5th night without problems. Actually, because I didn't anticipate this, it sort of crept up on me. This is HUGE. HUGE!

I finished the 25 hour avoidance period for calcium, etc. Then went to dinner with Barb and Rosie (my paid staff) to belatedly celebrate Rosie's birthday.

Again, I slept well last night, No getting up and down all night long. I went to bed, read a few minutes, became too sleepy to continue, turned out the light and was asleep in a short time.

I wish I could adequately express what a miracle this is for me. For YEARS I have dreaded bed time. I'd be dead tired and still be up and down and awake and frustrated nearly all night----every night. Drugs might help me sleep, but I'm so groggy the next day I can't function well.

This is a bonus I didn't really expect. I was figuring if I could get relief from the gluten issue I'd be happy...well delirious.

Spring

Just wanted to note I had a touch time sleeping last night. I mention this because as Pamala has said, it's normal to not be able to sleep here and there.

Might have been the cup of coffee I had last night while writing my last blog entry. My head felt like a balloon on steroids and my eyes swollen and itching. Still not much relief this morning.

My back hurt too, so I got up and did some stretching and finally fell asleep after about an hour. Beats tossing and turning until 2 or 3 AM!

Seasonal allergies--gotta love it.

I PASSED!!!!

Good, strong pass for eggs, chicken, feathers~On to calcium today with, as you can imagine is more restrictive. As an example--I can't give Sadie a dog biscuit (cookie to her). NOTHING dairy, no calcium supplement, no non-dairy, no fresh, leafy veggies. Cooked veggies (certain kinds), red meat, chicken (NO FISH!),eggs. I ate a baked potato tonight with only salt and pepper. I was really good. Very good flavor. To be honest, I've never had a plain potato before (I don't think).

I asked today about the vial with my right hand to my forehead while I touch the pads of the thumb and ring finger of the left hand while the little beater machine is moved up and down the spine in a pattern. This is to clear emotional allergies which we all know about. That's like when someone throws up after eating a food and ever after has a negative reaction each time. This could be a child is eating green beans at the dinner table when an argument ensues about something the child did (TROUBLE) or another traumatic experience.The brain records this experience and thereafter may relate the negative emotion to the food.

I also asked about food craving. For example my weakness used to be pasta and bread. Well, I discovered after years the reason for this is because my body wasn't assimilating one or all of the ingredients in gluten. Could be the wheat/grain protein, B vitamins or something else. At any rate my body craved what it was not getting in order to be healthy. Still not getting it!!! HA HA HA! I showed my brain, didn't I???
Craving sugar or salt, which is my personal favorite is the same principal. My body is not able to use salt efficiently so I crave more as my body attempts to try and make up the deficiency. Kind of like what we tell pregnant women, "You will crave what your body needs." I find this is true of everyone. The salt treatment is down the road. Meanwhile, I want to eat BAGS full of Lays original potato chips. I don't buy them because I eat them all gone.

A commentary on the avoidance issue. I think maybe this might be more of a problem for someone who has not had to avoid specific foods as a way of life. I'm beyond feeling deprived, so I don't think much along those lines.

I will say thinking ahead is a challenge. Next week just in case I will plan meals without calcium too until I know I'm cleaned for that.If I clear for that I will need to avoid Vitamin C for 25 hours. So, I'll have both the calcium AND Vitamin C out of the way. I can adjust when I get home. But, at least I won't be trapped and not able to eat anything until I'm bailed out.

I'm realizing thinking ahead is vital for success as is a positive attitude. Sheesh, it's only 25 hours, not a life time. But our minds do a number on us and make us feel abused and denied. POOR ME!

Oh, and before I sign off tonight---I met Kelly's husband who verified what I've learned of her story. She did not have the biopsy to get the official Celiac diagnosis because she knew what it was, her Dr told her she was most likely correct in her self-diagnosis. Kelly went radically gluten free and began to feel better. Her symptoms actually seem to have been far more intense and immediate than mine. My illness build over a period of years of developed migraines, gastrointestinal disorders, brain fog, depression, severe canker sores that by my diagnosis caused my mouth to be just one solid blister. HA! Try eating potato chips like this.
Kelly's husband told me if she had a crumb of gluten (not just wheat) she'd get a migraine and be in bed for a day.

