Que Sera Sera
whatever will be, will be...so I hope I'm prepared
Quora―? Which are some of the strangest movies you have liked?
I'm trying to figure out a work-around to post to Instagram from the web. But should my next devious plan fail (as many before it), then I'll find an easier way to multi-post my gardening pics.
My personal theory about Carrageenan causing pain & inflammation
I'm not a scientist, so here's my personal theory as to why carrageenan affects some people, but not all:
Carrageenan is injected into tissue in medical-science experiments to determine if a medicine relieves pain and/or swelling.
But what if someone's mucous membrane wasn't completely intact, such as stomach ulcers or Leaky Gut syndrome? Then the carrageenan could enter into the tissues of the stomach lining, or tissue of the intestine.
My "IBS" always happens in the exact same place, usually between 20 minutes - 2 hours after eating something. Once my 3rd GI told me I didn't sound crazy when I told him out of all the rule-out diets I'd done, with the only pattern I picked up on was commercial food had a higher chance of triggering an IBS attack. He explained that the only way I could figure out what I was sensitive to was to first establish that 100% whole foods kept the IBS away for a week or so―it did. Then I was to challenge myself with one commercial food at a time, writing down that food's ingredients if I suffered an attack.
It took a few months and lots of pain, but I finally figured out that carrageenan was my #1 IBS trigger (I also figured out that nitrites (chemical form, I tolerate celery & beets just fine) and Annatto are minor triggers, as well as something unknown in commercial broths, but none of these caused the extreme swelling and burning pain that carrageenan does).
So that's how I've come to suspect the same area that always swells/burns after eating carrageenan must be a Leaky patch. I've only recently found how to see whether I actually have a Leaky area in my gut lining, so I'll be requesting a Mannitol/Lactulose test next time I visit my GP.
Carrageenan is injected into tissue in medical-science experiments to determine if a medicine relieves pain and/or swelling.
- Analgesics is tested with Lambda carrageenan as dilute carrageenan solution when injected subcutaneously leads to swelling and pain. (Carrageenan as Food Additive)
But what if someone's mucous membrane wasn't completely intact, such as stomach ulcers or Leaky Gut syndrome? Then the carrageenan could enter into the tissues of the stomach lining, or tissue of the intestine.
How did I come up with this carrageenan-IBS theory?
My "IBS" always happens in the exact same place, usually between 20 minutes - 2 hours after eating something. Once my 3rd GI told me I didn't sound crazy when I told him out of all the rule-out diets I'd done, with the only pattern I picked up on was commercial food had a higher chance of triggering an IBS attack. He explained that the only way I could figure out what I was sensitive to was to first establish that 100% whole foods kept the IBS away for a week or so―it did. Then I was to challenge myself with one commercial food at a time, writing down that food's ingredients if I suffered an attack.
It took a few months and lots of pain, but I finally figured out that carrageenan was my #1 IBS trigger (I also figured out that nitrites (chemical form, I tolerate celery & beets just fine) and Annatto are minor triggers, as well as something unknown in commercial broths, but none of these caused the extreme swelling and burning pain that carrageenan does).
So that's how I've come to suspect the same area that always swells/burns after eating carrageenan must be a Leaky patch. I've only recently found how to see whether I actually have a Leaky area in my gut lining, so I'll be requesting a Mannitol/Lactulose test next time I visit my GP.
DH Health Update: Carbs are not good for Heart Disease!
DH scared me early November with complaints of shortness of breath while on a short walk, so I made an appointment with his "assigned" cardiologist, who did an EKG and ordered a basic (old-fashioned) cholesterol panel. Triglycerides used to be 128 jumped to 240, yikes! I'd texted questions for DH to ask cardiologist, who when asked, looked to his PA/NA for answers via nodding/shaking PA's head. So we used a specialized forum (Dr William Davis @ Track Your Plaque) to find a new cardiologist.
Meanwhile, DH's L arm has been hurting, numb, and tingling - no chest pain of more SOB though. But still scary just months after a "mild" heart attack, then experiencing SOB while casually walking, finding triglycerides almost doubled (Halloween candy!)
