Intro and Questions

[Guest guest]

That sounds like a deluxe breakfast. No stress. You'll get great results if love

your meals and keep up your healthy eating for a lifetime. You don't want to

force down some bland slop for a week or two and quit. :-)

Re: Intro and questions

Hi ,

The Prolab is fine but it's almost twice as many calories and twice as

much protein as you want in a meal. You can still use it, just split the

packets in half.

Some people complain that the EFL meals contain unauthorized ingredients

or are too high in calories or carbs. I think everything in there is

appropriate though. Your plan to keep it simple and throw in some EFL

recipes here and there is a really good one. You get some variety but

you also maximize your results.

Here's my rant on BFL vs. EFL

http://www.skwigg.com/id48.html

I probably have too much time on my hands. :-)

[Guest guest]

Intro and questions

Hello ,

I think Biolab does the tests you mentioned.Their telephone number is: 0207 636 5959/5905

I take this opportunity to thank everybody for sharing their experiences with us.It's very encouraging!

Kind regards,

nevin

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

That's how I found out that I have Hepatitis C. I got a letter after I

had donated blood at the Red Cross. I had a blood transfusion in 1979

during surgery, which is when my doctors think I got the Hep C. There

weren't any screening tests for the virus until 1992, so it's possible you

got the virus in 1985.

Have your doctor do another Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B test to be

sure. There's lots of information in books, Hepatitis magazines, on the

internet and from the great people on this web site, too. If you have any

questions, I'm sure someone here can help you. Good luck with your doctor.

Marie

At 09:47 AM 1/29/2005, you wrote:

>Hello,

>I am new to this group. Yesterday I received a letter in the mail from the

>Blood Center informing me that I tested positive to HCV Ab (ELISA) and HCV

>RIBA. I also tested positive to the antigen for Hepatitis B, although I

>tested

>negative to having an active B virus. The summary given is that I have been

>exposed to and am likely to be infectious with Hepatitis

>C, and I have been exposed to Hepatitis B. In the latter case of Hepatitis

>B, since I tested negative to one test, the other test may have been a false

>positive.

>

>As you can imagine I have a number of questions. I am not in any risk groups

>for Hepatitis C and B, and I am racking my brain to try and comprehend how I

>might have come in contact with C and possibly B. While this was the first

>time I attempted to donate blood I have had a number of health related

>problems

>in the past, so I am puzzled as to why all those other blood tests, biopsies,

>scans, etc. over the years did not pick up my exposure. I am assuming

>that my

>exposure was over a decade ago before screening for C became developed. I

>had one transfusion of blood in 1985 due to blood loss with a surgical

>procedure. That is the only possible time I might have been exposed.

>

>Can anyone on this list enlighten me on this subject. Does anyone know

>whether it is possible to have a false positive on both C blood tests? My

>blood

>donation was on one of those bloodmobiles sponsored by a local blood

>center (not

>the Red Cross). Is it possible that my blood sample was contaminated in some

>way by the handling or storage of my blood?

>

>Thanks, in advance for any info. I am sure you can appreciate the anxiety

>this news has caused--especially given that I received this letter Friday

>evening when all my doctors are gone for the weekend.

>Joe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Joe,

I too was first diagnosed when giving blood, ironically, I was

giving blood for my own surgery and then I wasn't allowed to receive

my own blood.

Another blood test is advisable, of course. Yes, there can be false

positives, but today's tests are very sensitive and rarely come out

wrong. As for the hep B, I too tested positive for antibodies to

it...because I had been immunized against it before I immigrated to

the US. So, immunization gives a positive reading for antibodies.

The reason you did not find out previously is that a liver panel

test has to be ordered--if there's no suspected liver disease, why

should they check for it (unless YOU ask).

Be sure to get a viral load to determine how much virus is in you

right now. Get a genotype to determine the recommended course of

treatment. You should also get a liver biopsy to determine the

health of your liver. ALT readings are NOT a good indicator of

advanced progression of HCV; only a biopsy can tell ..........

Don't be scared; HCV is not a death sentence. Educate yourself

about the available choices of treating/not treating. Check out the

links section and just start clicking and reading...you will learn

more than most doctors know about our disease. And, of course, ask

questions. We're here for you.

Hugs, Suzy

> Hello,

> I am new to this group. Yesterday I received a letter in the mail

from the

> Blood Center informing me that I tested positive to HCV Ab (ELISA)

and HCV

> RIBA. I also tested positive to the antigen for Hepatitis B,

although I tested

> negative to having an active B virus. The summary given is that I

have been

> exposed to and am likely to be infectious with Hepatitis

> C, and I have been exposed to Hepatitis B. In the latter case of

Hepatitis

> B, since I tested negative to one test, the other test may have

been a false

> positive.

>

> As you can imagine I have a number of questions. I am not in any

risk groups

> for Hepatitis C and B, and I am racking my brain to try and

comprehend how I

> might have come in contact with C and possibly B. While this was

the first

> time I attempted to donate blood I have had a number of health

related problems

> in the past, so I am puzzled as to why all those other blood

tests, biopsies,

> scans, etc. over the years did not pick up my exposure. I am

assuming that my

> exposure was over a decade ago before screening for C became

developed. I

> had one transfusion of blood in 1985 due to blood loss with a

surgical

> procedure. That is the only possible time I might have been

exposed.

