So, many of you know I can eat, oh, like an ENTIRE watermelon in one sitting. Because, you know, nothing's better for someone with food issues than BINGEING ON ONE FOOD.
Anyhow, I've been careful since I started stepping off the Topes a few days ago. But yo, I need some FROOT. Not in the Loop variety. I'm sick of apples, and bananas take days to get near the grossly, almost-rotten state I love them in.
So what's a lady to consume? WATERMELONS! Yes, and it was even ON SALE at the Whole Foods, all chopped up for my eating pleasure.
For anyone who's bought froot at the Whole Foods, I had the big container, the round one. Not sure exactly how much, but it was a decent amount, because, you know, it's ALL WATER. AND PINK.
About 30 minutes later, OH, THE HUMANITY. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, put me out of my misery.
So I think. What have I eaten today? One bowl of organic Oat-O's with some organic milk, and the watermelon. I THINK WE HAVE THE CULPRIT, as the Oat-O's and milk never caused an issue, and once, about 6 months ago, I had a watermelon slush at work that nearly killed me (I was convinced they put nutra-sweet in it, natch.)
Soooooo. No MELON FOR ME. I need to wait a few days, and re-test, but I suspect that I can have a tiny bit, but more than a couple cubes and I'm done for. JERKS.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Happy Trails....To Me?
So, back in the saddle for the restriction diet, as I'm having to wean myself off of my migraine meds.
For those that didn't know, I was on 125 mg of Topamax daily, 75 AM, 50 PM. I had cut back to 100 mg, 75/25, and was tolerating that, until recently, when I was placed on a heavy dose of antibiotics for two months to treat a skin infection (thanks stinky cat with your GROSS FEETS on MAH FACE!) The combination somehow tipped me over the edge, and triggered a lesser-known side effect of Topamax: severe depression. The reality is that Topamax is a heavy anti-seizure drug that targets the temporal lobes of the brain-it's used off label for a number of things, from compulsive behavior, to depression, and so on. For someone who's not depressive naturally, it can be a dangerous medication if not monitored properly.
Anyhow, this drug does work for many, many people-I'm not saying you shouldn't take it, or that it's inherently evil-but if you do, please monitor yourself-be aware of your moods, changes in behavior, and the like. Have someone who can be your external bellweather-you'll lack the ability to judge yourself after a time, because the drugged you becomes the reality.
So, I'm taking myself off, and as I know I'll be increasing my chances of migraines exponentially, it's back in the saddle for me, in terms of what's making me barf.
I'll also be blogging about titrating off the meds, for those that choose to do it as well-it's not easy, and there isn't that much anecdotal literature out there, so I don't mind adding to it.
For those that didn't know, I was on 125 mg of Topamax daily, 75 AM, 50 PM. I had cut back to 100 mg, 75/25, and was tolerating that, until recently, when I was placed on a heavy dose of antibiotics for two months to treat a skin infection (thanks stinky cat with your GROSS FEETS on MAH FACE!) The combination somehow tipped me over the edge, and triggered a lesser-known side effect of Topamax: severe depression. The reality is that Topamax is a heavy anti-seizure drug that targets the temporal lobes of the brain-it's used off label for a number of things, from compulsive behavior, to depression, and so on. For someone who's not depressive naturally, it can be a dangerous medication if not monitored properly.
Anyhow, this drug does work for many, many people-I'm not saying you shouldn't take it, or that it's inherently evil-but if you do, please monitor yourself-be aware of your moods, changes in behavior, and the like. Have someone who can be your external bellweather-you'll lack the ability to judge yourself after a time, because the drugged you becomes the reality.
So, I'm taking myself off, and as I know I'll be increasing my chances of migraines exponentially, it's back in the saddle for me, in terms of what's making me barf.
I'll also be blogging about titrating off the meds, for those that choose to do it as well-it's not easy, and there isn't that much anecdotal literature out there, so I don't mind adding to it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Day Soy: Soylent Allergy
This morning I was a sloth and couldn't decide what to test. Truly, I wanted chocolate, but it has soy in it, in small amounts, so that made the decision for me. Soy it was.
Oh, weight this AM: 110.4 (what the HELL? I ate a TON yesterday, at least that's what I thought. HOW AM I LOSING WEIGHT?)
Anyhow, on my second half-cup of coffee (I try to drink my coffee in half-cups at home so I can have a little more without over-doing it), I put a ton of soy milk into it.
I also started frying up some tempeh (wild rice variety) in some canola oil, which is derived from soybeans. I did not include soy sauce.
