Just Need To Rant

[tiredofdoctors]

Don't know, but you're O.K. in my book!!! The part about the white hairs? The girl who cuts Dave's hair cut mine about 10 (?) weeks ago. I collor it myself, and she said, "I REALLY like the job you did on the highlights." Yeah, right. Those are compliments of mother nature! I told her that they were just the grays that DIDN'T take the blonde!

[Fiddle-Faddle]

When my babies were wee small ones, I used to show up at work without realizing that I had baby spit-up on my shoulder. And I would have to pump my milk at intermission, and would invariably end up with either milk spots on my blouse or dribbles on my shoes. I'm sure it was a very charming effect.

[evie]

Hmmmm..... and you guys may not have the whole story . . . . . just remember: "What happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas." 'Nuff said.

Funny thing about this is, now that I am over the initial shock of Friday, my brother-in-law has been HOUNDING me to write a book about my life, because it has been so freaking WEIRD!

He tells me that his stomach hurts every time he goes back to Maryland from laughing at the stories I tell about the things that have happened to me. And the sad and/or sickening thing? I DON'T EMBELLISH THE STORIES. If nothing else, I DOWNPLAY them. And this all started EARLY in childhood . . . . . .

Maybe I can turn this whole thing into a money-making deal. If I have to be publicly humiliated by being turned into the police for an (alleged) misdemeanor over GARBAGE CANS, the LEAST that should happen is that I could get some compensation by a hefty book deal over the trials and tribulations of my peculiar life!!!!!

Lynne; I agree you should write a book about your life experiences..then give your 'doggy' neighbor a FREE copy of it so she can find herself there?? Is that mean or funny?? Am afraid we have a slightly similar dog deal here too, but such a small town am not sure anythong can be done?? Young neighbor across the alley had 2 hound dogs until May 06, suddenly that jumped to 11 with arrival of 9 puppies!! After weaning he has slowly sold<or ??? rid of 7 pups. Did I say they are BARKERS?? Yep, sure enuf. I have spoken to his wife, she said he does not follow rules!! Anytime any neighbors are in their yards (us too) the pups know it and join in with BARKING!! I am about to call the sherriff but her parents are members of our church so I have put it off & put it off but not sure I can do that much longer. Just heard 2 of our neighbors are leaving town (selling houses) because of those dogs so I suppose they have tried to get help. One of them just went on town coucil after the other one left. Just 2 dogs are penned in a 10' x 10' cage, other 2 tied to run in a circle. Does that sound inhumane?? Did I ever rant!!

I do so hope and pray you can get some relief from some of your problems soon!! I see Dr. tues. for explanation of some problems I had..have. Hubby too, he will have some testing next Tues., hopefully find why he has so much diarrhea. Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way. Have a 'good night'. evie

[tiredofdoctors]

Hi Evie! I FULLY sympathize with your neighbor troubles. I have to laugh . . . Dave has been reading this thread (after the initial rant part -- won't let him read that -- still haven't "disclosed" all medical info) but anyhoo -- you guys have ignited a fire!!! He is dreaming up all these schemes, thinking of all the rules she is breaking, it's rediculous! Tonight -- he stood at the doorway, pacing back and forth to watch if she moved the trash cans BACK to our yard! Then, he starts saying, "you know they're right . . . we could . . . . " So now he realizes (compliments of the bigmouth here) that if you own a pitbull in Metro Louisville, you have to have an additional $1 million in homeowners insurance, AND pay an additional fee. So now, he wants to check out if our little city is considered Metro Louisville . . . .

Then, thank you Carla . . . he wants to send the certified letter about giving us the garbage cans. He figures he can have her arrested for misdemeanor theft (although the trash cans are pretty expensive, could be felony) for "stealing" back her trash cans. (did I THANK YOU for that suggestion???)

Karen -- he told me that he "thinks Canada has an extradition treaty." I honest to goodness think he was serious. I looked at him like he was nuts. His look back was as if to say "WHAT???????"

