Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[tabasco32]

It's funny

What I want to eat? I am ssooo craving wheaties, cream of wheat, shredded wheat, anything wheat, lucky charms, ice cream, pumpkin pie, pineapple pie, strawberry shortcake, pancakes, potatoes, spaghetti. And guess what? My mom made tri tip sandwiches today. ugh. Can I borrow your handgun. Just kidding Right now I am eating brown rice pasta, eggs, ground turkey meat, yellow squash, green squash, carrots, butternut squash, beans. Thats all I can eat because of my bladder. Can mercury mess up your bladder too? OR candida cause cystitis?

[Rachel--24]

It's funny

What I want to eat? I am ssooo craving wheaties, cream of wheat, shredded wheat, anything wheat, lucky charms, ice cream, pumpkin pie, pineapple pie, strawberry shortcake, pancakes, potatoes, spaghetti.

Well....I definately dont think its a good idea to eat any of that stuff. Wow...gluten withdrawl??

I'm not sure anyone should eat Lucky Charms.

Ok....plan B...

Dont eat whatever you want.

Sounds like you're doing pretty well with your current diet...as far as the bladder symptoms which were the worst. Yeah...mercury and candida can mess up everything...incuding your bladder.

You're right about the veggies being moldy...I have the same problem. I'm not buying anything fresh right now except for lettuce, yams and potatoes.

Have you tried frozen veggies?? I'm doing pretty well with some of these. I'm eating organic frozen peas and asaparagus...also some Obriens potatoes. I havent expanded too much yet but will later on.

I make sure theres nothing added....just the veggies...no sugar or anything else.

It might not be a bad idea to try the warm water enema if you're comfortable with it...it might be a better option than the milk of magnesia.

I'll work on finding out if theres anyone good in your area. Theres gotta be someone with experience but might not be in Fresno.

Tri-tip sandwiches....OMG...my mouth is watering. I love it...with lots of mayonaise. I'm a freak about mayonaise on my sandwiches.

[tabasco32]

yup my mom has the mayo and bbq sauce on the counter. oh and for dessert, cheesecake ice cream. Um I will look into the warm water enymas, constipation worse after work on almagams. constipated in my small intestine and not fun. Will these work if you get constipated in your small intestine, and rachel can I take charcoal everyday ? I thought peas were bad for candida? Potatoes make me sleepy. did you have bladder problems too?

[diamondheart]

So then I went ahead and did my first castor oil pack. OMG....it was even worse than the enemas. Now I'm realizing its an accumulation of all those toxins being mobilized. Coffee enema especially stimulates the liver to dump toxins....and I imagine not all of them are getting excreted.

Bummer about the castor oil pack. I never thought of it as loosening toxins. Maybe it's just the castor oil itself. I noticed that my bottle of castor oil had a little bit of mold in the bottom of it today . Needless to say, it got tossed.

Kefir enema?? Oh my, the thought of it makes me shudder. Ewww.

I have actually thought about doing this, or with probiotics. I don't see how that stuff makes it down to the end of your colon alive otherwise?! I have the most problems with my descending colon (that's the end of the colon).

I had much more to say, but so much to do today, and must sign off. I am going to spend time with my girl....who just about stroked out on our walk. I waited too late in the day, and it was too hot for her, I think, with all her other ailments. We walked at a snail's pace through the orchard (while Annie ran wild, which is good - - makes her tired), and Tika fell over a couple of times. We stopped and rested several times. I am heartbroken......so I"m modifying things.....I'm doing okay though, and I just need to keep my old girl cool and comfy. Am going to look into the arthritis/glucosamine med my doctor talked about - - I just need to find out what it really is and find it CHEAPER. anybody know anything?

Gosh, I don't know. Has Stinker been checked for diabetes? I just ask because of the wobbling around and falling over. Our cat was like that when his blood sugar wasn't controlled. It's no fun having your pets get old and frail .

I read alot on LN where they're saying how dangerous all this wireless stuff is....especially cell phones with all the cell phone towers, etc. Its kind of scary.

I think the world has just become way too toxic....I dont think Lyme would be as much a threat w/out all this stuff we're surrounded with day after day. Its just too much for our bodies to deal with...I dont think we're really designed for all this.

And what does sitting in front of a computer do for you? It can't be good with all that electromagnetic radiation. My birth intuitive alerted me to the problems with cell phones. I guess you can buy these things to put on your cell phone that takes care of the problems with them. When I'm more coherent, I'll post a few links. I haven't gotten one yet, but I really should. I mean, I keep my cell phone in my pocket right next to my ovaries :o . Just think what it does to your intestines!

