Please help me. I don't know if I can go on like this.

[plain jane]

:crying:

 

I really need some help/encouragement/advice right now and I know that this can be a good place to turn.

 

I've shared before that my family is a nightmare for food allergies and sensitivities. I have no idea where they all came from as pre-kids, dh and I had no issues with food. Now, between us and the kids, here's a list of foods that can't be eaten:

 

gluten

oats

white rice

dairy (all, even minute amounts in seasoning)

eggs

soy

corn

potatos

pork

chicken

turkey

rice milk

almond milk

apples

strawberries

cherries

broccoli

beans

bananas

tree nuts

There's more, I just can't think of them right now.

 

Of course, this isn't everyone so I often cook 2 to 3 different meals for every meal of the day. :blink:

 

And now, the super whammer... since baby's been born, I've been having gallbladder issues. :( No full out attack (thank heavens!) but I have the feeling (and pain) of having a bowling ball under my ribs 24/7. It keeps me up at night so I'm not sleeping properly and nothing helps the pain. I can eat, I can not eat. The only change is sometimes it gets worse. :glare: Then I'm in a great deal of pain and can't function.

 

I don't want to lose my gallbladder for various reasons, but I don't know what to do. What I am losing instead, is my mind. :glare: I don't know what to do. I want to go see a naturapath but the one I see isn't able to help me with this issue. I looked into another one and they want $287 for the first consult and $95 for each one after. :blink: I'm not comfortable doing a flush/cleanse or whatever on my own just with info on the internet because I'm nursing a baby who is not even old enough for solid foods.

 

Seriously, I'm going crazy. It's so dang hard to cook a meal when you feel yuck. Plus, I am trying to find enough food that I can eat so that I can maintain a good milk supply for the baby. :willy_nilly:

 

I'm just plain miserable. I hate food. I hate eating. I hate that I have to think of food and eating at least 3 times per day. So, most of the time, I cry. I feel so defeated.

 

Oh, please, someone here have some advice for me. Or pity. I'll take that too at this point. :tongue_smilie:

Edited August 17, 2011 by plain jane

[Jennifer3141]

Have your gallbladder removed. If it is impeding your ability to sleep and cook for your family, I don't see how you have any choice.

[plain jane]

Have your gallbladder removed. If it is impeding your ability to sleep and cook for your family, I don't see how you have any choice.

 

Well, I've heard that removal isn't always the answer and that issues can go on despite not having one anymore. Not to mention the issues that can crop up from not having one. Sigh.

[LittleIzumi]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Can you see a nutritionist or dietitian to help you come up with meals with the restrictions, or do you feel like you have the meal plans under control & just need your gallbladder out to be able to cook them? :grouphug:

[Nakia]

I have no words. I am so very sorry. :grouphug:

[Mommy22alyns]

:grouphug:

[FairProspects]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Can you see a nutritionist or dietitian to help you come up with meals with the restrictions, or do you feel like you have the meal plans under control & just need your gallbladder out to be able to cook them? :grouphug:

 

:iagree:with this suggestion. I nearly saw one after we learned about all of ds's allergies. I hear you about food planning and prep consuming your day though, its frequently all I think about here too :grouphug: (and I hated cooking even before allergies!).

[plain jane]

Can you see a nutritionist or dietitian to help you come up with meals with the restrictions, or do you feel like you have the meal plans under control & just need your gallbladder out to be able to cook them?

 

:smilielol5::smilielol5: Your post cracked me up. LOL. No, I have nothing under control at this point. :lol::lol::lol: Not. one. thing. :willy_nilly:

 

Thanks for the advice- I'll see what's available in my area for nutritionist/dietician. Thing is, those can be very expensive too & eating gluten free, we need that extra money for food. :001_huh:

[Parrothead]

:grouphug: Look into what happened. What caused the sudden intolerance for you and dh. It is my understanding (and I could be wrong) that these things happen for a reason not just out of the blue.

