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Hi all! I’ve been in treatment for going on a month. I’m on list 2, but followed list 1 for about three months prior to seeing Matia. I’ve had improvements in my bladder since starting diet and treatment and many days my bladder feels pretty good, and for that I am so grateful. I’m just really struggling with the whole diet thing. I’ve been good and haven’t cheated, but I just have days like today where I feel so DEPRIVED. I can do without sugar (although I do crave it) but it’s the lack of variety that drives me crazy and the amount of cooking needed. The last few days I’ve had horrible stomach pain, and I feel like it’s from eating so much meat (which I hate to begin with). I just wish every meal didn’t have to include an animal protein. I always struggle way more and get really down on the weekend, I guess because I feel other people are out enjoying themselves, having a drink, going out for dinner etc. How do you deal with this and not let it get you down? I’m stressed about other things in my life right now too and I just feel like I have no escape or vice. I never drank a lot or anything, but I’d have a little occasionally to relax or smoke a bit of weed. Sorry about my complaining, just feeling really down and isolated today and needing some words of wisdom to keep going :(.
Hey Megan,
Hey Megan,
A big part of this journey for me has been finding things other than food to comfort me. Before I started treatment, I depended on sweets to get me through the day. I always kept my weight under control, but I needed my little bit of sweet stuff everyday to deal with stress and give me a good feeling. So I know how hard it is especially when everyone around you can eat whatever they want. For the last three years, I haven't even been able to take walks like I used to or have normal sex. My case is severe and somewhat complicated, but I'm making very slow progress.
My point is that I've had to find ways to cope, and in doing so I have become a much stronger person. Self-discipline and perseverance will pay off for you so much more than giving in to the cravings.
I also can relate to your feeling down and isolated. I have felt that way many times. But it always comes back to this: what is best for me in the long run? I know it is best for me to eat healthy foods. I know I am loving myself by doing that. And you know what? Because we are healthy eaters, we are leaders in the "food realm." Be proud to be an example of healthy eating for your family and friends.
Another way to keep yourself motivated is to arm yourself with the truth. Educate yourself on the benefits of the foods you are eating and on the consequences of eating sugary processed stuff. Then you can educate others as to why you eat the way you do. You may influence others to think about what they put in their bodies everyday. Some of my friends have changed their eating habits as a result of what I am going through.
The last bit of advice I have is to find things to do that are enjoyable and relaxing that don't have anything to do with food, or at least where you can make/bring your own food. Have a picnic at a park, do something crafty, etc. I am homebound for the most part because of pain, but I have projects I work on at home that bring joy to myself and others. It's not my first choice as far as how I WANT to live right now, but it is my first choice for my current circumstance. Along with normal household stuff, I do things that make me happy and give to others and this gives me purpose while I'm healing.
Hope this helps,
Hi maegan Joan- I just want
Hi maegan Joan- I just want to let you know that for me, that stress and feeling of deprivation has gotten so much better. I rmember feeling a sense of total panic last year one day because I just felt like "I will never go out to eat freely again" It is hard to explain to anyone else except a patient of Dr b but it was true panic.
i still have a very limited diet. But somehow, I am so much better with it. I htink Lisa Ann summed it up quite well so I won't repeat. I just wanted you to know, i feel better. That panic is not here anymore even if I do still feel some sadness/frustration- it isn't first in my mind.Also- I talked to a patient who did not improve for 2 years and it took her 4 yrs total. Now, she eats totally normally (healhy but normal- with no fear) Let's pray that we will all be there someday!!!
Hi Megan Joan
Hi Megan Joan
You know we can all relate. Couple of things:
First, when I am shopping, watching others eat everthing, etc... I tell myself: "Not now, honey". Just a gentle reminder to myself that a) It is NOT forever, and b) Hey, mind, it is time to move on and stop thinking about what I can't have which is really unproductive.
Your bladder is doing so well, that soon you will be on List 3 which is really managable (although restaurants are tricky until list 4/5)
By 3 months I was getting the swing of things with cooking so that does get easier.
Can you make some pancakes or pureed squash bread/muffins to have with loads of butter? These can be a nice treat. You can hide eggs in pancakes and that can be your protien at one meal. You can put one or two eggs in a small batch of pancakes. A slice of cheese can be your protien at one meal. On list 3 you can have full-fat yogurt for breakfast and you don't need meat at that time. You can also use almond flour at the end of list 3.
These were a treat and got me through list 1/2. I made them with yellow crook neck squash. I bought a cheap french frie cutter on Amazon:
http://ichealing.co.uk/recipes/courgette-chips/
Are you using garlic powder?
Try some well-cooked (sautee on low in butter or oil for 1/2 hour) onions in small amounts? Those can really add flavor. I eat them almost every day. Well cooked. Eat your meat with avocado and onions. Make some ROASTED peppers!!
Have you made a batch of home-made aili? You can spread this on hambugers or fish. It will keep in the fride for 5 days. You can add lemon to half of it and give it to loved ones. Home made aoli is on this site in the recipes section.
When on list 3 be sure to try some dried spices like Marjoram, pinch of oregano (no rosemary yet). You might even tolerate dried dill now in small amounts.
Batch cooking. I am not a huge fan, but meatballs with dried marjoram, egg, garlic powder, salt, well-cooked onions, really freeze well. Also, some fish cakes with potatos, fish, dried dill, sauteed onion, egg. These cook and then freeze very well. The IChealing.uk has a recipe for fish cakes or you can look on line and modify. If I have an easy-to-eat protien, the rest comes together quickly....
Ask Dr. B about Applegate farms sliced turkey (just water, salt, carageenan). She will probably approve. This is an easy protien. I even tolerate a slice of the smoked turkey which is a nice change. String cheese is a good packable protien. Hardboiled eggs with a pich of salt and dab of butter is nice.
Also, when on list 3 I am tolerating some Applegate Farms sugar-free sausages. Look carefully at the ingredients. I tolerate the spinach and feta sausages. Delicious.
I also went to my local good butcher and asked about their sausages. They make several chicken and beef sausages with mild spices and NO sugar. If you have a good butcher or charcuterie, it is worth asking. You can also buy sugar free sausages on line: Beef, turkey, chicken. This helps me eat the meat sometimes and is a nice change...Google sugar free sausages. Whole Foods may even carry some.
HTH!!
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
Thanks for all your
Thanks for all your suggestions and insights :) I'm feeing better the last few days.