tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57493247484938705982024-03-08T09:17:28.428-08:00My So Corned LifeMizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-69906428644143922802013-01-03T17:37:00.001-08:002013-01-03T17:37:35.317-08:00End of Year Recap
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My apologies and thanks in advance for those who are
sticking with my scattered and infrequent updates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My trip to Dallas, TX to recover from the incorrect grout
that was used in our bedroom turned out really well, though it was longer than
expected. While there I was able to recuperate and slowly detox from what had
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through sauna, IV nutrient
supplementation and energy work, I came home feeling better than I had in a
couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip home was
exhausting, but it afforded me the ability to very careful attend my oldest
child’s birthday party for about an hour when I returned. The trip also led us
to find a used Heavenly Heat sauna for sale in northern TX via a flyer posted
in Dr. Rea’s office. In Nov., my in-laws were kind enough to transport it back
to our home in the Midwest. Having access to a sauna at home is like a dream.
Dr. Rea feels very strongly about sauna usage for detoxification and there were
no other options available for me since I am unable to leave our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently it is having some electrical issues
with the heater, but my husband is very handy, so I’m sure it will be up and
running again once we receive all of the replacement parts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Right now I am still a bit under the weather from a “regular
person” virus that has kept me down for over three weeks, but I still feel like
I am well past the scary point where I was last winter and after the exposure
to the incorrect grout. My progress is small and slow, but I believe I’m
getting ever so slightly stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
managed to gain a couple of pounds even since returning from Dallas and have
been able to keep the weight on, which means a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Rea re-tested my t-cell counts and immune
response levels in mid-Sept. while I was in his office to see if the Gammagard
(immune globulin) was making any kind of impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both my CD4+ (helper T cells) and CD8+
(suppressor T cells) rose and my CD56+ (NK cells) which were high, came down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the aforementioned is yet in normal
range, but they are close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After just
completing another three months of once weekly injections, I will be re-testing
soon to see where I stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect
another round of Gammagard is in my future, especially because of the virus I
am currently trying to fight off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
immune system isn’t handling it very well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m continuing to take my allergy shots and even added a few
items after testing and re-testing in Dallas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve experienced what I believed were reactions to fabrics in the past,
but I never could pinpoint if it was certainly the fabric itself, the dye,
something it was treated with, or something I had eaten. Long story short: I’m
allergic to cotton, wool and polyester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My allergic response was thankfully not incredibly sensitive since I
have to interact with these items daily. I am now using an antigen for those
fabrics on a four day rotation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently I’m lying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i>
low whenever possible. Over the summer I occasionally left the house for
chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture, but the drive was 25 minutes one
direction and I reacted to the office (as I would to any office).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve since decided that it’s best for me to
stay home and minimize reactions. Both types of therapy are something I
strongly support, but in my delicate state, I’m not sure if the benefits outweigh
the risks. I feel quite stir crazy never going outside, other than to put my
child on/off of the school bus, but for now, I know it is the right thing to do.
The fewer hits I can take; the better. My husband was kind enough to schedule a
friend/family member to make contact with me during each day during December.
Most were phone calls and Skypeversations, but I was fortunate enough to have a
few in person visits, though they were a little tricky and unconventional (exp.
people sitting on the front porch talking to me through the window, or me
wearing a paint respirator and conversing with people on the front porch). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One avenue for improvement I’m currently researching is the
removal of my amalgam fillings, tooth colored fillings and root canals. In
November, my husband and I met with a biological dentist in our area to assess
my teeth. This dentist appears to have a reasonably good understanding of
people with my condition, as his staff is/are not allowed to wear scented
products to work. The office still smelled like a dentist’s office, but I think
that’s kind of difficult to avoid. Thankfully he had windows we could actually
open. He feels very strongly that patients can be allergic to and/or affected
by the types of materials used for their dental care. He offers a blood test to
determine material compatibility with each patient. Likewise, Dr. Rea offers
individual skin prick tests from a dental panel of various dental materials,
both common and uncommon. Dr. Rea and the dentist feel strongly about the
removal of amalgam (mercury containing) fillings. During my first visit to Dr.
Rea’s office over the summer, I had a blood test to assess certain levels of
particular toxins my bloodstream. The mercury levels in my blood were in excess
of normal range, yet consistent with what is to be expected for someone with
amalgam fillings. The biological dentist actually used a sort of “metal detector”
like device on my teeth to determine individual levels for each filled tooth.
Apparently tooth colored fillings can also contain aluminum and other metals.
All of the levels they found were pretty consistent with what is expected, but
one of my amalgam fillings had a mercury level that was about five times as
high as they’re used to seeing. I knew the doctor was pretty shocked by it when
he asked the dental assistant if she was sure that wasn’t a mistake, to which
she replied: “I checked her twice.” I don’t think I need to engage in a long account
of why amalgam (mercury) fillings are bad for you. Anyone with chronic medical
issues would be wise to research the connection. My mercury fillings will be
coming out. The question is: when? I’m not entirely sure where I stand on
removing all of the tooth colored fillings. More education and research will be
needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The biological dentist also strongly recommended the removal
of my two root canaled teeth. One of them has been giving me problems for some
time and has had two root canals on one tooth. The dentist who originally performed
the procedure told me I would probably lose the tooth eventually. The bio
dentist reasoning behind removing root canals stems back to research done by a famous
dentist from over 100 years ago, Dr. Weston Price. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the website of Dr. Joseph Mercola:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dr. Price was a
dentist and researcher who traveled the world to study the teeth, bones, and
diets of native populations living without the "benefit" of modern
food. Around the year 1900, Price had been treating persistent root canal infections
and became suspicious that root-canaled teeth always remained infected, in
spite of treatments. Then one day, he recommended to a woman, wheelchair bound
for six years, to have her root canal tooth extracted, even though it appeared
to be fine.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She agreed, so he
extracted her tooth and then implanted it under the skin of a rabbit. The
rabbit amazingly developed the same crippling arthritis as the woman and died
from the infection 10 days later. But the woman, now free of the toxic tooth,
immediately recovered from her arthritis and could now walk without even the
assistance of a cane. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Price discovered that
it's mechanically impossible to sterilize a root-canaled (e.g. root-filled)
tooth.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He then went on to
show that many chronic degenerative diseases originate from root-filled teeth. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . Dr. Price went on to write two
groundbreaking books in 1922 detailing his research into the link between
dental pathology and chronic illness. Unfortunately, his work was deliberately
buried for 70 years, until finally one endodontist named George Meinig
recognized the importance of Price's work and sought to expose the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">His books are still available today and there is a great
deal of information available on the subject, but I think this is sufficient
for now. The biological dentist has seen great results with the removal of root
canaled teeth, as well as fillings, however not everyone sees results and some
are not immediate. The largest concern for someone like me is that the immune system
will take a hit, so to speak, from the procedure itself. Doing any kind of
dental work is a risky move and would very likely cause me to feel even worse
for a while. We are not yet sure my system would be able to handle any kind of
change without completely crashing and unfortunately we don’t have many ways to
build it back up, such as supplements and nutrients. A telephone consult with
Dr. Rea is in the near future. Meanwhile, I’m trying to find out if other
environmentally ill people have seen improvement from the removal of fillings
and/or root canals. It is certainly a risky move. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2012 has been, without a doubt, the most
difficult year of my life. Though I know my anguish pales in comparison to the
many afflictions, injustices and great suffering that occur in our world every day.
There are millions of people longing for someone to care about them and offer
them hope. Though I will admit to feeling quite sorry for myself, questioning
my own existence and going into some incredibly dark places, I can at least
know I have hope. Why? Because I am a child of God and I am surrounded by flesh
and blood “angels” on earth (and probably even some ethereal ones). Through
their prayers, words, inspiration, and dedication, they let me know that I can
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> survive . . . and one day thrive.
God has been so good to our family throughout this illness. My husband and I
know, probably now more than ever, that He has never abandoned us and will always
come though when we need Him. This is a difficult season to be sure, but there
will be brighter days ahead. Welcome, 2013!</span>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-3202076069968171022012-09-21T20:48:00.002-07:002012-09-21T20:48:56.939-07:00Relapsing: Down, but Not Out
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes life has a way of handing you lessons you never
even realized you needed to learn and often times a lesson you never really <i>wanted</i>
to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This illness has been the single
most humbling experience of my entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything about my life I once knew and depended on has been turned
into something that now feels like a vapor. It’s just gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most frustrating thing is that when
you’re sick like this, you never get to take a timeout and recharge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But things were gradually getting better
after we returned home from treatment in June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were hopeful, encouraged and starting mentally “almost” making plans
for the things I would do in possibly a year’s time and then . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it all fell to pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little over three weeks ago I started to
notice a change in my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first it
was little things and then, well, it quickly became everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Formerly non-allergenic foods started to
cause major issues. Even my own dental mouth guard started to bother me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scent from chemical particles started to
become more intensified when I didn’t feel that was possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last two times I received my Gammagard
(gamma globulin) infusion, I swelled up BAD and reacted w/ horrible all over
itching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In previous weeks I had nearly
NO reaction to this medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something had gone horribly wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we last left off, I shared with all of you our need
eliminate toxins and provide me with a better indoor environment in our
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would help lower my allergic
load and allow me to heal and become less affected by every allergen
exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Per the advice of Dr. Rea,
associates, and other environmentally ill patients, we were strongly encouraged
to start with the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, after
all, the place where a person theoretically spends 1/3 of their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we dove in…Oh did we ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who are desperate for something better
tend to act fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps irrationally
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who have young children on a
tight schedule with impending school start times tend to act at LIGHTENING
speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would be those people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan for the master bedroom/bath began
with the most critical aspect: the flooring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rip out the master bed/bath carpet and install porcelain tile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although it is hardly a non-labor
intensive project for those producing the final product, it really IS a pretty
simple order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is IF you’re not
environmentally ill, and therefore allergic and affected by nearly everything .