I finally convinced DH that sugar/grains/starch is what causes bad cholesterol and trigs, except complex carbs like all veggies except roots (turnip excluded). He also doubled his fish oil after reading science/medical studies I sent him with results listed. So by the time he saw the new cardiologist, his trigs dropped back down to almost what they were before the Halloween-Triglyceride-Spike, we also got more advanced (current) cholesterol panel called NMR.
New cardiologist actually listened (unlike former "assigned" cardiologist) and felt like DH's L arm problems might be pinched nerve related. Ok, but Dr, does nitroglycerin relieve pinched nerve pain? Because his daily slow-release nitroglycerin relieves his arm pain until the SL NTG wears off, then the pain is only relieved by hot packs. New Dr appears to ponder this, leaves and returns with Nitroglycerin spray squirted under DH's tongue.
Five minutes later, DH's arm pain dropped from pain level 13.5 (drama-king!) to 5. So new Dr ordered carotid ultrasound in addition to some kind of nerve test he had already ordered.
When we got home, I asked DH if he wanted to try one of my muscle relaxers from my pinched nerve (which has barely bothered me since I increased my back/shoulder/neck stretching), just to see if it helped - like the "rule-out test with the nitroglycerin spray". The muscle relaxer did indeed relieve his L arm pain! I searched to see if anyone reported nitroglycerin helped pinched nerve pain and didn't find much. So maybe it's a combination of both pinched nerve with some blockage? DH is still waiting for the nurse to call with the test times.
Last night I typed up his new NMR cholesterol results to post at Track Your Plaque. Dr Davis replied that it seemed DH's numbers were improving, but that it also seemed DH was getting too many carbs. So my initial thinking that some carbs for lunch wouldn't hurt due to him walking around at work was WRONG! I've tried in the past to make homemade lunches for DH, but he loved those frozen lunches from the grocery stores! But now he's seen what lowering carbs can do, and is more motivated, so will eat homemade low carb lunches, whew!
Meanwhile, DH's L arm has been hurting, numb, and tingling - no chest pain of more SOB though. But still scary just months after a "mild" heart attack, then experiencing SOB while casually walking, finding triglycerides almost doubled (Halloween candy!)
I finally convinced DH that sugar/grains/starch is what causes bad cholesterol and trigs, except complex carbs like all veggies except roots (turnip excluded). He also doubled his fish oil after reading science/medical studies I sent him with results listed. So by the time he saw the new cardiologist, his trigs dropped back down to almost what they were before the Halloween-Triglyceride-Spike, we also got more advanced (current) cholesterol panel called NMR.
New cardiologist actually listened (unlike former "assigned" cardiologist) and felt like DH's L arm problems might be pinched nerve related. Ok, but Dr, does nitroglycerin relieve pinched nerve pain? Because his daily slow-release nitroglycerin relieves his arm pain until the SL NTG wears off, then the pain is only relieved by hot packs. New Dr appears to ponder this, leaves and returns with Nitroglycerin spray squirted under DH's tongue.
Five minutes later, DH's arm pain dropped from pain level 13.5 (drama-king!) to 5. So new Dr ordered carotid ultrasound in addition to some kind of nerve test he had already ordered.
When we got home, I asked DH if he wanted to try one of my muscle relaxers from my pinched nerve (which has barely bothered me since I increased my back/shoulder/neck stretching), just to see if it helped - like the "rule-out test with the nitroglycerin spray". The muscle relaxer did indeed relieve his L arm pain! I searched to see if anyone reported nitroglycerin helped pinched nerve pain and didn't find much. So maybe it's a combination of both pinched nerve with some blockage? DH is still waiting for the nurse to call with the test times.
Last night I typed up his new NMR cholesterol results to post at Track Your Plaque. Dr Davis replied that it seemed DH's numbers were improving, but that it also seemed DH was getting too many carbs. So my initial thinking that some carbs for lunch wouldn't hurt due to him walking around at work was WRONG! I've tried in the past to make homemade lunches for DH, but he loved those frozen lunches from the grocery stores! But now he's seen what lowering carbs can do, and is more motivated, so will eat homemade low carb lunches, whew!