[plain jane]

:iagree:with this suggestion. I nearly saw one after we learned about all of ds's allergies. I hear you about food planning and prep consuming your day though, its frequently all I think about here too :grouphug: (and I hated cooking even before allergies!).

 

I hate cooking too. But, of course, we can't exactly just go out to eat and nobody ever invites us to dinner. :tongue_smilie: It's okay, restaurants with little kids have never exactly been my cuppa :001_rolleyes:.

 

The friends part is hard though. We have to pass up on so much & I can see how all this affects my kids when they can't do last minute picnics at co-op or invites to friends' houses. I just don't know what went wrong in our family. :(

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Have your gallbladder removed. If it is impeding your ability to sleep and cook for your family, I don't see how you have any choice.

 

:grouphug::iagree:I waited over 12 years to have my gallbladder out and I suffered needlessly. Having it out was a godsend and easy. I was home that afternoon:D

 

As for the allergies, are these all true allergies diagnosed by an allergist or just insensitivities? Some test can give false positive results:(:grouphug::grouphug:

[Pink Fairy]

No advice, but lots of hugs and pity and encouragement (go Jane!) coming your way. :grouphug: I imagine that having a nursing baby means your hormones are still a little wacky, which can make the difficult seem impossible. So more hugs! :grouphug:

[plain jane]

:grouphug: Look into what happened. What caused the sudden intolerance for you and dh. It is my understanding (and I could be wrong) that these things happen for a reason not just out of the blue.

 

The food stuff is mostly in the kids, not dh an I. For me, my problem is my gallbladder & with nursing- watching what foods make my baby have symptoms.

 

The list above is overall, for everyone, not just one person. For example, only 2 of us can't have gluten and one of us can't have pork, sort of thing. Thankfully (or not?) it's not all inclusive for everyone.

[4wildberrys]

:smilielol5::smilielol5: Your post cracked me up. LOL. No, I have nothing under control at this point. :lol::lol::lol: Not. one. thing. :willy_nilly:

 

Thanks for the advice- I'll see what's available in my area for nutritionist/dietician. Thing is, those can be very expensive too & eating gluten free, we need that extra money for food. :001_huh:

 

Have you seen a naturopath that specializes in food allergies? I HIGHLY recommend it! And I totally understand the expense----we have MANY off limits foods too---pretty much EVERYTHING that comes from a package or jar---meaning we cook every.single.meal ourselves from scratch! You could very well be dealing with candida issues which can most definitely cause your body to go haywire and reject that amount of foods you listed. In fact, a family here went through exactly what you are and dealt with their candida and those awful, restricting food issues almost all resolved. They are still gluten free----but can eat those foods that were making them sick.

 

I think if you can scrape some $$ together to see a natural specialist, it will be worth it. ALL that special diet cooking is exhausting :001_huh:

[JulieH]

Well, I've heard that removal isn't always the answer and that issues can go on despite not having one anymore. Not to mention the issues that can crop up from not having one. Sigh.

 

Lots of people have their gallbladder removed and never have another issue. I had mine out in 98 and was terribly ill prior to that. My father didn't do anything about his gallbladder attacks until he was *severely* ill in the hospital and it could have killed him. It took 3 days to stabilize him before he could even have surgery.

 

Some people have to avoid fatty foods after removal, but most do just fine. I've yet to meet one person who had gallstones and a real problem that didn't have it removed and it went away.

 

You will feel SO much better after it's outta there! It's a day procedure now..or maybe one overnight? and really not a big deal except for the relief you get. A gallbladder is not necessary for a happy, healthy life. :)

 

I hope you get some relief no matter what path you take. I know how absolutely MISERABLE and unbearable gallbladder attacks feel. :(

[plain jane]

:grouphug::iagree:I waited over 12 years to have my gallbladder out and I suffered needlessly. Having it out was a godsend and easy. I was home that afternoon:D

 

As for the allergies, are these all true allergies diagnosed by an allergist or just insensitivities? Some test can give false positive results:(:grouphug::grouphug:

 

Whatever they are (sensitivities or allergies), they have some pretty big reactions to the foods. :tongue_smilie:

[Tammyla]

Jane, you poor thing:grouphug:. Do you have a local grocery store that has a nutritionist / dietitian? Our local Hyvee stores have free classes and even individual meetings. They can be really helpful, because the food is right there and they are able to work up a meal plan along with the grocery list and recipes.