. . which I am.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is where the humbled become, well, even more
humbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both my husband and I consulted
with one of Dr. Rea’s associates from the center, Carolyn Gorman, the author of
“Less-Toxic Alternatives: A Complete Guidebook for Natural Healing, Gaining and
Maintaining Optimum Health,” before we decided to pull the trigger on our “little”
project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We consulted her because she,
as well as Dr. Rea, is familiar with the process of detoxing one’s home and
creating a safer, healing, environment. The majority of products used in
today’s typical home construction are full of things like petrochemicals,
formaldehyde, ammonia, polymers, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These ingredients can cause adverse health effects to some humans and
the environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people may only
see the effects of them when exposed on a regular basis or later in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, people who are environmentally ill
and suffering from multiple allergies to foods, mold, chemicals, etc. can
become immediately and severely impacted by exposure to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, despite the advice of an
educated professional, we managed to massively mess up this home project
because we didn’t really heed all of her advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding safe products is hard, if not
impossible and we were on a mission to get things done – fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Here’s a good lesson if you’re
environmentally ill: Nothing happens fast. Nothing.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the existence of MSDS sheets, it is
extremely difficult to find the exact ingredients in these products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We researched a lot of products, and selected
stuff that we thought would be ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
we successfully interchanged the ingredient list for one grout with another and
in doing so chose a grout that even our misguided minds would never have used
(in hindsight the ingredients we thought were in it weren’t very good
either).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we managed to use backer
board <i>and</i> <i>most horribly</i> an incredibly wrong grout that contains
polymers, petrochemicals and aldehydes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the words of Carolyn Gorman whom I recently spoke to regarding our
colossal mistake: “You used about the worst possible thing imaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your husband and children should not even be
going in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crack the windows, close
the door & tape it shut.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so we
did. (I should note: the grout may be “cured” but it can potentially off gas
for up to a year and we can’t handle having this stuff in our house for a
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the other family members are protected, but it appears as
though the damage has already been done to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The chemicals in the products we used have done a real number on me. I
tried repeatedly to sleep in our bedroom, and never awoke feeling refreshed and
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I would awake gasping
for air ar 4:00 a.m. or w/ a migraine and often times felt dizzy and foggy
headed when I went in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body
never acclimated to the environment, but we just kept waiting, thinking the
floor needed more time to cure and off gas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently the just the aldehydes alone (used
in the grout) can actually become a sensitizer in the human body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea how one knows this, but I can
only attest that my already ridiculously sensitive and sick body has become
even more so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s disheartening to say
the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been many tears
shed and cries of frustration and anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We realized our huge error about two weeks ago, but my emotions were
running much too high to compose anything about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What’s done is done. Where do we go from here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We recently had a telephone consult with Dr. Rea and he
feels the project can be salvaged. He feels that we can save the tile and make
it a safe room for me by having the bad grout chipped out and safe grout
replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point in time, he is
advising us not to use a sealant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even a
low-toxic one would probably be too much for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something we can revisit in a 6mos.-1
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already have a sample of a low
toxic sealant that came recommended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
this point I have not been able to find any unmodified grout that is truly
safe, so we may have our contractor make a homemade grout with Portland cement
and fine sand w/ color pigment added so it doesn’t look like concrete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already ordered a few pigment
samples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even finding out if there is an
unmodified Portland cement to use is proving to be a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding unmodified products is REALLY, REALLY
challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There aren’t a lot of
pigment choices, but I really don’t care at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want my bedroom back and a house that
isn’t rapidly poisoning me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The game plan for now is that I will return back to Dallas to
stay in safe housing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no choice
because I don’t have anywhere else to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is probably a wise decision, as I’m sure I could use some further
medical evaluation and allergy testing, since I appear to have developed new
allergies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hope is that by getting
my overall toxic load down from staying in safe housing, I will be able to
return to our home once the project is complete and the area has been
thoroughly cleaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately I will
be on my own this time, as my husband needs to be home with our children and
keep up with his career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be a
little scary and challenging for me as I can’t even put gas in my own vehicle,
nor shop for groceries, but as Blanche Dubois famously said: “I have always
depended on the kindness of strangers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Poor Blanche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:o(<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ll come out of this a little better
than her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will see me through this
time and put good people in my path who can help see me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People I haven’t even met yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And besides, it’s a short flight to Dallas for
my hubby<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I read Mark Batterson’s book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of
Christianity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following quote is
something that really stuck out to me, though he wasn’t referring to chronic
illness in this particular text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
feel like it’s applicable and it’s the type of mindset I feel I need to adopt
to make it through this very difficult experience:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m absolutely convinced that the greatest predictor of
success in any endeavor is persistence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not only how hard you try, it’s also how long you try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tend to overestimate how much we can
accomplish in the short term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we
underestimate how much we can accomplish over the long haul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because energy is exponential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The harder you work and the longer you work, the more it pays off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Energy turns into synergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that persistence pays off.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each human body is a vastly unique and often times
unpredictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say definitively
what my body will and won’t do in any length of time, but I have some knowledge
from experts in the field of environmental illness and those who live with it
every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could work ourselves silly
trying to make a better life for me and never see any pay off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That <i>could</i> happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s far more likely that our persistence
WILL pay off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray a
lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But prayer without action is
empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be capable of doing
much right now, but I have many capable people in my life and I have a spirit
within me that says “Don’t underestimate these efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when you falter and make mistakes,
you’re still on the right path.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are down, but we’re not out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:o)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-58650685476623516262012-08-01T07:48:00.006-07:002012-08-01T07:48:56.084-07:00My Big Fat Overdue Update<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a LOOOOOOONG overdue update, but I’ve been completely
overwhelmed with finding a replacement car, administering/understanding new
treatments, rotation diet planning, and home improvement. In the interest of
attempting to over simplify an overwhelming quantity of information, I’ve
decided to break everything down in sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bless you all for reading & trying to keep up w/ me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you SO much for checking in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My apologies to those I haven’t directly
responded to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have just had my hands
in so many different pots that I have really let the blog slide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All for a good purpose, of course. :o)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Car Replacement</u></b>:
After my “safe,” well aged (off gassed), non-perfumy car was totaled in the
storm while we were in Dallas, we had to rent a car to drive home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sweet friend was kind enough to ship me her
high powered ozone machine to minimize the damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped . . . some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a ten hour drive in a new, off
gassing vehicle, is going to take its toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made it about six hours before I started to pray for death.
(LOL!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After much research, I’m pleased
to report that we’ve found a lovely replacement vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a beautiful six year old Lincoln and it
stinks to high hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This car was
detailed so meticulously that it actually now has a very good recreation of the
“new car” smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>
did we buy it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we gave up the
search for a scent free car & the price was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scent free or mostly scent free cars just
don’t exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s not cleaning
agents, it’s perfume; if it’s not perfume, it’s cigarettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we will keep working on this car w/ our
ozone machine and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eventually</i> it will
be tolerable for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There IS an upside
to all of this . . . My husband has been working very hard on my minivan to
make it acceptable to me and he has made great progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can now be in it for approximately 40-45
minutes w/out horrible reactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
THRILLED!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Pets</u></b>: Our
furry feline friends are gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dear
family member has given them a home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
children have very mixed emotions about this and frankly, I do too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly seeing their tears of longing for
their pets keeps the wound still there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But on a regular basis, we all seem to do pretty well. Honestly though,
I’ve noticed a slight improvement by not having them in the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their hair and dander is still everywhere,
but we are very gradually reducing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any
tips on residual pet hair removal? I’m all ears.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Treatments</u></b>:
Upon completion of all my testing at the Environmental Health Center in Dallas,
I am now armed with several treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Currently I have about twenty vials of various antigens for foods,
molds, mycotoxins, chemical, hormones and candida. Though in total, I’m
actually being treated with 50+ different antigens because most vials contain
more than one food, mold, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally,
I am now also armed with an immune boosting vial created specifically for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This vial is actually considered a
vaccine and it is called Autogenous Lymphocytic Factor (ALF).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This vaccine is created from my own
blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is designed to establish my
own personal immunological blueprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This blueprint will contain specific antigens that are only found in my
cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When these cells, called
lymphocytes, are placed in a cell culture, the weak die and the healthy grow
robust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2-4 weeks, many extremely
healthy cells exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon completion of
this process, the ALF vaccine is made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hope is that ALF may assist my immune system to lessen hypersensitivity and
allergic reactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can boost my
immunological response to pathogens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
doesn’t work for everyone, but many patients with hypersensitivities to foods,
chemicals, molds, etc. have been helped by ALF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some find relief right away, but often times it can take months. All of
the above vials (injections) are rotated every four days, so I only have to
poke myself about five times/day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically
most patients need to be treated consistently with these antigens, and immune
booster, for 18 months before full results are achieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them may need to be a part of my
daily life for years.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Furthermore, I am also being treated with IgG therapy with a
product called Gammagard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gammagard is a
subcutaneous infusion that I receive once/week in my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially a home health nurse administered
this medication to me, but after some training my “quick study” husband is now
able to administer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This medication
can be given intravenously, but the form I receive is a subcutaneous infusion
that takes about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(May I just
pause here and say: “Thank GOD my husband doesn’t have to poke my tiny
veins!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needles don’t bother me all that
much, but the one exception is an IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
veins just don’t cooperate with them.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back to Gammagard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gammagard is a
treatment created to replace missing antibodies, also called immunoglobulins
(Ig). Naturally occurring antibodies protect the body against infections by
attaching themselves to invading germs (pathogens). This makes it easier for
other immune system cells to locate and destroy the germs. Since there are
different types of germs, there are different types of antibodies that bind to
specific germs. One type is immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. IgG antibodies
are formed in large amounts and work in the blood and body tissues to fight
germs. (Totally stole that off their website – so there ya go, credit where
credit is due).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This treatment is, in my
words, pretty “hard core.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
