It's been one year since my diagnosis, and what a roller-coaster year it has been. After being told upon diagnosis that treatment was necessary as soon as possible with either sulfasalazine or methotrexate, I chose to wait until we could hopefully conceive a third child. FYI, my third child, Nathaniel, was born on December 23.
In February, after much pain and inflammation, I started the diet that changed my life. It has truly been a blessing from God to be able to control my pain through a diet, although the diet is often a huge annoyance and I sometimes get upset that I can't eat a 'normal' diet. I hope that maybe through this blog, someone who is suffering with AS can change the way he or she feels as well through diet instead of the traditional medicinal treatments.
It's sometimes hard to realize that my idea of what my life would be like was forever altered, but I have to remember that God is sovereign over all, and He has a reason for me having AS. I hope that I simply act as clay in His hands and allow Him to mold me through it.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
It's been a while . . .
It's been quite some time since I've blogged. Spare time has been extremely difficult to come by as I'm working on finishing the basement when I'm not at work. The good news is I'm getting close to finishing it and my spare time should increase immensely soon.
I wanted to update everyone on my current AS struggles, or mostly the lack thereof. I have had such great results with my diet! The few times that I've cheated, I've felt it for a few days, but as soon as I got back to eating right, things settled right down. This has only reinforced my belief that the diet is working.
I saw the rheumatologist again about 2 weeks ago, and he was again baffled by the results I have had from this diet. He said that I was controlling it so well that he didn't need to see me for a year. God has truly blessed me in this, and I pray that He continues to allow this diet to work so that I don't have to go on any medication.
I wanted to update everyone on my current AS struggles, or mostly the lack thereof. I have had such great results with my diet! The few times that I've cheated, I've felt it for a few days, but as soon as I got back to eating right, things settled right down. This has only reinforced my belief that the diet is working.
I saw the rheumatologist again about 2 weeks ago, and he was again baffled by the results I have had from this diet. He said that I was controlling it so well that he didn't need to see me for a year. God has truly blessed me in this, and I pray that He continues to allow this diet to work so that I don't have to go on any medication.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Rheumy Appointment
Today I saw my rheumatologist for the first time since he officially diagnosed me in December. I was fully expecting him to tell me I needed to get on medication right away, since when we talked in December he wanted me on it, but gave me some additional time for the sake of our family planning.
He asked me how I was feeling, and, when my reply was 'Great', he sort of gave me a funny look. I think he thought I was pulling an April Fool's joke on him or something. He then asked if I was still on NSAIDs and I told him I hadn't taken anything in nearly a month. He was very taken back my this, and asked what I was doing. When I told him diet and exercise, he thought maybe I was on some weird "exotic" diet. I told him I simply was avoiding starches, dairy, and refined sugars, and his response was "all of the inflammatory foods". I explained the theory behind the diet, and it made sense to him. He was super excited and said he was going to research it.
My question to him was "when do I start medication?" He told me at this point I didn't need to, and he didn't need to see me for 6 months instead of 3. He said in a year we will repeat the x-ray to see if any further damage is happening, but advised me to keep up what I'm doing for now, as it seems to be working. He told me he didn't want me on a pill if I was feeling pretty good.
I'm so thankful for a doctor who isn't a pill pusher and sees that I'm doing well without medication and realizes that lifestyle changes can affect diseases. I'm thankful that God is using this diet to help in my pain and inflammation reduction. I hope it continues to work!
He asked me how I was feeling, and, when my reply was 'Great', he sort of gave me a funny look. I think he thought I was pulling an April Fool's joke on him or something. He then asked if I was still on NSAIDs and I told him I hadn't taken anything in nearly a month. He was very taken back my this, and asked what I was doing. When I told him diet and exercise, he thought maybe I was on some weird "exotic" diet. I told him I simply was avoiding starches, dairy, and refined sugars, and his response was "all of the inflammatory foods". I explained the theory behind the diet, and it made sense to him. He was super excited and said he was going to research it.
My question to him was "when do I start medication?" He told me at this point I didn't need to, and he didn't need to see me for 6 months instead of 3. He said in a year we will repeat the x-ray to see if any further damage is happening, but advised me to keep up what I'm doing for now, as it seems to be working. He told me he didn't want me on a pill if I was feeling pretty good.
I'm so thankful for a doctor who isn't a pill pusher and sees that I'm doing well without medication and realizes that lifestyle changes can affect diseases. I'm thankful that God is using this diet to help in my pain and inflammation reduction. I hope it continues to work!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Family Visit
We got back yesterday from my brother's house in International Falls, MN. It's about a 14 hour drive from Billings, and I wasn't looking forward to sitting in the car that long and stiffening up. I was worried that I'd really be hurting for the long weekend only to turn around and drive back again and be stiff for a few more days. God spared me. I had very little pain and stiffness.
