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.