recovering from long battles with cancer have received this treatment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rate for allergic reaction and side
effects is relatively high, so I met my first infusion with great excitement as
well as trepidation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first two treatments
didn’t go so well, but I’m pleased to report that I’m doing much better w/
subsequent instillations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fifth treatment
was yesterday, 7/30/12, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I did really
well with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My treatments are
scheduled to continue for a full twelve weeks. At the end of twelve weeks, my
t-cell counts will be re-checked to see if my immune system is responding
favorably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a side note, this is a
blood product, so a very kind thank you to all of you who donate blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Rotation Diet</u></b>:
Part of healing also includes dietary modifications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t really eating anything but fresh, home
cooked, bland food anyway, and my options were quite limited due to my corn
allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technically, I could say things
have gotten worse because I’ve since discovered <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">many</i> more food allergies through testing, but knowledge really is
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I now know that some of
my reactions were actually to that specific food or food family and not solely
due to corn cross-contamination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So some
foods have been closed to me, while a few others have been opened due to the
corn antigen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every food I eat is a
whole food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot eat any recipes and
here is why: Because I tested positive to a very large number of foods
including all nuts, grains (except white rice), various vegetables, a few
fruits and several animals (meat), this limited the number of foods I could
rotate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I currently have about 24 foods
I safely do not react to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
a few of those are oils and things like lettuce, which aren’t very
filling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(My options WILL expand as I
continue to heal.) The rotation diet is done on a four day basis and it’s
HARD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously it means I can only eat
a particular food once every four days, but it goes beyond that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have to rotate foods by trying not to
eat foods from the same family in one day, as well as only eat from that food family
every other day, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rotate oils AND I can
only eat one food once/ day (no snacking on it – when I’m done, I’m done).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Example of how this works: Mon. – black
beans, Wed. – cannellini beans (no legumes allowed on Tues.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another example: Tues. – chicken (can’t eat
chicken again until Sun. Thurs. – eggs (can’t eat eggs on Wed. b/c they’re in
the same food family as chicken)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
insane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent 90% of my time in the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I’m not perfect w/ this
diet, but when you only weigh about 100lbs and have 24 foods to rotate through,
perfection may not be the ultimate goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, what exactly is the reason behind this insanity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The objective is to keep the non-reactive <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>foods safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Food antibodies take four days to clear your body and by rotating on a
four day cycle my body doesn’t have the opportunity to develop allergies to
these precious safe foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also
the basis of treating with the allergy shots on a four day rotation as this
ensures that the body is remains neutralized to the allergies being treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m able to reintroduce foods for which
I have been treated, they will be reintroduced using this strategy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Home detox</u></b>:
Wha-wha-what!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s detoxing her
house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it on drugs!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wellll, in a way it kind of is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was initially diagnosed with a corn allergy, we started going on
a rampage to “de-corn” the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corn
is in everything, so my feelings were that we should just throw everything away
and start over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mentality on this is
slightly altered from before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My new
goal is to have a less toxic home overall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Currently I am on an antigen for corn and I do believe it’s
helping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I going to dive into a bowl
of popcorn or even allow it to be popped in my kitchen – hardly, but the minute
amounts of it (like vegetable washes, trace cross-contamination, etc.) are
becoming less of an issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a part of
my treatment, Dr. Rea explained that I need to reduce my overall toxic
load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most logical place to start is
the bedroom I sleep in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, we
tackle cleaning and eliminating the many offenders in the rest of the
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am typing this, we are having
new tile installed in our master bath/bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If this goes well, not only will I have a lovely new floor in my
bedroom, but I might actually be able to go in my bathroom & closet
again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did say “if” because this is a
gamble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re gambling that I will be
able to tolerate the smell of the thinset, fresh grout and tiny amounts of
formaldehyde & other chemicals that will be released from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Formaldehyde, as you know, is in practically
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a huge concern for the
environmentally ill (chemically sensitive). The chemical smells coming from
there are pretty intense for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I’m
very excited about this new possibility, my husband and I are concerned that I
may be sleeping on the couch for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometime this weekend, I should know if I will be able to go back into
my own room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(fingers crossed)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the end of the day, I still remain optimistic that much
improved health is in my future. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
family is already starting to see little glimmers of hope and improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continue to work very hard & my
husband<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>remains continually devoted and
works his tail to the bone for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
family and friends are doing anything they can and many who don’t even personally
know me are keeping me in their prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My faith in God to see me through this has turned into an awesome,
unwavering faith that even surprises me, but it’s there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is ALWAYS with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be okay. <o:p></o:p></span><br />MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-19909299342421935922012-06-16T20:54:00.003-07:002012-06-16T20:55:49.219-07:00Going Home & Why it REALLY sucks to lose a 12 year old car<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a Midwesterner, I have become accustomed to violent thunderstorms
storms and tornados.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least a few
times each spring and summer, we are treated to the delights of the harsh discord
of tornado sirens surrounding our populated, suburban neighborhoods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when the clouds darkened on Wed. night and
a small storm moved in, I really thought nothing of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Why would I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t go anywhere anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not like it was going to ruin my night at the apartment complex. LOL!) But how
wrong I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Storm fronts can change
very rapidly, and I DO know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hail storm that rapidly engulfed this community on Wed. night, was unlike
anything I have ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For at
least a solid twenty minutes, baseball sized hail pummeled every surface,
damaging trees, awnings, light fixtures, plantings, and of course . . .
cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every car in the hotel lot was subject
to some level of damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing what I
know now, I count us as exceptionally lucky<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>because had we stayed at the other recommended safe, low toxic complex,
we would’ve been treated to golf ball sized hail coming in our apartment windows!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:o(<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I don’t know if I set myself up for these things or if
I just have intuition that is somehow trying to protect my own fragile mind,
but earlier in the day I actually remarked to my husband while we were driving to
the clinic: “Honey, there’s a little old man who can barely see over the hood
of his Cadillac who seems to be struggling to stay in the center of his narrow
lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s AVOID him if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gosh knows we do NOT need anything to happen
to this car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just too precious.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thus sets the stage for Wed. evening’s
disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, all of the cars were
damaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just wasn’t anyone’s lucky
night here the hotel complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some cars
were so severely damaged that they prompted neighbors to come find the occupants
to make sure they knew their car was “completely trashed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(raises hand . . . sigh)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our 2000 Chevy Impala looks like it has been through a war
zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we first saw it, we were
horrified, but still trying to make ourselves believe that this car could be
salvageable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But things look a little different
at dusk verses broad sunlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in a
blaze of TX sun on Thursday afternoon, we absolutely conceded to the end of the
Chevy Impala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And today, an insurance
adjuster confirmed it: “Over 10K in repair and body work.” :o( <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessedly, we actually managed to be carrying comprehensive
insurance on the old beast, though we don't expect much of a pay out. But here’s
where it gets, well, . . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That pile of scraps and parts was my safe
zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I survived this trip because of
the protection of the incredibly well off gassed chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i>
cloth seats didn’t hurt my head, sinuses or irritate my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we left, my husband did an exceptional
job of airing out the car and cleaning it w/ very safe, unscented products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also used an ozone machine to remove any
residual odors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People seldom think
about all of the chemicals used to produce their cars and how those chemicals
can still be absorbed through their skin and inhaled into their lungs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people, including myself, probably never
stopped to think about that wonderful “new car smell” one delightedly proclaims
when they are lucky enough to score some new wheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us generally regard the “new car
smell” in a positive light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why wouldn’t
we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a NEW car (or nearly new, those
smell too).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what the heck <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> that smell exactly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it’s actually the off gassing of all
the chemical products used to construct the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the car itself gets so hot when it’s
running and particularly in summer months, the chemicals, including<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>volatile organic compounds among other things,
release into the air & are inhaled by the occupants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interior of a new car can actually be a
very toxic environment for anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
affected by environmental illness, chemical sensitivity and allergies can be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> negatively impacted by this
process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a great website that explains more about the issues
with off gassing of a new car and its impact on one’s health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This information is applicable to everyone
because the health implications of new car off gassing include: allergies,
birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. </span><a href="http://www.healthystuff.org/release.021512.cars.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.healthystuff.org/release.021512.cars.php</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a handy guide to help the consumer
make the best car buying decision: </span><a href="http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer07reducingcarsmell.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer07reducingcarsmell.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Again, I repeat: “THIS IS APPLICABLE TO EVERYONE.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:o) (smiles, and points at YOU)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow we will make the long, all day drive, back home in
a 2011 Ford Fusion rental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is obviously
not an optimal situation, but the only other option would be to fly and that
has some significant drawbacks as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My husband did everything he could to find the vehicle with the most
mileage and absolutely no cigarette smell, but it’s still a new car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it cooks in the TX sun, it releases
EVERYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve aired it out, purchased
an ionizer that plugs into the cigarette lighter and ozoned it like crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my mask which I have to wear anyway
and a carbon blanket to cover the seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hopefully that is enough to get us home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The car already gave me a migraine after a 40 minute drive, but that was
before we used the ozone machine on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In future blogs I plan to get into the specifics of
diagnosis, treatment and prognosis from my time at the Environmental Health
Center, but I literally can’t process through all of that paperwork at the
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t do anything online,
so everything is a hand-out, but at least they give me all of my test results
right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still feel confident
about this process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have heard many
stories and reports of healing and incredible improvement from other
patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversing with others was not
only therapeutic, but also very informative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Half of the education I’ve received here has been from other people who
have been through the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of
them shared their contact info with me and I look forward to keeping in touch
with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bless you for reading & think of us tomorrow! (Better
yet, send up some prayers)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-25902790241763006272012-06-04T19:02:00.000-07:002012-06-04T19:02:16.401-07:00Two Week Progress Report<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have been in Dallas for a couple of weeks now, but time
is passing by rather quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spend
9:00 a.m.-4:30/5:00 p.m. M-F at the clinic for testing and doctor’s apts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I test on Sat. mornings as well.
