As for other things red meat appeared the be the main culprit in what had been causing my bleeding as it has been greatly reduced by 85-90% On a similar note my latest CBC tests have revealed that I am no longer anemic and both my liver and kidney function tests are normal. I have also begun weaning myself from prednisone, I am down to 15 mg with no flare ups or apparent bleeding or inflammation which I believe is a great thing. But enough about me. Let's talk about you. Or you. Or you hiding in that corner over there. And since today is May Day let's celebrate by watching these videos on bathroom signs from around the world. Viewer discretion is advised.
Showing posts with label flare up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flare up. Show all posts
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Today is the dawn of a new month aka May.
It's May, it's also a nice albeit warm day out and we have raised $2835 $2985 with about two months left to go, great job guys!
As for other things red meat appeared the be the main culprit in what had been causing my bleeding as it has been greatly reduced by 85-90% On a similar note my latest CBC tests have revealed that I am no longer anemic and both my liver and kidney function tests are normal. I have also begun weaning myself from prednisone, I am down to 15 mg with no flare ups or apparent bleeding or inflammation which I believe is a great thing. But enough about me. Let's talk about you. Or you. Or you hiding in that corner over there. And since today is May Day let's celebrate by watching these videos on bathroom signs from around the world. Viewer discretion is advised.
As for other things red meat appeared the be the main culprit in what had been causing my bleeding as it has been greatly reduced by 85-90% On a similar note my latest CBC tests have revealed that I am no longer anemic and both my liver and kidney function tests are normal. I have also begun weaning myself from prednisone, I am down to 15 mg with no flare ups or apparent bleeding or inflammation which I believe is a great thing. But enough about me. Let's talk about you. Or you. Or you hiding in that corner over there. And since today is May Day let's celebrate by watching these videos on bathroom signs from around the world. Viewer discretion is advised.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
To Poo or Not to Poo...
All of us eventually run into experience the wonderful feeling of having to go to the bathroom while being away from the safety of our own porcelain throne. It's at times like this that we must make the quick decision of where to go to heed the call of nature. This can vary depending on if you are out shopping versus if you are at a concert or even in the great outdoors. Regardless of location the situation is the same. You need to poo and you need to poo soon. And so for your mild entertainment I provide you with the where to poo and where not to poo list for the many different situations that you might find yourself in.
1. The supermarket/grocery store/most farmer's markets:
Most if not all of these establishments have an accessible bathroom that is often clean and well maintained due to the large volume of people that they tend to experience on a day to day basis. This may not apply to smaller stores but the management in those is often more than willing to accommodate you lest they want to start an E.coli colony in their produce section.
2. At church/church function/ funeral/ wedding/baptism, etc.:
God will understand if you have to miss part of any of these events due to the urgency to poo. And if not then he's a bastard because he's the one that stuck you with the urgency in the first place. Make sure to tell that to anyone that questions your need to leave halfway through the pastor's sermon.
3. A restaurant:
With the exception of taco stands, lunch trucks and Subway most of not all restaurants will have a restroom. In case you have to go and they inform you that only paying customers can use the restroom then drop a dollar bill on the counter, tell them that it's for a cup or bottle of water and grab the key. I actually did this once while looking at stars in Hollywood. The lady was nice and looking at the number of weirdos, tourists and homeless super heroes in the area I don't blame her.
4. Camping:
Does a bear...? You know the answer and the extended answer is that they sell awesomely portable toilets online and in camping/sporting goods stores ranging in price from $18 clear up to a couple hundred depending on its look, portability and waste storage and disposal features. I recommend buying one if you have the chance, you never know when you will need one.
5. School:
There are laws on your side regarding this for public K-12. You can talk to your professor as well as the disabled students services on most if not all Jr/Community colleges as well as full time universities if there is an issue with you leaving to go use the bathroom.
6. At a concert:
If an outdoor concert then use the portables, however as most concerts have more people than portables I recommend training your body to go at the point when there is less traffic at the portable, namely just as the concert is starting. Eat light so that you minimize how many times you go, or get a doctor's note and take your own toilet and stall.
If an outdoor concert then the same applies, since smoking is not allowed indoors in California most people will enter and leave in order to take care of this need and as long as you have your ticket an wristband you should be fine to do the same. If this is not possible talk to the security guy and let him know what is going on and see if he cuts you a break.
7.At a sporting event:
Plenty of bathrooms, and hell most people are so smashed by the end of the game that they probably won't notice if you have an accident.