I truly believe that God is taking care of me through this, and that He allowed me to find all of the information on the effects of diet on AS in order to allow me to make some necessary changes that would help me. Changing my diet has been hard, but worth it. I think my sister-in-law felt bad that I was preparing my own food all the time, but I told her that it was just something I had to do and didn't mind doing it. I felt bad not eating her food, as it all looked delicious, but I didn't want to give up any headway I've made so far.
Anyway, we had a great time visiting my brother and his family and I'm so glad we made the trip. I even got to do a little ice fishing. That was my second time ice fishing, but the first time I was in a pickup truck driving across the ice. That was a different experience, especially when the driver (Matt's father-in-law Lloyd) turns around and tells you to take your seatbelt off as you're driving down the boat ramp to start across the ice. "Just in case you have to get out quick," he said. We had a good day fishing too, 2 shy of our 30 crappie limit.
I truly believe that God is taking care of me through this, and that He allowed me to find all of the information on the effects of diet on AS in order to allow me to make some necessary changes that would help me. Changing my diet has been hard, but worth it. I think my sister-in-law felt bad that I was preparing my own food all the time, but I told her that it was just something I had to do and didn't mind doing it. I felt bad not eating her food, as it all looked delicious, but I didn't want to give up any headway I've made so far.
Anyway, we had a great time visiting my brother and his family and I'm so glad we made the trip. I even got to do a little ice fishing. That was my second time ice fishing, but the first time I was in a pickup truck driving across the ice. That was a different experience, especially when the driver (Matt's father-in-law Lloyd) turns around and tells you to take your seatbelt off as you're driving down the boat ramp to start across the ice. "Just in case you have to get out quick," he said. We had a good day fishing too, 2 shy of our 30 crappie limit.
Friday, March 4, 2011
'Cereal'
Just got back from grocery shopping with the kids. Kristin had a baby shower tonight that she was helping with, so I took the kids to Costco and Walmart. Stocked up on some good stuff to continue this diet, but I'm starting to get creative.
I had a bowl of 'cereal' when I got home tonight. Almonds, flax seed, kiwi, and almond milk. It was quite delicious and made me feel a sense of normalcy again in the diet, even though it was still all starch free foods. I think it will be easier to stick with this the longer it goes because I will continue to get more creative. Hopefully I'll be able to sneak in some actual starches occasionally as well.
I had a bowl of 'cereal' when I got home tonight. Almonds, flax seed, kiwi, and almond milk. It was quite delicious and made me feel a sense of normalcy again in the diet, even though it was still all starch free foods. I think it will be easier to stick with this the longer it goes because I will continue to get more creative. Hopefully I'll be able to sneak in some actual starches occasionally as well.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A New Dimension - Lactose Free
The no starch diet is extremely hard! I was extremely disappointed to find out, then, that many who seem to have had the most success on the diet in controlling pain and inflammation had also cut dairy. While researching the theory behind why this diet supposedly works, however, it began to make sense. Reluctantly, I decided on Monday to also remove the lactose from my intake. That's right, no milk, cheese, or yogurt (all good sources of the high protein levels I'm shooting for).
The good news is this. Whether it is related to the slightly warmer weather we've been having, or the diet, I have not had as much pain the last few days and have not had the numbness in my feet that I was getting on a daily basis as a result of the inflammation.
The theory behind why the diet works for AS patients actually does make sense. Autoimmune disorder symptoms are caused when the immune system responds to a perceived attack by attacking a part or parts of the body. There is a doctor in England that has done studies on the level of a certain bacterial (Klebsiella) antibody that is present in higher quantity in the systems of AS patients. His theory is that this immuno-response is the problem that is causing the immune systems of AS patients to go awry, and that if you lower the level of Klebsiella in the gut (everyone has this in their tracts, AS patients just have high levels) of those patients, their immune systems will calm down resulting in a reduction in symptoms of AS. The reason for the diet is because the bacteria are lactose fermenting, so their main food sources are lactose and starch. If a person eats less of those, theoretically the level of Klebsiella will decrease due to a lack of food. Makes perfect sense to me.
At this point, this means that I could be stuck on a low starch diet and may possibly be lactose-free for good. I'm certainly sticking to it for now. Looking around for some good recipes so that I don't get bored eating the same things all the time (I found the blog of an AS patient who is a registered dietician that contains some good no-starch recipes). Thank God that He created an abundance of different fruits and vegetables! I'm glad that someone invented lactose-free products somewhere along the way. Almond milk is pretty good stuff! Peanut flour pancakes anyone?