(Did I mention cell phones and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited
in the office? It’s actually kind of peaceful, but it does cut down on my
“social” time with friends back home.) Dr. Rea had a speaking engagement in
Spain this past week, so I was primarily testing and met once with Dr. Sprague,
the doctor who filled in during his absence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We still have a lot of questions for Dr. Rea at my appointment this
week, but this is what we know so far:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Molds, Mycotoxins
& Candida</b> – I continue to skin test high for every single mold and
mycotoxin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mycotoxins are toxic chemical
products produced by fungi. They can be found naturally in a variety of foods
& products including cotton, mushroom, peanuts, other tree nuts, spices,
corn, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s extremely difficult to
comprehend the vast reach of mycotoxins, as I am not a microbiologist, but I do
know this much: One mold can produce many mycotoxins and they believe I have
had a recent mold exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, I
will have issues with both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now
realize that my newly developed mold allergy is potentially as big as my corn
allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t really believe I just
said that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also tested positive for candida
allergy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Candida is a type of yeast that
occurs naturally in the human body. Normally it lives in harmony with a variety
of other microorganisms and actually performs a couple important
functions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem occurs when
something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and this allows the yeast
organism to proliferate and take over all the healthy microorganisms.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Immune System </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– My immune system has likely been compromised
due to a variety of issues, which include genetics, molds, chemical exposure, antibiotic
usage and a host of things I will never fully realize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blood test results for my t-cells revealed
low helper t-cells and low suppressor t-cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not entirely sure what all of that equates to, but I do know low
helper cells can be attributed to hypersentivity, allergies, inflammation,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Low levels of both helper and
suppressor cells are often related to autoimmune disorders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to ask my doctor more about what these
numbers specifically mean for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
secondary delayed immune test revealed that my body produced absolutely no cell
mediated immunity when skin tested with seven standardized recall antigens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other food allergies</b>
– It is very common for someone with an autoimmune disorder and extreme allergy
to one food to also test positive to a whole host of other foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will spare everyone the details, but I have
a pretty long list of foods that I am unable to eat right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason my food testing takes so long is
because each food is tested individually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Due to my delicate immune system, they are hoping to find at least 25 completely
non-reactive foods for me to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
finally started making some good progress with this last Thur. after several
days with many reactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The downside
(for me), is that I only have one safe protein at this point and it’s
chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Do you know how hard it is to
find a non-corn fed chicken!?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal
is for me to eat my safe foods on a four day rotation to keep me from
developing further food allergies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Repeatedly eating the same food day after day can actually increase
ANYONE’S odds of developing a new food allergy (cough, cough, healthy friends .
. . just sayin’).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of my low level
response foods <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">might</i> be able to be
slowly added back into my diet in approximately six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pet allergy </b>–
Unfortunately, in addition to developing new food allergies, I have also developed
an allergy to my two fur children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
two cats will need to be removed from our home until my body is strong enough
to attempt to reintroduce them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Rea
didn’t exactly spare my feelings when he told me the cats needed to be evicted
immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won’t even discuss
re-entry at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His goal is to
get me healthy and I really have to comply. My two human children recently
learned about my new allergy and they were quite upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the upside, a very kind family member, who lives about 100 miles from
us, has offered to take them so my children will be able to visit them about
once a month. :o) (Oh ya, I’m also allergic to dogs, but not as bad. Booooo,
hissssss! I like dogs too!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Minerals and metals</b>
– As suspected, my iron levels came back low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quite low, actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already
knew I was deficient because I know my body really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The downside is that I have been unable to
find a supplement that did not contain corn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re still looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One option,
to get things started, might be to try intravenous iron therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, the search for safe supplements is
daunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hoping that within a few
months on my corn antigen (allergy shot), I will be able to tolerate a few
supplements that contain derivatives of corn. My hair elements analysis revealed
high levels of mercury in my system, though the level reported was consistent
with someone who has amalgam fillings, which I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My homeopath had already recommended removal
of my fillings by a dentist who is qualified in safe amalgam removal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have reported positive impact in their
health as a result of removal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, my
body is not strong enough to endure the process at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Rea will guide us in determining when he
feels my body is ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best
estimate we have right now is three to six months, but realistically it could
be a year or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The good news</b> –
Yes, there is good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:o)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not the sickest person who has walked
through those doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I still have
to wear a mask and even that isn’t enough on most days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stinky” people walk in the doors of the EHC
and send me reeling, but sometimes I’m able to recover and continue on with my test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Everyone who enters the center is supposed
to be scent free, but this doesn’t always happen.) Other times, my testing has
to be stopped and I go home (errr, back to the hotel).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now for the really good news: There are
things I can do to climb back to a place of health and social normalcy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process will take a long time, but where
there is the healing hand of God, dogged determination and the support and
prayers of many - THERE IS A WAY back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The game plan</b> –
I’ll try to keep this brief, as it is quite exhaustive and obviously still a
work in progress. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We obviously need to
desensitize me to my nemesis, thus I’ve already started my daily injection of
corn antigen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of night’s ago, I
had a pretty bad reaction to the injection, but my husband believes it is
because I accidently injected a vein and/or muscle, as opposed to fatty
tissue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(What can I say, there isn’t a
lot of fat to work with right now. LOL!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was very concerned after my night of hell because end points for
antigen levels can change over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changing
end points are not uncommon. We may retest my corn allergy again just before we
go home to be absolutely sure it is at the right level. In addition to corn, I
am in the process of determining which 10 allergenic foods I would like to add
to a separate antigen, so I can eventually start to build more things into my
diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A customized antigen for the molds
and mycotoxins I am allergic to is also being created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can start on that before we leave and take
it home with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, a
customized vaccine called Autogenous Lymphcytic Factor (ALF) is also being
created with my own t-lymphocytes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
takes approximately six weeks to grow, so I won’t start on it until after we
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This vaccine is helpful in
treating severe sensitivities and immune dysregulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has about 85% efficacy rate, though
results can take up to six months to even a year to be fully realized. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later this week, I will also give the sauna a
try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After being poked in the arm 20
times/day (LITERALLY!), I think this sounds like a nice change of pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sauna detox can be a very beneficial part of
the process, but it’s something I can’t overdue because essential vitamins,
minerals and electrolytes will also be “dumped” from my body along with the
chemicals in my fatty tissue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it goes
well, then we may invest in a home sauna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many patients have reported great success and have also purchased their
own home sauna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to the aforementioned remedies, my husband and I
(okay, mostly my husband), will need to do some major renovation and removal
work in our own home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our carpet
must be removed & replaced with tile, mold testing must occur, and heavy
duty water filters or a whole home system must also be installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creating a less toxic environment doesn’t
come cheap, but we will do whatever it takes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some people have had to leave their homes altogether and unfortunately
couldn’t return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little apartment we’re
staying in is owned by the EHC and is designed to elicit minimal toxic
impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people are actually living
in the complex because they have no place else to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Environmental illness has a HUGE impact on an
individual’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the
day, I feel very blessed to have the support of friends and family members who
are helping to keep me alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
everyone has such support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that’s about it for now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for reading & thank you for your prayers & kind words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-29905332755858027242012-05-23T20:18:00.000-07:002012-05-23T20:18:08.768-07:00Visit to Environmental Health Center<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greetings from Tejas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, we haven’t moved away from the corn belt, but this is temporarily
home until the middle of June. On May 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, the hubs and I set out
on the 10 hour drive to Dallas, TX to see Dr. Rea and his staff at the
Environmental Health Center in Dallas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
journey wasn’t easy, but we made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
HAD to do the drive all in one day because I could not tolerate a regular hotel
room without getting verrrrrry ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
haven’t been inside the interior of any building other than our house in nearly
four months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just preparing our twelve year
old vehicle for the drive was a bit of an adventure, which started with an
inspection and AC repair and then got well, weird. LOL! We actually have a
newer vehicle that would be more suitable for road trips, but it has a lot more
plastic and various smells from my “former life” with lotions, hand sanitizers,
children’s snacks, etc., so it wasn’t a contender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even sit inside of it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubs went nuts with the shop vac on our old car
and then used a remote controlled ozone machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It definitely seemed to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point, he’ll have to try these things
on our newer vehicle, which sadly, used to be mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore my mask for the entire trip (fun!) &
covered my face with a carbon blanket/scarf type thing that a friend made when
we had to stop for gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been
spared many details of our stops during this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider yourselves lucky.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While staying in Dallas, we’ve rented an environmentally friendly
“suite” at the Marriott Residence that is in a building that is owned and
managed by the Environmental Health Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything in the room has been done in a way that makes less of an
impact on a person with environmental illness/allergies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room has not been renovated in a long
time, but that is actually a good thing for people like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New things off gas into the air and the fumes
can certainly cause serious symptoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of the flooring is tile, the beds metal, the sheets and blankets are
organic cotton, the blinds are metal, the sad cookware options are metal and
all of the furniture is metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
no curtains and no table or computer desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The place is really small, but a desk would be nice, as the couch is
actually a futon, so computer usage equates to the worst possible posture EVER
(AKA, appreciate this blog . . . it hurts! LOL!) They also provide air
purifiers like the ones I use at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We actually brought one from home, just in case the ones they have might
have developed a smell or something from the previous renter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, everything in the apartment is treating
me well and I feel better here than at home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately a previous tenant obviously used
aftershave and stored in in a bathroom drawer, which is against the scent free
rules, but we just don’t use the drawers (just like home).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My days at the center start at 9:00 and last until 4:00/5:00
p.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This full schedule will continue
for the duration of our time here, which will last until approximately the
middle of June. We are still very much in the diagnostic stage, but I feel
things are going well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a corn
allergic person, just having blood drawn can cause a reaction because of the
antiseptic used or the adhesive to cover it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, my skin has not reacted to what they’re using and we
brought our own medical tape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both like Dr. Rea and feel he can really
help me to gain some, if not all, of my freedom to live a more “normal” life
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Areas we are currently testing are foods, molds, and general
immune function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every day I do a pretty long round of subcutaneous allergy
testing for molds and foods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
test for other things like chemicals, pollens, etc. in the future. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, we’re testing on some foods I’m
currently eating and a lot of common molds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Rea wants to get an idea of how well I’m doing with the few foods I regularly
eat, since I’m unable to rotate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
someone who is prone to allergic responses routinely eats the same thing, they
are at an increased risk of developing new allergies to those foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food rotation is a very good idea for most
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, because corn
contaminates soooooo many very basic foods like meats, dairy, produce, nuts,
etc., it is very difficult to find enough food to rotate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we learned that my instincts were correct
about oats and wheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:o(<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t been eating wheat in a long time, so
I had to eat a few crackers a few hours before testing and I felt like crud.