Claire

P.S. Haven't forgotten about the castor oil pack instructions.

[AndreaB]

Ok guys.....didn't I tell you all not to talk too much today!

Well, start out now, and I'll make another one next week!

There was an article about Lyme Disease today on the first page of our local paper. Here's the link--

Open Original Shared Link

That was a good article.

Well my Sunday has started out really bad. I woke up at 7 am and I've been a frantic mess ever since.

Glad you found your phone.

I'm thinking things will work out with seeing Dr. Amy as well. I'd definately call and find out why you weren't contacted.

That is so nice of Scott to get back to you so quickly and offer to help out in anyway he could.

Poor Stinker.....I found her this morning, wedged under the barbecue, on the cool gravel, near the back fence, tucked away.

Poor puppy.

Yup....I do feel like a part of me is missing right now. Its frightening that my cell phone is so far away from me right now. I think I'll still be somewhat worried until its actually back where it belongs....attached to the side of my head.

On the bright side....maybe the swelling above my ears will subside today.

Well, I never actually had any musical training, so don't know how the notes are supposed to sound, lol. I tried to teach myself to read music, and that's the only reason I know about FACE and EGBDF, so I can tell you what the written note IS I just can't tell how it sounds or sing it.

What about getting those key pitch instruments things. That could teach you the notes/sounds.

But I'm gonna just say "HI" to anyone who might be following along.

Yes, Hi to all those reading.

I had much more to say, but so much to do today, and must sign off. I am going to spend time with my girl....who just about stroked out on our walk. I waited too late in the day, and it was too hot for her, I think, with all her other ailments. We walked at a snail's pace through the orchard (while Annie ran wild, which is good - - makes her tired), and Tika fell over a couple of times.

Sounds like you've got some good plans. Keep us posted when you get her results back for everything.

Not a huge long distance, but my mom drives SLOW.

Ok.....off to read the last 2 pages.....

[AndreaB]

I suppose that makes it a moot point.

Sounds like a moot point to me.

Well, I couldn't stay away too long. The evil computer, it is always trying to get me in here from the other room......

I hear you!

We are also glad you found your way back.

Hi everybody--my reaction (or whatever the heck it is) is getting worse instead of better

I have more spots--they are now sprinkled all over from my chin to my feet. I'm so itchy.

Oh--speaking of the pre-colonoscopy clean-out , I had to use the gallon jug of "Go Lightly"--still can't get over that name....

That starts to work in about an hour.

Uh oh--Last Sunday, I started taking the generic form of Norvasc. I've been on Norvasc for several years, but this time Express Scripts sent the generic, as it has just become available.

But, wouldn't the skin reaction have begun right away, and not 5 days later?

Oh my gosh--this could be it! Of course, it's a holiday weekend....

Sounds like the likely culprit. Keep us posted on what your doctor says tomorrow......(or today for you).

Does your current Dr. have alot of experience with mercury toxicity...or chelation?? This is gonna be really important because you dont want to have someone who is not very experienced. You are gonna need someone who really understands and who knows how to proceed with you. Its not something alot of Dr.'s have experience with and I wouldnt mess around with someone who has little or no experience. You are very toxic and you're gonna need alot of guidance after the removals.

Yes, yes, yes.

You need a very knowledgeable doctor.

I have gotten a whole lot of nuttin' done today.

I wouldn't say that. You've got the dogs out for their walk and you've been spending time with us.

[AndreaB]

WOOPS..........THUNDERSTORM........LIGHTING..........TERRIBLE.........GOING TO SHUT OFF COMPUTER.

SORYY GUYS.......JUST WANTED TO SAY AGAIN HOW MUCH IT MEANS THAT YOUR THERE FOR ME.

HUGS

STORMY JUDY IN PHILLY

Take care of yourself Judy. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

So last night instead of making the cookies I just toasted the oats in the oven by themselves...so I could have a bowl of oatmeal. OMG...when they started toasting in the oven I swear I could SMELL mold!! My senses are heightened but yeah...it was deinately not good and my nose was getting irritated from just the smell.

So of course I went ahead and made the cereal anyway.

After two bites I was feeling the swelling in my face. I threw the rest out and I my reaction lasted the rest of the night...mostly skin stuff and blurred vision...tightness in my face....burning in my mouth, etc.

Sounds like you were already getting to the point of a reaction if you could smell the mold.

That's weird about the cookies and the immediate reaction to the cereal. I suspect the cookies were building up though.

I am worried about the amalgam removal...I have never paid any attention to this until this thread. I have to have two huge amalgams removed......only recently giving though to having it done properly...sheesh, one more thing to worry about, eh?

