3/11/21 Check-in (Reintroduction)

Weight: 199.5

Low FODMAP Meals: 15/21 + 3 Challenge Meals

This week went pretty smoothly.  I had minimal symptoms from the Mannitol group and I'm looking forward to including them in future meals.  Some things I did note, however, is that they do cause an increase in gas for me.  So when I'm in a flare and everything is inflamed, I should definitely avoid foods in this group.  

In the past, trapped gas has been a major source of pain for me during a flare.  My nutritionist said that this is one of the things we'll look at during the customization phase - where we figure out what foods I can include and avoid in the future.

One thing I noticed was that by the third day I was struggling to want to eat mushrooms.  Something I never thought was possible.  But in my old life, I doubt I ate mushrooms that many days in a row before.  So it's no wonder I was tired of them by the third day.

This next week, I'm challenging Fructose - so honey or mango.  I'll probably be sticking with honey since that is already a part of my regular diet.  I don't normally eat mango, so it doesn't make sense to challenge with that.  I don't think I'll have the 'boredom' factor for honey, since I normally put that in my tea on a daily basis.

Wish me luck!

Reintroduction - Mannitol

I'm starting the reintroduction phase of Low FODMAP.  I'm starting with Mannitols - so that means mushrooms or cauliflower.  

I started last night with 2 tablespoons of mushrooms with chicken, mashed potatoes, and carrots.   So far, so good.  No major symptoms or pains.  Most I could say I have is some dry lips.

But that could be the change in weather or allergies.  I'm still writing it down but don't think it's a problem at all.  I hope Gluten goes this smoothly.

3/3/2021 Check-in (low FODMAP)

 Weight: 202.2

Low FODMAP Meals: 16/21

It's been a miraculous week - I have 10 days pain free without Prednisone.  I had my birthday where I ate what I wanted - Chimichangas (yes!) and cake, Ice Cream Cake, Cannoli, and wine (double yes!).  I didn't go too much overboard - though I did gain 2 pounds - and most of my meals were low FODMAP.

I'm sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop.  I don't know how to trust that my gut is going to be okay for a while.  But we're moving forward with the reintroduction phase and I'll be adding mushrooms to my diet this week.  I have missed them so so much.

Wish me another 7 days with this normal gut!

2/25/2021 Check-in (low FODMAP)

 Weight: 200

Low FODMAP Meals: 19/21

This is crazy to me - last week I was almost in tears to my nutritionist because I was so frustrated.  We agreed to stop the Kiwi the week before last but it didn't really change anything.  I barely finished my lunch on Friday because of gut pain - even though it was just grilled chicken and rice.  Then, all of a sudden, on Saturday it was like a switch was flipped and my gut is calm.

I'm trying not to jinx myself because I have my 40th birthday coming up on Saturday - but maybe I just went through a flare.  I haven't really had a non-pain time period (without Prednisone) to know what exactly a flare feels like, but I think this was it.

Wish me luck this week!

2/18/2021 Check-In (low FODMAP)

Weight: 200.2

Low FODMAP Meals: 19/21

This week I tried Siete Tortilla chips, made with Cassava Flour, and did not have a good reaction to these either.  I'm wondering if it's because they're crispy and maybe my lack of a gall bladder is just not happy with anything fried. 

I'm also questioning whether or not my Humira is still working.  I've noticed that the last two times I've had a dose scheduled, the Sunday before I have increased symptoms.  Maybe it's wearing off too soon or I need a higher dose?  I'm going to see what happens for my scheduled dose on the 24th to see if it's a pattern or just coincidence.

But mostly, I am not seeing any relief from Crohn's.  It's difficult to sleep at night and I'm feeling tired all day.  Then it doesn't matter what I eat, within a half an hour my gut is screaming at me.

2/11/2021 Check-in (low FODMAP)

Weight: 201.4

Low FODMAP Meals: 18/21

Taking out the balanced plate tracking for now.  It should help me focus on low FODMAP better.

This week, I discovered a company called FODY that produces items for a low FODMAP diet.  So I found Salsa and Spaghetti sauce that I can eat - it's made without garlic and onions.  This is making the low FODMAP diet a lot easier to handle.  This week I'm looking forward to trying their Taco Sauce.

I've still been having some stomach issues, but I think it's related to constipation issues.  I've been eating my Kiwi but not seeing a lot of help there and I'm starting to get tired of those little black seeds.

