tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post6374967704447585406..comments2024-03-28T15:36:02.733-04:00Comments on EPBOT: This Is For Posterity, So, I'll Be Honest Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-33125666979960567092021-10-15T16:57:15.464-04:002021-10-15T16:57:15.464-04:00My issues are more related to gastritis (acid in t...My issues are more related to gastritis (acid in the stomach) that I can mostly manage by limiting high acid foods and a daily famotidine pill (Pepcid). But I noticed my major flare up happened at the start of Fall this year and last year. Some additional reading and talking to my doc seemed to suggest a connection to seasonal allergies. Who knew??Persimmonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16855247960271657628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-54726578172228109322021-10-13T09:13:32.205-04:002021-10-13T09:13:32.205-04:00Totally agree! Years ago I got sick and was in pa...Totally agree! Years ago I got sick and was in pain and swelled up like a puffer fish. Felt so useless and had a 5 years old to take care of, though I sure it's safe to say she took more care of me... Anyhow, long story short I came up with minimum day. Had a list of 5 things to accomplish during a bad day that would 1 - keep the house from falling apart and 2 - still let me feel productive. The 5 things were - emptying and reloading the dish washer (so I didn't have a sink of dirty dishes being accusational), running the vacuum in the livingroom, sorting the day's laundry into the sorter, making the beds, and cleaning out the litter box. If the pain was too bad or or was too hard to walk, I could stop and lay down for awhile and try again later. This took the pressure off of "wasting a day" and let me know I could still be a regular person dealing with unregular circumstances. The 5 years old could help after school if needed. Emotionally this helped immensely. It made life emotionally much better and with the pressure off, I was able to heal better.<br /><br />Maureen<br /><br />P.S. It was great to see you in Pittsburgh!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-15686800194177513102021-10-13T07:55:34.393-04:002021-10-13T07:55:34.393-04:00I was also going to recommend something with Simet...I was also going to recommend something with Simethicone, which basically is an anti-foaming agent that helps gas bubbles in your digestive tract disperse. My reaction is what is politely called 'trapped wind' in Britain, and the gas build-up causes excruciating pain like you describe, Jen! The main product we have here isn't one sold otc in the US, but Google says that Gas-X and Phazyme are a couple of brands in the US that have this. It's truly a life-saver!!!<br />Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13381156181377008753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-24105522585754754322021-10-12T21:01:16.389-04:002021-10-12T21:01:16.389-04:00I truly feel you on the food issues. The only way ...I truly feel you on the food issues. The only way I can be in not complete misery is by doing low carb + low FODMAP (I initially used the Fast Tract Diet app to figure out what's likely to cause problems, but now I just know). Everything that used to make me instantly happy when I ate it--cherries, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes--is a no go for me. Fast Tract is good b/c it incorporates portion size--so sometimes you can have a taste of something nice, just not a lot--although it doesn't take into account that some of us react worse to FODMAPs than others. I do take Betaine HCl because I definitely also have trouble digesting meat without help, and I also had to cut out nuts almost completely. That has really helped, though.<br /><br />Can I tell you what's been saving my sanity lately? This recipe: https://elanaspantry.com/creamsicles/ It's so little orange juice per popsicle that I can handle it, and if stevia doesn't bother you (it doesn't bother me), they're really magical. Sometimes all that gets me through the night is looking forward to my popsicle the next day!Just Rnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-71681019904424864522021-10-12T09:36:05.973-04:002021-10-12T09:36:05.973-04:00I have gotten so much stomach pain relief from add...I have gotten so much stomach pain relief from adding kefir to my daily consumption. I worked my way up from a couple of ounces adding more a little at a time until I found a good balance at 12 ounces a day.<br /><br />I just did a quick couple of surface googles (lactose & low fodmap with kefir) and it looks like something that could be beneficial to at least look into. The grains can be ordered, and then you feed them the milk & they produce the kefir. We make it daily from grains and 2% milk.<br /><br />It's a living thing so if it looks like something that could help research kefir itself before diving in.One Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12768744370858632841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-52141159865202845362021-10-11T14:32:58.177-04:002021-10-11T14:32:58.177-04:00I love reading your blog for all the crafts and th...I love reading your blog for all the crafts and the joy and the fact that you are very honest about your struggles. You said something in this one that I am fighting with right now and something that I am going to work harder on. "Let's promise each other we won't say anything to ourselves that we wouldn't say to a loved one this week, k?" I promise to remember that I am enough just as I am. Thank you for the reminder. Sarah Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12624158027020688577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-5388458784423924152021-10-11T12:14:47.930-04:002021-10-11T12:14:47.930-04:00Recommendations:
Trying to some meditative techni...Recommendations: <br />Trying to some meditative techniques. I enjoy the Oak app. It won't make the pain go away but maybe it can help you kind of "zone out" or go to a "relaxing-ish" place. Your therapist might also be able to recommend some ways to go about it. I've also found tapping for anxiety to be really helpful - which I learned from my therapist. That's also something I've found - its hard and counterintuitive to relax when you're in pain but sometimes I find that I'm bracing against the pain which is its own kind of pain and sort of making me feel worse. So like trying to relax and just feel and breath into the main pain. My therapist also gave me a handout on G.R.A.P.E.S which are categories of things to make note of each day and when I include it in my journalism it definitely helps remind me of the good things and makes me feel better. <br /><br />I'm sure you're working with your doctor but it might be good to let them know how much you are struggling - sometimes its easy to assume all the options have been covered so you just have to deal with it and also how we can sometimes be critical of doctors but they can actually know things sometimes. Also, maybe they can prescribe something for your sleep so that way you can get to bed - i usually find sleeping is a good go to when I don't feel good both for healing and also to knock out so I can't feel anything. <br /><br />And can John (in a nice way of course) maybe remind you with something like "Jen, have you been nice to your self today?" <br /><br />All in all, that sounds really rough Jen and I'm thinking of you. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-72064183905493997172021-10-11T12:01:51.773-04:002021-10-11T12:01:51.773-04:00Magnesium is wonderful. I've been using a topi...Magnesium is wonderful. I've been using a topical magnesium spray for headaches, restless leg, and fibromyalgia pain. I notice I hurt more when I don't use it. And I don't get the restless leg as often. So, I definitely have a magnesium deficiency. I spray it on before going to bed. Some of the reviewers say it helps their PMS symptoms. I'm going thru menopause so I haven't been able to test that out. :^}<br /><br />The Happie Coconut has a spray with and without lavender. I have a bottle of it without lavender.<br /><br />https://www.etsy.com/listing/612216949/happie-coconut-magnesium-oil-spray-with<br /><br />~LSTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-51515905695052462512021-10-11T08:16:28.574-04:002021-10-11T08:16:28.574-04:00My therapist mentioned something called acceptance...My therapist mentioned something called acceptance and commitment therapy for those with chronic pain. Might be worth checking out.Lindsay Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17803054494418705089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-42040347375636008482021-10-10T18:10:13.544-04:002021-10-10T18:10:13.544-04:00Yep, we're the ones who can forgive, support, ...Yep, we're the ones who can forgive, support, and encourage everyone EXCEPT ourselves. I feel ya. Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-61455366298581924512021-10-10T17:56:30.725-04:002021-10-10T17:56:30.725-04:00LOVE magnesium, I take Malate & Glycinate ever...LOVE magnesium, I take Malate & Glycinate every day, and could stand to take more; they're just such huge pills! :p <br /><br />I've *just* in the past few months started taking a laxative during a reaction - it seems so counter-intuitive when everything already hurts, but I think you're right: better to get it over with faster, ha. >.<Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-86485878051028657512021-10-10T17:53:43.552-04:002021-10-10T17:53:43.552-04:00I'm learning it's a slow journey. Maybe we...I'm learning it's a slow journey. Maybe we don't see our progress - and maybe we'll always fall back on our self-hate in hard times - but I bet the more we talk about it, the better we'll get.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-9570034866916893822021-10-10T17:50:39.913-04:002021-10-10T17:50:39.913-04:00Hugs. I hear you when you say you have no choice, ...Hugs. I hear you when you say you have no choice, but you're still here, and you're spreading encouragement & love to others instead of (well-earned) complaints and anger. I'd say that's a choice, and a beautiful, inspiring one. Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-47292167485868654692021-10-10T17:46:48.444-04:002021-10-10T17:46:48.444-04:00I love this, for me and for you. Thanks, Mary. <...I love this, for me and for you. Thanks, Mary. <3 Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-22284184493824148622021-10-10T17:45:10.761-04:002021-10-10T17:45:10.761-04:00That's fascinating, times of the year make it ...That's fascinating, times of the year make it worse?? And you're blowing my mind with the dextrose/fructose thing, this is some high level FOD-math, ha.