She scares me, though . . . when she gets a burr up her butt she goes around to all the neighbors, trying to "rally her troops". She's kind of frightening. Seriously. She has an odd look to her eyes when she's on a ranting/raving mission. It really is creepy. She has a .38 -- Not that I couldn't out-shoot her with my .22, if I do say so myself (although with the occulomotor apraxia, who knows what I'd hit!!!!! ) At least it would scare the crap out of her if I started looking like I was pointing toward her, but started shooting out the street lights (Think: Bull Durham . . . "Hit the Bull.")

Anyway, I'm sure that Dave would love to read additional ideas for revenge (still have the Japanese Beetle thing tucked away for next spring, Karen) . . . . given that he had such a fantastic time with the Altoids thing . . . I REALLY said that wrong, but will leave it the way I wrote it. What I MEANT was that he had such a fantastic time with the Altoids hijack and the trophy which Karen so masterfully designed (using the base of the Kentucky Derby trophy, might I add . . . . )

Have obviously said enough for the evening . . .. g'night, all!!!

[hfcny]

Gosh, Lynne, I was just thinking about you yesterday. I knew the majority of the rain went south of us, so I was wondering how you did through it all. It's a beautiful day here, finally, I hope you at least have some pretty weather today.

Sorry so many thing are going so badly right now. I am off the casein, too. Shellfish also makes me sick, but not intolerance, it's an allergy. Right now, doc has me eating only meat, eggs, and veggies ... the hardest part there is no COFFEE!! Do what you have to do to get better.

Feel free to rant anytime. That's what we're here for.

I am newly diagnoised but have had this for 6 years a weight loss surgery triggered it, I think I have other food allergies also. I see a llergies and I asked about this, and he made it sound like there was no test to find this out, is there and if so what is it?

I am sorry I know this was supose to be a no doctor and I am sorry for you really bad day and night. I hope it gets better, but don't give up. I too have a lot of helath issues and just moved to a new area and had to go t o the er and was treated like I was some mental case from space. I don't even like telling Doctors when anything is the matter anymore. I really am sorry for bringing this up but this is the first chat group that I have joined in 6 years and this board is confusing. I just (at least I think i have) figured out how to jump in.

[AndreaB]

I really am sorry for bringing this up but this is the first chat group that I have joined in 6 years and this board is confusing. I just (at least I think i have) figured out how to jump in.

Welcome hfcny!!

Glad that you have joined us. You will find a fun loving, caring community. Ask any questions you have and someone is bound to have an answer.....at the very least hugs.

[hfcny]

I am newly diagnoised but have had this for 6 years a weight loss surgery triggered it, I think I have other food allergies also. I see a llergies and I asked about this, and he made it sound like there was no test to find this out, is there and if so what is it?

I am sorry I know this was supose to be a no doctor and I am sorry for you really bad day and night. I hope it gets better, but don't give up. I too have a lot of helath issues and just moved to a new area and had to go t o the er and was treated like I was some mental case from space. I don't even like telling Doctors when anything is the matter anymore. I really am sorry for bringing this up but this is the first chat group that I have joined in 6 years and this board is confusing. I just (at least I think i have) figured out how to jump in.

How do you find out the other food allergies? Thanks Donna

[AndreaB]

How do you find out the other food allergies? Thanks Donna

The test that I took is the ELISA test. It's a blood draw. They measure for IgE and IgG in the blood. IgE is immediate reaction, IgG is delayed reaction. That is a quicker way.

You could also eliminate all processed foods and go down to a meat, fruit and veggies diet for a few months and slowly add a new food in, say every week and see if you have a response.

I typed up a sheet that was given to me by the doctor I saw for my allergy test. It's below....

Food Allergies

Food allergies are a problem created by a disordered immune system. Normally, the immune system, or body’s military team, is designed to attack disease-causing germs such as bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, however, the immune system gets “confused”, and begins attacking harmless proteins such as those breathed in the air [pollens, mold spores, etc.] or ingested [proteins in our foods]. We call such a reaction an allergy. Allergy symptoms are many and diverse; the most commonly recognized being itching of eyes and nose, runny or stuffy nose and sinuses (“hay fever”), difficulty breathing or asthma, and rashes such as hives or eczema. Not as commonly appreciated is that these immune system reactions can also cause many other symptoms such as; headaches, especially migraines, fatigue, sore throat, arthritis or joint pains, stomach distress, colitis, gall bladder attacks, etc. Even such disorders as epilepsy, spontaneous miscarriages, heart attacks, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, high blood pressure, etc., may have an allergic basis.