 

I feel for you dealing with cooking multiple meal when your gall bladder is giving you fits is a nightmare. I've gone pretty much vegetarian with a little fish and lots of dairy, no caffeine and I feel much better.

[plain jane]

Have you seen a naturopath that specializes in food allergies? I HIGHLY recommend it! And I totally understand the expense----we have MANY off limits foods too---pretty much EVERYTHING that comes from a package or jar---meaning we cook every.single.meal ourselves from scratch! You could very well be dealing with candida issues which can most definitely cause your body to go haywire and reject that amount of foods you listed. In fact, a family here went through exactly what you are and dealt with their candida and those awful, restricting food issues almost all resolved. They are still gluten free----but can eat those foods that were making them sick.

 

I think if you can scrape some $$ together to see a natural specialist, it will be worth it. ALL that special diet cooking is exhausting :001_huh:

 

We do see a naturapath and it's not candida issues in any of us. I wish. I had often hoped that it would be that (as difficult as it can be to deal with) because at least there could possibly an end ... an answer. But nope, it's not candida.

 

We're going to have to scrape up the money, I guess but it stresses me out. I've seen some lousy naturapaths in my day and don't want to go down that route again. :(

[newlifemom]

I'm so sorry.

[FairProspects]

The friends part is hard though. We have to pass up on so much & I can see how all this affects my kids when they can't do last minute picnics at co-op or invites to friends' houses. I just don't know what went wrong in our family. :(

 

Can you have some individual servings of food that are safe for each kid stored in the freezer?

 

We make gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free pizza bites ahead of time in muffin tins and then store them in the freezer so they can be re-heated and taken to picnics and such in a lunch box. We also have gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free cupcakes made up and frozen so that ds can take them to birthday parties or celebrations and still have cake. We also do this with waffles and muffins and a few other foods. They are labeled by name so we know which child's food they are.

 

It does take time and energy to stay ahead of the cooking and freezing, but it was so heartbreaking to see ds cry when he couldn't eat any of the food that we have gone over to freezing individual portions that we know are safe and portable.

[plain jane]

First, Jane, here is a big bucket of pity. (insert bucket) I get your frustration and I don't have as much to deal with as you do! I have similar complications, however, re: who in the family can/will eat what, so I thought I would mention some of the things I do to make things do-able.

 

You made a long list of all the things that have to be avoided for all the members of your family. But all of these do not apply to all of you.

 

Make a list of as many things as you can that all of the family CAN eat.

The make a list of the things that *each* member can't eat.

 

Then, cook your meals in pieces-parts.

Here is what I do: I cook stuff that has the things we all CAN eat, and then fill out with the individual needs of each.

 

So, for example, I will make a vegetable dish of cooked broccoli and carrots. We can (and will) all eat that.

 

I need brown (not white) rice, I make a big pot of that every three days, and use what I need as "ballast" under the veggie dish. I make noodles for my dh and son, and because one has dairy issues and the other doesn't, I split the noodles into two bowls and dress one with butter and the other with Earth Balance.

 

Or on another day, I will have my brown rice, and they will get the rice cooker for the day, and I'll make a big pot of white rice in the morning and they nosh on that for the day. (I love my very good rice cooker.)

 

If you have some family members who can eat chicken and others not, then do the same thing with the vegetable dish--when you are sauteeing it, cut some fried ground chicken into the vegetable dish AFTER separating out the portion for the one(s) who can't eat it.

 

It's more work, but it is not impossible...but it does take some practice.

 

Also, it looks from your list that you can eat lamb, rabbit, venison, buffalo and beef. Learn to use these meats (as you wish) for the protein in your diet. With gall bladder, you should stay away from lamb as it is fatty, but buffalo, venison and rabbit are very lean. And they taste good.