They are both common allergens and since they’re grains, and I’m already highly
allergic to one grain, there is a higher chance of being allergic to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Note: rice and sugar cane are also
grains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes people tend to trade
one grain for another & go wild with it, so be careful if you’re
experimenting with grains when you already know you’re allergic to one.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the upside, I am NOT allergic to
coconut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eat coconut, and coconut oil
frequently and also use a lot of personal care products that contain coconut, so
that is a huge relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I am not
allergic to eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m border line on
turkey and potatoes, which I also consume frequently. Turkey is the only safe
meat I can eat right now and only the Empire Kosher Organic kind from Trader
Joe’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to have to stop turkey
for a while and try it again in a few weeks. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband and I are quite impressed with the technique Dr
Rea uses to tailor his allergy testing for each patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His office is able to perform testing that
identifies the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exact</i> level of
allergic response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They accomplish this
by iterating on the dosages until they identify the specific level for that
patient. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There can be infinite combinations
of the dosage and strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
accomplish this each step change in the testing routine is five times less than
the previous dose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Example: Oats - he
started me at dose level one, which is the highest amount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reacted, so he lowered to dose 2 (cut five
times) and I reacted again, he went on to dose 3 (cut five times again) and I
stopped reacting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in case you’re
wondering, an antigen for oats can be created and I can do allergy shots to try
to gain oats back again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because my
reaction to oats wasn’t horrible, there is a good possibility I will get to
have oats again at some point. :o) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Testing has also revealed another suspicion that I had: mold<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the above example, I tested positive at
levels 6 and 7 to two to three groupings of molds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means I’m actually QUITE allergic to
various molds and we’re still testing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is careful not to test too many things in one day, particularly molds as he
doesn’t want to overload an already delicate and damaged system. Treating mold
itself and a mold allergy can be quite difficult to manage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, a custom antigen to specific molds can
be created for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were told that
food allergies, when food antigens are used will clear faster than mold
allergies, again with antigen use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
info. is most helpful, as it’s starting to put some puzzle pieces together for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A couple of months ago, I became unable to tolerate our
bathroom due to what I believe was a mold issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband cleaned the VERY obvious mold in the
shower that had gotten out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After this hard core cleaning, we ran an air purifier and vent fan for
2.5 weeks to get rid of the smell from the “environmentally” safe cleaner that
nearly knocked me over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(If anyone’s
searching, it’s called Vital Oxide & it can be purchased online at The
Allergy Store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corn allergic &
chemically sensitive beware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WORKS well,
stinks to hell!) Once the cleaning smell dissipated, I could, once again smell
something (Poor hubby, he worked so hard) I described the smell as “biological,
not clean and earthy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t smell
anything .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it’s the only underlying
cause for what has happened to me, but I do think it has a compounding effect
and may have been affecting me greatly without me even realizing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve been keeping up with me and/or this
blog, you already know that our family lived in England from early July ’11-late
Jan. ’12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t think of many places
that would be much better suited to harbor mold in just about anywhere imaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that being in such a moldy
environment contributed to my over sensitivity to mold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My “allergy bucket” was already quite full
and my health was impaired with years of other issues, so I have to suspect that
traipsing about in old buildings and castle ruins and riding buses that REEKED
of it, did a number on my already ravaged immune system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makes sense to me (shrug).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any rate, there will need to be some
considerable changes made to our home to make it more livable for me
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well this seems like a good stopping point, as my back is rebelling
to the futon awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(How did we live on these things in college?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In all seriousness, I feel very blessed to be here and despite getting
sick from the testing and exposure to other people in the center, I feel very
positive about this place and what they have to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This just “feels” right and as many know, I
am a very spiritual person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t do
anything if I don’t feel the presence of God is leading me to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayers and talks with Him lead me to
believe this is not a mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things
seem to be falling into place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So speaking of prayers . . . ummm, if you’ve got a few to
spare, throw them my direction around 9:00 a.m. CST tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re testing another food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one you might be familiar with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call it many things: “satan,” “evil,” “my nemesis,”
and a few words I won’t share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might
know it as “corn.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The test HAS to be
done in order to make the antigen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scary? Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it hurt?
Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does God have my back? Always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">G’night all.<o:p></o:p></span><br />MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-89507268628234925652012-05-16T16:22:00.001-07:002012-05-16T16:22:19.500-07:00Bye-bye Books<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bye-bye Books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I received a call back from Dorthy, a customer service
representative at Seal-a-meal Vacuum Food Storage System.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday, I called to inquire about the bags
they use for their system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about thirty
minutes on the phone, she was able to tell me that the bags were made of a
combination of nylon and polyethylene plastic and the inside of the bags were
not coated/dusted with cornstarch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Oh
good, we’re on the right track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
rare.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, next question: “Was corn
starch used to dust the exterior of the bags as an aid during manufacturing?”
Unfortunately Dorthy was unable to conclusively answer my question. She seemed
very interested in helping me (I know, color me shocked too) and asked for my
name and number so she could call me back the following week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what you’re thinking: “You’ll never
hear from her again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She phoned today with even more info. than I
had anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, the bags have not
been dusted with cornstarch as a packing aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, and she was shocked to share this, “The ink on the box that
they come in tested positive for trace amounts of cornstarch.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, that’s right . . . INK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things have gotten about as weird, and quite frankly, as awful,
as I thought they could get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the
past couple of months I’ve determined, sadly & begrudgingly, that I am
allergic to books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I couldn’t say
with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">absolute</i> certainty, I assumed
corn to be the culprit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already knew corn
was used in a lot of paper products, but my knowledge of its invasiveness was
rather limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to avoid
itching, headaches and hand aches, I wear a mask and gloves and move FAST when
opening packages, which is frequent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I
should also note, for the corn and soy allergic, you’ll want to avoid any
packing materials that say “biodegradable.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Biodegradable = corn or soy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regular
packing peanuts can also be made from corn.) As long as the weather is
favorable, this is all done on my front porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sure</i> a masked woman with
blue gloves and a knife doesn’t concern my neighbors at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of yet, no uniformed men have knocked on
my door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband also does a lot of
box opening and dismantling, but sometimes he’s not here, so “a girl’s gotta
do, what a girl’s gotta do!” My kids try to help me with our mail, though
sometimes they find my daily request annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At any rate, this kind woman’s words of “cornstarch in the
ink” prompted me to dig a little deeper into this corny nightmare and here’s
where it landed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Thanks to Erica
over at Corn Free Lifestyle for the links/info.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s start with cardboard: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are the possible corny culprits in the manufacturing of
cardboard?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.Corn starch is used to make the glue<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.Waxes from vegetable oils (could be corn) are applied to
make a water or grease resistant container for food products (frightening…)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.Ink (could contain corn derivatives) is used to make logo
designs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“At the corrugating plant, only a few other raw materials
are needed to make a finished box. Corn starch glue is used to bond the
corrugated medium to the liner sheets. Because so much glue is used, rail cars
or large tanker trucks deliver it as a dry powder that will be stored in huge
silos at the corrugating plant until it is needed. Drawn from the silo, the dry
corn starch is mixed with water and other chemicals and pumped into the
corrugator to be spread on the corrugated medium as the layers of liner are
added. Other raw materials are used to finish the corrugated cardboard after
production. Waxes made from paraffin or vegetable oils can be applied to make a
water- or grease-resistant container for food products. Brightly colored inks
are also applied to create bold graphic designs for self-supporting displays
featuring product name, information, and company name and logo.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Corrugated-Cardboard.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Corrugated-Cardboard.html</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ink:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corn- and soy-based inks are now replacing printer's ink
that was made from 100% petroleum products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being vegetable-based makes it safe for placemats and packaging where
ink may come in contact with our food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The colors are brighter and more easily recycled, revolutionizing the
newspaper industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Printing machines
run smoother, are easier to clean, and safer for employees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.marylandgrain.com/Uses%20in%20industry.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">ttp://www.marylandgrain.com/Uses%20in%20industry.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when I felt the throbbing headache coming on & my
sinuses starting to swell and my ears filling up while reading a new book to
one of my young children because I forgot to wear my mask . . . well, I now
have proof: CORN! (And to be honest, sometimes the mask doesn’t always prevent
it.) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes, okay lots of times, I so DESPERATELY wish that
the answer could be something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why? Because it would
be nice to think for a second that maybe it’s “fixable”or perhaps just a fluke,
or I’m allergic to ya know, some dust in our living room or loads of pollen
outside. And that dust or that pollen just HAPPENED to start bothering me at
the exact time I began to read that book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mind will grasp at these things to not have to face the ugly truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, I would just like to be wrong and discover
that corn is not QUITE as ubiquitous as I originally thought and I’m not QUITE
as allergic as I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But no, it
proves me right time and time again, and yet another part of my life is ripped
away.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">RIP Books . . . and magazines . . . and more things I loved
. . . I knew it was coming & I had already stopped reading to myself, but I
can’t stop reading to my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was
reality forcing the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So “thank you,”
Dorthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both learned something new
today. Now I just have one more question: “Got any ruby slippers I could borrow?”
