"A" for effort

I know you don't want to hear all about my digestion issues. I don't even want to hear about my digestion issues :)

But - this is a really big part of me and something I struggle with every single day. And I'm going to share a bit.

This is not what mine feels like

You see, something makes my body rebel when I eat. Every time I eat. While food tastes really great going down, I end up sick, often for hours, feeling awful and sometimes in pain. It's something I've dealt with for as long as I can remember, and it seems to be worsening as the years pass. And as an added bonus, there is no obvious rhyme or reason. WOOHOO!

About 5 years ago I finally decided to do something about it. I assumed there was some sort of explanation and solution.

I've been poked and prodded, scoped and tested. I've had blood drawn, tried prescriptions, eaten things, cut out things. I've done acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I've tried more herbal and alternative remedies than I can count. I've seen doctors and specialists. They've examined my colon, my upper GI tract, my blood, my poop, my exhalation.

For the past 12 weeks, I've been completely, 100 percent dairy free. And for the past five weeks, I've also completely cut soy from my diet. (That's much harder than one would think - especially for a vegetarian). That was the suggestion from my naturopath after a food intolerance test. He seemed sure that would do it.

I diligently read labels, learned new recipes, tried new products, studied menus, taught my family. I was committed, even thinking that I might have to live that way for the rest of my life. It would all be worth it - if I could eat without getting sick.

Unfortunately, dairy and soy are not the culprits after all. Shoot. I'm no better today than 12 weeks ago.

But, I give myself a huge "A" for effort. And an  "A+" goes to my husband and my family and friends who have helped me, listened to me, comforted me and adapted with me.

I don't know what options I have left. My doctor seemed positive that this would alleviate my symptoms. I'll make another appointment and see if he has any other suggestions.

On the plus side, I've had fun and discovered a whole bunch of great new recipes and ingredients. I also learned that I really can live without dairy and soy if I want - it's not horrible.

For now, I'm going back to eating the things I want to eat. If I'm going to feel awful anyway, I might as well enjoy it going down :)

Seriously - a special thanks to those who journeyed with me on this. I know it wasn't always easy, and I truly appreciate your support and understanding!

 :)