 

I cook three meals at dinner. Breakfast and lunch my dh gets for himself, and my son is going to start packing his own lunch this fall. He's 16, and can do this if he is so wrapped up in being picky about what he eats. That's what I say! My dh is retired and he has as much time to cook as I do. So he can get his breakfast and lunch. Dinner, the trick is to find the thing that works for everyone, and find the simple way to get the rest.

 

I'm sorry you are discouraged. I know how you feel...believe me. You woulnd't believe the kinds of things I have had to do over the years...but now that I've learned how to do them, it is pretty easy and I am darn fast and good at it. That said, i still look forward to my glass of wine with dinner as much as anything in my entire food life.

 

(Hugs)

 

:drool5: I would LOVE some wine. I'm just scared it would set my liver or gallbladder off right now. :willy_nilly:

 

Thanks for your post. You did describe a bit how I do things, but not quite that organized. My problem is we've run out of selection in our meals and we've started eating the same thing over and over. My repertoire is severely dwindling and we're all sort of miserable about it, to be honest.

 

We've been eating a lot of beef, which I suspect is a good part of why my gallbladder is all of a sudden hating me. :glare: I will look into where to buy buffalo as I'm not a huge fan of venison. I do like buffalo but have been in such a rut I forgot about it.

 

Thanks for this post. It gives me hope. I need a lot of that right now. :)

[plain jane]

Can you have some individual servings of food that are safe for each kid stored in the freezer?

 

We make gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free pizza bites ahead of time in muffin tins and then store them in the freezer so they can be re-heated and taken to picnics and such in a lunch box. We also have gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free cupcakes made up and frozen so that ds can take them to birthday parties or celebrations and still have cake. We also do this with waffles and muffins and a few other foods. They are labeled by name so we know which child's food they are.

 

It does take time and energy to stay ahead of the cooking and freezing, but it was so heartbreaking to see ds cry when he couldn't eat any of the food that we have gone over to freezing individual portions that we know are safe and portable.

 

Do you have some recipes you could share? Or a book or where to look for gluten free, dairy free, egg free recipes? I would greatly appreciate that.

 

I'm barely keeping my head above water right now that I can't fathom thinking ahead and being prepared. :lol: But, if I can get my gallbladder under control I think I can get to that point. lol

[JudoMom]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[plain jane]

I have no words. I am so very sorry. :grouphug:

 

:grouphug:

 

I'm so sorry.

 

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

 

Thanks. I feel like such a whiner, but with school starting up soon, I'm completely overwhelmed as to how I'm going to handle all of this. :(

[sunflowerlady]

I had my gallbladder removed about 10 years ago or so. No more problems since.

 

:grouphug:

[FairProspects]

Do you have some recipes you could share? Or a book or where to look for gluten free, dairy free, egg free recipes? I would greatly appreciate that.

 

I'm barely keeping my head above water right now that I can't fathom thinking ahead and being prepared. :lol: But, if I can get my gallbladder under control I think I can get to that point. lol

 

Sure! My favorite for cupcakes and cookies is:

 

Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook

 

She tells you how to substitute almost any ingredient. She also has a great pizza crust recipe in this book, although for our pizza bites right now we just use a mix from the gluten-free section of Kroger and substitute Spectrum Vegetable Shortening for butter, and Ener-G Egg replacer for eggs. We also use olive oil and water or rice milk (but hemp milk would work too) instead of milk.

 

For muffins and other kid-food like Mac n' cheese, chicken nuggets, even crackers, I like:

 

Allergy-proof recipes for Kids

 

This author does use cornstarch, but I think she tells you what to substitute (maybe tapioca or potato starch?) if your kids are allergic to that as well.

 

The recipes from both books are highly customizable since they know they are speaking to people with lots of varied allergies. HTH!

 

ETA: We have to head out to TaeKwon Do now, but I'll check back later to see if I can be of any more help.

