Many of you, and probably most of you, know that I struggle with health issues. In about 2004 I had a flare up of FibroMyalgia (FMS) and that exacerbated my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, it wasn't until that flare up that I even knew that I had RA. Turns out that is what has been making exercise hard and running increasingly impossible since I was in high school.
I have been seeing a rheumatologist every month since Fall of 2005. I have progressed to needing Enbrel to control my RA enough to funtion. Meaning to keep the joint stiffness down enough that I can walk, no matter how slowly or funny, without a cane. The FMS feels like the day after working out at the gym when you have lots of lactic acid in your muscles. Except that you didn't get to work out and the pain is intensified.
This last summer and winter it got worse. Lots worse. I do not need any more medications. Our portion of the cost after the insurance is still close to $1000 a month. I do not need more doctor visits. The chronic pain has increased the depression. This happens because the pain receptors use up all my feel good chemicals and there aren't enough left to fight off depression.
I went to visit my cousin (actually our dad's are first cousins, but it's so confusing that we just call ourselves cousins and leave it at that) and I asked her about her diet. Her family thinks it's strange, but I need something else.
After some research and real soul searching, praying and referring to scriptures, I am taking matters into my own hands. I have started by being on an all raw diet. I can blend things and make smoothies with fresh fruit and veggies, but I eat everything raw. This first little while will be totally raw and also Vegan. (Vegan is no animal products at all). After I get things under control then I can start cooking food and adding animal products and meat a little at a time.
So why tell you all this. I don't trust myself to stick with it for the long haul. You all are going to be holding me accountable. I will post about how the week went. What I did and didn't like and how well I did.
I'm begging for comments on these posts so that I know that someone is paying attention. I really do want to do it. It's just that I like food, so staying true will not be easy.
Tree Monkey made her very first batch of made from scratch oatmeal-peanut butter chip cookies today. They smell delicious and everyone else is raving over them.
(Made that big so that you all know it's worth being impressed about)
I am doing okay, but I sure do want one. Today I want better health more. We will see what other days bring.
So, are you up for holding me accountable?
Easy Chicken Tacos
12 years ago
1 comment:
I've been slacking with the reading of people's blogs lately, but I've been trying to catch up & just read this post. It's interesting because my sister was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For awhile she knew something was wrong because she had really stiff muscles & stomach pains, but it took her awhile to figure out why. She's having a hard time it because she's frustrated, so a lot of what you said I could understand because of what she's told me.
I really hope your new diet helps, and if it does I'll have to tell my sister about it. Good luck though! I know you can do it!! & sorry about leaving two massive comments with waaay too much info. I just can't help myself.
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