You might say, “I feel fine nearly all the time; why should I check for allergies. While it may not be necessary, many individuals discover that they are able to enjoy even better quality of life when they avoid their “problem foods”.

How does one know which foods are “problem foods”? That can be a difficult question. Fortunately, several tests can be useful. One measures the amount of immunoglobulin G present in the blood which is specific to a certain food, another measures the amount of immunoglobulin E. Other tests check for concentrations of antigen:antibody complexes, or look for swelling in white blood cells. The test most frequently useful is that which measures the concentration of the immunoglobulin G, or “IgG”.

Depending in which type of testing is performed, the significant levels will be listed differently. If RAST testing is done, [e.g. Serolab], usually the important foods will have counts greater than 3,000 (or _____). If ELISA testing is done, [e.g. US Biotek], levels greater than “No Reaction” are usually considered relevant.

However, laboratories can make mistakes. Therefore it advisable to experiment with the “problem” foods to see if they actually do produce any problems.

The preferred method is called “elimination diet and challenge testing”. It means strictly avoiding any food which is on the “problem list” (shows an elevated level of antibodies) for about 3 weeks [at least 2 weeks]. Then testing or “challenging” each food one time only, beginning with those foods having the lowest positive [but significant] reaction. Do not eat the tested food again until all problem foods have been tested. The next food is tested after 3 days, (or 24 hours after any reaction has subsided--whichever is first). The amount of the test food is usually not critical. Any amount from 1 tablespoon to 1 quart is acceptable. Other “safe” foods may be eaten at he same meal as the test food.

Observe carefully for any symptoms, especially within the first hour, 6-8 hours after ingestion, and 24 hours after the test meal. It is wise to keep a diary or journal, so you can recall what specific symptoms were experienced, and how long it was after the test meal until they occurred. It is sometimes helpful if a family member also is observing for any personality changes or other objective symptoms.

A typical reaction to a problem food might be as follows. The “problem food” [cheese, for example] is eaten for breakfast at 8:00 am. Half an hour later, you notice some sniffling and sneezing. An hour later, you feel jittery, shaky inside. Four hours after breakfast slight nausea is noted. Seven hours after the test meal [3:00 PM], you get a headache. This continues, gradually worsening, the rest of the day. The following morning you awaken feeling very tired, exhausted. As you drag out of bed, you notice that your joints feel stiff and a little sore. They gradually “limber up” as the day progresses, but you feel tired throughout the entire day. The following morning you awaken beginning to feel more like your normal self. Just eating one problem food once could cause this 48-hour ordeal.

After all problem foods have been tested, decide which ones caused symptoms worse than the trouble of trying to avoid the causative foods. Ideally, one strictly avoids all those foods for a period of 4 to 6 months, after which they are each tested again. The goal is to assist the body in “forgetting” those foods are “problem foods” so they may be safely eaten again. This may take some time, but can be worthwhile.

Another method of dealing with allergy foods is to eat them only occasionally. Eating a problem food at intervals of 4 days or more frequently minimizes the symptoms produced. This can be easier than strictly avoiding the food, though the immune system may not “forget” to “fight” a food that is eaten intermittently. The “bottom line” rule of thumb is to be no stricter about your diet than you need to be in order to feel as good as it is possible for you to feel.

If you would like a more thorough explanation of this topic, please consult one of several excellent books that are available.

Does that answer your question? My knowledge is limited to this. There may be others that are more knowledgable. If you want to start you own topic. Go to the main page of the forum, scroll down towards the bottom and click on Leaky gut and other food intolerances and then click on new topic. Name it, type up your question and you are set to go.

[CarlaB]

Hi Donna! Welcome!