After about 15 minutes, the soy milk started reacting. OH, THE AGONY. Just as I suspected, my digestive tract is not a fan. I had an issue years ago when I switched milk out in my coffee, and had suspected it was an issue-this confirmed it. As that steadily increased, I finished cooking the tempeh and started wolfing some of it down.
GROSS. I forgot how much I don't like tofu and tempeh products. They're a little...off to me. Anyhow, I got through a couple pieces when the woe was overwhelming, and much like day corn, I spent the next 30 minutes running to and fro the toilet. AWESOME.
That's when I noticed my all time favorite effect. MY THROAT AND MOUTH WAS ITCHING. How did I not know I had this allergy? Soy is in EVERYTHING! Turns out that 90% of people who have the allergy don't react to small amounts-so that explains why I didn't know-I might be okay if I limit the quantity of soy lechitin preservative in my diet, but I need to be pretty careful.
I'm currently dizzy, itchy and my abdomen hurts. THE ENTIRE ABDOMINAL CAVITY. I THINK I CAN FEEL MY SPLEEN.
Anyhow, needless to say, SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE! IT'S PEOPLE! or really, it's an allergen.
Oh, weight this AM: 110.4 (what the HELL? I ate a TON yesterday, at least that's what I thought. HOW AM I LOSING WEIGHT?)
Anyhow, on my second half-cup of coffee (I try to drink my coffee in half-cups at home so I can have a little more without over-doing it), I put a ton of soy milk into it.
I also started frying up some tempeh (wild rice variety) in some canola oil, which is derived from soybeans. I did not include soy sauce.
After about 15 minutes, the soy milk started reacting. OH, THE AGONY. Just as I suspected, my digestive tract is not a fan. I had an issue years ago when I switched milk out in my coffee, and had suspected it was an issue-this confirmed it. As that steadily increased, I finished cooking the tempeh and started wolfing some of it down.
GROSS. I forgot how much I don't like tofu and tempeh products. They're a little...off to me. Anyhow, I got through a couple pieces when the woe was overwhelming, and much like day corn, I spent the next 30 minutes running to and fro the toilet. AWESOME.
That's when I noticed my all time favorite effect. MY THROAT AND MOUTH WAS ITCHING. How did I not know I had this allergy? Soy is in EVERYTHING! Turns out that 90% of people who have the allergy don't react to small amounts-so that explains why I didn't know-I might be okay if I limit the quantity of soy lechitin preservative in my diet, but I need to be pretty careful.
I'm currently dizzy, itchy and my abdomen hurts. THE ENTIRE ABDOMINAL CAVITY. I THINK I CAN FEEL MY SPLEEN.
Anyhow, needless to say, SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE! IT'S PEOPLE! or really, it's an allergen.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day Citrus: Orange You Glad You Asked
Aren't you just loving my ridiculous post titles? Seriously? You must want to punch me by now, hahaha.
Anyhow, after this morning's success with peanuts, and the literally zero reaction, I did something stupid, and decided to do a double introduction today.
I grabbed an orange and a tangerine at the store, deciding that two forms of citrus are better than one, and also decided on consuming them at the same time. Finally, my worries about scurvy can stop for a few days. I've seriously been concerned-my diet has no Vitamin C right now, and holy crap, man, SCURVY. I could lose my teeth! I need some limes, stat!
Citrus is pretty straightforward. Peel, section, snarf. In that order. Push cat out of way (NO KITTEH! NO ORANGES FOR YOU!)
After about 30 minutes, I thought I might have a mild headache, but that could a: be my mind playing tricks on me, or b: the sheer volume of the sugar all at once. I think it's safe to say that yes, it's okay in small amounts. Who eats that much citrus at once? I've never been a juice drinker, so it's not like I have to worry about orange juice or anything. Now I can use foods with citric acid as the only preservative, too, which is awesome. If I find I'm getting headachy, I'll back those out, and see if there's a change.
Tomorrow: SOY OF DOOM. This should be fun. I'm expecting massive gastric woe from the soy milk.
Anyhow, after this morning's success with peanuts, and the literally zero reaction, I did something stupid, and decided to do a double introduction today.
I grabbed an orange and a tangerine at the store, deciding that two forms of citrus are better than one, and also decided on consuming them at the same time. Finally, my worries about scurvy can stop for a few days. I've seriously been concerned-my diet has no Vitamin C right now, and holy crap, man, SCURVY. I could lose my teeth! I need some limes, stat!