:-/<o:p></o:p></span><br />MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-89254552207095865272012-04-13T14:32:00.002-07:002012-04-13T15:10:27.849-07:00Honestly Sick<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Hi all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly didn’t plan for my hiatus in the blogging would to last THIS long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew we had a lot to tackle and it would be difficult to keep up, but I simply had no idea what was yet to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life is inexplicably bizarre and quite difficult right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Describing what has happened to me feels like an insurmountable task, but I will attempt to describe most of it as best I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">First of all, thank you to those who have supported me both in real life and online with your words of encouragement, help with my children, general tasks, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family and friendships our family has been blessed with are literally the only things keeping us going right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I don’t mean to give HIM last place; it’s simply that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I see God realized in so many of you</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a dear, dear friend reading this right now, who is new to my life, but she has been my angel on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She too suffers through this unimaginable existence every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without her, I question whether I would even be alive right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many others in my life have stepped up and gone above and beyond their own comfort levels to help in any way they are able.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some wish they were able to come inside our home and help me cook, clean, repair, deCORNtaminate, etc., but alas, no one can come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are Fort Knox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which brings me to the bizarreness . . . <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Since I last blogged, I made a command decision to eliminate ALL medications in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you freak out, please know that the two remaining drugs, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and a Proton Pump inhibitor (Nexium), were not intended to be long term solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My homeopath wanted me to faze them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She probably didn’t want me to cut Diphenhydramine cold turkey, but well it’s kind of hard to cut a capsule in half and that was my only option (remember, all of my meds are compounded).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After some tests results came in, she also determined that the Nexium was impairing my digestion, in particular my fat digestion, and creating low stomach acid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her recommendation was to stop the Nexium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other medications are currently being compounded that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">may</i> stop the progression of inflammation and multiple chemical sensitivity. (Corn free compounding takes forever. I repeat: FOREVER. I’m still waiting.) Going “natural” has forced me to realize just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i></b> sick I truly am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m horrified by the person I see in the mirror and the way I feel each and every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply stated, I feel quite awful. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">On a positive note, I can at least say that they changes in my diet have allowed me to tolerate not being on any acid reducing medication with fairly positive results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are flare ups, of course, but at least that’s something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note, I eat the blandest diet known to man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without getting into a lot of detail, I think it’s worth mentioning that I also don’t consume gluten, wheat, soy, rice, dairy and peanuts. “Is she out of her ever loving mind!?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, but let’s just say I have VERY good reasons for eliminating those common allergens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them may be reintroduced to my diet later, but I know not all of them are going to work for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take it one step further and blow your minds again: I maintain a very low sugar diet to combat Candida (yeast overgrowth) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> I must also chose foods that are low in acid due to my Intersitiacial Cystitis (bladder inflammation).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeding a corn allergic person is extremely difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeding me is somewhat impossible, but we’re kinda sorta managing . . . mostly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think. (That sounded confidant, huh?) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Here is the downside to my natural status: I gave up diphenhydramine (AHEM, ya know, an antihistamine).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ashamed to say, but I had been using it every night as a sleep aide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Don’t ask for how long . . . you really don’t wanna know).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My regular dose was only 37.5mg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONLY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm . . . don’t let “only” fool you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That 37.5 mg was enough to play some SERIOUS mind and health games with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That tiny bit of antihistamine was perpetually present in my blood stream and therefore reduced or blocked histamines by preventing them from attaching to their receptors, thus causing symptoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They probably weren’t completely blocking all of them, but they were certainly reducing the number of histamines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, I would have been completely symptom free while on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really not a good idea to spend one’s life medicated with antihistamines to cover up symptoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one thing, your body will eventually become resistant to the medication and it will no longer work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, not a lot of research has been done with regards to long-term diphenhydramine use, but the information I could find was not terribly encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re currently taking this medication on a regular basis, and feel it’s time to stop, I would strongly encourage you to use a tapering method if at all possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll spare everyone the details of my cold turkey experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It. Wasn’t. Pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">So it’s gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> gone. Here’s where it gets ugly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Are you noticing a theme w/ my blogs?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ya, me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some day that has to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More band aids have been ripped off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It’s just as well; the adhesive is likely made of corn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well as you already know the corny carpet powder I once used has rendered our finished basement unusable to me, but rooms of safety seem to be falling weekly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not long ago we discovered a mold issue in our master bathroom. Okay, I should say <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i></b> discovered it. My husband has almost no sense of smell. (Ironic, isn’t it?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re very limited on cleaning options, so despite my sweetie’s efforts, the mold still stands (in the shower).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also have carpet in our bathroom (KICKING OURSEVLES over that one!) and we believe it has retained some mold growth as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So simply stated, until further notice: No master bathroom (and closet – it’s inside the bath) for you, MizCastle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay fine, we have three bathrooms and I can still use one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I share it w/ a 3 and 7 year old, but we make it work. Though I must say, their bathroom etiquette is even worse than their father’s. My youngest child’s room is an issue too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her room has always been the nursery and therefore has 7.5 years’ worth of baby powder, poo smell cover upper, heavily chemicalled (ya, I invented a word) toys, corny books, polyester stuffed animals and just general ickiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply stated: A chemical nightmare. I can’t avoid this room all together, but it def requires a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This room will soon be getting a major overhaul, though I doubt I can be the one to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond rooms, I’ve also been subjected to a new toxin: finished wood furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well yes, the wood is obviously not made from corn, but the sealants & varnish definitely can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not good, but what’s really getting me and I must emphasize REALLY getting me, is what lurks inside or even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">used</i> to lurk inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All under the sink cabinetry must now be avoided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, we gave away all of the those products: cleaning agents, polishes, makeup (ya, ladies ALL of it), lotions, sprays, powders, bubble bath, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, removal didn’t eliminate the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wood absorbs odor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of fact, it does a supremely good job of retaining odor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, my under the sink cabinets are now verboten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving on, OH this next one REALLY huts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My beautiful bedroom furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Broyhill, dark wood, made to last, matches my much lovely king sleigh bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ya, you know where I’m going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten years of various laundry detergents, lotions, powders, etc. have set up permanent residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t store anything in my own dresser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even put my husband’s clothes away in his chest of drawers without being knocked out from the stench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will try some products and probably an expensive ozone machine, but I don’t know that it’s going to end well for my bedroom furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already had to give away my husband’s old childhood set used by our youngest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(sigh)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just stuff, I know, but it’s SO HARD to live under such extreme conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even feel comfortable or healthy in my own home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much work to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extreme actions must be taken to detox our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The largest will involve completely removing all of the carpet and replacing with a safe alternative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A safe alternative has yet to be found, as chemicals are used on the surfaces of any type of hard flooring imaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, we would need to find a safe place to send me while the work is being done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know that such a place exists. My return would be difficult, as I would be exposed to the off gassing of the new product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baby steps seem like our best and only option with regards to replacement of any flooring, furniture, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">You’re thinking: “That really, really sucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow. Can you go outside for some fresh air once in a while?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that help?”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">That’s a loaded question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The short answer is: “yes”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The realistic answer is: “no”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Fresh air is a WONDERFUL thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As many of you may already know, inside air is actually far more polluted than outside air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are a LOT of things in my cookie cutter, suburban, squished together with my neighbor, let’s get cozy, neighborhood that reek absolute havoc on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s spring time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yippee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is green and lush and lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s celebrate spring and bring out . . . the grill!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love our grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It currently serves as our oven as our oven (and a zillion other products/appliances) no longer work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t, however, love my neighbors’ grills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cook corny meat with corny bbq sauce which very much permeates the air sending particles right into my airways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Remember a smell isn’t just a “scent,” the scent is actually microscopic particles suspended in the air which are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">detected</i> by the nose.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring also invites one to start the process of lawn care and maintenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This typically involves weed killers and fertilizers for most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lawn mowing, well that’s a given and the mower’s gotta be powered by something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And laundry. (Okay I cheated, laundry is year round, but for this purpose, it really is a part of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> outdoor environment).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grilled meats, heavy chemicals, gasoline, and dryer exhaust render me SO. VERY. ILL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply cannot go outside when any of the above is taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I literally almost passed out not long ago when I accidently went outside without my mask and sucked up a bunch of fabric softener from next door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">completely</i> incapacitated for over two hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weed killer from the yard next door, which is essentially mine as we are separated by only a few feet, disabled me from going outside for FOUR days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had it not rained, I’m sure the wait would have been longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Inside is tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside is tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But remember: it’s honest.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">honestly</i> how allergic I really am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To corn. To corn based chemicals. To chemicals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even know what to call this anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all encompassing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Despite all this, I remain hopeful and determined. I continue to remain devoted to my faith, as I believe God will use me for a greater good or purpose . . . in sickness and in health.