Edited August 17, 2011 by FairProspects

[plain jane]

Sure! My favorite for cupcakes and cookies is:

 

Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook

 

She tells you how to substitute almost any ingredient. She also has a great pizza crust recipe in this book, although for our pizza bites right now we just use a mix from the gluten-free section of Kroger and substitute Spectrum Vegetable Shortening for butter, and Ener-G Egg replacer for eggs. We also use olive oil and water or rice milk (but hemp milk would work too) instead of milk.

 

For muffins and other kid-food like Mac n' cheese, chicken nuggets, even crackers, I like:

 

Allergy-proof recipes for Kids

 

This author does use cornstarch, but I think she tells you what to substitute (maybe tapioca or potato starch?) if your kids are allergic to that as well.

 

The recipes from both books are highly customizable since they know they are speaking to people with lots of varied allergies. HTH!

 

ETA: We have to head out to TaeKwon Do now, but I'll check back later to see if I can be of any more help.

 

oh my. I think I love you!!! :001_wub: In fact, I know I love you. :001_wub::001_wub: Thank you, thank you, thank you. :grouphug:

[LittleIzumi]

Weird suggestion, but it worked here--energy work. (A friend with a multiple food allergy kid, tested very positive, now has a zero food allergy kid.) I've heard great things about NAET, too. As for the food, if you find some recipies that work for all or even half of the family, you can make a TON & freeze a ton in a deep freezer, and do that with several different meals, and then once the cooking weekend is over you can just reheat.

[Sevilla]

Here is my theory: Something went wrong in your body, and that got passed onto your kids during pregnancy (my first guess would be gut issues).

 

In your circumstances, I might consider something very radical like GAPS diet. I'd also look into complementing western medicine with alternative medicine. Something is not right with your health and it shouldn't have to stay this way.

[bagel270]

Get some multi-enzyme supplements from Walmart, and take a couple after every meal. They taste and smell nasty because they have ox bile in them, but they work. Safe during pregnancy, and I've used them while nursing.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

This could turn out wrong, but as of today (MRI in a few weeks to confirm)- My father's gallbladder stopped functioning and was producing basically sludge. This sludge caused a 5cm cyst in his pancreas, and severe pancreatitis. He was in the hospital for a week. He was unable to eat or drink anything for a few days, then had to eat a soft/liquid diet, then was extremely restricted. He was only able to eat low protein, low fat, simple carbs, and minimal veggies. He looked and felt terrible, and for at least a week we were told his problem could have been pancreatic cancer.

 

He had his gallbladder removed last friday and is already feeling much better than he has for months. He will have an MRI in a few weeks to make sure the cyst is reducing in size. We were told that once the gallbladder dies, it doesn't come back, and can cause multiple problems. We were also told that when the GB is removed, other organs will perform the needed duties, so the long term risk of removing the GB is much lower than the problems a dying GB can cause.

 

I've only ever dealt with a dairy allergy, and gluten issues, so I have no advice.

[LittleIzumi]

Do you have some recipes you could share? Or a book or where to look for gluten free, dairy free, egg free recipes? I would greatly appreciate that.

 

I'm barely keeping my head above water right now that I can't fathom thinking ahead and being prepared. :lol: But, if I can get my gallbladder under control I think I can get to that point. lol

 

 

http://www.foodallergy.org/recipes

You can click on your specific allergies. We use it for dairy-free/egg-free/peanut-free/treenut-free recipes.

[DianeW88]

What kind of reaction do your family members have when they consume the foods on your list?

[plain jane]

What kind of reaction do your family members have when they consume the foods on your list?

 

a lot of them- violent vomiting

 

the broccoli, bananas and tree nuts make throats itchy. I was told these are oral allergies not "true" allergies by the allergy doc. At any rate, they need to be avoided. :)

 

the rice milk & almond milk cause horrid lower stomach aches prior to BM (in 2 of my kids, not me ;))

 

the rest cause severe nausea but no vomiting

 

None of the stuff listed causes diarrea or stomach pains of any sorts once vomiting is done. :tongue_smilie:

[lea1]

I had my gall bladder removed also, was in incredible pain before, and am just fine now. I know I will pay if I eat greasy foods so I stay away from them, for the most part. Other than that, I feel great.