2/4/2021 Check-in (low FODMAP)

 Weight: 203

Low FODMAP Meals: 18/21

Balanced Plate: 7/7

My nutritionist suggested that I start incorporating Kiwi fruit (1x/day for 3x/week) to help with the constipation issues I've been having.  It's apparently a gentle fiber that will help me without adding to my gut pain.  So far, I can't say I've noticed a difference, but my pain level has been very low.

I'm missing Garlic and Onion more than I expected.  I didn't realize how much I was cooking with these spices until I couldn't use them anymore.  It's also made eating out difficult because almost all of the sauces will contain one or both of these.  So when I go out I've been getting plain items - like a steak without butter, or grilled unmarinated chicken.

I found UDI bread at the grocery store and that has helped with sandwiches for lunch.  I've also started getting deliveries from Epicured - a low FODMAP food delivery service.  My biggest complaint is that all of their food is meant to be reheated in the microwave and I don't have one.

1/28/21 Check-In (Low FODMAP)

Weight: 203.5

Low FODMAP Meals: 13/21

Balanced Plate: 6/7

I'm seeing some weight loss.  Probably because I'm not eating bread and I'm actually limiting my portions/calories.  I'm tracking everything in My Fitness Pal so that I can easily reference it.

Which really came in handy because I figured out that Corn Tortilla Chips and I do not get along even though it's a low FODMAP food.  I've been feeling very gassy lately and I'm sure it's because I'm still eating dairy and other items - so maybe it's not just the Corn in the chips that's bothering me.

Low FODMAP Diet - Introduction

I'm starting a slow introduction to the low FODMAP diet with my nutritionist.  The ultimate goal being to identify the foods that irritate my body and set off Crohn's flares so that I can hopefully get back to life without maintenance medicines.  I figured a blog would be a useful place to check in weekly and share my experience with other people who may find themselves in a similar position.  Some metrics I'm going to start out with - weekly weigh-in, how many meals were low FODMAP friendly meals that week, how many days I had at least 1 balanced plate (1/3 each of Protein, Complex Carb. Veggie) for a meal.

Weight: 205.9

Low FODMAP Meals: 8/21

Balanced Plate: 4/7

This week hasn't been terrible.  I am definitely missing bread but I'm looking forward to the future.

2020 in Review

 I feel like I start one of these for every year end, but never seem to finish them and get them posted.  Then when I try to recap later, it all feels irrelevant.  2019 was especially like that - I remember thinking it was such a horrible year and that 2020 would have to be better.  But here we are....

January - The year started out extremely hopeful.  K and I had both come through our end of year 2019 surgeries and were recovering well.  We went on our planned Caribbean Cruise and had an amazing time in clear waters.  

February - I celebrated my 39th Birthday and was looking forward to a fruitful year.  Things seemed to be in a calm place, though we were hearing more and more about COVID-19.

March - I took my last work trip to DC and was worried for two weeks afterwards that I might have gotten sick or passed an illness to one of my family members.  I knew things were serious when Disney shut down its parks. 

April - The only thing that changed for me was limiting dining out and seeing my family.  We all sat tight and did out best to not spread COVID.  My Beetle finally died after 10 years and I had to get a new car.  Otherwise, it was nice to not have to go to an office or travel for work as often.  I was starting to become obsessive with capturing the Maryland COVID numbers though.  Every day I would record the information in my paper journal like it would be some important document for later historians.  

May - If you've read any of this blog before you'll know that May is when my personal world blew up a little.  I was hospitalized and then diagnosed with Crohn's disease shortly before I was laid off at work due to COVID.  Maybe saying it blew up a little is an understatement.

June - I got an amazing offer to work as an independent contractor in New Hampshire for the Summer.  So I started my own company and set off to have an adventure.  It was a beautiful area and the people were incredible, but it was still a little lonely being away from K and my family.

July - Family visits to New Hampshire, which was still relatively free of COVID above the Notches.  It was wonderful to share my good fortune with everyone and give them a breathing space in the middle of the pandemic.

August - Visits to my sister in Boston and interviewing for full time jobs.

September - I was officially hired at a new company and started making my plans to move back home. 

October - I moved back home and started my new job.  I didn't think it was possible to find a company that felt like a better fit - in terms of what I enjoy doing and my skill set.  It has a different feel from the Accounting based company I worked for at the beginning of the year, but is equally as fast paced.

November - With the cold weather coming back, the COVID rates went higher.  It prevented us from getting together with all of the family we wanted to see at Thanksgiving.  But we made it work.

December - This really felt like a blur.  It was limited but we did what we could to celebrate the season.

I would finish with my hopes for the new year but I don't want to jinx anything.  So I'll keep that to myself for the time being.