<br /><br />I do take GasX during reactions: of course by then it's mostly too late, but I think it still helps a bit. I'm fortunate that my reflux has almost completely disappeared, but we keep ramatidine(sp?) on hand just in case.<br /><br />Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-87021222085495058932021-10-10T17:41:47.489-04:002021-10-10T17:41:47.489-04:00I should try heat more, I haven't been able to...I should try heat more, I haven't been able to say if it helps or not, but it's certainly distracting & can feel nice. I have a weighted heating pad that's meant to wrap around your shoulders, and it fits around my waist the way it sounds like yours does. Good idea to add some ties!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-79198467100632080302021-10-10T17:39:56.419-04:002021-10-10T17:39:56.419-04:00Thanks, C.N., you get it. <3 We're back to ...Thanks, C.N., you get it. <3 We're back to eating John's famous "Safety Soup" and chicken & rice for a while, and let me tell ya, just these couple days without pain have been a God-send. I'm still exhausted, but having no pain makes me wanna dance. Briefly. Before taking another nap. :p Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-5814178143774369252021-10-10T17:37:28.736-04:002021-10-10T17:37:28.736-04:00I haven't, no, though I do swear by ginger for...I haven't, no, though I do swear by ginger for belly woes: I eat it straight. Back before I realized milk was causing my reflux, candied ginger was the ONLY thing that helped with the pain, more than all the over-the-counter antacids combined. I'll have to check out star anise!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-41506651541996373732021-10-10T17:34:46.908-04:002021-10-10T17:34:46.908-04:00Hmm. Looks highly sus to me, but I've also bee...Hmm. Looks highly sus to me, but I've also been wrong about alternative treatments before!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-53596894948562115362021-10-10T10:49:06.739-04:002021-10-10T10:49:06.739-04:00Wait a minute, Muppets Haunted WHAT? Why was I not...Wait a minute, Muppets Haunted WHAT? Why was I not told that this was a thing? I think I need to watch that!DBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12770023978697698553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-57636913907983429882021-10-10T08:54:04.446-04:002021-10-10T08:54:04.446-04:00I saw an add for Jovi pads lately, and I'm thi...I saw an add for Jovi pads lately, and I'm thinking of giving them a try. Maybe they would help? The reviews are promising. https://meetjovi.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnoqLBhD4ARIsAL5JedJFlH8KNNJ3I_DczjXKw5sJcJ_sbxnyuyW89Uky3rKjUGlzSGzXbnQaAuGeEALw_wcBVictoria Blanchardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10099368765459912988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-68926310287723280612021-10-10T08:02:09.638-04:002021-10-10T08:02:09.638-04:00That is seriously good! I'm going to try this ...That is seriously good! I'm going to try this for myself, thank you!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13381156181377008753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-58627008071227539772021-10-09T22:56:59.241-04:002021-10-09T22:56:59.241-04:00First, always remember that time spent healing you...First, always remember that time spent healing your mind/body/spirit is NEVER time wasted. <br /><br />My very bad IBS episodes stopped when I got my vitamin D level up to normal. The "nutcracker spasms" in my esophagus that sent me to the ER several times stopped once my GI doc put me on a low dose of Amitriptylene. <br /><br />When Mom broke her butt (a sacral ala fracture from sitting too much after a stroke), she found that sniffing lavender essential oil helped turn off the pain sensation in her brain. Even if it was a placebo effect, it worked. Hope some of this helps. Take care, hon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-87519641552934712612021-10-09T20:45:22.380-04:002021-10-09T20:45:22.380-04:00I've heard that there are no stupid questions,...I've heard that there are no stupid questions, so... Have you ever tried Ayurvedic/ herbal remedies? I can eat just about anything. As long as there are no artificial sweeteners in it. Just the smallest amount and all hell break loose. (With the rumbling and the feeling of knives cutting up your gut.) The only thing that will calm my stomach is a decoction from star anise. I put at least three of them in a cup of hot water and let it sit for at least five minutes before drinking it. I even chew on the softened parts of the "star".(If you want to know more about Ayurveda I'd recommend joyfulbelly.com)Karin Beroniushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13206510152571929960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-16862166342334364242021-10-09T20:10:19.726-04:002021-10-09T20:10:19.726-04:00Amen to that.Amen to that.Karin Beroniushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13206510152571929960noreply@blogger.com