Citrus is pretty straightforward. Peel, section, snarf. In that order. Push cat out of way (NO KITTEH! NO ORANGES FOR YOU!)
After about 30 minutes, I thought I might have a mild headache, but that could a: be my mind playing tricks on me, or b: the sheer volume of the sugar all at once. I think it's safe to say that yes, it's okay in small amounts. Who eats that much citrus at once? I've never been a juice drinker, so it's not like I have to worry about orange juice or anything. Now I can use foods with citric acid as the only preservative, too, which is awesome. If I find I'm getting headachy, I'll back those out, and see if there's a change.
Tomorrow: SOY OF DOOM. This should be fun. I'm expecting massive gastric woe from the soy milk.
Day Peanuts: You're Driving Me Nuts!
So, weight this morning: 111.0. Suspicion is the dancing caused some water weight loss. Oh well. Holding fairly steady, so I'm not worrying.
I decided to try peanuts after my third pass of the pantry had me drooling over the peanut butter. I swear, a plastic jar of processed food has never looked so damn delicious. Said peanut butter is the all natural sort, the 100% peanut variety, with little peanut chunks, the sort that has to have the oil stirred into it. A brand new jar of delicious, salty, fatty goodness, waiting for me.
I toasted a rice cake, and put the peanut butter on that, as I can't eat bread. I thought about putting it on an apple, but I like melty peanut butter better. IT WAS LIKE CRACK. I have never, ever tasted anything so wonderfully tasty in all my life. Honestly, how was I living without this? I inhaled the cakes in about a minute flat, and nearly choked, which was pretty funny.
After coughing up a lung from aforementioned lack of chewing, I waited. And waited. For.....nothing. Not a single reaction. At all. FINALLY.
Needless to say, Peanut Butter is my new bestest friend. I shall love it and hug and call it George. Or, you know, just re-integrate it into my diet, as I clearly do not have a peanut allergy. WOOT.
I decided to try peanuts after my third pass of the pantry had me drooling over the peanut butter. I swear, a plastic jar of processed food has never looked so damn delicious. Said peanut butter is the all natural sort, the 100% peanut variety, with little peanut chunks, the sort that has to have the oil stirred into it. A brand new jar of delicious, salty, fatty goodness, waiting for me.
I toasted a rice cake, and put the peanut butter on that, as I can't eat bread. I thought about putting it on an apple, but I like melty peanut butter better. IT WAS LIKE CRACK. I have never, ever tasted anything so wonderfully tasty in all my life. Honestly, how was I living without this? I inhaled the cakes in about a minute flat, and nearly choked, which was pretty funny.
After coughing up a lung from aforementioned lack of chewing, I waited. And waited. For.....nothing. Not a single reaction. At all. FINALLY.
Needless to say, Peanut Butter is my new bestest friend. I shall love it and hug and call it George. Or, you know, just re-integrate it into my diet, as I clearly do not have a peanut allergy. WOOT.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day Corn: I'm All Ears
So, I took a day off from testing yesterday as I awakened with a migraine. Wheeee!
Weight yesterday 111.2
This morning's weight: 111.6. Go, bloat! I ate a bunch of salty chips yesterday, so I can account for that sudden uptick in teh weights. Woot!
Anyhow, I was fine this AM, so I decided to forge ahead with testing, but decided to test something useful, you know, NOT A JUNK FOOD. I first landed on citrus, but my oranges were moldy, so I went to corn. I downed a corn cake (like a rice cake, but corn) and then set off to pop corn, on the stove top, in corn oil. Nothing like overkill.
HOLY CRAP, IT WAS THE MOST EXCITING 5 MINUTES OF MY LIFE. Seriously, I was nearly drooling from the delicious, greasy aroma of popcorn. My apartment reeks of movie theatre, in a good way. I made 1/2 cup of corn, also known as: HOW THE HELL CAN I EAT ALL OF THIS? I forgot that corn takes up an immense amount of space.
After snorfling down a few small bowls of popcorn, the waiting began. 15 minutes in, no headache (woot!), but another, unfortunate issue arose. THE AGONY. OH, THE STOMACH CRAMPING AGONY. For the love of all that is holy, make it stop! The WOE. Seriously, not only have I spent all afternoon shuttling to and fro the bathroom like some little corn taxi, but I can literally feel the popcorn wending its way through my intestines.
So, note to self: yes, you can has corn. IF YOU WANT TO POOP.
Also, seriously, to anyone reading this blog, sorry you have to read about my gastrointestinal issues, hahaha. I wasn't expecting them to be quite so prevalent, but whatever, I'm here to report the truth, and I HAVE NO SHAME. So there's that.