 

My surgery was out patient and I was home by afternoon. The surgeon said my gall bladder was almost in shreds.

 

If your gall bladder is bothering you and hurting you that much/often, it may be too far gone. The sooner you have it taken out, the sooner you will feel better. I was very sick to my stomach and did not feel like eating at all before mine came out.

 

:grouphug::grouphug: I hope you find some help.

[justamouse]

Make a list of as many things as you can that all of the family CAN eat.

 

The make a list of the things that *each* member can't eat.

 

Then, cook your meals in pieces-parts.

Here is what I do: I cook stuff that has the things we all CAN eat, and then fill out with the individual needs of each.

 

So, for example, I will make a vegetable dish of cooked broccoli and carrots. We can (and will) all eat that.

 

I need brown (not white) rice, I make a big pot of that every three days, and use what I need as "ballast" under the veggie dish. I make noodles for my dh and son, and because one has dairy issues and the other doesn't, I split the noodles into two bowls and dress one with butter and the other with Earth Balance.

 

Or on another day, I will have my brown rice, and they will get the rice cooker for the day, and I'll make a big pot of white rice in the morning and they nosh on that for the day. (I love my very good rice cooker.)

 

If you have some family members who can eat chicken and others not, then do the same thing with the vegetable dish--when you are sauteeing it, cut some fried ground chicken into the vegetable dish AFTER separating out the portion for the one(s) who can't eat it.

 

It's more work, but it is not impossible...but it does take some practice.

 

Also, it looks from your list that you can eat lamb, rabbit, venison, buffalo and beef. Learn to use these meats (as you wish) for the protein in your diet. With gall bladder, you should stay away from lamb as it is fatty, but buffalo, venison and rabbit are very lean. And they taste good.

 

I'm sorry you are discouraged. I know how you feel...believe me. You wouldn't believe the kinds of things I have had to do over the years...but now that I've learned how to do them, it is pretty easy and I am darn fast and good at it. That said, i still look forward to my glass of wine with dinner as much as anything in my entire food life.

 

(Hugs)

 

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

When the twins went from breast to solids, our world turned upsidedown. They were allergic to everything. I totally get that frustration of not being able to use a go to meal anymore. After four years of being very strict, we were able to add things back in, but man, that was insane (and I had just had #6, too).

 

Here's the thing-I think you're going to need a lot of diligence, dicipline and self motivation right now to get through this--but you don't have it because you're sick. You are on the plane, the oxygen masks just released and you SHOULD be putting the mask on yourself, but you aren't. :glare: <That is my mommy face.

 

If you still choose not to get the operation, then what Patty Joanna said is what worked for us.

 

I made a list of everything we COULD eat, and made menus out of that. I shopped off my menu every week. Then, I cooked in advance because learning how to cook all of that stuff spur of the moment took time. There's a learning curve while everyone adjusts. Also, I made a list of pick up and go food, so that when we were invited to whatnot, our mealplans didn't hold us back. Nani was the only one that cooked for us according to allergies, and only because that's the way she loves us. We didn't go anywhere, otherwise. (((hugs)))

 

All that said, allow yourself to just have a good cry right now. Your world just got tilted and it's OK to hate it all. Then resolve to be strong through this and git R done.

Edited August 17, 2011 by justamouse
meow killed

[amyable]

I have no good advice other than a few things that have already been said, but much sympathy/empathy - I have cried over meals and shopping and cooking many more times than I'd like to admit, and our issues surrounding food are much less severe than yours. So many :grouphug: for you!

[leeannpal]

Well, I've heard that removal isn't always the answer and that issues can go on despite not having one anymore. Not to mention the issues that can crop up from not having one. Sigh.

What issues crop up from not having one? Mine was removed over a year ago after I spent months in pain just as you describe. I still have issues if I eat too much, especially fatty foods, but I can control that.