8. While driving:
Pull over, drop trou, go. But using a camping toilet is probably a bit more hygienic and comfortable.
9. On a flight:
Get an aisle seat and talk to the flight attendants to let them know that you may have the need to use the bathroom more often than not. They may allow you to use the first class bathroom, the staff bathroom and possibly even go when no one is allowed to leave their seat.
10: At a hospital:
I know that this shouldn't be a problem but I am putting this here because of a personal experience. My grandmother spent her last days at St. Vincent's in Los Angeles and one day that I went to visit her I had the sudden urge to evacuate. The men's bathroom was nearby but was unfortunately closed due to repairs, the nearest bathroom was on the second floor. Sensing a rapidly approaching emergency I ran into the woman's bathroom, went inside the corner stall and did what I had to do. However just as I finished two women walked into the bathroom forcing me to stay there for a slightly longer period of time than I would have liked. Thankfully after they left no one else entered and I was able to egress with as minimal embarrassment as possible.
Which brings me to my next point. Ladies don't be afraid to use a men's bathroom, most men will give you a quick look, shrug, give a grunt and finish their business, men I don't recommend you go use a woman's bathroom unless you have a spotter and permission. Sorry those are the rules I don't write them.
Lastly here is my checklist for things to carry in your car if possible.
Overnight bag with a change of clothing and extra medications.
A toothbrush, not for brushing your teeth but for brushing "stuff" that may be stuck on a public toilet.
An extra roll of toilet paper as well as travel toilet paper.
Hand sanitizer and/or alcohol wipes.
Latex or latex free disposable gloves.
A travel or camping toilet.
Paper towels, cloth towels or mechanic rags.
A gallon of water, not for drinking purposes.
A can of deodorant or air freshener.
1. The supermarket/grocery store/most farmer's markets:
Most if not all of these establishments have an accessible bathroom that is often clean and well maintained due to the large volume of people that they tend to experience on a day to day basis. This may not apply to smaller stores but the management in those is often more than willing to accommodate you lest they want to start an E.coli colony in their produce section.
2. At church/church function/ funeral/ wedding/baptism, etc.:
God will understand if you have to miss part of any of these events due to the urgency to poo. And if not then he's a bastard because he's the one that stuck you with the urgency in the first place. Make sure to tell that to anyone that questions your need to leave halfway through the pastor's sermon.
3. A restaurant:
With the exception of taco stands, lunch trucks and Subway most of not all restaurants will have a restroom. In case you have to go and they inform you that only paying customers can use the restroom then drop a dollar bill on the counter, tell them that it's for a cup or bottle of water and grab the key. I actually did this once while looking at stars in Hollywood. The lady was nice and looking at the number of weirdos, tourists and homeless super heroes in the area I don't blame her.
4. Camping:
Does a bear...? You know the answer and the extended answer is that they sell awesomely portable toilets online and in camping/sporting goods stores ranging in price from $18 clear up to a couple hundred depending on its look, portability and waste storage and disposal features. I recommend buying one if you have the chance, you never know when you will need one.
5. School:
There are laws on your side regarding this for public K-12. You can talk to your professor as well as the disabled students services on most if not all Jr/Community colleges as well as full time universities if there is an issue with you leaving to go use the bathroom.
6. At a concert:
If an outdoor concert then use the portables, however as most concerts have more people than portables I recommend training your body to go at the point when there is less traffic at the portable, namely just as the concert is starting. Eat light so that you minimize how many times you go, or get a doctor's note and take your own toilet and stall.
If an outdoor concert then the same applies, since smoking is not allowed indoors in California most people will enter and leave in order to take care of this need and as long as you have your ticket an wristband you should be fine to do the same. If this is not possible talk to the security guy and let him know what is going on and see if he cuts you a break.
7.At a sporting event:
Plenty of bathrooms, and hell most people are so smashed by the end of the game that they probably won't notice if you have an accident.
8. While driving:
Pull over, drop trou, go. But using a camping toilet is probably a bit more hygienic and comfortable.
9. On a flight:
Get an aisle seat and talk to the flight attendants to let them know that you may have the need to use the bathroom more often than not. They may allow you to use the first class bathroom, the staff bathroom and possibly even go when no one is allowed to leave their seat.