You could have caused yourself some problems with that. I had 4 crowns done before we found out we were expecting Seth so he got a whole bunch of mercury. Top that with a root canal my last trimester. Poor boy.

[AndreaB]

Well, the visit with my mom today went pretty well. My brother was there and we went through dad's stuff. I need to make copies of all the pictures of dad when he was younger.

It's really sad that we couldn't hear some of the stories of his youth. He sang barbershop quartet for quite a few years, yet I never heard him sing growing up. He did write up a story of his growing up years last year though. I'm thinking (looking back) that he knew he was dying and wanted to get some of his history written down. His wife had said that he knew last year, earlier in the year.

Anyway, my brother is having issues with some gluten stuff (like bread) but not pasta as far as he knows. He has a scab like left over rash on his arms. I assume they could be DH but need to scrounge the internet for pictures. He's had the rash since December and it's not gone away, but I don't think there have been anymore eruptions. I told him flat out that it sounded like he had celiac and he needs to go gluten free. Now, my brother lives on convenience food and doesn't have a real healthy diet.....sound familiar? I told him to give the diet 6 months and if things don't get better he'd need to look into what else was the problem. He's very overweight so I don't even know it the doctor would suspect celiac. He mentioned to the doctor he saw in December that celiac was in the family but was pretty much ignored on that one. He's english/italian/irish. I know irish is another big one for celiac....at least I think I've read that somewhere.

I'll be calling him weekly to see how he's doing and if he has any questions.

Jin,

If you could pm me your list I'd appreciate it. I don't eat prepacked foods too much but my brother may benefit from it. I told him rice, meat, veggies and fruit.

Talitha fell today off of her bike and scraped her arm up pretty good as well as one side of her forehead. She's already so timid about her bike, she has to have grandma behind her most times.

Susan,

I think it was you who asked how far away mom was. She's about 1 1/4 hours north of us.......in the town I grew up in.

[dlp252]

Donna, how are you doign now? have we had an update on your exposive D? is it any better?

Doing better! I took a lesser amount of the suspect Vit C crystals this morning. I think it's the amount of Vit C I've been taking because I take it together with some other supplements, at least one of which had Vit C in it. I think taking 1/8 of a teaspoon will be okay.

Have you tried frozen veggies?? I'm doing pretty well with some of these. I'm eating organic frozen peas and asaparagus...also some Obriens potatoes. I havent expanded too much yet but will later on.

I make sure theres nothing added....just the veggies...no sugar or anything else.

...

Tri-tip sandwiches....OMG...my mouth is watering. I love it...with lots of mayonaise. I'm a freak about mayonaise on my sandwiches.

Yep, I only buy frozen veggies too...nothing added and organic if possible.

Tell me about the mayo. I can go through a jar a week if I'm not careful. Don't even need bread.

What about getting those key pitch instruments things. That could teach you the notes/sounds.

Hum, that's not a bad idea! I might try that...at the very least it could help me find my note on those songs where I struggle with what I'm hearing on the tape/C.D

Anyway, my brother is having issues with some gluten stuff (like bread) but not pasta as far as he knows. He has a scab like left over rash on his arms. I assume they could be DH but need to scrounge the internet for pictures. He's had the rash since December and it's not gone away, but I don't think there have been anymore eruptions. I told him flat out that it sounded like he had celiac and he needs to go gluten free. Now, my brother lives on convenience food and doesn't have a real healthy diet.....sound familiar? I told him to give the diet 6 months and if things don't get better he'd need to look into what else was the problem. He's very overweight so I don't even know it the doctor would suspect celiac. He mentioned to the doctor he saw in December that celiac was in the family but was pretty much ignored on that one. He's english/italian/irish. I know irish is another big one for celiac....at least I think I've read that somewhere.

Well, I'm glad that he's looking into it though!

[dlp252]

Oh Lisa - From my group of integrated doctors (who are not necessarily experts in mercury toxicity, but seemed to have the right idea here), the internist had me take modified citrus pectin (Pectasol) during the amalgam removal. It's expensive stuff though and not easy to find. My doctor's office orders it for me, amazon .com also has the brand I use and some other brands. It's a type of pectin fiber of which the modified structure supposedly binds with the mercury in the intestine. She told me to take it around each removal. I take still take some every day...just to "mop" up anything that winds up in my intestines from all the other stuff I'm doing...anti candida diet, detox supplements, etc.

Anyway, my LLMD likes that I take it and Scott at ART said it's good, and apparently he takes some too, but didn't know it came in a powder (which is what I take--he takes a capsule).

I have some links bookmarked, but unfortnately they are at work and I won't be there until Wednesday.