Researching Supplements: Heart Disease
Hubby's Heart Disease
Hubby's heart attack was called "minor" by his cardiologist, who was the cardiologist on call the night I took him to the ER. When the assigned cardiologist cathed my DH, he decided against placing a stent because DH's blockage was less than 50%, and he'd "desludge his heart with drugs" instead. Since I've been reading Dr. William Davis, Cardiologist's blog for years, I knew DH needed to take certain supplements to help reduce his bad cholesterol, but DH has resisted me "supplementing" him for years, thinking it all rather "quackish". At least he'd been taking Vit D3 for about a year, thanks to his GP doing a D3 bloodtest, and the lab mailed a recommendation to take Vit D3 5000mg daily.
So after DH was released from the hospital, I emailed him links to NCBI studies about the supplements Dr Davis recommended, copying/pasting the conclusions of the tests that showed good results of reversing bad stuff, this way I didn't have to educate (nag) him verbally. I checked all the supplements contraindications against his new prescriptions, and found two possible contraindications with Vit K2 and Niacin, so I didn't bring those two up. DH's been real good about taking his Fish Oil EPA+DHA, Vit D3, Magnesium along with B Complex to assist the Magnesium, Ubiquinol (purified Co Enzyme Q10 that's easier for older people to absorb) which replaces the Co Enzyme Q10 that statins somehow destroys, and Curcumin (purified Turmeric) a powerful anti-inflammatory.
So for DH's second follow up, I had him ask his assigned cardiologist if it was OK for him to take the Vit K2 and Slo-Niacin (Dr Davis' recommended Niacin). According to DH, the assigned cardiologist looked at his nurse/PA, who then nodded "no", before answering DH that those supplements weren't needed - repeat: The Dr looked to his nurse/PA for the answer! And of course no explanation as to why not.
I've brought up possible treatments/supplements to my doctors before -- if they vetoed them, they had a good reason to and explained their good reason for saying no, OR sometimes they'd even say yes! But never have I seen a doctor look to their nurse/PA for an answer! At least admit you're not up to date on that research, but will look into it, sheesh!
I also asked DH to ask assigned cardiologist about doing a more thorough cholesterol lab test than just the traditional Total, HDL, LDL & Triglycerides. Ignored, rejected? Not sure, but it wasn't done, just another "traditional cholesterol lab test".
We both agreed we wanted a new cardiologist, but which one to choose that would go along with DH Dr Davis' recommendations was the new challenge. I paid to sign DH an account on Dr Davis' Track Your Plaque forum ($40USD to join, includes book & booklets, then $20USD quarterly), then once the forum unlocked, searched for a recommended cardiologist in Houston. There was only ONE recommended cardiologist who didn't "follow Dr Davis TYP protocol", but was open-minded to ordering the medical tests needed to Track DH's Plaque reversal, as long as they were medically warranted (as not to tick off insurance I guess).
I went with DH to this new cardiologist, and although he was on the other side of town (Houston is very large mile-wise), DH was quite pleased with new cardiologist as compared to assigned cardiologist just because new cardiologist spent actual time assessing him properly and discussing treatment plans, which included Dr Davis' supplements. He went over each supplement DH was taking and seemed happy DH was taking them, and he ordered the advanced cholesterol panel - FINALLY! He didn't order the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) I wanted, since DH was still smoking - he considered it pointless until DH quit smoking. He said he'd order a Thyroid test, including T3 & T4, but then forgot to write it down. Oh well, we'll request it again when DH returns in two weeks. But I'm pleased we'll soon know his advanced cholesterol numbers so we can actually Track DH's Plaque to see whether the supplements are bringing down the bad cholesterols and increasing the good cholesterol. I'm thinking the HeartScan will be the test that determines if the Vit K2 is doing any good, as the Vit K2 allegedly "melts away" the calcium deposits that the bad cholesterols adhere to to cause plaques (I'm getting tired, and couldn't come up with the wording to avoid "to to" -- sorry).
Meanwhile, I'm going to restock DH's E-Cig supply, and buy him OTC Nicotine Patches so he can wean down his nicotine addiction gradually.