10: At a hospital:
I know that this shouldn't be a problem but I am putting this here because of a personal experience. My grandmother spent her last days at St. Vincent's in Los Angeles and one day that I went to visit her I had the sudden urge to evacuate. The men's bathroom was nearby but was unfortunately closed due to repairs, the nearest bathroom was on the second floor. Sensing a rapidly approaching emergency I ran into the woman's bathroom, went inside the corner stall and did what I had to do. However just as I finished two women walked into the bathroom forcing me to stay there for a slightly longer period of time than I would have liked. Thankfully after they left no one else entered and I was able to egress with as minimal embarrassment as possible.
Which brings me to my next point. Ladies don't be afraid to use a men's bathroom, most men will give you a quick look, shrug, give a grunt and finish their business, men I don't recommend you go use a woman's bathroom unless you have a spotter and permission. Sorry those are the rules I don't write them.
Lastly here is my checklist for things to carry in your car if possible.
Overnight bag with a change of clothing and extra medications.
A toothbrush, not for brushing your teeth but for brushing "stuff" that may be stuck on a public toilet.
An extra roll of toilet paper as well as travel toilet paper.
Hand sanitizer and/or alcohol wipes.
Latex or latex free disposable gloves.
A travel or camping toilet.
Paper towels, cloth towels or mechanic rags.
A gallon of water, not for drinking purposes.
A can of deodorant or air freshener.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Poo song! Bonus Points: Colits and Poo Song! Triple Bonus Points: A Beatles Colitis Poo Song!
"Susy in the Loo with Diarrhee," by Susanna Viljanen; a parody of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles
Picture yourself with your bottom on fire,
With knot on your gut and a pain in your eyes
Toilet now calls you, you get there so quickly
- A girl with colitis goes by.
You empty your bowel of yellow and green
Contents of metabolism -
Look at the mirror, it's pain in your eyes
And poo comes -
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Ah... Ah...
Follow the symptoms of gastroent'ritis
Nausea with taste of vomit in mouth
Oligopeptides come trickling the taste-buds
They come up to harass and tout.
Loopaper reels are consumed oh so quickly
The stench is incredibly stark
Climb on the john with your rear end in fire
And it comes...
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Ah... Ah...
Picture yourself with no carbohydrates
Reduction on lactose and no chocolate pies
Drink just warm water and antibiotics -
The girl with colitis goes by
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Courtesy of
Picture yourself with your bottom on fire,
With knot on your gut and a pain in your eyes
Toilet now calls you, you get there so quickly
- A girl with colitis goes by.
You empty your bowel of yellow and green
Contents of metabolism -
Look at the mirror, it's pain in your eyes
And poo comes -
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Ah... Ah...
Follow the symptoms of gastroent'ritis
Nausea with taste of vomit in mouth
Oligopeptides come trickling the taste-buds
They come up to harass and tout.
Loopaper reels are consumed oh so quickly
The stench is incredibly stark
Climb on the john with your rear end in fire
And it comes...
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Ah... Ah...
Picture yourself with no carbohydrates
Reduction on lactose and no chocolate pies
Drink just warm water and antibiotics -
The girl with colitis goes by
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Susy in the loo with diarrhee - (Diarrhee!)
Courtesy of
Sunday, March 20, 2011
This weekend
This last Friday I attended a concert with friends and I am happy to say that not only was it fun but my body was amazingly cooperative. I admit that I apprehensive about going to the venue as it's often the case with me that the later the time of the day the frequency to go to the bathroom increases. The venue was scheduled to start at 8:30 pm and end sometime after midnight. It ended closer to 2 am.
However I had already bought the ticket and had already let my friends know that I was going to carpool with them since the venue was at the Troubadour in West Hollywood where parking is virtually non existent, and not being one to disappoint I decided to throw caution to the wind and go. After all I'm still young and it would do me no good to stay at home and then wonder about all the "what if's," so I went. I had a couple drinks (Jack and Coke, my go to drink) and enjoyed the music and atmosphere never really worrying about the possibility of having to use the restroom. That is not to say that I had not already mapped out the location of each and every single restroom but that was the furthest thing from my mind as there were better and much more interesting things to think about, the band for one and... well other things. Let's just say that blue hair was involved. But I digress.
Since my friends are really close friends with the headlining band we stuck around for an extra hour before heading out to Canter's Deli where at 3 in the morning I decided to pass on the pastrami, which although heavenly delicious was a bit too heavy for me, and went with a burger. I finally got back to Anaheim where I spent the night at around 4 in the morning and somewhere shortly after went to sleep, waking up by 8 with no difficulty nor feeling the pains and aches that I usually feel after a long night, which I suppose means that my body is getting healthier from where it was even a year ago and quite possibly thinking positively during the night helped as well.