[rinne]

It's funny

What I want to eat? I am ssooo craving wheaties, cream of wheat, shredded wheat, anything wheat, lucky charms, ice cream, pumpkin pie, pineapple pie, strawberry shortcake, pancakes, potatoes, spaghetti. And guess what? My mom made tri tip sandwiches today. ugh. Can I borrow your handgun. Just kidding Right now I am eating brown rice pasta, eggs, ground turkey meat, yellow squash, green squash, carrots, butternut squash, beans. Thats all I can eat because of my bladder. Can mercury mess up your bladder too? OR candida cause cystitis?

As Rachel says, maybe not go with what you want.

It sounds like you are craving carbs and sugars and it makes me wonder if you are getting enough protein. I know that the lower on protein I am the more I crave sugar for the energy it provides. The problem is the energy from carbs and sugars is short lived.

Do you eat red meat at all? I eat organic hamburger and beef in stews cooked till the meat is very tender.

You can grind rice in a coffee grinder just to break it into smaller pieces (not flour) and cook it with coconut milk, if you can tolerate coconut, and make a pudding that would be great with honey or maple syrup. You could also just use water and it might make a substitute for cream of wheat.

Your diet sounds pretty simple, it is great that you are eating vegetables but I notice that two of your vegies are high in sugar too, carrots and the butternut squash, perhaps the organic frozen vegies are a good idea. Broccoli, cauliflower, chard and kale would be good to include.

I can't tolerate the brown rice pasta or at least I couldn't the last time I tried it. I know it is gluten free but I think there is a point in illness where anything processed is just difficult. Eggs can be hard to digest also, I find I do better with them if I only eat them every four days or so.

Have you tried juicing? At my most desperate I was juicing cabbage juice, I actually bought a case of it, Rachel you know how much I am talking about and I drank a glass of it every day for about three weeks. I admit I haven't looked at cabbage much since then but I feel it helped. Organic cabbage has been used for all sorts of illness.

I'm so sorry that you feel so bad. Please keep posting and letting us know how you are.

And what are tri tip sandwiches?

Well, the visit with my mom today went pretty well. My brother was there and we went through dad's stuff. I need to make copies of all the pictures of dad when he was younger.

.........

Glad to know it was a good visit, I hope Talitha is feeling better.

[CarlaB]

Yes, looking good seems to go with Lyme.

Thank goodness ... if I had to look bad and be sick, that would be much worse.

Those little beasties won't be very happy with your increased temps.

Very true. This is what happened with my couple months on salt, too. My basal temps are now 98.0 before shift, and 98.6 after. They have stayed this way even after I stopped the salt.

I think part of why I've had such a bad Lyme flare this week is because of the three days of fever from my cold. It just killed more bugs than I could handle ... at least that's what I'm hoping.

Well, went to the race yesterday ... don't know that I was up to it ... and if you read about it, you KNOW it was a longer day than normal. We couldn't leave when it rained because we were schmoozing ... had GREAT seats by the pole across from Danika's pit.

Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know. You can't just "buy" those seats, you have to inherit the abililty to buy them. It was fun, but a very long day. The rain was better than heat, though ... that would have killed me. A lot of the length of the day is the two hour drive to get there, the fact that there is NO parking lot, so people rent out their yards and you WALK far, you get there early, you leave with 500,000 other people, etc.

We were in a covered area ... but it leaked. The guy of the couple we took could not have been any more excited about it than he was ... it would have been impossible to be more excited!! I think that it may have been the most exciting day of his life.

You have to see the 500 in person to believe it ... the stadium SEATS a half-million people!!! There were some "Christian extremists" ... they were yelling through megaphones telling everyone they were going to Hell for going to the race. Thankfully, the Catholic archbishop said the invocation, and our parish associate pastor was there, so I know I'm okay!

Oh, and McDreamy was there ...

Well, ya'll were busy yesteday ... I've only read as far as I've quoted and I'm going to Starbucks ... I'll catch up later.

[CarlaB]

Well, we got halfway to Starbucks and I decided I was too acidic for a latte. We turned around and I'm drinking a big glass of lemon-water instead. It's supposed to be alkalinizing ... seems to help during a particularly bad day. Tastes good when I need it and bad when I don't.

A couple hours later a friend that I havent seen for maybe 3 years stopped by. We talked about 45 minutes and during that time I told her how I had lost 25 lbs. while I was off work. She said..."I can TELL....and you havent gained ANY of it back yet!!!."

I was like..."YES...I gained 15 lbs back....I was WAY skinnier before!!" She said she can still tell...I was small to begin with and now I'm even smaller.