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-14883404595703670062012-02-16T15:28:00.000-08:002012-02-16T15:29:29.833-08:00When Your Medications turn on You<span style="color: black;">So things aren’t any better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still home bound, but this really isn’t a surprise to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My poor health has been many years in the making, it just so happened to all come crashing down within the last couple of months. Sigh. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Now, about doctors, meds and such . . . </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Because I think most people like to hear traditional diagnoses when they know someone is sick, then I’ll provide you my list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you may also be suffering with these conditions as well. These diagnoses used to provide me with a false sense of comfort until I realized some of them meant little in application because they were simply a diagnosis of exclusion and none of them have a cure. Over the past 11 years, I’ve been diagnosed with: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Interstitial Cystitis (IC), Endometriosis, Secondary Infertility, Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) w/ Hiatal Hernia, Chronic Insomnia, Osteo-arthritis of the shoulder, and Candida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additional problems I experience, but never sought an “official” diagnosis of include: chronic neck & shoulder pain/tightness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (<stockticker>CFS</stockticker>), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (<stockticker>MCS</stockticker>) and occasional migraines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I no longer give a lot of credence to diagnoses like IBS, IC, TMD, Chronic Insomnia, <stockticker>CFS</stockticker>, <stockticker>MCS</stockticker> and migraines because I tend to believe most of them are connected to larger root causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each is a compellation of symptoms thrown together with a name slapped on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please know, I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not at all</i> making light of their severity, but think about it: “What exactly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is </i>Irritable Bowel Syndrome?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What in the heck does that even mean!?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are my bowels angry with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the staging an attack!?” To me, IBS is code for: “We scoped you ever which way but where & we have no freaking idea what’s wrong with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a nice diagnosis and some pills to help with your awful symptoms.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">My personal feelings on 11 years of treating my symptoms and not the cause:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, you feel like crap, but at least you got a diagnosis, perhaps a recommended diet and a prescription. You don’t feel like you just wasted your time, do you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you’re still in pain, but those meds kinda help, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you just go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe you keep fighting and continue to try to find out WHY this is happening to you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked very hard with a number of doctors, specialists and alternative health practitioners trying to combat all of the issues listed above, but I just got sicker.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">When I found out I was allergic to corn, I discovered that <stockticker>ALL</stockticker> of my medications and supplements were off limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No more covering up those symptoms, MizCastle! It’s time to face reality.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is the vast majority of doctors know next to nothing about a corn allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVEN the allergists!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A corn allergy is not well studied or understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s simply not on their radar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My allergy has virtually impaired them from helping me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The office itself is loaded with things that can render the corn allergic to have a reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think is in those hand sanitizers they have stationed everywhere?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or the pad they wipe your arm with before drawing blood/injecting a needle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CORN based Ethyl alcohol! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And be wary the latex gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see powder? Cornstarch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are just a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">few</i> examples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything they could offer you is likely to contain corn. As one of my corn allergic friend’s stated: “You’ve tied both of their hands behind their back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctors, exam rooms, hospitals, etc. are something akin to standing in the middle of a corn field for the corn allergic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, if I had to choose between two evils, I’d take the corn field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least the corn field isn’t administering corn directly into my veins by way of a dextrose laden IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, traditional doctors are not usually able to do a lot for someone with a corn allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I’m sure there are physicians who have tried and continue to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And likewise, there are also a few lucky corn allergic people who are helped by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, however, am not one of them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Okay, well what about alternative health?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You mentioned a homeopathic doctor in a previous blog.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I would love to sit back, relax, and totally put my life into the hands of my well qualified homeopathic doctor, unfortunately that isn’t a complete reality either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To her credit, she’s gotten closer to what I believe are some of the underlying causes to most of my pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the one who diagnosed my corn allergy after years of symptom band aids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But homeopaths must use medications, supplements, dietary aids and herbs to cure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hey, they’ve got to use SOMETHING.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, she doesn’t know much about the complexities of a corn allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it’s not on her radar, so I have to educate her about this ubiquitous allergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She recently diagnosed me with a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sounds about as pleasant as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, doesn’t it? Some medical professionals don’t believe this phenomenon even exists, but there are now tests that can be done to prove it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given my current condition, no one felt it would be in my best interest to put me through what would likely be another corn allergic experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I am considered to be a very classic case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To best explain this condition, I will borrow some text from a book I’ve been reading: “Improve Your Digestion: The Drug-Free Guide to Achieving a Healthy Digestive System” by Patrick Holford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Dr. Holford says:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“Normally healthy foods can also become toxins to the body if they are not digested or absorbed properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are designed to digest our food into simple molecules that can readily pass through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If, however, a person doesn’t digest their food properly, or if the gut wall becomes leaky, incompletely digested foods can enter the blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There they are likely to alert immune ‘scout’ cells which treat them as invaders, triggering an allergic reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ensuing battle results in a complex of chemicals that are themselves toxic and need to be cleaned up.”</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“The integrity of the gut wall is therefore critical to our health and bodies work hard to maintain its proper permeability in the face of considerable ‘assault’ on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now recognized that this permeability, while remarkable in its complexity, is vulnerable and subject to change, depending on the integrity of the gut wall and the substances it is exposed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Increased permeability, far from enhancing the transport of nutrients, allows the entrance of toxins and improperly digested food particles which can give rise to a number of health problems associated with ‘leaky gut syndrome’.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Symptoms and conditions associated with leaky gut syndrome:</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">acne</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eczema</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">arthritis</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fatigue</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">autism</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">food/chemical sensitivities</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">childhood hyperactivity</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcertative colitis)</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chronic fatigue syndrome</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">irritable bowel syndrome</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chronic pancreatitis</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">psoriasis, dermatitis</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">celiac disease</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">urticaria (hives)</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">depression, mood swings</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">viral, bacterial or yeast infection</i></span></div></td></tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">diarrhea/constipation</i></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">There is only one chapter on leaky gut, but entire books have been written about this condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My homeopath is very familiar with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curing leaky gut can be a long <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>process even for a non corn allergic person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of course, there are no guarantees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But are there really any guarantees in life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A regular, non-corn allergic person, would proceed to take a variety of probiotics, digestive enzymes and a whole slew of vitamins to aid in their healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dietary changes would also be required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dietary changes can be hard for many to master, but they are even more difficult for the corn allergic because we even have trouble finding safe, corn free, healthy food, like produce, for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the exception of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes, I can’t even buy produce at a regular grocery store because it has all been gassed and waxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring will be a better time nutritionally for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probiotics are an extremely important part in healing the gut because they restore good bacteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, finding a corn-free probiotic is like finding a needle in a hay stack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding supplements and vitamins in general is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">incredibly</i> difficult for the corn allergic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the inactive ingredients used as aids or fillers are often derived from corn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The capsule and container can be made from corn and cornstarch can also be used as an aid in the manufacturing process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To stress just how difficult it is to find corn-free supplements, please know some corn allergic people must have their vitamins made by a compounding pharmacist. Should a corn allergic person find a bottle with a label stating the vitamin/supplement is free from corn, they are wise to be leery and should always contact the manufacturer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times, after a call or an e-mail to the manufacturer, I’ve discovered the corn free claim isn’t true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well how can that be?” you ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To some manufacturers, using a chemical (i.e. micocrystaline cellulose, L-leucine, etc.) derived from corn means the product no longer contains corn because the “protein has been rendered out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This statement gets bandied about a lot by supplement and vitamin manufacturers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, a very allergic to corn will still react to derivatives of corn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read hundreds of posts/blogs from people stating they have had reactions to corn derived chemical additives or aids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am among them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when a corn allergic person finds a supplement that is proven to be safe, they must never let their guard down. One woman I know had recently been taking a probiotic she had confirmed with the company to be corn free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been taking this product for some time, started a new bottle and began to notice allergic symptoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she couldn’t pin them down to anything in her diet or environment, she contacted the company again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, the company changed the product to make it dairy and gluten free, so now the fermentation medium contains carbohydrate ingredients, which includes corn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So even when someone has gone to great efforts to find a corn free supplement they desperately need; it can change at a moment’s notice. This happens to corn allergic people EVERY SINGLE <stockticker>DAY</stockticker>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">When I decided to start this blog, I couldn’t decide if I should even make corn the focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew there was a much bigger picture involved in the process of my health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A part of me really didn’t even want to get into everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who wants to hear about 11 years worth of someone else’s medical history?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly didn’t want to appear as someone looking for pity because I’m not. If anything, I hope to help others. But the catchy “My So Corned Life” title (borrowed from the one season hit from my youth), won out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all seriousness, I gave corn center stage because corn isn’t on ANYONE’S radar. I felt it deserved to be the main attraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People need to know what it is like to avoid it and try to live in a world where it simply won’t go away. People need to know what it’s like to be sick and discover your medications and supplements contain one of the very things that make you feel so awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is happening to more and more people today as food and environmental allergies are growing rapidly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Healing has begun and healing will continue, but it takes itty, bitty baby steps as I go through the life changes both in body and spirit and deal with the uncertainty and back tracking that is part of My So Corned Life.