I suppose that the moral of this story is to not be afraid and enjoy yourself. Be free of that fear that all of us experience when we are confronted with something that is outside our norm and simply go with it. Worst case scenario is that you crap you pants, best case scenario you leave with good and happy memories as well as new friendships and an experience well worth sacrificing your security net for the night. And yes I'm ready to do it all over again.
However I had already bought the ticket and had already let my friends know that I was going to carpool with them since the venue was at the Troubadour in West Hollywood where parking is virtually non existent, and not being one to disappoint I decided to throw caution to the wind and go. After all I'm still young and it would do me no good to stay at home and then wonder about all the "what if's," so I went. I had a couple drinks (Jack and Coke, my go to drink) and enjoyed the music and atmosphere never really worrying about the possibility of having to use the restroom. That is not to say that I had not already mapped out the location of each and every single restroom but that was the furthest thing from my mind as there were better and much more interesting things to think about, the band for one and... well other things. Let's just say that blue hair was involved. But I digress.
Since my friends are really close friends with the headlining band we stuck around for an extra hour before heading out to Canter's Deli where at 3 in the morning I decided to pass on the pastrami, which although heavenly delicious was a bit too heavy for me, and went with a burger. I finally got back to Anaheim where I spent the night at around 4 in the morning and somewhere shortly after went to sleep, waking up by 8 with no difficulty nor feeling the pains and aches that I usually feel after a long night, which I suppose means that my body is getting healthier from where it was even a year ago and quite possibly thinking positively during the night helped as well.
I suppose that the moral of this story is to not be afraid and enjoy yourself. Be free of that fear that all of us experience when we are confronted with something that is outside our norm and simply go with it. Worst case scenario is that you crap you pants, best case scenario you leave with good and happy memories as well as new friendships and an experience well worth sacrificing your security net for the night. And yes I'm ready to do it all over again.
Upcoming CCFA events
There are two CCFA events coming up soon, these are educational and informative events for those suffering from an IBD and their families and loved ones. The presenters are great, very knowledgeable and know what it feels like to suffer the suffering that we suffer. If you can please try to attend one of the following two events, they may have cookies and donuts!
Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: What Every Patient Needs to Know.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Courtyard Marriott, Riverside, CA
and
The Los Angeles Spring 2011 IBD Patient and Family Education Conference: How to Manage IBD
Saturday, April 16, 2011
8:15 AM - 2:00 PM
Covel Commons Building
Sunset Village, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA.
List of Speakers is five posts down.
For more information on either event please feel free to contact Lindsay Brown at LBrown@ccfa.org, or call (310) 478-4500
Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: What Every Patient Needs to Know.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Courtyard Marriott, Riverside, CA
and
The Los Angeles Spring 2011 IBD Patient and Family Education Conference: How to Manage IBD
Saturday, April 16, 2011
8:15 AM - 2:00 PM
Covel Commons Building
Sunset Village, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA.
List of Speakers is five posts down.
For more information on either event please feel free to contact Lindsay Brown at LBrown@ccfa.org, or call (310) 478-4500
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Let's talk about food!
Thank you Darrin for the wonderful newsletter you forwarded. And so children today's lesson will be centered on one of our most daunting adversaries, food! Yes we love it for what it tastes like but we hate it for what it does to our bodies yet sadly we need it otherwise we get stuck with a tube and an IV needle. And so ladies and gentlemen I present you with Best foods for those of us with an IBD. Enjoy!
Best foods for IBDs (source-Best Foods for Crohn's Disease)
1. Wild Salmon: Who can resist the succulent taste of the highly nutritious and tasty red meat of the king of freshwater fish, the salmon. It does cost a bit more than your off the shelf can of tuna but it's oh so worth it for the occasional meal as it not only soothes and stimulates your taste buds but also provides a healthy boost of Omega-3 & vitamins A,D,E and K. All highly valuable in fighting inflammation and giving us a healthy boost of much needed vitamins.
2. Yogurt: What else needs to be said? It provides calcium in a safe, easy to handle, easy to digest format and you can even make it tasty by adding additional ingredients to it. Keep in mind that plain yogurt works best as the colorful one, although tasty and fun to look at tends to lack the same amount of nutritious qualities that your body needs.
