I just got the lab results, and the turkey labs came back normal. Eosinophils are still hovering in the middle of normal range. So, chicken and turkey are ok. This week I'm testing pork, which includes ham, pork chops, bacon - Adam is looking forward to this week, especially me making bacon which we rarely have. I'm curious how my gallbladder - or lack thereof - will adjust as the fat increases in my diet.
I went out to lunch for the first time since August 31, 2011. I visited some friends from my former employer, and we went to panera. I ordered the Strawberry Poppyseed salad - less the pecans and dressing as I haven't tested those yet. Basically an expensive chicken, lettuce and fruit salad, but it was nice to feel "normal" and go out.
I'm officially off the Neocate juice boxes. It took my GI tract a while to digest, but it was a huge accomplishment to get a full diet and get protein from the meats to get off the drinks. Unfortunately, I have nearly a full order from Apria in my possession. So, if anyone wants to try what I've been drinking, I'd be happy to provide Samples. I've heard of fundraisers like "Eat like Betsy for a day" where people fundraise then do my diet. I laughed when I saw it - so many people getting indigestion and diahrrea; it just doesn't seem like a nice thing to do for people that are raising funds for you.
I am feeling really good, exercising every night and not having any pain. I'm really glad I got the gallbladder surgery and really do wonder if this whole thing was caused by it and the rest of this mess was all the medication reactions (eg. prednisone). Oh well, too late to stop the trials now. I'm over halfway done . But even if it was all gallbladder attacks and my immune response to my GI tract, I won't return to Connie's to get deep dish pizza and test my fate. I feel bad; it's such a nice restaurant and good buffet, but brings back awful memories. I'll order Malnati's ;)
I head back to work next Tuesday. I'll stay on the psych meds and the GI meds at least until I finish the food trials. I've scheduled out every week of food trials this year, and I would have the 4th endoscopy on 8/6, and likely the last one on 10/1. The final group only has 8 foods, so it goes quick, but they are the most allergenic - peanuts, milk, egg, soy, wheat, corn, peas, and beef. I can't wait. I told my parents we will have my birthday cake in October since I won't be through these trials by early August.
My parents and Adam have been great, making me foods I can eat and making extras so I can eat the same thing daily to ensure I'm not reacting. Lots of chicken and turkey. Tonight I had ham - it was yummy. I've got the strangest cravings, and must force myself into an exercise routine or I will get super fat come the holidays :) I want an Arby's roast beef sandwich and curly fries, chicken mcnuggets and a chocolate shake at McDonald's, a fried chicken sandwich at Wendy's with a frosty, our homemade yellow cake with buttercream frosting, milk and even dark chocolate, a nice glass of Reisling (which I hope to try in a week or so), a Potbelly Italian sub and an oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies, homemade chocolate chip cookies, milk duds, Giardelli Chocolate Brownies, Panera Italian sandwich with a bowl of chicken noodle soup, PIZZA, the list goes on. I guess we should start saving for eating out :) I thought I would list everything I've had cravings for, but it would be too long and probably depressing how many calories would be in it!
I feel that God has finally answered my prayers. This has truly been a humbling experience and I'm glad to be on the mend. I won't take my health for granted again. I'm really happy to be feeling good.
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