We took two couples to the race. The other one are friends of ours that we haven't seen in a while. We saw them last fall, but I weighed more back then ... he's a very frank guy and told me I looked very skinny ... don't think he meant it as a compliment. I've only lost 5 pounds since last fall, but this 5 pounds makes a huge difference ... but I'm 12 pounds lighter than where I started a couple years ago.

I wonder what the connection is ... gaining weight seems to be more common with Lyme ... I guess all of us who got thin from it ended up here since it's a celiac website ... celiac and Lyme symptoms are similar.

I think you're right, skinny is "in" right now so new people think we look GREAT, but people who know us know that it's not our normal look.

I have been racheling Reese Cups for the past few days! I told myself after those are gone, I can make my chocolate chip cookies! I have my Nestle Semisweet Chocolate Morsels now!

Jin, when I was talking to my LLMD's assistant about Morgan, I mentioned that she had symptoms, but was unwilling to give up drinking and sweets, so didn't want to get treatment until after college. The nurse said that to see if she really had symptoms, she should give up the alcohol and sweets to see how she felt then.

Sugar feeds the Lyme. You might feel better if you avoided it. Not to mention a lot of people with Lyme also have candida.

Well, I never actually had any musical training, so don't know how the notes are supposed to sound, lol. I tried to teach myself to read music, and that's the only reason I know about FACE and EGBDF, so I can tell you what the written note IS I just can't tell how it sounds or sing it.

Donna, it takes a lot of training to do this. I can look at a piece of written music and know what it sounds like by looking at the notes. You would need a piano to learn this, and it would take a lot of practice. I learned it because I play an instrument ... it would be a difficult thing to learn from singing.

I think Church choirs are used to people who can't read music. Heck, most of the guitar players I've played with at Church can't read music either!!

I think your time would be better spent on breathing exercises ... strong breath support is way more important than reading music ... to a singer anyway, you have to read music to play the flute!

I still read lots of other boards and I thought I'd let you guys know that the other day I came across a post mentioning this thread. The poster was recommending that others come check out this really long thread by Rachel24...on Celiac.com....lots of really good info on Lyme.

So apparantly there are readers who are being informed and possibly helped by all of our scientificness here.

I think its great that in helping each other we are also helping others along the way. Very cool...I do see alot of guests on but I never really knew if any of them were actually reading along and learning with us. I do believe there are readers who have "known" us for some time....we just dont know them.

But I'm gonna just say "HI" to anyone who might be following along.

HI!!! Please join us!

I've noticed that a lot of guests read this thread. I've also figured there are regulars. A BIG part of the reason I post is because I think that others are helped by our experiences in dealing with these health problems. I also think that the variety of health care we are receiving is helpful ... alll of us are going about this from a different angle and all of us are improving!

I also think that there's a lot of HOPE in this thread. We are all SICK, but we all have an incredibly good attitude ... no "why me" here. We're all proactive, and we're all getting better. I think all of us discount our own courage.

[DingoGirl]

It's funny

What I want to eat? I am ssooo craving wheaties, cream of wheat, shredded wheat, anything wheat, lucky charms, ice cream, pumpkin pie, pineapple pie, strawberry shortcake, pancakes, potatoes, spaghetti. And guess what? My mom made tri tip sandwiches today. ugh. Can I borrow your handgun. Just kidding

I can SO relate to this....I would eat Lucky Charms or Pop Tarts in a second if I could....(though Rachel IS right, NO ONE should eat Lucky Charms!)....a tri-tip sandwich on real bread would be so amazing (Rinne, tri tip is a particular cut of meat, very popular in California - Ronald Reagan made it even moreso as he served it at his ranch all the time - - tri tip is highly seasoned and commonly barbecued and, well, just plain yummy....you can make it gluten-free, just takes effort and proper bread!)

The other night I was on this candle website, which are supposed to the most scented candles you can buy, soy candles, and not expensive (I am a candle FIEND!!) - - and there was a section of scents called Bakery Scents....oh my Loooooooooooord - - - - I thought I would die reading all of those - - pink cupcake, sugared vanilla, all of the standards - - sugar cookie, white cake, cream cheese frosting - - etc - by the end of it I had to Rachel what was left of the vanilla ice cream.....

Rachel - Donna - the mayonnaise - - OY VAY I could eat a ton of that also!!!

Carla - - what an exciting day! I could not have done it, with that many people - - after leaving the USC stadium for a game a couple of years ago, and 90,000 people all left at midnight - - no cabs or busses available - - we had to walk about three miles until we caught a bus. HEINOUS!!! Anywho, are you exhausted today?

Rinne - - cabbage juice? Ugh......could there be anything worse? well - - maybe Brussels sprouts juice?