[kalanamak]

Lots of people have their gallbladder removed and never have another issue. I had mine out in 98 and was terribly ill prior to that. My father didn't do anything about his gallbladder attacks until he was *severely* ill in the hospital and it could have killed him. It took 3 days to stabilize him before he could even have surgery.

 

The people I find who "still have issues" had very vague symptoms of probably irritable bowel, and when the gall bladder is removed in desperation, discover they still have the (not the gb in the first place) problems. My favourite was a lady who, after gb out had the pain move to "the other side", then ask me if it was possibly her spleen.

[torikei]

BetaFood by Standard Process has really helped my gall bladder. I have Factor 5 Leiden, a genetic disorder, that predisposes me to blood clots. Due to this, I avoid surgery if possible. Really has helped my gall bladder.

 

As far as your allergies, is it possible there is mold in your home. I have seen similar issues caused by exposure to mold. :grouphug:

 

Tori

[4everHis]

Well, I've heard that removal isn't always the answer and that issues can go on despite not having one anymore. Not to mention the issues that can crop up from not having one. Sigh.

 

My dh has his removed and yet still feels all the same issues as before except the all out attack. This may sound crazy but when I started drinking lots of water I quit feeling that ball under the rib cage thing. Worth a try. I'm sorry you are having to figure all this out. What a nightmare!:grouphug:

[Oops, duplicate account :/]

We have multiple family food allergies and diet restrictions too. I make and serve everyone the same meal at meal times. Works well here and is a real sanity saver. My second suggestion is to try supplementing ox bile with meals for gall bladder issues. It's inexpensive and if you take the time to read the reviews, you'll find that it's worked wonders for others. I love it. :001_smile:

 

http://www.iherb.com/Nutricology-Ox-Bile-100-Veggie-Caps/3451?at=0

[momacacia]

:crying:

 

I'm just plain miserable. I hate food. I hate eating. I hate that I have to think of food and eating at least 3 times per day. So, most of the time, I cry. I feel so defeated.

 

Jane,

 

I completely understand. We follow a medical protocol diet as a family and everything is from scratch. Oh, wait! I can buy mustard off the shelf, but thats it. ;). So, I very much know the frustration, constant cooking, and "what's safe?". Even now, DH is hunting up the sausage recipe as the ground beef I pulled out thaws so we can prep a casserole for breakfast tomorrow. We're so tired of eggs and bacon, oh, and school starts in a week? :tongue_smilie:

 

I do have advice for you, though, since you asked for it. ;). Take a look into the Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. She has a book by the same title. There is a yahoo group which is WONDERFUL and will answer your questions of "could this diet be for me, etc." it is a Lot of work, thug, but people have seen amazing healing on it. The yahoo group is called "Digestive Healing and GAPS" if you want to search for it.

 

Best wishes!

Wendy

[SonshineLearner]

Lots of pity!! We have peanut allergies and I have fruit and veggie allergies. For your child who's allergic to bananas... not sure if they are allergic to avocados, too. BUT, be aware that this allergy can be a "sign" that they are at risk for allergy to latex. SO, be very careful to not have your child be around latex. The better at keeping them away from latex... the better their chances of not developing the latex allergy.

As far as allergies... you have so many... and that's really hard. I would consider going to a DR that uses Eastern Meds to see if we could find a course to help "Cure" some of the allergies. Sometimes, some of them... I've heard... can be worked out. The fruit ones (and did you list any veggies) are from being allergic to pollens. (don't know if this is always true or not)

Sorry :(

[gardenmom5]

rice milk actually has gluten in it (one SPD GF mom was irate when she realized it) - so if you're sensitive to gluten, you'll also be sensitive to that.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

a lot of them- violent vomiting

 

the broccoli, bananas and tree nuts make throats itchy. I was told these are oral allergies not "true" allergies by the allergy doc. At any rate, they need to be avoided. :)

 

the rice milk & almond milk cause horrid lower stomach aches prior to BM (in 2 of my kids, not me ;))

 

the rest cause severe nausea but no vomiting

 

None of the stuff listed causes diarrea or stomach pains of any sorts once vomiting is done. :tongue_smilie:

Did an allergist say these were not true allergies? I ask because itchy throat is considered a sign of a serious reaction from what I understand. Also, stomach aches could be a sign as well.