My reaction to gluten isn't as debilitating. I just get a severe gut ache with all the gastro-distress issues (Think food poisoning) and bloating so that I look like I've "caught" pregnancy from one of our clients.

Kelly's husband told me she had her own peanut butter jar, toaster, butter crock, pot for cooking gluten free pasta. When I mentioned the grocery bill he rolled his eyes and expressed an profound understanding of what it's like to support our local Clark's Nutrition Stores. $50 and you're out the door with a small bag of items.

I think now that I know that Kelly just opted to not have the biopsy I am more confident about her successful treatment. At the time I was diagnosed I thought about doing the same thing-just skip the biopsy and go for it. In fact that month between the initial suspicion and the biopsy diagnosis was hell. I was sick, my mouth hurt continually and I needed to continue to consume gluten for an accurate biopsy. I remember being up half the night because I was too sick to sleep on the Internet researching and talking to other gluten free folks on forums. Everyone said don't jeopardize the test results. So for that month I was in a nether-land I wouldn't wish on anyone.

I've had a total of 3 EDGs and each time lost days in the preparation and then the procedure. None of which was fun. I respect that Kelly had the sense to nix the biopsy and just do what she needed to do. I think I was hoping the biopsy for me would be negative. That would have resulted in a whole new set of problems.

Anyway...seasonal allergies are terrible. My eyes are irritated and my sinuses are congested. Usually, when I'm like this in the Spring and the Fall I don't sleep well. Last night I slept just find thank you very much, and I'm thinking tonight will be the same. And, OH! NO Restless Legs for several nights now. Woo-Hoo!

I am prepared (I hope)

So tomorrow's treatment should be calcium, but I've learned. I've wised up. I'll be an expert NAET consultant when this is over, and people can pay me lots of money to tell them how to prepare ahead. It's like be a boy/girl scout. Think of every eventuality.

No chicken, eggs or feathers (Don't you just love them fried up??)or tetracycline in the works, and I've removed everything I can think of with calcium from the fridge or in the path. It's all stashed in the outside fridge where it will stay until I know if I've passed on the egg treatment and moved on to calcium or still stuck on eggs. I say let's move off this dime and start moving forward.

I have put a can of chicken, some canned veggies and fruit on the table. None of it with either one of the possible offenders. If I have to eat nothing but fruit and veggies for 24 hours that's not so bad. When I've gone in for biopsies I can't eat ANYTHING for two days. This should be a piece of cake--whoops. That's right. No cake--eggs, dairy. Then it should be a cup of tea. No offending substance.

I did have a short email from Kelly who briefly described her gluten experience. Very much like mine. Separate toaster, butter crock, peanut butter/jelly jars, etc.
She says she REALLY DOES eat normally now. And the gluten years are like a faint memory. Oh for some hot, toasted cheese bread!!

Tune in tomorrow to find out what happens at my appointment.

Looking ahead-next week it's metal/minerals. ARGH!!! THIS is going to be a rough one. NO TOUCHING any kind of metal at all. NONE. I must wear gloves and wrap glasses, etc in masking tape/faucets, etc ahead of time.

I have had moments when I've wondered if this hassle is all worth it. Then I remember it is JUST 25 hours of inconvenience a week, so let's put it in perspective Lisa. The rest of my life spending a fortune on gluten free food, calling ahead to find out if I can eat at every luncheon, conference, work shop, social occasion, etc. THAT's inconvenience.

Till tomorrow.

Status quo schmo

Since my last treatment in Wednesday, the week has gotten crazy. Lots of bad news and a second weekend in a row that I needed to work. It's great work, but at this age, the spirit IS more willing than the body. I'm planning to take that comp time the end of the month. And, I'm looking forward to playing with my granddaughter and having some totally down time.

Because of a tough week it's really difficult to determine my true physical, emotional, mental status. My perception is that although the stress has been great, I have been in responding mode as opposed to reacting to whatever comes down the pike.

I do know I have continued to sleep well. This in itself is a GREAT gift. I simply cannot explain how good it feels to look forward to bedtime and to know I might actually sleep. Only those who have experienced insomnia and restless legs syndrome would identify. Folks like some who can sleep standing up will have to take my word for it.