Claire - - Tika is not diabetic, the vet tested her for that also. Might be cushinoid, though. Her legs have been slowly stiffening - definitely arthritic and so I've got to get her something for that.

Hi Andrea! Welcome back - - sounds like the kids had fun, poor Talitha and the arm scrape - - I always tell kids when they have had surgery or gotten an injury how totally COOL it is - - it's a story to tell and a scar to remember it by (that's how I always thought of it). I was a pretty banged up child, with three brothers with go carts, mini bikes, and forts to climb......must find a scanner and post some photos.

Well, better hit the back yard for some of the last of the planting.

[CarlaB]

Patti, can you take some Benadryl ... if they go away, I guess then you can assume they are an allergic reaction. I'd be suspicious of the medication ... or anything else new.

Lisa, I'd keep taking the charcoal, Vitamin C if you can tolerate it. You have to grin and bear it until the amalgams are all gone. I got very sick when I had mine removed, too. Glutathione helped me more than anything.

Susan, I'm glad you made your way back, too. I'm also glad you walked out of your heinous job! Hope Stinker is feeling better today.

[AndreaB]

A lot of the length of the day is the two hour drive to get there, the fact that there is NO parking lot, so people rent out their yards and you WALK far, you get there early, you leave with 500,000 other people, etc.

I don't think I'd fare very well at something like that. I don't like huge crowds of people like that.

Sounds like a fun but tiring day for you though.

I can SO relate to this....I would eat Lucky Charms or Pop Tarts in a second if I could....(though Rachel IS right, NO ONE should eat Lucky Charms!)....

I always liked Lucky Charms when I was younger......it was one of my favorite. Not at all good for you but.....

I will be looking for pictures when you can get some up.

Don't know if we are going to tackle more of our weed mound or not. Haven't looked at the forecast yet.

[CarlaB]

You guys werent kidding about it being heavy!!

I'm only gonna start with 2 pieces and see how I like it...then get more later. I also saw a set of corningware I think would work out good for the oven and microwave cooking.

It is heavy! You get a workout while you're cooking!

I use corningware ... be sure you get some with lids ... or else you end up using foil to cover things.

I read alot on LN where they're saying how dangerous all this wireless stuff is....especially cell phones with all the cell phone towers, etc. Its kind of scary.

I think the world has just become way too toxic....I dont think Lyme would be as much a threat w/out all this stuff we're surrounded with day after day. Its just too much for our bodies to deal with...I dont think we're really designed for all this.

For Pentacost our priest was talking about how there are all these things in our air -- cell phone transmission, radio and tv waves, etc. I was thinking ... where's he going with this ... how hard is this on our bodies ... then he tied it into the Holy Spirit! He had a good point, and it was a good way to illustrate it with a modern twist.

the cookware - - I need some new pans also (but not until I become employed!), is it enamel-coated cast iron I should look for, or just cast iron?

Either is fine. I mostly use the enameled, except for my skillets. I LOVE my cast iron skillets ... it almost becomes a hobby seasoning them! But they are so easy when properly seasoned! Just rinse and dry with a paper towel.

Carla - - what an exciting day! I could not have done it, with that many people - - after leaving the USC stadium for a game a couple of years ago, and 90,000 people all left at midnight - - no cabs or busses available - - we had to walk about three miles until we caught a bus. HEINOUS!!! Anywho, are you exhausted today?

You've got to remember, the track is 2 1/2 MILES around, so one side of it is a mile!!! There used to be an 18 hole golf course, along with a bunch of other stuff in the middle of the track! I think at least part of the golf course is gone because they added track for the formula one race they have (formula one does not just go around in circles like Indy cars). There is a museum and other stuff there. Any other day, other than race day, you park in the middle of the track. It's big, you just can't imagine it. You should do one of those Google earth searches where you get a sattelite image. It's something to see.

Everyone drives there, but you park far away. I think we were about a half mile. Adam was carrying the two coolers, I was carrying nothing so I could just concentrate on walking. Vertigo is a huge problem for me. When we got there, I used the umbrella as a cane, and that helped, but it was pouring when we left. I was weaving around, but most everyone else was pretty drunk, so I fit in fine!! I think the dying bacteria gets me drunk.

I am exhausted today. I was in bed most of last week with this cold ... at least today I've moved to the couch! I even went to our local parade this morning ... we live on the same block as Main St., so that just involved getting dressed and walking three doors down. I can get a Cosmo and live music on the weekends across the street from my house, but I have to drive for a latte. Heinous.

[AndreaB]

Ok, just checked. It's supposed to be nice this whole week.

I also wanted to report that my allergies have picked up so I'm not necessarily going to get off easier this season.