The good news is this. Whether it is related to the slightly warmer weather we've been having, or the diet, I have not had as much pain the last few days and have not had the numbness in my feet that I was getting on a daily basis as a result of the inflammation.
The theory behind why the diet works for AS patients actually does make sense. Autoimmune disorder symptoms are caused when the immune system responds to a perceived attack by attacking a part or parts of the body. There is a doctor in England that has done studies on the level of a certain bacterial (Klebsiella) antibody that is present in higher quantity in the systems of AS patients. His theory is that this immuno-response is the problem that is causing the immune systems of AS patients to go awry, and that if you lower the level of Klebsiella in the gut (everyone has this in their tracts, AS patients just have high levels) of those patients, their immune systems will calm down resulting in a reduction in symptoms of AS. The reason for the diet is because the bacteria are lactose fermenting, so their main food sources are lactose and starch. If a person eats less of those, theoretically the level of Klebsiella will decrease due to a lack of food. Makes perfect sense to me.
At this point, this means that I could be stuck on a low starch diet and may possibly be lactose-free for good. I'm certainly sticking to it for now. Looking around for some good recipes so that I don't get bored eating the same things all the time (I found the blog of an AS patient who is a registered dietician that contains some good no-starch recipes). Thank God that He created an abundance of different fruits and vegetables! I'm glad that someone invented lactose-free products somewhere along the way. Almond milk is pretty good stuff! Peanut flour pancakes anyone?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Officially Starchless
72 Hours! Theoretically, my body has officially rid itself of all of the starches. If this little experiment is going to make any difference, I should feel better the next few days. We shall see.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Starch-Free Day 1: Forbidden Food
So far, so good. Eggs, greek yogurt, and fruit for breakfast; apple for my mid-morning snack; salad for lunch with loads of spinach, red peppers, broccoli, pear, and homemade dressing (olive oil, greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spices). Not easy to plan a menu without starches. This week could be VERY long. I hope it's worth it and it makes a difference, but I have my doubts.
What really makes me doubt that it will work is when my wife tells me that she's making cinnamon rolls for her Saturday morning ladies' Bible study. When she told me this, my first question was whether she hated me. Is she trying to upset the apple cart? She got a kick out of that and promised not to bake them in our house so that the house didn't smell like them. Also, seeing as it's been so cold, I've been doing my afternoon walk in the mall (along with all of the other old people - at least I feel old except when a mall-walker in his mid-50's says to me "I used to be able to keep that pace"). I don't even like Cinnabon (they're too sickeningly sweet), but try walking past the Cinnabon stand in the mall about 4 or 5 times and see if you're not craving one.
What is it inside us that makes us want what we can't have? I guess I'll have to ask Adam (and God) that someday in Heaven (some would argue that Adam wasn't saved, I would disagree). He had perfect fellowship with God, and yet he gave it all up for the one thing on the entire planet that was forbidden. I'd like to think I would have remained in perfect fellowship, but I know better. Romans 3:10 says that "there is none righteous, not even one."
For now, cinnamon rolls are on my forbidden list. I can go for at least a week without giving in to the temptation. I must finish this experiment for my own peace of mind. Best to eliminate the possibility of the easiest fix.
What really makes me doubt that it will work is when my wife tells me that she's making cinnamon rolls for her Saturday morning ladies' Bible study. When she told me this, my first question was whether she hated me. Is she trying to upset the apple cart? She got a kick out of that and promised not to bake them in our house so that the house didn't smell like them. Also, seeing as it's been so cold, I've been doing my afternoon walk in the mall (along with all of the other old people - at least I feel old except when a mall-walker in his mid-50's says to me "I used to be able to keep that pace"). I don't even like Cinnabon (they're too sickeningly sweet), but try walking past the Cinnabon stand in the mall about 4 or 5 times and see if you're not craving one.
What is it inside us that makes us want what we can't have? I guess I'll have to ask Adam (and God) that someday in Heaven (some would argue that Adam wasn't saved, I would disagree). He had perfect fellowship with God, and yet he gave it all up for the one thing on the entire planet that was forbidden. I'd like to think I would have remained in perfect fellowship, but I know better. Romans 3:10 says that "there is none righteous, not even one."
For now, cinnamon rolls are on my forbidden list. I can go for at least a week without giving in to the temptation. I must finish this experiment for my own peace of mind. Best to eliminate the possibility of the easiest fix.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
First Time and Food
My first time blogging. I never thought I'd be doing this, but reading various other blogs has led me to attempt it. I'm not making any promises as to how often I will post, or even if I'll continue, but I decided to give it a shot.