I have emailed and called Kelly to whom I would very much like to speak with about her experience. So far no response although she did give Kim permission for me to contact her. Oh well--people do change their minds.

This Wed is my third treatment and it is scheduled to be calcium. Again, the preparation is a hassle, but I've realized to make this easier I will be smart to think ahead. So this week I will not plan to eat chicken, eggs, etc just in case I don't pass the previous treatment.

It's a good thing I realized long ago that everything takes time. There are no shortcuts. I'd love to think in another month or so I'd be able to eat a croissant with no ill effects. However, I'm prepared to be on this journey for awhile.

Stay away from the dog biscuits, and other things to think about...

I slept well last night and feel more rested than I have all week. My lower left back/hip has caused me significant pain since Tuesday. Last night I put the heating pad on it again and then followed some of the suggestions my sister and others have given me to release a knotted muscle. I did the pressure point circuit and then turned out the light. Other than the need to get up once and visit the bathroom, I slept soundly until the alarm woke me.

Dinner was gluten free granola with yogurt after Chuck got home at 8:30 PM from a late ballgame. He suggested that maybe Sadie's dog biscuits (Cookies to her) contain egg, so she's very upset I won't give her one right now as I usually do in the morning.

I planned breakfast and lunch to avoid calcium. I have to revise everything without coming into contact (or within five feet) of anything with eggs. chicken, feather, tetracycline. Since I don't eat feathers this will not be so complicated. LOL!

Hitting bump # 1

I went for my 3rd treatment today, and had prepared thoroughly. I got home late last night, but cooked some chicken and some rice to eat tonight. This was to be the calcium treatment. No milk, milk products or anything else with calcium.
I realized I had not prepared well after my last treatment (eggs, chicken, feathers), so I was determined to be more thorough for the calcium. It is also more difficult as many foods I have found contain calcium.

Well...back to the bump--- after I back up a bit.

This has been an extremely difficult week.

The father of one of my employees went home to Heaven this week after lingering for some time. As a result I have felt very sad for Barb, and she has been out of the office which frankly, has been difficult. Barb is very organized. It's good when she's there, but to be honest it's easy to take that for granted. In addition to Barb's dad's home going, last Monday is my mother's 88 birthday. She went home in 1995. This time of year is difficult in that both my parent's birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day are all within March to May, and both my parent's went home in June. Mom June 4, 1995; Dad, June 8, 2001.

I have not felt well all week. I've slept better than my usual sleep patterns, but not as well as the past few weeks. And, I have been tired and irritable, but very little anxiety. This is unusual because as a rule during these kinds of days my anxiety level never levels out. I just keep getting more and more stressed.

When Pamala did the initial check today, the way in which I responded alerted her that my system was out of balance. That means the energy wasn't flowing and that my body was struggling to maintain. Under the circumstances that made perfect sense.

I've also had a lower back ache since yesterday mid morning, so I didn't sleep well at all (Although better than what is normal for me.)last night.


When she retested me to make sure I'd "passed" the egg treatment, I failed miserably. That's not to say I need to take it personally. Just that the treatment from last time didn't hold.

So, here's what happens when a treatment doesn't hold. You retest and (if needed) retest until the muscle strength indicates you clear for the substance. I suppose someone could opt to move ahead. Doing so would not build the firm foundation and build momentum for optimum results.

As an aside: If it is necessary to retest the patient is charged for treatments #1 & #2. After that initial cost there is no further charge. Pamala told me she's had one women who retreated for Vitamin C 4 times until it was discerned that she had not thoroughly avoided all things citrus. She was driving through orange groves to get to her job. One she stayed completely away from all citrus even around her office, she cleared and was able to move on.

I was treated again for eggs, etc. And, Pamala gave a pressure-point simulator to use at home several times a day on the 10 pressure points (Foot-between first two toes, leg- 4" above ankle, elbow-on the upper side where the upper arm and forearm join, hand- between thumb and forefinger, wrist-below small finger. Always begin on the right foot and go clockwise to the left side in the same order. End with the toe on the right foot so that the circuit is completed.