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Lisa,

I would go with frozen vegetables. They are less likely to be contaminated with mold. I cannot afford organic, so I get the Steam Fresh Birdseye makes. I have done well with them. Mercury and Candida can cause bladder problems. Candida is known to cause IC. I remember reading about it in my research.

I think for the constipation, a hot water enema may be your safest option. Your system is very fragile, and cannot take much. I know what that is like. Of course, being constipated helps trap those toxins. You will probably feel better once you use an enema.

Dear Rinne,

Juicing is very healthy! I wish I had a Jack Lalanne PowerJuicer! My aunt has one, and she loves it! As you said, it is a great source of nutrition. It is also easier to digest than other forms of food for a sensitive digestive tract.

I believe you should listen to your body as well. This is extremely important. We tend to ignore the signals our body sends. If we do not listen to it, we will not make the right decisions for wellness. Our body knows what is good for it, and what is not.

Dear Claire,

I am glad you did not forget about the castor oil packs. I was wondering about those! Just post the instructions when you can! I will be patient! I know you will do it as soon as you can!

Dear Andrea,

You are right. Arguing a sensible thought is a moot point with my mother being involved! She is going to be stubborn about it. So, I might as well let her do whatever she wants, even if it is goofy! Otherwise, she will just go around in circles about stupid stuff.

That is so neat your father used to sing in a barbershop quartet! Those groups always blended their voices so well! They do not have people with that talent anymore, so it seems. It is nice you got to share some memories of your dad. I know you miss him.

It sounds like your brother is a Celiac. I do not mind helping him out. I will send the list right after I am done posting. This is a huge change. I think once he realizes there are some tasty possibilities, he will be more willing to try the diet.

Being of Irish descent is the worst. Celiac is most common in those of Irish heritage. However, here is something interesting: back when I had those blood tests done in 2000, they said it was those of Italian heritage. You have to wonder, don't you? Sometimes, I think it is the luck of the draw.

Dear Susan,

I thought our dog may have had Cushing's. She was very ill when she died. The kidney tests and liver panels came back fine. She had blood in her stool and urine. Something was very bad wrong. It is common in older dogs, and I bet Tasha had it and they missed it. Make sure you suggest it to the vet if you suspect it.

Dear Carla,

I am so glad you had fun at the Indy 500! I think I would have been a bit overwhelmed with all of those people! McDreamy certainly would have eased my tension, though. I was routing for Danika! I did not hear who won. I will have to go to the news site and see! I know the last I saw, Tony Canaan from Brazil was in the lead.

I know for sure I have Candida. Don't worry, the Reese Cups are gone! I have not had chocolate chip cookies in eight months! I want them. However, I promise not to rachel them. I will not overdo it!

The Candida makes me crave sugar. Lyme feeds on it, too? That explains why I feel worse without it. My blood sugar levels have always been low for some reason. I had just eaten before getting my lab work done before, and my blood sugar was only 67. I am doing better about the sweets, but still not as good as I could be.

Sincerely,

Jin

[Rachel--24]

I think for the constipation, a hot water enema may be your safest option.

No...never hot water!!

Just slightly warm...dont use anything hot in an enema. YIKES!

[NoGluGirl]

No...never hot water!!

Just slightly warm...dont use anything hot in an enema. YIKES!

Dear Rachel,

Oops! Sorry, that is what I meant! Warm, not hot! Sorry Lisa! I did not want you to cook your colon or burn your butt! In my defense, I could have Lyme Brain.

Sincerely,

Jin

[rinne]

I've noticed that a lot of guests read this thread. I've also figured there are regulars. A BIG part of the reason I post is because I think that others are helped by our experiences in dealing with these health problems. I also think that the variety of health care we are receiving is helpful ... alll of us are going about this from a different angle and all of us are improving!

I also think that there's a lot of HOPE in this thread. We are all SICK, but we all have an incredibly good attitude ... no "why me" here. We're all proactive, and we're all getting better. I think all of us discount our own courage.

Nice to have you back, I can't believe how much you have been doing recently. Busy woman. I hope you can really take some time to rest.

I think you make good points.

A friend was over the other day that I haven't seen for a while. She seems to be taking the route a Kaiser patient, they have her on various medications including steroids and she looks very frail. I am concerned about her but at the same time I can see that being proactive is beyond her. She is struggling just to stay afloat.

I think the most helpful thing I can do is get well and know that it is possible to get well by trusting my body and the world that is arising before me, my illness has taught me that it is critical to pay attention every moment.