3. Smooth Nut Butters: I'm talking about peanut butter, almond butter, soy nut butter, not... FOCUS PEOPLE! The dating post was several posting back! Yes smooth nut butters work wonders, they are easy to digest, high in protein and best of all you can spread them on bread, tortillas, pita bread, flat bread, crackers, cookies or eat it with a spoon. They also provide fiber, vitamin E, niacin and calories for those of you struggling to gain weight.
4. Eggs: Yes eggs. I love them although I know that some people are kind of put off by them, but please hear me out! Eggs have iron, and plenty of protein they also have vitamin D and lecithin which is helpful in helping your body absorb vitamins A,D,E and K. But remember everything in moderation as too many eggs can lead to high cholesterol and we have enough problems to have to worry about that as well.
5. Whole Grain Pasta: Now pasta is bad to me, I love it but it's bad to me. However I also love to put stuff in it that may be the reason it's bad to me. Disregarding my own personal experiences with the devilishly heavenly stuff it is a great source of vitamin B. However it also has a good amount of fiber so please eat it, enjoy it but always in moderation.
6. Fresh Lean Beef: Need I say more? Beef is good, unless you have qualms against eating anything with a name that looks kinda cute and adorable on Far Side cartoons. But that aside it tastes good. It's also a great source of iron, calcium and vitamin B-12, minerals and vitamins that us that bleed a lot need a lot more of than our "normal" peers. But once again, in moderation. (I see a theme here.)
7. Potatoes, White and Sweet: Both sweet potatoes and white potatoes are dynamic and versatile foods that are a staple in our diet, whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner you will probably have one or the other of this wonderful food with you main course, unless the potato is your main meal. Personally it's my number one comfort food. Oh hash browns how I love thee.... But back to the potato. It is also a great source of beta-carotene (sweet potato) and of vitamin C and potassium (potato. Just remember that boiled or baked works best, although fried is sooooooooooo much more tasty... but yes baked or boiled... baked or boiled...
8. Steel-Cut Oats: I like to stay away from anything that says oats since they enjoy to play rugby with my colon, however it is a great source of soluble fiber, slow-release, high-quality carbohydrates and you can put little pieces of apple or other fruits that you can pretend are marshmallows and feel like a kid again. It's a great breakfast food that you can make with water or give it an extra kick using milk, soy milk, rice milk or my favorite, almond milk.
9. Calcium and Vitamin D-Rich Milk: This is a tricky one as many of us cannot digest regular cow milk without the help of lactose pills. Therefore I recommend that you stock up on Lactaid pills or the equivalent if you wish to enjoy a nice cool glass of milk. There is an alternative as lactose free milk is now more readily available than anywhere in almost all major supermarket as well as several smaller ones. If cow's milk doesn't do it for you, lactose free or not, there is also calcium fortified soy, rice and almond milk. Due to malabsorption, calcium absorption and other issues I do recommend that you increase your calcium and vitamin D intake using one of these great avenues, that is unless you like talking a cocktail of supplements each and every morning.
10. Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Once again vitamin C is the key word. Unfortunately we do not absorb the required amount of it due to our GI system throwing a hissy fit and not wanting to play ball with the rest of the body. Therefore it is very important that you get this wonderful vitamin by eating whichever foods are high in it. Vitamin C is also incredibly helpful in aiding the absorption of iron into the body which is a great boon for us anemics out there. However I will add a caveat and say that I disagree with the original author's suggestions. It was stated that citrus fruits, brussel sprouts, broccoli and bell peppers should be sought to aid in this however those may harm some of us while not affect others. So be cautious in regards to fruits and vegetables. I love citrus but sometimes it can bee too much to digest, the solution is get a Juicer! All of the benefit and flavor without any of the seeds and stringy, fiber like stuff that could rub my colon raw. I cook with bell peppers for flavor but I make sure that they are really soft and can be cut with a paper napkin before eating them as that ensures that it would be easier to digest and run through the intestines. As for broccoli, as much as I love it the threat of gas and the pain that it brings upon me is far to great to risk eating more than an accidental nibble.
This list is in now way exhaustive and should only be seen as suggested foods and not as a definitive guideline. Use moderation and do a test run of foods using small portions in order to see how your body reacts to it before trying it. And as always please consult with you physician before making any substantial changes to you diet and please be aware of any and all food allergies you may have.