You sure did learn to jump in! If this particular thread seems confusing it's because it's one that's turned into somewhat of a playful discussion. Many of us have become friends hanging around here, and we love having new members join in our fun.

As to your question. I know I'm allergic to shellfish because I get very ill and very swollen lymph nodes that are tender to the slightest touch when I eat it. The dairy I know because I had the intolerance test done by Enterolab.

Right now I just eat meat, eggs and veggies, with two serving per day of starch (potatoes, gluten-free bread, etc.) because my gut is in such bad shape I needed to be more than "just" gluten-free to get better. If you eat like this and eat different foods every day, after you're feeling better you can rotate in foods you think you might have a problem with, one at a time to see if you have a reaction.

[GFBetsy]

Oh, Fiddle-Faddle -

I am SO with you on the no make-up/never wearing one of my 30 aprons thing! I didn't even wear makeup the day I got married . . . I'm WAY too lazy to be willing to get up an hour early just to put gunk on my face! Besides, if I never put it on, I never have to take it off! (Another waste of 10 perfectly good minutes that I might be spending curled up in a heap, reading in bed !)

Lynne -

I talked to my Aunt about the bakery, and here's what she told me: It's called Dora's Bakery (she thinks) and it's probably on Highway 22, somewhere in Oldham County, probably in the Crestwood zip code, north-west of Shelbyville, before Louisville, South of I-71, and on the Lexington side of Crestwood . (Both too much and not enough information, isn't it?) She said they were driving back roads and just noticed the sign advertising gluten-free foods, so they pulled over. She talked to the owner for 20 minutes or so - her (the owner's) husband has celiac, and since they live in a more rural area there was never anything for him to eat. So she makes and sells gluten free baked goods along with "regular" baked goods (seperated, of course). My aunt bought 2 cookies (one gluten-free and one "normal"), and said she couldn't tell the difference. I think that (if you are wanting to make the trip to the store) it might be worth while to see if you can't find the phone number on the internet first and give Dora a call.

Hope you enjoy it!

And, oh my goodness, does anyone want a gluten-free Pumpkin Roll recipe? That was my daughter's "Birthday Cake" last night, and it's like a slice of orange and white heaven!

[Fiddle-Faddle]

And, oh my goodness, does anyone want a gluten-free Pumpkin Roll recipe? That was my daughter's "Birthday Cake" last night, and it's like a slice of orange and white heaven!

YES, PLEASE! !!!

[CarlaB]

You guys are so funny! I LOVE makeup!! I sold Estee Lauder for a year after I quit my "real" job to stay home with my babies. I loved every minute of it. I wear makeup every day, but not when I work out. It only takes me about 5 minutes to put it on, and I'd wash my face anyway at night. I like a more natural look, though, one that enhances rather than bold makeup.

[AndreaB]

YES, PLEASE! !!!

I second that.

[jenvan]

And, oh my goodness, does anyone want a gluten-free Pumpkin Roll recipe? That was my daughter's "Birthday Cake" last night, and it's like a slice of orange and white heaven!

Heck yeah! Share the wealth

[tiredofdoctors]

Hi Donna! Welcome!

You sure did learn to jump in! If this particular thread seems confusing it's because it's one that's turned into somewhat of a playful discussion. Many of us have become friends hanging around here, and we love having new members join in our fun.

Here, Here!!! I Second that!! We do get particularly silly sometimes, even on a thread such as "Just need to rant" . . . . I started this because I was having such an awful time dealing with the things that were happening with me . . . and yet, because of all these FANTASTIC people, it's turned into something that I can laugh at and with. That's the beauty of this forum. Within a short period of time, you can go from thinking that you just don't know what to do next to being able to laugh about your neighbor calling the police on you! I think everyone here helps put things in perspective. We're all fighting much the same battles . . . effects of the illness, doctors who are less than cooperative - or worse yet who don't believe us, additional diagnoses that complicate matters beyond what's tolerable, etc. So even if we don't all have the same PHYSICAL effects of the illness, we certainly have many of the same EMOTIONAL effects -- sadness, frustration, anger, (silliness). It let's us know that we're not alone in our struggle -- or our fight. This is a support network unlike any other. Even though my husband and my family are supportive, they don't HAVE this. They don't know the frustration of wanting what you KNOW you can't eat at 2 a.m. -- and having no one to talk with about it. Except the friends you meet here. They know all too well . . . . unfortunately.