Rachel, you talked about your paranoia about your doctor appointments, yes? It reminded me of this, that the world that is arising is felt before it is experienced and that often we have a sense, people call it various things like intuition but really it is just the nature of the world that we are connected so yes it makes perfect sense to me that you were paranoid. Does that make sense?

I feel deeply that our laughter is much of our healing.

What brings joy is a question that I ask myself a lot, how to let go of what takes me down to dark places and what I put in my mouth makes a huge difference. I do think there is a real difference between food that is grown with respect and care and then prepared in the same spirit.

I can SO relate to this....I would eat Lucky Charms or Pop Tarts in a second if I could....(though Rachel IS right, NO ONE should eat Lucky Charms!)....a tri-tip sandwich on real bread would be so amazing (Rinne, tri tip is a particular cut of meat, very popular in California - Ronald Reagan made it even moreso as he served it at his ranch all the time - - tri tip is highly seasoned and commonly barbecued and, well, just plain yummy....you can make it gluten-free, just takes effort and proper bread!)

......

Rinne - - cabbage juice? Ugh......could there be anything worse? well - - maybe Brussels sprouts juice?

Thanks for the info on the tri-tip, it does sound yummy.

I had some Bershire Pork barbecue not long ago that was delicious, Berkshire hogs are an older breed that are raised naturally and on a small scale. Now you've made me hungry.

Susan, you are speaking to one of the ones desperate enough to appreciate sleeping with frozen spinach, I drank Noni juice too and even that I was beginning to acquire a taste for.

jin, yes juicing is a really good way of getting concentrated nutrition into your body, maybe I should go back to it. My problem with it really is finances, I like to juice green things and it get's really pricey, perhaps when I have my country place with a garden. I think it can also really help to do it just for a few weeks at a time, perhaps borrow a juicer. I bet there are a lot of idle juicers out there.

[CarlaB]

Nice to have you back, I can't believe how much you have been doing recently. Busy woman. I hope you can really take some time to rest.

I spent all of last week in bed! Not even on the couch, which is where I am resting today. I know, I know, I went to NY and you all heard about it, then the race, but in between the two I spent 5 days in bed! I had a wicked cold, which Adam and Chloe had, too, but it totally knocked me out.

I read on Lymenet that Dr. J, the kid LLMD, requires a kid to be symptom free for three months and to have had a cold/flu where the Lyme didn't flare before they end treatment. So, I guess a Lyme flare with a cold is normal.

But, the bright side is -- I caught a cold!!! How many of us couldn't do that when we were sicker?

[GRUMP 1]

Thank you all for the information and help. The Carbuncle is getting better by the day. Though nasty as it is. I am having to keep a bandage on it at all times because of the draining. Pulled it off first thing this morning so my daughter could see it. ( she like morbid things ) I had stuff running all over the place but that is all the details I will go into. But it is getting smaller and not causing so much pain.

DingoGirl: Glad you like the name. Got it from my oldest stepdaughter. She attached it to me because of my first name. Yea you guessed it or close to it Forress. Now that I FINELY have a grandbaby I also go by Grandpa Grump, lol........

Ok I am out of here again. Hope all have a great day.

Grump

[dlp252]

Well, I went out for a little shopping today...I am now all prepared for my day of luxury tomorrow! Yesterday I scrubbed the tub and tile and hauled out a bunch of stuff for the Goodwill, and put away a bunch of clothes that I didn't know what to do with, lol. So my room is neat and my bathroom is clean.

Today I bought some bubble bath which I will add just a little to my epsom salt bath tomorrow after my massage! Then I will put on my jammies and maybe paint my toes green. Bought two shades of green polish...one sort of lime green and the other more of a seafoam.

Oh Susie...I looked at candles today too. Decided against it though because the last time I burned one I had some sort of reaction. I wanted to light candles in the bathroom whilst I had my bubble/epsom salt bath. I have a couple left around here somewhere that I may try, but didn't want to buy new ones if I react to it.

You have to see the 500 in person to believe it ... the stadium SEATS a half-million people!!! There were some "Christian extremists" ... they were yelling through megaphones telling everyone they were going to Hell for going to the race. Thankfully, the Catholic archbishop said the invocation, and our parish associate pastor was there, so I know I'm okay!

Your day at the race sounds very fun! I just have to ask what the extremists where going to do...weren't they at the race too, lol? Um, I don't think the Bible mentions anything about racing.

I think your time would be better spent on breathing exercises ... strong breath support is way more important than reading music ... to a singer anyway, you have to read music to play the flute!

Ha, I seriously thought about getting a soy latte today while out shopping, then decided I didn't want to be sick for my day of relaxation tomorrow.

Our choir director has us do some breathing stuff once in a while, but I still need more I think.