Since my diagnosis, which from what I've read came fairly quickly compared to most with AS (thank God for a phenomenal PCP who said within 5 minutes of seeing me that he felt that's what I had), on 12/30/10, I've been doing a lot of reading. I haven't begun any sort of treatment at this point other than a stringent NSAID regimen and tons of exercise. There is so much information out there that it's hard to know what to believe. Many attribute their flare-ups to foods they eat, while others say they've never been able to pinpoint any foods they have to avoid. Weather certainly seems to play a factor with the cold, low pressure days being the most painful (for those with arthritis, here is a link to Arthritis Today's website that has a pain index predictor based on current weather http://www.arthritistoday.org/misc/weather/at-weather.php). With it being so cold and windy this winter, needless to say, pain has been an issue. Trying to figure out how to help (or at the very least not worsen) the pain until I start on a drug has been a frustrating process so far, especially with all of the seemingly contradictory information out there.
Let me start by saying this, IF diet DOES play a role, seeing as I am already a very healthy eater (mostly whole grains, low fat proteins, loads of fruits and veggies), there would have to be a 'trigger' food, food group, or part of certain foods, that causes a flare up in me. I'm not sure if food is or is not related (and neither is my rheumatologist), but many seem to think that AS symptoms can be worsened by starchy foods. Some think that, like Celiac Disease, gluten is the problem. No significant medical research has been done to confirm or deny any of these findings, but if other AS'ers have had luck with diet change, it's at least worth a shot.
So what does this mean for me? Starting tomorrow, no starches for a week. This is gonna be hard. No potatoes, no beans, no rice, no flour. I've just eliminated 50% of the average American's caloric intake. Since I'm trying to not lose any more weight, this means eating way more lean protein and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts) to make up for the caloric loss of all those carbs. If this seems to work (I'll admit that I'm highly skeptical), I will add in some gluten-free carbs to see if I can have them without causing flares. If this works I'll add in more whole grains that contain gluten. Hopefully by doing this, I can find a trigger. If I don't find a trigger, I can go back to normal having given up a week or two of my carbohydrate intake, no harm, no foul. At least I can say I tried. I really hope I don't end up having to follow a strict diet as they are a pain in the butt to stay on, but, then again, AS is also a pain in the butt (literally) and back, so it's 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I think I'd rather have to be gluten-free or whatever than continue in pain.
Since my diagnosis, which from what I've read came fairly quickly compared to most with AS (thank God for a phenomenal PCP who said within 5 minutes of seeing me that he felt that's what I had), on 12/30/10, I've been doing a lot of reading. I haven't begun any sort of treatment at this point other than a stringent NSAID regimen and tons of exercise. There is so much information out there that it's hard to know what to believe. Many attribute their flare-ups to foods they eat, while others say they've never been able to pinpoint any foods they have to avoid. Weather certainly seems to play a factor with the cold, low pressure days being the most painful (for those with arthritis, here is a link to Arthritis Today's website that has a pain index predictor based on current weather http://www.arthritistoday.org/misc/weather/at-weather.php). With it being so cold and windy this winter, needless to say, pain has been an issue. Trying to figure out how to help (or at the very least not worsen) the pain until I start on a drug has been a frustrating process so far, especially with all of the seemingly contradictory information out there.
Let me start by saying this, IF diet DOES play a role, seeing as I am already a very healthy eater (mostly whole grains, low fat proteins, loads of fruits and veggies), there would have to be a 'trigger' food, food group, or part of certain foods, that causes a flare up in me. I'm not sure if food is or is not related (and neither is my rheumatologist), but many seem to think that AS symptoms can be worsened by starchy foods. Some think that, like Celiac Disease, gluten is the problem. No significant medical research has been done to confirm or deny any of these findings, but if other AS'ers have had luck with diet change, it's at least worth a shot.
So what does this mean for me? Starting tomorrow, no starches for a week. This is gonna be hard. No potatoes, no beans, no rice, no flour. I've just eliminated 50% of the average American's caloric intake. Since I'm trying to not lose any more weight, this means eating way more lean protein and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts) to make up for the caloric loss of all those carbs. If this seems to work (I'll admit that I'm highly skeptical), I will add in some gluten-free carbs to see if I can have them without causing flares. If this works I'll add in more whole grains that contain gluten. Hopefully by doing this, I can find a trigger. If I don't find a trigger, I can go back to normal having given up a week or two of my carbohydrate intake, no harm, no foul. At least I can say I tried. I really hope I don't end up having to follow a strict diet as they are a pain in the butt to stay on, but, then again, AS is also a pain in the butt (literally) and back, so it's 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I think I'd rather have to be gluten-free or whatever than continue in pain.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)