Weight yesterday 111.2
This morning's weight: 111.6. Go, bloat! I ate a bunch of salty chips yesterday, so I can account for that sudden uptick in teh weights. Woot!
Anyhow, I was fine this AM, so I decided to forge ahead with testing, but decided to test something useful, you know, NOT A JUNK FOOD. I first landed on citrus, but my oranges were moldy, so I went to corn. I downed a corn cake (like a rice cake, but corn) and then set off to pop corn, on the stove top, in corn oil. Nothing like overkill.
HOLY CRAP, IT WAS THE MOST EXCITING 5 MINUTES OF MY LIFE. Seriously, I was nearly drooling from the delicious, greasy aroma of popcorn. My apartment reeks of movie theatre, in a good way. I made 1/2 cup of corn, also known as: HOW THE HELL CAN I EAT ALL OF THIS? I forgot that corn takes up an immense amount of space.
After snorfling down a few small bowls of popcorn, the waiting began. 15 minutes in, no headache (woot!), but another, unfortunate issue arose. THE AGONY. OH, THE STOMACH CRAMPING AGONY. For the love of all that is holy, make it stop! The WOE. Seriously, not only have I spent all afternoon shuttling to and fro the bathroom like some little corn taxi, but I can literally feel the popcorn wending its way through my intestines.
So, note to self: yes, you can has corn. IF YOU WANT TO POOP.
Also, seriously, to anyone reading this blog, sorry you have to read about my gastrointestinal issues, hahaha. I wasn't expecting them to be quite so prevalent, but whatever, I'm here to report the truth, and I HAVE NO SHAME. So there's that.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day Egg: Egg On My Face
Weight this morning 111.2. Holding steady, though my potato chip bender today might up that number-it will be interesting to see.
I decided to go ahead with eggs since sugar didn't seem to be affecting me, and I wasn't eating it at this point. Wheat was out, and my dairy consumption is minimal-so I'm still in good shape, and I awakened feeling normal (i.e. demanding coffee and hiding from my cat so I could sneak in a few extra minutes of snooze time, which NEVER WORKS.)
Anyhow, at 10, when I was finally hungry, I decided to make brunch, which consisted of two scrambled eggs. I can't cook them any other way, so that's what we had. Nothing fancy. Within a few minutes of eating them, I had the strangest feeling, like my world was tilting to the left. Then to the right. OH HAI, VERTIGO. Then a few minutes later, a headache appeared, slowly draining from the apex of my head, into my brain. Seriously, that's what it felt like.
At this point, I freaked, as eggs? SUPPOSED TO BE MAH FRIENDS. I called my mom and whined. I researched. Apparently, yes, they can be a trigger, but why such a fast response?
By 5, I felt much better, so I made myself another egg. Again, with the vertigo and headache. It lasted an hour or so, and then was gone, but I feel...off. Not sure if I'll add anything tomorrow.
What I can't figure out is why I react so rapidly to this-the wheat took about 20 minutes, enough time to start digesting, and became worse. This is FAST. Is it because it's easier to break down?
Needless to say, I'm making an appointment with an allergist, stat.
I decided to go ahead with eggs since sugar didn't seem to be affecting me, and I wasn't eating it at this point. Wheat was out, and my dairy consumption is minimal-so I'm still in good shape, and I awakened feeling normal (i.e. demanding coffee and hiding from my cat so I could sneak in a few extra minutes of snooze time, which NEVER WORKS.)
Anyhow, at 10, when I was finally hungry, I decided to make brunch, which consisted of two scrambled eggs. I can't cook them any other way, so that's what we had. Nothing fancy. Within a few minutes of eating them, I had the strangest feeling, like my world was tilting to the left. Then to the right. OH HAI, VERTIGO. Then a few minutes later, a headache appeared, slowly draining from the apex of my head, into my brain. Seriously, that's what it felt like.
At this point, I freaked, as eggs? SUPPOSED TO BE MAH FRIENDS. I called my mom and whined. I researched. Apparently, yes, they can be a trigger, but why such a fast response?
By 5, I felt much better, so I made myself another egg. Again, with the vertigo and headache. It lasted an hour or so, and then was gone, but I feel...off. Not sure if I'll add anything tomorrow.
What I can't figure out is why I react so rapidly to this-the wheat took about 20 minutes, enough time to start digesting, and became worse. This is FAST. Is it because it's easier to break down?
Needless to say, I'm making an appointment with an allergist, stat.
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