</span></div>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-10720476015324947052012-02-03T17:36:00.000-08:002012-02-03T18:11:14.099-08:00Home<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Our family returned to the states the evening of January 26<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey was long and exhausting and even started off with an unexpected twist at <place><placename>Heathrow</placename> <placetype>Airport</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a computer glitch due to a previously booked/canceled flight, so we got the pleasure of arriving to the airport with two young children and TWENTY bags, only to find out we were not booked for our flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sorry sir, no room at the <place>Inn</place> for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about 30 minutes of watching some very panicked and scurrying AA customer service people bust their behinds, the issue was mostly resolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could fly stand-by and would be on the flight if one more person didn’t show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well of course that didn’t happen, so we were placed on the next flight that left three hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful we at least <stockticker>GOT</stockticker> a flight, but my immediate thoughts went to: “Oh great, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">another</i> three hours with no real food for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Another</i> three hours of horrid smells and chemical crap invading my airways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">another</i> three hours traveling with two young children (one of which was quite ill).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what does home look like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does home FEEL like after being away for 6.5 months?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Home looks HUGE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home feels STRANGE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home is not exactly home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not for me, anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, home is a place I will become more familiar with than I could have ever thought possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the next weeks, months, and possibly years, I will get to know the physical structure in which I reside, on a level of which few would ever consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, home is literally poisoning me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home is an enemy, but home will slowly evolve into an acquaintance, and hopefully a trusted friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Stop. Wait a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is this crazy woman talking about?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Okay, so remember how I explained that corn is in everything, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it appears as though the chemically derived corn compounds I previously mentioned in my first blog, have become a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very,</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very </i></b>big problem for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chemicals derived from corn, which are basically everything, be it hand soaps, perfumes, fabric softeners, etc. have bothered me for years. However, these former annoyances have now turned into debilitating and life threatening issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">During our last few months in <country-region><place>England</place></country-region>, I noticed myself becoming increasingly sensitive to chemical odors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cleaning agents used by the cleaning company hired to clean the stairwell in our five story apartment building could incapacitate me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came, I had to barricade myself into our apartment, shove towels under the two doors and wait for them to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they left, I held my breath and ran into the stairwell to open windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening windows would eventually help, but regardless, those two days out of each month would cause me great pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the last few weeks of our stay, I could no longer go into my oldest child’s room due to some craft projects, makeup, hidden fragrance jar, blankets washed in fabric softener (not belonging to us), etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, during the last week, I also became allergic to our friends’ house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fabric softener was a large part of the issue, but there were many others, some I will never even know about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Okay, deep breath . . . you can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This next paragraph is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>REALLY HARD.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">“No tears, MizCastle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be logical. Just say it like it is.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I’m allergic to all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m allergic to your homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m allergic to the inside of every structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m allergic to my own basement and other parts of my home still bother me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7.5 years worth of candles, carpet powder, chemical products, bug exterminator, etc. are wreaking havoc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your homes are just like mine, though in most cases, even more fragranced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your fabric softener, hair gel, shampoo, hand lotion, etc. also renders me ill. Even some cooked foods and brewed coffees sicken me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Coffee beans are often coated in (corn) dextrose before roasting, btw.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By ill, I mean within five minutes of inhaling the chemical particles, my throat tightens and swells, I become light headed, coughing can start, and even yawning as my body requires more oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I’m exposed long enough, exhaustion sets in, I experience “brain fog,” and often times, a headache/migraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can also become anxious, irritable and confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">To be honest, with regards to my reactions, I don’t even think it matters if the chemical/chemical compound is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">technically</i> derived from corn, though nearly everything is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t forget, you won’t see corn listed on the label of most corn derived chemical products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many cleaning products don’t even list the active and inactive ingredients. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body has become so weak from over 12 years of auto immune diseases (more in a future blog), that it now rejects and becomes almost instantly sickened by nearly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">any</i> chemical exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">To be more helpful to those struggling with a corn allergy and to those interested in following my journey, I’ve provided a list of corn ingredients, derivatives, and additives (see page at top).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure it’s not a complete list, as new chemicals are introduced into our products all of the time, but I think it illustrates the point I’m trying to make and will repeat over and over again: Corn is omnipresent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And chemicals, of any sort, whether YOU smell them or not, are also omnipresent in modern life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">So, where do I go from here?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I continue to fight to get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this rock bottom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life certainly isn’t in a place where I ever expected it to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chasing improved health and relief from chronic symptoms is nothing new to me; being allergic to my own home and the entire world certainly is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one would live like this unless they had to. I am home bound and I HAVE to live like this in order TO live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with my husband’s help, we will deCORNtaminate our home to the best of our ability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will continue to pour myself into more research on corn, corn derivatives, food and chemical allergies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also plan to seek advice from the holistic health clinic that diagnosed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process will likely take months, and possibly years, but I have faith that one day I will feel better . . . and better. . . and better . . .</span></div><span style="background-color: black;"></span>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749324748493870598.post-33368220484100191832012-01-20T11:10:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:10:52.777-08:00Avoiding Corn<span style="color: black;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">In July of 2011, just five days before our family set out to leave on a 6.5 month stay in northern </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">England</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;">, I received test results confirming that I was allergic to corn. I had suspected a food allergy for some time due to many classic symptoms I was having and years of unexplained stomach issues. Despite seeing three allergists, no one seemed to be able to figure out this mystery. An appointment with a nurse practitioner at a wholistically oriented medical practice changed my life and answered some questions about my health that had plagued me for years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">After receiving my results, I did what any normal person with a new food allergy would do: Stop eating corn. Our family was already accustomed to reading packages to confirm gluten because my husband has Celiac Disease. I simply thought corn would be in the same category as any normal food allergy. It was already apparent that I would need to read labels <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> closely, as corn is not recognized as a top 8 allergy in the </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">United States</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;"> or the </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">United Kingdom</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;">. “Oh well, I thought, it’s not THAT big of a deal. I don’t need to eat all of that pre-made/pre-packaged crap anyway.” Ahhhh, but this was only the very small tip of a very, very big iceberg. (That is a terribly overused analogy and pardon me for being lazy, but it’s SO ACCURATE.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">After about three months of attempting to eliminate corn and realizing that I was still having many of the same symptoms and still needed to take the same medications to off set them, I began to wonder if I had the full story on corn. One afternoon in early October, I stumbled across the “Avoiding Corn” group in the Delphi Forum community. This is a group of people, mostly Americans, who are allergic to corn. By this point, I already suspected there was much more to corn than simply looking for it as an ingredient in pre-made products, but I really wasn’t prepared for the information that soon followed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Before my eyes lay an entire world of people who live each day <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">attempting</i> to not incur allergic reactions to corn. They have to go to some <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> extreme measures to do so. In fact, some of them are rarely even able to leave their homes, keep a job or send their corn allergic children to school. “My God!” I immediately thought. “Is this even real!? How did I not know this!? And why is it called ‘Avoiding Corn’ & not ‘Corn Free’?” My husband is gluten free. We manage that. But the puzzle pieces began to move quickly together, as this truly bizarre and quite unimaginable world that would soon become my own, began to unfold. After spending just a few days reading their posts, it all became so clear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Simply stated: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“You can’t live corn free.”</b> Not in </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">America</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;">, anyway. In the </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">America</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;"> we know today, those “amber waves of grain” could just as easily be yellow waves. In the </span><place><span style="color: black;">Midwest</span></place><span style="color: black;"> where I live, those green stalks with yellow fluffy tops are absolutely EVERYWHERE. But corn, the crop you see just off of highways throughout the heartland and the juicy, buttery cob you bite into every summer, isn’t really the issue. The real crux of my dilemma is what can be DONE with this incredibly versatile grain. The answer: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is everything</i>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">To avoid corn and the horrible reactions that ensue, I must now look at life like a battlefield. There are grenades thrown in every direction, trip wires and land mines at every turn. Corn is WIDELY used in the formulation of: gasoline, plastic, paper, cardboard, packing peanuts, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, vitamin supplements, arts and crafts products, crayons, balloons, fabric, textiles, perfumes, laundry soaps, household/industrial cleaning products, latex paint, white vinegar, hair color, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shaving cream, hand soap, nail polish remover, iodized salt, FDA approved meat (so all grocery store meat), gassed/waxed produce (nearly all grocery store produce), vitamin enriched milk, yogurt, ice cream, yeast, coffee, coffee filters, tea bags, envelopes, sanitary products, toilet paper, paper towels, IV solution, latex gloves, condoms, band-aids, stickers, envelopes, etc. etc. etc. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I think you get the idea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I haven’t worn my own makeup in three months because it all contains corn. My medications, both prescription and OTC, were also guilty and were actually exacerbating the problem. The ones I still need must now be compounded through an incredibly involved and expensive process. Some of them cannot be compounded because the patents haven’t expired or there is not enough demand. I haven’t eaten in a restaurant in over three months, nor will I ever again. (Stay tuned for the: “How we traveled </span><place><span style="color: black;">Europe</span></place><span style="color: black;"> for 8 days w/out eating out” blog). I clean the house and my hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar. (I swear, I do NOT smell like vinegar!). I eat food from our local European market. The beef from there has been confirmed to be barley fed beef that is sprayed with only water during processing, instead of citric (corn) acid. (Citric (corn) acid is almost exclusively used in the </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">US</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;">. This method is not used in the </span><country-region><place><span style="color: black;">UK</span></place></country-region><span style="color: black;">.) The fruits and vegetables are untreated as well. I avoid close contact with those who are heavily perfumed, as the airborne fumes makes me physically ill with throat tightening, migraines, nausea, itching, etc. The fumes are actually particulates from corn-derived compounds. The same can be said for cleaning products, perfumed detergents and fabric softeners. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All</i> of the foods, products, conveniences and even places I once depended on have become obsolete in my life and for some of my immediate family as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I’m re-learning to live, while avoiding corn.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div></span>MizCastlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071226102759283900noreply@blogger.com7