Hubby's heart attack was called "minor" by his cardiologist, who was the cardiologist on call the night I took him to the ER. When the assigned cardiologist cathed my DH, he decided against placing a stent because DH's blockage was less than 50%, and he'd "desludge his heart with drugs" instead. Since I've been reading Dr. William Davis, Cardiologist's blog for years, I knew DH needed to take certain supplements to help reduce his bad cholesterol, but DH has resisted me "supplementing" him for years, thinking it all rather "quackish". At least he'd been taking Vit D3 for about a year, thanks to his GP doing a D3 bloodtest, and the lab mailed a recommendation to take Vit D3 5000mg daily.
So after DH was released from the hospital, I emailed him links to NCBI studies about the supplements Dr Davis recommended, copying/pasting the conclusions of the tests that showed good results of reversing bad stuff, this way I didn't have to educate (nag) him verbally. I checked all the supplements contraindications against his new prescriptions, and found two possible contraindications with Vit K2 and Niacin, so I didn't bring those two up. DH's been real good about taking his Fish Oil EPA+DHA, Vit D3, Magnesium along with B Complex to assist the Magnesium, Ubiquinol (purified Co Enzyme Q10 that's easier for older people to absorb) which replaces the Co Enzyme Q10 that statins somehow destroys, and Curcumin (purified Turmeric) a powerful anti-inflammatory.
So for DH's second follow up, I had him ask his assigned cardiologist if it was OK for him to take the Vit K2 and Slo-Niacin (Dr Davis' recommended Niacin). According to DH, the assigned cardiologist looked at his nurse/PA, who then nodded "no", before answering DH that those supplements weren't needed - repeat: The Dr looked to his nurse/PA for the answer! And of course no explanation as to why not.
I've brought up possible treatments/supplements to my doctors before -- if they vetoed them, they had a good reason to and explained their good reason for saying no, OR sometimes they'd even say yes! But never have I seen a doctor look to their nurse/PA for an answer! At least admit you're not up to date on that research, but will look into it, sheesh!
I also asked DH to ask assigned cardiologist about doing a more thorough cholesterol lab test than just the traditional Total, HDL, LDL & Triglycerides. Ignored, rejected? Not sure, but it wasn't done, just another "traditional cholesterol lab test".
We both agreed we wanted a new cardiologist, but which one to choose that would go along with DH Dr Davis' recommendations was the new challenge. I paid to sign DH an account on Dr Davis' Track Your Plaque forum ($40USD to join, includes book & booklets, then $20USD quarterly), then once the forum unlocked, searched for a recommended cardiologist in Houston. There was only ONE recommended cardiologist who didn't "follow Dr Davis TYP protocol", but was open-minded to ordering the medical tests needed to Track DH's Plaque reversal, as long as they were medically warranted (as not to tick off insurance I guess).
I went with DH to this new cardiologist, and although he was on the other side of town (Houston is very large mile-wise), DH was quite pleased with new cardiologist as compared to assigned cardiologist just because new cardiologist spent actual time assessing him properly and discussing treatment plans, which included Dr Davis' supplements. He went over each supplement DH was taking and seemed happy DH was taking them, and he ordered the advanced cholesterol panel - FINALLY! He didn't order the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) I wanted, since DH was still smoking - he considered it pointless until DH quit smoking. He said he'd order a Thyroid test, including T3 & T4, but then forgot to write it down. Oh well, we'll request it again when DH returns in two weeks. But I'm pleased we'll soon know his advanced cholesterol numbers so we can actually Track DH's Plaque to see whether the supplements are bringing down the bad cholesterols and increasing the good cholesterol. I'm thinking the HeartScan will be the test that determines if the Vit K2 is doing any good, as the Vit K2 allegedly "melts away" the calcium deposits that the bad cholesterols adhere to to cause plaques (I'm getting tired, and couldn't come up with the wording to avoid "to to" -- sorry).
Meanwhile, I'm going to restock DH's E-Cig supply, and buy him OTC Nicotine Patches so he can wean down his nicotine addiction gradually.
Researching Supplements: Pulmonary Fibrosis
Between my husband's heart attack in Aug 2012, my new diagnosis of pre-diabetes, my brother's gout (my uric acid's been borderline too!), and Daddy's Pulmonary Fibrosis due to welding with certain solders back in the old days before they knew certain solders required masks, I've spent a lot of time researching supplements/nutraceuticals/super-foods that have been proven to work for certain health conditions. I'll also consider anecdotal claims if the person/group making the claims seem reliable and aren't making a profit from their claims.
