Hello Ladies!

It is hot, hot, hot in DE as well plus high humidity like in SC! It has been close to 100 degrees and 100% humidity the past 3 days so I have barely been outside. I had taken my granddaughter to an appointment a few days ago and came home feeling very fatigued from the heat despite being in an air-conditioned car & office.

I hear you Julia about wanting to appreciate every single day. Unfortunately we have entered the age group where friends & relatives are passing. I know it was tough on you to lose your friend especially the way she died. I had a close co-worker who died from the same disease and it was heart wrenching to see her suffer.

I ***** a lot, but I am SO grateful for so many things in my life. I have lost the majority of the weight I needed to lose so my quality of life improved greatly, I have a terrific husband, I am able to enjoy the things I love whether its working in the garden, reading a book or hiking in the woods, my family is close and we get along despite minor annoyances.

Sundays are relaxing for sure! I try to do as little as possible unless it is work around the house I enjoy doing or getting out to socialize. I love summer despite the heat b/c the whole season just seems to be more laid back.

Hope some others come to post as I miss the regular activity here.

Kathy

Summer is moving on very quickly, which in a way reminds me to grab life and enjoy it while I'm able to be active and healthy. I have recently lost two very close friends, one suddenly in an accident and the other in a disease that stole her movement and life over the period of eleven months. After watching and feeling both events I just want to appreciate every single day.

I live in California and it is hot these days. The heat is dry and not hard to take as long as you have air conditioning and don't work outside midday.

I hope everyone is healthy and hanging in emotionally. Wishing you a terrific Sunday!

Julia

I am sorry to hear you had the cancer. Probably the drugs that you are on - they are helping you - but may damage the small intestine lining. And not much you can do about that. That can create leaky gut, sensitivity and all different issues. And when you get a flare - the only thing you can do is to wait it out, as you try to limit the damage.

I get mostly constipation - but once in a while - I get the uncontrolled runs and the only thing I can do it to give it time and lots o liquid. I buy and make my own bone broth. And I always have enough for 2-3 days. just in case that is the only thing my body can tolerate.

My list of safe foods - I made that list based on experience, not testing. If food bothers me every time - it goes on "don't even think about it" list. When I eat something, and it makes me hurt at least 3 out of 5 times - it goes on the "not safe list- high risk". Some foods - I can have a bite or 2, once in a while. And on good days only. And if it is not raining. And if its fresh, but cooked really well and served with ghee...etc.. My gut is unpredictable.

And i get that with stress added - there is no "safe food".

I did not get tested for SIBO. The test itself can cause severe RH and the facility that does test like that did not want to take a risk if my BS would drop very low. My gastro told me that often SIBO test is not reliable, it can show as negative while people actually have it anyway. But my symptoms convinced him that I have it. He prescribed antibiotics for that. The antibiotic is very expensive, and only last year my insurance start covering that. But my copay is really high...

But - when my symptoms get out of control and I can't eat most carbs without crying in pain - or the spasms and pain become daily issue - I take 2 weeks treatment - get on a very specific diet and get better... Over last few years- I have more "good" months, than really bad ones. My last treatment was in January - I lost too much weight before that and could not stop losing. The only food I tolerated was meat- fat and pickles, and surprisingly - nuts and nut butters - but not a lot. But i could not eat any fruits or any carbs -starches, without getting a severe spasms and pain. No veggies except some cucumber or SF pickles. (no skin)

After my treatment - I can eat fruits and even bread once in a while. I am slowly healing my insides. Before I started treating my condition - I was having symptoms of multiple food allergies - leaky gut syndrome. Repeated allergy testing show no major food allergies, but I still get reaction to some foods.

Now - I can eat more things - variety of foods - even tomato based sauces - without having to take a pain pill.

I have to be careful - but I can travel now - and as long as I am careful - I can eat out every meal. We went on a 10 day cruise and i had a great time. I did not get sick even once.

Stress - the stress is always horrible for me. I often have to take something really strong when I deal with an unexpected stress (i.e. car accident) plus make sure my diet is very very light - and often just relay on liquids only - no food - until the stress is more manageable.

My doc put me on anxiety drugs - and we hope that would help some - I have a lot of stress work lately. I had days taht i just could not leave the house... I had to take muscle relaxants or narco -and i can't drive while on that. '

Hot compress on the belly and putting my knees up to my chest - helps some.. My cat is great- I thought him to sleep on my belly - he provides the pressure and the heat. My problem with stress sis that my gut stops working. It get "locked" up. When that happens - the only thing I can do it drink liquids and try to relax.

I do hope your flare does not last very long. wishing you best.

I never knew you were sick.. I am so sorry to hear that. Caregiver role is very hard. Mentally and it can be very physically. My BF sister does that, and the mental part doe snot bother her - but I can see that physically she should not do that...and since I am really not relate do her - I try to stay out of the drama. Since I have been with my BF- he is much better with limiting how her stuff is affecting him. She is an adult and she does as she wises...

I hope you recover completely... good luck.

Hala.

hi. losing the regain is hard. Been there. But it can be done - one pound at a time. Good luck.