I am not making this up. I know it sounds strange, but this is what I've agreed to try and I'm doing it by the book. And, I am reporting in as much detail as possible without getting tedious for both of us.

The problem with retreating is that I was not prepared. I had planned to have chicken for dinner. HA HA HA! Chuck had it all set out for me when I got home. It's still sitting on the table because I cannot touch it to put it away, and even if I could the refrigerator is full of eggs and egg products--as are the cabinets.

So, for dinner I've had coffee and some sliced strawberries I brought home with me. Chuck has a ball game and is still not home. So, I've still not eaten. To me this is a HUGE drawback to this treatment. When things like this come up you can either waste the treatment by taking chances and not avoiding the substance/food. I could have rescheduled, but I am impatient as it is to get this done. So, I deal with some inconveniences along the way. The need to retest is not something I had considered.

In closing, Kelly whom I have mentioned before, agreed to speak with me to answer questions, etc. She gave Kim, who works the Schwarz Wellness Center office, permission to give me her phone number and email. She asked that I email her to begin. I did so yesterday get more information on her history, and to be able to speak to her diretly about her experience. I have not yet gotten a response.

Just thinking...

I didn't have a treatment this week, and I'm thinking it's too bad because I am REALLY anxious and curious about how this process is going to go.

So far I am sleeping MUCH better than I have in longer than I can remember. Good, sound, restful sleep. I used to feel trashed on Friday nights. I got to thinking, and realized it's Friday and I came home from work and actually did a few things around here without forcing myself because things have to get done. This is weird and different. Frankly, it's almost too good to be true, and I wonder if I am going to wake-up (ha ha ha) and find I'm dreaming. Or, that this is a temporary benefit.
Do I dare get happy?

Another very positive change is that I don't CRAVE food like I have especially in the past couple of years. When my husband, Chuck was diagnosed with Lymphoma in January 2008 I did something I have never done before: I found that it helped my anxiety level to eat extra stuff. I do think it got me through a hard time more easily, but the snacking has become a habit. I guess kind of like how some people are stressed and one drink or one cigarette does really help at the time. But...then before it (especially with the cigarettes) before you know it you're a pro.

When my son was about 15 he was very angry because of his dad's behavior, but naturally I'm the one who experienced his fury. He tore up the refrigerator (Long story, not needed here) and after YEARS of not smoking I bummed one off a friend. I hadn't smoked since before Brady was born, but one is all it took. The next day I stopped on the way to the airport to pick up a friend and bought a pack and a lighter.

All this to say is that the snacking kind of started he same way. In the past week or so I don't feel hungry, and I don't feel the need for "something sweet" or "something salty and crunchy." Man, I'm seriously hoping this really kicks in and I get my rear in gear and use the walking DVD I bought, or the gazelle glider I've had for years (I used this up until about 6 months ago when I got caved in to lazy.) and the twister exercise thing that is a snap to use if I'd just do it.

So, there you have it. I'm sleeping better and do not dread bedtime as I have for years. I look forward to going to bed because it means rest instead of frustration.

Follow up after the weekend

I have felt well all weekend. As always I look forward to a little nap when I have the chance on weekend days. However, I feel as if I do have more energy and a more positive, happy attitude. Still sleeping well, although last night I did have a minor problem with RLS.

I haven't been exercising much lately, so that is NOT healthy and I NEED to make some positive changes here.

A note on eating. I had the strangest experience on Saturday night. I felt kind of queasy and I craved something salty. No chips, etc in the house, and I didn't really want to eat anything. So, I had about an 1/8 of tsp of coarse salt. Craving eliminated and queasy feeling gone. Now,what was that all about???


I have found that I am not feeling quite as hungry. Usually I snack a lot at night. Lately, not feeling the need to do that. I had popped corn last night after I got home from Bible study. I threw about half the bowl away.

I went to Clark's Nutrition Store yesterday. My usual run for gluten free stuff. Spent $60 on English muffins (1 pkg), bagels (1 Pkg), cookies (3 very small pkgs), bread (1 small load. 2 slices it equal to 1 reg bread slice) and some Stewart's diet soda I like (Root Beer, Orange-n-creme, vanilla cream)

This should make it clear about the saving in groceries if I can nix the gluten free diet.