I haven't done a regular post in awhile, so I thought I would catch everyone up on my health situation and other news.As far as my health, all my tests came back normal: urine, blood, and the chest x-ray. I have done some kind of damage to the lining of my esophagus and according to all the stuff I've read, it takes 4-6 weeks to heal. I wasn't able to eat much over the weekend, but I got online and found information on what foods were safe to eat, which ones could be consumed "with discretion", and which were absolute no-no's. Not surprisingly, coffee, chocolate, and fried foods are all on the "no-no" list.
So, here's what I'm eating, safely. Yesterday I had a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast, half a turkey sandwich (no mayo) for lunch, some honeydew melon, and a plain baked potato for dinner. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but it feels like a lot to me after Saturday, when all I ate was saltine crackers. The only "safe" beverage is water, so I'm drinking that a lot. Flavored water is okay, so that helps. Oatmeal has become one of my favorites. It's easy going down.
Some patients with acid reflux have trouble with dairy products (although it doesn't seem to bother me), and skim milk is actually on the "occasional" list, so I am saving my milk consumption for my breakfast cereal. Cream cheese is allowed, so I got some at the grocery last night along with some bagels, for a snack. I also bought a container of soy milk, just to see what it tastes like. If I can substitute that for regular milk on my cereal, I can get my "safe" dairy from items like cream cheese, sour cream, and frozen yogurt.
For lunches and dinners, I am looking at turkey breast and ham for lunches, and baked chicken and fish for dinners. I bought some tilapia and cod for some baked fish recipes. I AM allowed pasta but no tomato-based products, like spaghetti sauce. That also means no pizza, but last night I was looking in the pizza cases and there are lots of veggie pizzas with alfredo sauce. Maybe someday.
So, the long and short of it is, I am learning to eat without pain. I have to be very careful for 4-6 weeks, and then I can start to re-introduce some of my favorites. I miss my morning coffee AND Diet Coke, but I was trying to give up soft drinks anyway. It's a good way to lose weight. I can't wait to weigh myself, but I'm trying to give it a little more time.
Other than that, things have been pretty good. I had a second date with Baron last Friday and it was good. We are taking things slowly. He is going on a vacation so we won't be able to get together for awhile, but we stay in touch. At the very least, I think we can be friends.
The kids are all doing well. Aaron has an appointment with a nutritionist and we're starting a fitness class for kids tonight. He's having a blast with his "Better Batter" baseball. Daniel has been busy with another football camp, and swimming, and hanging out with friends. Rachael has been playing with her band, working, and helping out at church once a week. Joseph has been working a lot, and involved with TWO play practices. Luckily, one play performs this week so the schedule will lighten up somewhat. "Back to school" is looming in the near future...yikes!
That's all for now. Hope everyone is doing well.
J.
10 comments:
No coffee? I don't if I could do it. Good luck J and feel better.
I am feeling your pain-literally.
I have GERD and have ulcerative colitis.
The diet really does help things heal.
Hang in there !
J - Big dietary changes are a challenge. I recall when I was first diagnosed with diabetes. Yet, your bland diet is temporary, even if it is not great fun to deal with.
I hope you are able to keep your gastric reflux under control. What a bummer to go through that.
It sounds like you have found some safe foods that can get you through this. And with Baron around, life can be somewhat more enjoyable.
Please keep us posted on how everything is going.
No coffee? Ugh! That is the one thing I would hate to give up.
Hope you are feeling better.
I, of course, LOVE everything on the avoid list. I take Nexium when I'm having acid reflux attacks and drink Mylanta for the immediate help. Last night I had spinach pizza. It had been a while since I'd had an attack, but sure enough, at 12:30am, I woke up with acid in my throat and mouth. Spent the rest of the night in a chair. Guess I need to buy another recliner for "those" nights.
I printed out your lists..
I hope we feel better soon!
The no coffee thing is really working on my nerves too, but I do feel better. I've substituted green tea, and luckily there are plenty of flavors for some variety. Hang in there.
Oh, and you should really let your kids do more; I don't think your family is busy enough. ;)
Corky - I DO feel a lot better. But I still miss coffee. Someday.
Mitch - The diet changes ARE helping, quite a bit. And I ordered a book with recipes and tips in it. I will share with you (and Sayre) what I learn.
Dave - It's not fun sometimes, but I can tell I'm losing weight, and I'm excited about that!! Things are okay with Baron. I'm still pretty much on my own, and that's fine.
Lisa - I DO miss coffee. (sniff)
Sayre - The funny thing is, I don't really have "attacks", as in traditional heartburn. But it hurts so bad in my lower back if I eat the wrong things.
Tense - I think caffienated tea is a no-no, but I wonder if decaff tea is okay.
I hear you on the kids. I just love to see them happy and well-rounded.
J.
Sounds like you are doing some good things for your family and yourself, J. Replacing diet soft drinks with water is very smart.
Is it the coffee or just the caffeine? Are you banned from drinking coffee forever?? That's pretty brutal!
Glad to hear it!
Dietary restrictions are hard at first, but get easier as time goes by. Having Crohn's, there's a ton of stuff I can't eat. Bleh.
I take Prevacid daily for the acid reflux and it really helps. Maybe it's something you can ask about?
Post a Comment