Daddy's Pulmonary Fibrosis
I got lucky with Daddy's Pulmonary Fibrosis -- of course it won't be cured, but we all accept that Pulmonary Fibrosis will cause/contribute to Daddy's early passing. But if I can find something to ease his breathing, I'll sure spend some money to see if it helps. There's not a lot of sites discussing natural/alternative "treatments" for Pulmonary Fibrosis, so most of what I used was from Ted of EarthClinic, and Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. Here's what I sent Daddy for his Pulmonary Fibrosis via Amazon. I think the ACV helps the Serrapeptase (taken on EMPTY stomach) melt the fibrins binding Daddy's lungs. I don't remember exactly what the NAC does, but I've seen it mentioned in other pulmonary help sites.
Daddy said about ten days after taking the stuff I sent, he thought he noticed he was breathing easier, and thought he was able to take more steps before becoming winded, but wasn't sure if maybe he was falling for wishful thinking. He brought it up to his Hospice Nurses, they assessed him, and then reduced his visits from twice weekly to once weekly! Also, before he started the supplements I sent, he'd get winded talking on the phone, which didn't work well with old-people'itis (talking & talking & talking LOL). Our last two conversations were 37 and 22 minutes with him barely getting winded at all! Of course, this is all with his O2, but he was getting winded just talking on the phone when he was wearing the O2, so it seems to me his breathing did ease up somewhat. I can't cure my 72 yo Daddy, but I'm so happy I was able to help make him breath easier!
I'll post about my husband's heart disease in its own post, since this post is already long ^_^
Daddy's Pulmonary Fibrosis
I got lucky with Daddy's Pulmonary Fibrosis -- of course it won't be cured, but we all accept that Pulmonary Fibrosis will cause/contribute to Daddy's early passing. But if I can find something to ease his breathing, I'll sure spend some money to see if it helps. There's not a lot of sites discussing natural/alternative "treatments" for Pulmonary Fibrosis, so most of what I used was from Ted of EarthClinic, and Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. Here's what I sent Daddy for his Pulmonary Fibrosis via Amazon. I think the ACV helps the Serrapeptase (taken on EMPTY stomach) melt the fibrins binding Daddy's lungs. I don't remember exactly what the NAC does, but I've seen it mentioned in other pulmonary help sites.
Daddy said about ten days after taking the stuff I sent, he thought he noticed he was breathing easier, and thought he was able to take more steps before becoming winded, but wasn't sure if maybe he was falling for wishful thinking. He brought it up to his Hospice Nurses, they assessed him, and then reduced his visits from twice weekly to once weekly! Also, before he started the supplements I sent, he'd get winded talking on the phone, which didn't work well with old-people'itis (talking & talking & talking LOL). Our last two conversations were 37 and 22 minutes with him barely getting winded at all! Of course, this is all with his O2, but he was getting winded just talking on the phone when he was wearing the O2, so it seems to me his breathing did ease up somewhat. I can't cure my 72 yo Daddy, but I'm so happy I was able to help make him breath easier!
I'll post about my husband's heart disease in its own post, since this post is already long ^_^
How to get prescribed meds with standing refills on same refill schedule
Hubby's dr added a new prescription, but it was in the middle of hubby's other prescriptions' refill time. We couldn't order refills via our pharmacy's website for all his drugs because it wouldn't let us, due to insurance restrictions.
So Tiffani from Walgreens on Fuqua set me up so that next month all hubby's prescriptions would be ready on the same day:
1. Optional, but recommended: Use a search engine with these keywords: "prescription discount card". There's more than a dozen. Just print out one of the cards and carry it with you to the pharmacy. Here's one that doesn't require your address or phone number: The Prescription Discount Card, and here's one I found for pet meds: Pet Medication Card.
3. Have pharmacy tech figure out how many pills are needed on new script/s so that their refill falls on same day as the rest, then pay cash for just those pills, using the prescription discount card you printed to reduce the price.
Luckily, hubby's new drug wasn't so expensive that we couldn't afford to pay cash (minus discount) for the luxury of having all his refills falling on the same day.