Best foods for IBDs (source-Best Foods for Crohn's Disease)
1. Wild Salmon: Who can resist the succulent taste of the highly nutritious and tasty red meat of the king of freshwater fish, the salmon. It does cost a bit more than your off the shelf can of tuna but it's oh so worth it for the occasional meal as it not only soothes and stimulates your taste buds but also provides a healthy boost of Omega-3 & vitamins A,D,E and K. All highly valuable in fighting inflammation and giving us a healthy boost of much needed vitamins.
2. Yogurt: What else needs to be said? It provides calcium in a safe, easy to handle, easy to digest format and you can even make it tasty by adding additional ingredients to it. Keep in mind that plain yogurt works best as the colorful one, although tasty and fun to look at tends to lack the same amount of nutritious qualities that your body needs.
3. Smooth Nut Butters: I'm talking about peanut butter, almond butter, soy nut butter, not... FOCUS PEOPLE! The dating post was several posting back! Yes smooth nut butters work wonders, they are easy to digest, high in protein and best of all you can spread them on bread, tortillas, pita bread, flat bread, crackers, cookies or eat it with a spoon. They also provide fiber, vitamin E, niacin and calories for those of you struggling to gain weight.
4. Eggs: Yes eggs. I love them although I know that some people are kind of put off by them, but please hear me out! Eggs have iron, and plenty of protein they also have vitamin D and lecithin which is helpful in helping your body absorb vitamins A,D,E and K. But remember everything in moderation as too many eggs can lead to high cholesterol and we have enough problems to have to worry about that as well.
5. Whole Grain Pasta: Now pasta is bad to me, I love it but it's bad to me. However I also love to put stuff in it that may be the reason it's bad to me. Disregarding my own personal experiences with the devilishly heavenly stuff it is a great source of vitamin B. However it also has a good amount of fiber so please eat it, enjoy it but always in moderation.
6. Fresh Lean Beef: Need I say more? Beef is good, unless you have qualms against eating anything with a name that looks kinda cute and adorable on Far Side cartoons. But that aside it tastes good. It's also a great source of iron, calcium and vitamin B-12, minerals and vitamins that us that bleed a lot need a lot more of than our "normal" peers. But once again, in moderation. (I see a theme here.)
7. Potatoes, White and Sweet: Both sweet potatoes and white potatoes are dynamic and versatile foods that are a staple in our diet, whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner you will probably have one or the other of this wonderful food with you main course, unless the potato is your main meal. Personally it's my number one comfort food. Oh hash browns how I love thee.... But back to the potato. It is also a great source of beta-carotene (sweet potato) and of vitamin C and potassium (potato. Just remember that boiled or baked works best, although fried is sooooooooooo much more tasty... but yes baked or boiled... baked or boiled...
8. Steel-Cut Oats: I like to stay away from anything that says oats since they enjoy to play rugby with my colon, however it is a great source of soluble fiber, slow-release, high-quality carbohydrates and you can put little pieces of apple or other fruits that you can pretend are marshmallows and feel like a kid again. It's a great breakfast food that you can make with water or give it an extra kick using milk, soy milk, rice milk or my favorite, almond milk.
9. Calcium and Vitamin D-Rich Milk: This is a tricky one as many of us cannot digest regular cow milk without the help of lactose pills. Therefore I recommend that you stock up on Lactaid pills or the equivalent if you wish to enjoy a nice cool glass of milk. There is an alternative as lactose free milk is now more readily available than anywhere in almost all major supermarket as well as several smaller ones. If cow's milk doesn't do it for you, lactose free or not, there is also calcium fortified soy, rice and almond milk. Due to malabsorption, calcium absorption and other issues I do recommend that you increase your calcium and vitamin D intake using one of these great avenues, that is unless you like talking a cocktail of supplements each and every morning.
10. Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Once again vitamin C is the key word. Unfortunately we do not absorb the required amount of it due to our GI system throwing a hissy fit and not wanting to play ball with the rest of the body. Therefore it is very important that you get this wonderful vitamin by eating whichever foods are high in it. Vitamin C is also incredibly helpful in aiding the absorption of iron into the body which is a great boon for us anemics out there. However I will add a caveat and say that I disagree with the original author's suggestions. It was stated that citrus fruits, brussel sprouts, broccoli and bell peppers should be sought to aid in this however those may harm some of us while not affect others. So be cautious in regards to fruits and vegetables. I love citrus but sometimes it can bee too much to digest, the solution is get a Juicer! All of the benefit and flavor without any of the seeds and stringy, fiber like stuff that could rub my colon raw. I cook with bell peppers for flavor but I make sure that they are really soft and can be cut with a paper napkin before eating them as that ensures that it would be easier to digest and run through the intestines. As for broccoli, as much as I love it the threat of gas and the pain that it brings upon me is far to great to risk eating more than an accidental nibble.