With regard to the allergies . . . I had the standard "scratch" tests done on my back last week. I'm scheduled to have another round of them today, but unfortunately, have no blood pressure again. So, I'm thinking this one is going to get cancelled. I will also have another series of blood tests, I am going to ask for the ELISA test, and for further clarification about the milk/casein issue. My neurologist recommended drinking only goat's milk last year and I didn't pay much attention to that . . . now with the allergy, I'm going to investigae further . . .

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Oops, Lynne, we sort of hijacked your thread, didn't we? Sorry about that.

How are you feeling today? Any better? Were you able to take any good pictures of your neighbor doing ridiculous things?

It occurred to me last night--with all the difficulties you have experienced, the wheelchair, and everything--you are still more whole than your pitiful neighbor.

[tiredofdoctors]

You guys are so funny! I LOVE makeup!! I sold Estee Lauder for a year after I quit my "real" job to stay home with my babies. I loved every minute of it. I wear makeup every day, but not when I work out. It only takes me about 5 minutes to put it on, and I'd wash my face anyway at night. I like a more natural look, though, one that enhances rather than bold makeup.

Same here . . . I'm a make-up junkie! Only I sold Clinique after I quit my "real" job to stay at home with my babies!! And, disclosing TMI -- Jen is a make-up junkie, too . . . ask her about Sephora . . . . .

Heck yeah! Share the wealth

I'm with Jen on this one . . . . where's the recipe????? Bring it on, sister!!!!!

Hey Fiddle-Faddle . . . isn't that what threads are for? Hijacking?!!! Goodness knows, I've hijacked my share!

gluten-free Betsy -- I ACTUALLY think I may know where this bakery is!!!

[CarlaB]

Same here . . . I'm a make-up junkie! Only I sold Clinique after I quit my "real" job to stay at home with my babies!!

Same parent company as Lauder!!

[tiredofdoctors]

Yeah, Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Bobbie Brown, Prescriptives, L'oreal, Jane, . . . . the list goes on and on. What a MEGA-company!

Hey Karen, I see you . . . . how long does it take for cake mixes to get to the states?????

'Metta . . . see you, too . . . . did you get my PM? You're awake now . . . so am I! Call me!

[nikki-uk]

Yeah, Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Bobbie Brown, Prescriptives, L'oreal, Jane, . . . . the list goes on and on. What a MEGA-company!

OMG, MAKE UP!!!

I have way too much-must clear out my make up bag.

My hubby moans every time the Avon book drops through the letter box.

''Just how much make up can one women need?!!'' he cries.

Silly man,I don't wear it all at once

[GFBetsy]

I'm with Jen on this one . . . . where's the recipe????? Bring it on, sister!!!!!

Hey Fiddle-Faddle . . . isn't that what threads are for? Hijacking?!!! Goodness knows, I've hijacked my share!

gluten-free Betsy -- I ACTUALLY think I may know where this bakery is!!!

I'm surprised that you could figure it out at all from the directions I gave! But I hope it ends up being a wothwhile "field trip" if you go to find it!

Okay, here's the Pumpkin Roll recipe.