But maybe the next new prescription might be an expensive one, so on hubby's next visit, I'm going to figure out how many days remain in his current refill-cycle, then if dr orders a new script, I'll have hubby request enough samples to carry him through to the next refill cycle. They might not have samples, but it doesn't hurt to ask, or they might not give away enough to carry us completely through to the next refill day, but any samples at all is less to buy at the pharmacy.
Now that all his drugs will be ready on the same day, Tiffani set us up for auto-refills. I feel better that someone that's experienced with the system set that up for us - as we're still learning how to manage numerous prescriptions by ordering them through the pharmacy website.
Next step will be asking insurance for 3 month deliveries, once I get my single prescription synced with my hubby's. Since hubby's monthly cycle begins on the 3rd day of the month, I'll aiming to receive our first 3-month supply on November 3rd, because on that 3-month cycle, we'll receive a 3-month supply on July 3rd, to carry us through hurricane season without worrying about interruption.
So Tiffani from Walgreens on Fuqua set me up so that next month all hubby's prescriptions would be ready on the same day:
1. Optional, but recommended: Use a search engine with these keywords: "prescription discount card". There's more than a dozen. Just print out one of the cards and carry it with you to the pharmacy. Here's one that doesn't require your address or phone number: The Prescription Discount Card, and here's one I found for pet meds: Pet Medication Card.
3. Have pharmacy tech figure out how many pills are needed on new script/s so that their refill falls on same day as the rest, then pay cash for just those pills, using the prescription discount card you printed to reduce the price.
Luckily, hubby's new drug wasn't so expensive that we couldn't afford to pay cash (minus discount) for the luxury of having all his refills falling on the same day.
But maybe the next new prescription might be an expensive one, so on hubby's next visit, I'm going to figure out how many days remain in his current refill-cycle, then if dr orders a new script, I'll have hubby request enough samples to carry him through to the next refill cycle. They might not have samples, but it doesn't hurt to ask, or they might not give away enough to carry us completely through to the next refill day, but any samples at all is less to buy at the pharmacy.
Now that all his drugs will be ready on the same day, Tiffani set us up for auto-refills. I feel better that someone that's experienced with the system set that up for us - as we're still learning how to manage numerous prescriptions by ordering them through the pharmacy website.
Next step will be asking insurance for 3 month deliveries, once I get my single prescription synced with my hubby's. Since hubby's monthly cycle begins on the 3rd day of the month, I'll aiming to receive our first 3-month supply on November 3rd, because on that 3-month cycle, we'll receive a 3-month supply on July 3rd, to carry us through hurricane season without worrying about interruption.
Labels:
health,
hurricane,
medicine,
pharmacy,
preparedness,
prescription,
refills,
sync
Houston's Taxis Fiesta are dreadful IMO
Many years ago I tried Taxis Fiesta (as not to be confused with Fiesta Taxi in LA, Ca), and back then they were very fast, so I continued to call them instead of Yellow Cab, which seem to take forever south of 610. But a few months ago, Fiesta sent someone that couldn't even understand driving/directional English - serious, he didn't understand turn right at the 2nd light, so I had to sit so he could see me in his rear-view mirror when I pointed which direction turn, and at each intersection had to point forward rather than my silence being assumed as continue in same direction until I say otherwise.
Fiesta was in my phone's history, so I called Fiesta instead of Yellow Cab. I'm sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard, recalled Fiesta - 20 minutes after original call - to see how much longer before my taxi arrived. Dispatch told me they haven't even arranged for a taxi yet! Twenty minutes after my first call! I could understand if they said it was arranged, but still 5-10 miles away, but it wasn't even arranged yet after 20 minutes.
I'm going back with Yellow Cab - I setup an account on their website, and next time I need a taxi for a timed appointment, I'll setup with Yellow Cab the night before, with a 45 minute window. But I'm taking the truck on Monday to be 100% sure I make my rescheduled dr appt.
Fiesta was in my phone's history, so I called Fiesta instead of Yellow Cab. I'm sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard, recalled Fiesta - 20 minutes after original call - to see how much longer before my taxi arrived. Dispatch told me they haven't even arranged for a taxi yet! Twenty minutes after my first call! I could understand if they said it was arranged, but still 5-10 miles away, but it wasn't even arranged yet after 20 minutes.
