Wow, it's a long time since I posted.
In amongst the mish mash of everyday life, there were some important moments too.
The Little Guy graduated from 6th Grade and so our last child has finished Elementary school. The Geek graduated from Community College........and is looking for a job to tide her over until University starts. Susielusie finished High School two days early and is, at this moment, residing at The Art Institute in downtown Seattle for a 4 day summer school in Fashion Design.
The kids, I am happy to say, are flourishing.
Sadly I am not.
Last week I got my results back from all the blood tests that the Naturopath took and low and behold I sure got my money's worth!
It turns out that back some 15 years ago when my British Gastroenterologist concluded that I had some kind of food allergy, but he couldn't determine what, the dear old guy was spot on. We've just been waiting for technology to catch up. Thanks to a Seattle biotech lab I am now aware that I have sensitivity to not just dairy products, but eggs, citrus, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, carrots, radish, celery, asparagus, vanilla bean, pineapple and banana.....Just about everything I have growing in the garden!
Is there anything left to eat?
Apparently so, although at the moment it doesn't feel like it. I am having to spend hours every day just working out what I can eat and how that fits in with the rest of my family. To top it all, I also tested positive for resurgent Epstein-Barr, so I have Mono as well!
Surprisingly, when I'm not having an allergic reaction, I feel pretty happy. I think that I've waited so long for some answers that I'm almost relieved.
It will ofcourse mean a major life change, so expect to see me going more zen. I have to slow down and start behaving like an old lady so that my body can try to repair itself.
Good sleep at night is essential plus a nap during the day (so not me.)
Coupled with all the work on recipes, this regime is crippling my secret project. If others weren't relying on me, I would have shelved it. In the meantime, I've been knitting up a storm, writing and creating charts. I totally love the yarn, which is a 50% silk 50% merino blend sold by a local indie dyer.
To relieve the stress, I'm going to get some help with tech editing, so I can concentrate on getting better.
I'm giving myself a year.
Hopefully, I'll feel like a new woman by then!
Jane ~ Here's to healthier days ahead!!! Hurray!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you need help with your secret project (not that I know much but if I can help at all, just ask!)
Melissa
Wow, that is quite an impressive list. I don't recall seeing dark chocolate on it, though, so it should be workable :).
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is definitely one of those cases where the universe is telling you to slow down and take care of yourself. Not fun, but worth listening to.
Oh sorry tPig in the kitchen is a great blog for allergy sufferers, she is British, been living in France but now moved back to UK, great recipes and wonderful writing, I think you'd like it.
ReplyDeleteRe knitting, I remember when I quit smoking years ago, knitting was so soothing, and kept my fingers busy.
Take care of yourself, and take it as easy as you can.
Jane, just see that half my comment didn't publish, I was saying sorry to hear you've been unwell.
ReplyDeleteDo check out pig!
Thanks Mimi! Off to check out Pig.
ReplyDeleteJane, you have my most deep felt sympathies. I too several years ago received the verdict from the allergiest that I'm allergic/sensitive to...well, basically everything. It sucks. If you know anything about me and food -it doubly sucks. My coping stratagy is to not eat consistently any one thing. I refuse to eat nothing but lamb, rice, turkey and...I forget what the fourth thing that I WASN'T sensitive to was. I hope you feel better and figure out your own stratagy. Your garden, on the other hand, looks absolutely fantastic! Take Care and Best Wishes.
ReplyDeleteI too have had weird health issues. Mine began over two yrs ago and I'm only now beginning to feel somewhat more equalized. A big factor in beginning to feel better was realizing it was ok to take a nap (almost every day). I think my body was being pushed too far and illness was a rebellion of sorts. The restful life is a big part of the healing. I hope for you that you can slow down without guilt from yourself and without question from those around you. Our bodies have an amazing self-healing capacity beginning with the good self care you are giving yourself. Good job.
ReplyDeleteMy body's been pushed too far consistently for many years. Two international moves take their toll and trying to raise 3 kids in 3 countries with your husband constantly travelling, is in its very nature exhausting. Last time I was diagnosed with Mono it was 3 weeks before moving to the US. No chance to rest then. Discovering the food sensitivities as well, just explains why I've always struggled to keep up with life.
ReplyDeleteDo take care of yourself. I know it's hard with lots of people relying on you, but your being well will help them most!
ReplyDeleteYour plate sounds full...with what, I don't know, but full. Good Lord, woman! What's left to eat? Apples? I'm so sorry about the restrictions.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll figure it out though, and your creativity in the garden and kitchen will flourish again.
Be well.
I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell....
ReplyDeleteHowever, always remember:
We all are always here to support you.
Oh, what a shame about all those veg in the garden that you can't enjoy! But, I'm glad that you finally have some answers. That goes a long way towards improving your mental health.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that secret project and making up some new recipes. You are so creative that I'm sure it will be a success. Congratulations on all the milestones being celebrated in your family.
Oh my goodness you poor thing. I just love your positive attitude though. Good luck and conquer!
ReplyDeleteDaffodilly