3 eggs

1 c. sugar

2/3 c. pumpkin

1 tsp. Lemon juice

3/4 c. hagman's featherlight mix

1 tsp. Baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp. Nutmeg

1 tsp. Ginger

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp xanthan gum

Filling:

8 oz. Cream cheese

1 c. powdered sugar

4 Tbs. Butter

1 tsp. Vanilla

Beat eggs for at least 5 min. until light in color and thick. (Use a whisk in a stand mixer, if you have one. I turned mine on and just let it scream while I went in the other room and talked on the phone to my aunt. (Maybe that's why the instructions to the gluten-free bakery were so vague! )) (While it's beating, mix together the dry ingredients (except for the sugar).) Gradually add sugar to the eggs. Beat for another minute or so on high. Stir pumpkin and lemon juice into the eggs. Fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Pour into well greased and gluten-free-floured pan (a 15x10 cookie sheet with 1 inch sides, if you have one). Bake at 375 degrees for 15 min. Remove from oven and turn onto clean kitchen towel (the "flour sack" towels that walmart sells are perfect for this) that is sprinkled with powdered sugar. (Make sure you loosen the edges of the "cake" with a knife before you flip the pan over. Then tap the bottom of the pan to help the cake to fall out onto the towel.) Roll cake up (with towel) in jelly roll fashion and let cool. While it's cooling, combine all filling ingredients and beat well. Unroll cake, spread it with filling, and re-roll. Chill, slice and serve.

I usually double this recipe and use it to make one 13 x 18 jelly roll pan size and one 9 x 13 cake pan size pumpkin roll. Then I've always got enough so that I can eat leftovers for breakfast I can't believe I forgot to do that this morning! Especially because the longer the pumpkin roll sits, the better it tastes. The flavors sort of mingle and ohhhhh . . . it's GOOD!

I just re-read this post, and it's so full of parentheses that I'm not sure it's legible! But at least I closed them all! Sorry!

[jenvan]

This looks delicious Betty...but *sniff sniff* it calls for cream cheese and I don't do dairy. And all the gluten-free cream cheeses I've had are majorly bleh Hmmm, perhaps I could fill it with something else... (Will think on that). Thanks for posting though!

Oh, and a nod to some other things mentioned here---

I am a makeup lover too Lynne and I had some fun makeup times when she came and visited. I showed her my "case." And aprons--I really dig them. Not afraid to say it. I collect them--cool funky ones, antiques and many my grandmother handmade years and years ago. (Lynne--temporary hijack--) some great aunts of mine when through my great grandma's aprons and did a presentation on the family to them--pretty interesting. All sorts-of different aprons for gardening, baking, summer kitchen, winter kitchen etc. etc. Sometimes I feel like we don't really understand the meaning of *cooking* anymore--not like it was back then.

Okay, end hijack to say thinking of you today Lynne...

[GFBetsy]

You could try a dairy free chocolate frosting . . . sort of like pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips . . . It would be different, but it might be pretty good!

[tiredofdoctors]

Okay, Jen -- a fascination with aprons is one thing . . . a Stepford Wife Perkiness is QUITE another!!! You have enough, ummm..... "sassiness" in you that you aren't a PSW (Perky Stepford Wife). BTW: I, myself, like aprons . . . especially my mother's old ones that I KNOW she threw away. But I have fond memories of wearing those each year while we made Christmas Cookies. Well, actually, SHE made Christmas cookies, I just made a whirlwind of ingredients -- ALL over the kitchen They didn't think of me as the White Tornado for nothing! I just have these visions of the Perfect wife moving in next door, along with the Perfect husband, with their Perfect kids, and, well, having never been that, it just sort if something to which I simply can't relate! The neighbors on the OTHER side of us??? GREAT. We love them. They're really cool, have three kids who are a RIOT, and are fun. But Perky Stepford . . . . naaaaahhhh.

Okay -- there. I've hijacked once again my own thread!

Thanks for thinking of me, Jen. AND, we'll figure out an alternative to cream cheese . . . I'll ask around. Also, ARMETTA is a wealth of information with regard to that, because she can't have dairy, either. Love You!!!!!

Silly man,I don't wear it all at once

My Sentiments EXACTLY!!!!! Nikki, just remind him -- he doesn't wear every pair of socks he owns at once, now does he??????? No . . . .

AND -- variety is the spice of life. Tell him to think of it this way . . . he can come home to a different woman every day, if you choose to change your make-up that much!!!!!

[CarlaB]

Yea, if hubby ever got on my back about my makeup, we'd definatly have to talk about his Sponge Bob collection!!! Even his bathroom soap dispenser is Sponge Bob!!