I'm going back with Yellow Cab - I setup an account on their website, and next time I need a taxi for a timed appointment, I'll setup with Yellow Cab the night before, with a 45 minute window. But I'm taking the truck on Monday to be 100% sure I make my rescheduled dr appt.
My Inflammotory IBS-C Triggers
My official diagnosis is IBS. But my second GI's partner said I'm probably sensitive to food additives - like he is. I asked this GI if there were tests to determine which additives I'm sensitive to, and he replied that "at this time, there's no medical tests" - that I'd have to eat whole foods until I was symptom-free, then challenge myself with commercial foods. If I paid close attention to the additives, then I might be able to figure out which additives triggered my IBS".
So far, I've figured that Carrageenan is my biggest trigger, followed by Annato and Nitrates. There's also an unknown additive in commercial broths/bouillon that cause me distress.
But now that my gut is so sensitive, large meals - even if all safe foods might bring on an attack. Also, eating the SAME meals in a row might trigger an attack - which means no leftovers.
As far as my IBS being IBS-C (Constipation vs Diarrhea, which would be IBS-D), my 2nd GI's partner speculated I react to allergies/sensitivities with an inflammatory response, rather than "leaking fluids" (as in runny nose, or diarrhea). I agree with his speculation, since when my sinus cavities swell instead of running. It's my personal opinion that the extreme swelling of my intestine either contributes, or possibly causes the constipation.
Which brings me to my other inflammation problem: Fifteen years ago, my sinus cavities swelled enough to cause me bad dizzy spells. But it happened again last week - I had to hold the walls to keep from falling! It was really bad the first day it happened, the second day I didn't have to hold walls, but still had a few milder dizzy spells. After that second day, I haven't been dizzy spells.
I made a Dr appt in the hopes of arranging a more advanced sinus regimen - I've been taking generic Benedryl when my sinuses feel swollen. But now that I've had another dizzy spell, I'm hoping the Dr will prescribe more anti-sinus meds to prevent future dizzy spells.
I'm also hoping the Dr will prescribe some kind of anti-nausea medicine - my pain medicine for the "IBS" episodes often makes me nauseous. Since Darvocet has been taken off the market, they changed my prescription to Vicodin, but then changed to Tramadol after Vicodin caused me to toss cookies. But Tramadol also causes me to toss cookies, even though I break the Tramadols in half. I've tolerated Phenergan pills, but after throwing them up, I'm hoping for an under-the-tongue, or a suppository version.
So far, I've figured that Carrageenan is my biggest trigger, followed by Annato and Nitrates. There's also an unknown additive in commercial broths/bouillon that cause me distress.
But now that my gut is so sensitive, large meals - even if all safe foods might bring on an attack. Also, eating the SAME meals in a row might trigger an attack - which means no leftovers.
As far as my IBS being IBS-C (Constipation vs Diarrhea, which would be IBS-D), my 2nd GI's partner speculated I react to allergies/sensitivities with an inflammatory response, rather than "leaking fluids" (as in runny nose, or diarrhea). I agree with his speculation, since when my sinus cavities swell instead of running. It's my personal opinion that the extreme swelling of my intestine either contributes, or possibly causes the constipation.
Which brings me to my other inflammation problem: Fifteen years ago, my sinus cavities swelled enough to cause me bad dizzy spells. But it happened again last week - I had to hold the walls to keep from falling! It was really bad the first day it happened, the second day I didn't have to hold walls, but still had a few milder dizzy spells. After that second day, I haven't been dizzy spells.
I made a Dr appt in the hopes of arranging a more advanced sinus regimen - I've been taking generic Benedryl when my sinuses feel swollen. But now that I've had another dizzy spell, I'm hoping the Dr will prescribe more anti-sinus meds to prevent future dizzy spells.
I'm also hoping the Dr will prescribe some kind of anti-nausea medicine - my pain medicine for the "IBS" episodes often makes me nauseous. Since Darvocet has been taken off the market, they changed my prescription to Vicodin, but then changed to Tramadol after Vicodin caused me to toss cookies. But Tramadol also causes me to toss cookies, even though I break the Tramadols in half. I've tolerated Phenergan pills, but after throwing them up, I'm hoping for an under-the-tongue, or a suppository version.
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