This list is in now way exhaustive and should only be seen as suggested foods and not as a definitive guideline. Use moderation and do a test run of foods using small portions in order to see how your body reacts to it before trying it. And as always please consult with you physician before making any substantial changes to you diet and please be aware of any and all food allergies you may have.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
So you think you have a flare up
You wake up one morning and your gut is hurting, you rush to the bathroom and know that this is the beginning of an all day tribute to the porcelain god. You wonder what you can do, that is other than stock up on magazines, Gatorade and set up an Internet line to your toilet. Here are a few suggestions, keep in mind that every individual is different so something that works for someone may not work for someone else.
1. Dietary:
A light diet may be helpful, broth, jello, decaffeinated teas and Gatorade. Remember you will be losing liquids, minerals and electrolytes that need to be replenished. Even if you think that it's a good idea to avoid food because it may cut down on bowel movements it's not. If anything it can lead to dehydration, mineral deficiency and possible anemia. That doesn't mean that you should order a bucket of KFC friend skins and down it all with a gallon of cola but instead make conscious food choices that will help you see what you can and can't tolerate in order to avoid those foods in the future.
2. Exercise:
I know you want to curl up in bed, on the couch, in the tub, or on the toilet and die but don't. Try to get minimal exercise in order to promote digestion and healing. I'm not talking about running a triathlon, conquering Everest or cycling the Tour de France, but walk around the block, walk to dog, or take care of any low impact chores that may get your mind off the pain in the ass that is a flare up. Trust me it's good for you.
3. Clothing:
Dark clothing, dark underwear, NO WHITES. Because there is nothing more embarrassing than people informing you that you accidentally sat on a 99 cent burrito from Taco Bell. It's bad. I am aware that many of us would rather not leave the home when a flare up occurs but in case you have to, for say an emergency such as saving the world because your PIN number happens to be the code that the alien invaders need to avoid wiping us out, well then dress comfortable, but not in such a fashion that someone may mistake you for an animated pile of laundry.
4. Dating:
Cancel the date. No seriously, cancel. Tell them that your car blew up, that you were abducted by space pirates, that you were drafted to fight the war on bad literature turned into horrible movies, anything to get you out but that will still allow you to have a second chance date. Unless they are aware of your condition and are willing to come over and nurse you to health, in that case then play the sympathy cards. Results may vary.
5. Meds:
Yes we all hate taking them, we all hate the side-effects but even during the worse of flare-ups do not fall into the temptation to self medicate and double your doses hoping it will clear things up. It probably won't work and may instead cause your symptoms too worsen. Take your medications as directed unless told otherwise by your GI. That's your GI and not the guy across the street named Doc X who got his GED in Medicine from Online Diploma Mill U. It doesn't work that way. So take as directed and if things get really, really bad then it's off to the ER for you.
6. "Herbal remedies":
Yes as someone with an IBD you qualify for a card. Yes you live in state where you can get said card and remedies. I am neither for nor against them as they may or may not work in relieving pain and other ailments related to IBDs. But if you choose this path remember to have plenty of light snacking materials around as well as plenty of electrolyte replenishing liquids as the ensuing munchies may give you the desire to eat anything in sight. The liquid replenishment is for the liquid to be lost when your body realized that you just ate everything in sight.
7. Transportation:
If you haven't already try to get a handicapped placard or plate. This will help in case that you have to leave home to buy something. If possible get a driver but that can't always be helped. I know that some will find it strange to get a disabled person placard but it comes in handy in cases where your body needs to go and there is nowhere to park. Trust me on this. It's also helpful at sporting events, crowded malls on Black Friday and at Disneyland. Use it responsibly.
8. Alcohol:
Avoid during a flare. I don't care what the French say, avoid it. It's bad. Trust me on this.
9. Toilet paper:
This is a tricky issue since even the softest most gentle of toilet papers will turn into sandpaper if used at the frequency that it's used during a flare up. Therefore I suggest a combination of baby wipes, soft toilet paper and if possible getting a bidet seat or sprayer for your toilet. Your butt will thank you and that will be more than enough to offset the cost.
