Poison Control

Tuesday evening I made myself sick.  Seriously, I consciously made myself ill.

Let me quickly explain why I would do such a crazy thing.

As most of you know, I suffer from major food intolerances but what you may not know is that I am also intolerant to medicine, alcohol and I have mysterious swelling on/around my left rib.

Just to be safe, I’ve had numerous test and lab work done to make sure I don’t have cancer or an infection.  My family doctor referred me to a GI specialist to confirm her findings.

As long as I follow a very strict diet, I feel great!  Well, I didn’t want to feel great when I saw the specialist because then I wouldn’t be able to explain my exact symptoms.  See how my mind works?

I understand that by eating something that I’m intolerant to on Tuesday isn’t necessarily going to show it’s ugly head on Wednesday (it could actually take anywhere from a couple of hours to a month) but I did know that my stomach area would swell and from there it would bring back all the bad memories from when I didn’t have my intolerances under control.

Cut to a thin crust (not gluten-free), sausage (remember, I haven’t ate meat since May 2011), cheese (I’m dairy and lactose intolerant) with mushrooms and peppers (hey, I needed some veggies) pizza.

Yep, I ate 3.5 BIG pieces! Below are my notes of how I felt afterwards.  Those of you that have food intolerances will know exactly what I’m talking about and those of you that are not aware that you have intolerances may recognize some symptoms.

6:00 p.m.-Ate pizza

9:00 p.m.-Starting to feel heartburn, some acid and the dreaded “lump” feeling in my throat.

10:30 p.m.- Sorry honey, no romance tonight.   Who could possibly be in the “mood” when you feel bloated?  Is this why so many Americans have problems in the “bedroom”?  Maybe, I’m on to something.  Vitamin De:  Wellness Coach/Sex therapist.

11:30-Holy Moly, I’m thirsty!  Would you like a little pizza with your salt?  How much sodium content do you think is in/on a pizza?

1:15 a.m.- I’m still wide-awake most likely because of the heartburn.  I’ve propped my head up on an extra pillow but it doesn’t seem to be working.  I’m starting to feel a little nauseated now.

2:00 a.m.-I’m guessing I may have fallen asleep.  It wasn’t a good sleep.  I was restless.  My body was pissed off at me and I can’t say I blame it.

7:30 a.m.-I woke up to swollen hands and face.  Not drastic, but enough to where I was uncomfortable.  I’m retaining water and it’s not a pretty site.

Rest of the day- I have no energy.  I have a slight headache and nausea.  My problem “stomach” area swelled like I hoped for and it is tender.  All I can do is pray that I don’t get worse.

6:30 p.m.-The doctor calls me into his office, ask me a bunch of questions, goes over all my test and lab results, examines my abdomen and then informs me that I have…

MAJOR FOOD INTOLERANCES. 

All the way home my husband tried to convince me that it wasn’t a waste of time  to poison myself and to see a specialist only to find out what I already knew.

On a serious note, although having major food intolerances is challenging, I know my diagnosis could have been so much worse. I feel very fortunate and I will continue to concentrate on what I can eat (not what I can’t eat) and I will continue studying and re-searching nutrition so that I can help myself and most importantly, help other’s.

Tomorrow, I will post my “next day remedy” for when you have eaten something you are intolerant to.  It really seems to speed up the detox period.

Have a great day!  :)