Have they been seen by an allergist for skin testing and the RAST test? Or a food challenge which is necessary in some cases? A naturopath is ok but they also need definitive medical care by an allergist IMHO.

I would want a dual pack epi-pens and melt-a-way triaminic allergy strips on hand at all times. I am sorry if I am being redundant but I have not followed your allergy posts if you have posted before about this.

 

 

IMHO I would also definitely get your gallbladder out since I believe that there is no evidence that natural methods work. It sounds like you are suffering:( Why risk more serious problems with your gallbladder which can be life-threatening as when your gallbladder ruptures.

:grouphug:

Edited August 18, 2011 by priscilla

[FairProspects]

rice milk actually has gluten in it (one SPD GF mom was irate when she realized it) - so if you're sensitive to gluten, you'll also be sensitive to that.

 

:confused:

 

My Pacific Foods rice milk specifically states "gluten-free" on the front in large lettering and I just read every ingredient and none of them are even slightly suspicious. Is this in reference to certain brands?

[mirth]

:grouphug: Our family doesn't have as many restrictions as yours, but it took me a long time to surrender to the conclusion that cooking and feeding them is top of the list priority in my workload.

 

I'd say second only to getting help for your gb problem, is to move heaven and earth to prevent the baby from developing a similar large set of food allergies. My layperson advice is to find a really up-to-date ped allergist to talk over this and in the meantime, if the baby isn't having any problems, avoid niche diets which advocate eliminating whole food groups (since your diet is the baby's diet).

 

Lastly, if you do reach the point where you don't care what anyone eats or feel you can physically control all the x-contam anymore, tell your dh, your mother, his mother, all the ladies at church, etc. Tell the kids even. My point is that before you break, at least let *everyone* know you're about to.

 

Honey I think what you need is a solid week where everyone gets their own labeled bullet blender cup and only drinks smoothies of their allowed foods. They'll be fine.

[JulieH]

The people I find who "still have issues" had very vague symptoms of probably irritable bowel, and when the gall bladder is removed in desperation, discover they still have the (not the gb in the first place) problems. My favourite was a lady who, after gb out had the pain move to "the other side", then ask me if it was possibly her spleen.

 

I have some irritable bowel issues but very vague symptoms are absolutely NOTHING compared to full blown miserable gall bladder attacks. I'll take vague irritable bowel symptoms over "rolling over in agony, unable to function symptoms" any day of the week! Also, gall stones can lead to some serious infections and acute pancreatitis which can be very very dangerous.

[sbgrace]

:grouphug::grouphug: I'm sorry. I know food can be so overwhelming and you're dealing with more restrictions than us (and I thought we were bad).

 

My mom got great relief from gall bladder removal. I know that doesn't happen for everyone and I understand why you're cautious.

 

I know you said it's weary inducing but I don't think varied and changing meals are at all practical when you're juggling multiple "big" food allergies.

We eat the same four day rotation of meals--day 1 menu, day 2 (different foods and ingredients), 3 (different foods), 4 (different foods), repeat day 1 meals. Some meals do involve different dishes for different people but my plan over-laps ingredients or prep work whenever possible. It also includes some make ahead and freeze. I know what we're eating breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner any day of the week for the indefinite future. Boring? I guess. My kids are used to it I suppose. I was making myself absolutely nuts trying to do varied and it wasn't doing my major allergy guy any favors as I tended to repeat ingredients. Now he doesn't repeat foods in any four day period except a few things I'm confident aren't going to go allergy on him due to lots of tolerated exposure. I do try to make sure the meals in a given day are varied too. Maybe that helps keep the boredom away.

 

At any rate when I set up this system I finally felt sane about food. It's still a pain to have to cook multiple "from scratch" things meal in and meal out but I no longer have to think about it aside from stocked ingredients.

Edited August 18, 2011 by sbgrace