10. Friends:
Have them come over and throw a bathroom party. Play games, watch movies and come up with healthy food choices for you. I know that this sounds silly and may work better for women than men but hell guys can throw a sports themed one.
I am aware that when you are flaring you just want to die but all the same we have to try to break away from the anti-social aspects of our disease and conquer it instead of letting it conquer us. We have to own our disease, no matter how hard it is, no matter how daunting it may seem you can do it and live as normal of a life as you want it to be.
1. Dietary:
A light diet may be helpful, broth, jello, decaffeinated teas and Gatorade. Remember you will be losing liquids, minerals and electrolytes that need to be replenished. Even if you think that it's a good idea to avoid food because it may cut down on bowel movements it's not. If anything it can lead to dehydration, mineral deficiency and possible anemia. That doesn't mean that you should order a bucket of KFC friend skins and down it all with a gallon of cola but instead make conscious food choices that will help you see what you can and can't tolerate in order to avoid those foods in the future.
2. Exercise:
I know you want to curl up in bed, on the couch, in the tub, or on the toilet and die but don't. Try to get minimal exercise in order to promote digestion and healing. I'm not talking about running a triathlon, conquering Everest or cycling the Tour de France, but walk around the block, walk to dog, or take care of any low impact chores that may get your mind off the pain in the ass that is a flare up. Trust me it's good for you.
3. Clothing:
Dark clothing, dark underwear, NO WHITES. Because there is nothing more embarrassing than people informing you that you accidentally sat on a 99 cent burrito from Taco Bell. It's bad. I am aware that many of us would rather not leave the home when a flare up occurs but in case you have to, for say an emergency such as saving the world because your PIN number happens to be the code that the alien invaders need to avoid wiping us out, well then dress comfortable, but not in such a fashion that someone may mistake you for an animated pile of laundry.
4. Dating:
Cancel the date. No seriously, cancel. Tell them that your car blew up, that you were abducted by space pirates, that you were drafted to fight the war on bad literature turned into horrible movies, anything to get you out but that will still allow you to have a second chance date. Unless they are aware of your condition and are willing to come over and nurse you to health, in that case then play the sympathy cards. Results may vary.
5. Meds:
Yes we all hate taking them, we all hate the side-effects but even during the worse of flare-ups do not fall into the temptation to self medicate and double your doses hoping it will clear things up. It probably won't work and may instead cause your symptoms too worsen. Take your medications as directed unless told otherwise by your GI. That's your GI and not the guy across the street named Doc X who got his GED in Medicine from Online Diploma Mill U. It doesn't work that way. So take as directed and if things get really, really bad then it's off to the ER for you.
6. "Herbal remedies":
Yes as someone with an IBD you qualify for a card. Yes you live in state where you can get said card and remedies. I am neither for nor against them as they may or may not work in relieving pain and other ailments related to IBDs. But if you choose this path remember to have plenty of light snacking materials around as well as plenty of electrolyte replenishing liquids as the ensuing munchies may give you the desire to eat anything in sight. The liquid replenishment is for the liquid to be lost when your body realized that you just ate everything in sight.
7. Transportation:
If you haven't already try to get a handicapped placard or plate. This will help in case that you have to leave home to buy something. If possible get a driver but that can't always be helped. I know that some will find it strange to get a disabled person placard but it comes in handy in cases where your body needs to go and there is nowhere to park. Trust me on this. It's also helpful at sporting events, crowded malls on Black Friday and at Disneyland. Use it responsibly.
8. Alcohol:
Avoid during a flare. I don't care what the French say, avoid it. It's bad. Trust me on this.
9. Toilet paper:
This is a tricky issue since even the softest most gentle of toilet papers will turn into sandpaper if used at the frequency that it's used during a flare up. Therefore I suggest a combination of baby wipes, soft toilet paper and if possible getting a bidet seat or sprayer for your toilet. Your butt will thank you and that will be more than enough to offset the cost.
10. Friends:
Have them come over and throw a bathroom party. Play games, watch movies and come up with healthy food choices for you. I know that this sounds silly and may work better for women than men but hell guys can throw a sports themed one.
I am aware that when you are flaring you just want to die but all the same we have to try to break away from the anti-social aspects of our disease and conquer it instead of letting it conquer us. We have to own our disease, no matter how hard it is, no matter how daunting it may seem you can do it and live as normal of a life as you want it to be.
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