>

> Can anyone on this list enlighten me on this subject. Does anyone

know

> whether it is possible to have a false positive on both C blood

tests? My blood

> donation was on one of those bloodmobiles sponsored by a local

blood center (not

> the Red Cross). Is it possible that my blood sample was

contaminated in some

> way by the handling or storage of my blood?

>

> Thanks, in advance for any info. I am sure you can appreciate the

anxiety

> this news has caused--especially given that I received this letter

Friday

> evening when all my doctors are gone for the weekend.

> Joe

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marie,

Thanks for your response. So, it sounds like we both have the same kind of

luck. We get one transfusion and contract the virus!! I am wondering whether

you were able to find out definitively by the CDC tracking down the blood

donor? It might be helpful to know with certainty when you contracted the

virus.

How have your symptoms and treatment been, if you don't mind me asking?

Joe

In a message dated 1/29/2005 12:05:21 PM Central Standard Time,

mariemk@... writes:

Hi Joe,

That's how I found out that I have Hepatitis C. I got a letter after I

had donated blood at the Red Cross. I had a blood transfusion in 1979

during surgery, which is when my doctors think I got the Hep C. There

weren't any screening tests for the virus until 1992, so it's possible you

got the virus in 1985.

Have your doctor do another Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B test to be

sure. There's lots of information in books, Hepatitis magazines, on the

internet and from the great people on this web site, too. If you have any

questions, I'm sure someone here can help you. Good luck with your doctor.

Marie

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzy,

Thanks for your supportive and informative response. I was lucky that my GP

was in the office today doing paperwork and answered the call I placed to him.

When I asked him about biopsies he told me to take it one step at a time.

He wants to retest me to see if I did have just a false positive. My

understanding is that 30-50 percent of all positives are false. Since I had two

positive tests for the C virus I would think my chances are higher that I have

at

least an exposure to C but B might be a false positive. In any case, I guess I

will find out shortly as I will be retested early this week. It is hard to

wait, though. How long does it usually take for lab results? I know it

probably varies, but I am trying to get an idea so I can better plan the course

of

action.

I realize only certain tests will show viral hepatitis. I am surprised I was

not tested for it before because I have been under the care of a GI for other

problems (including possible liver problems). In fact, I just had a liver

and gall bladder ultra sound and CT scan that came back normal. Perhaps I am

mistaken but I would imagine that if my liver were damaged through hepatitis (or

anything else, for that matter) that something abnormal would have showed up.

So, while I may indeed have the viruses I must not have had much, if any,

damage. At least I can hope for that.

Thanks,

Joe

In a message dated 1/29/2005 12:53:53 PM Central Standard Time,

suzygriffin@... writes:

Dear Joe,

I too was first diagnosed when giving blood, ironically, I was

giving blood for my own surgery and then I wasn't allowed to receive

my own blood.

Another blood test is advisable, of course. Yes, there can be false

positives, but today's tests are very sensitive and rarely come out

wrong. As for the hep B, I too tested positive for antibodies to

it...because I had been immunized against it before I immigrated to

the US. So, immunization gives a positive reading for antibodies.

The reason you did not find out previously is that a liver panel

test has to be ordered--if there's no suspected liver disease, why

should they check for it (unless YOU ask).

Be sure to get a viral load to determine how much virus is in you

right now. Get a genotype to determine the recommended course of

treatment. You should also get a liver biopsy to determine the

health of your liver. ALT readings are NOT a good indicator of

advanced progression of HCV; only a biopsy can tell ..........

Don't be scared; HCV is not a death sentence. Educate yourself

about the available choices of treating/not treating. Check out the

links section and just start clicking and reading...you will learn

more than most doctors know about our disease. And, of course, ask

questions. We're here for you.

Hugs, Suzy

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

To add to what Marie said, don't freak out. My doctor was running routine blood

tests, and since she knew I had surgery, she asked me if I had ever had a blood

transfusion. I told her yes, when I was 10 and when I was 12. I was 54 at the

time. She asked if I minded if she tested my blood for Hep C, and I said it was

ok, never thinking I would be positive. Yep, it was.

What you need to do is to see a hepatologist and have a liver biopsy done. Make

sure they will give you an analgeisic before the procedure. Some have had it

done without one and it can be quite painful. Mine was a breeze because I had

an analgeisic.

That's what will tell you what Hep C has done or not done to your liver. Mine

is fine, so I don't need to do any treatment. Maybe yours will be also. We

can live with this disease, we don't need to die from it.

If you need to do treatment, there are many people on this list who can help you

through it. Please don't be in denial, but please don't see it as a death

sentence, both are fantasy at this point. The people here can help you, they

have helped me for the past 3 years.

Marilyn

Intro and questions

Hello,

I am new to this group. Yesterday I received a letter in the mail from the

Blood Center informing me that I tested positive to HCV Ab (ELISA) and HCV

RIBA. I also tested positive to the antigen for Hepatitis B, although I

tested

negative to having an active B virus. The summary given is that I have been

exposed to and am likely to be infectious with Hepatitis

C, and I have been exposed to Hepatitis B. In the latter case of Hepatitis

B, since I tested negative to one test, the other test may have been a false

positive.

As you can imagine I have a number of questions. I am not in any risk groups

for Hepatitis C and B, and I am racking my brain to try and comprehend how I

might have come in contact with C and possibly B. While this was the first

time I attempted to donate blood I have had a number of health related

problems

in the past, so I am puzzled as to why all those other blood tests, biopsies,

scans, etc. over the years did not pick up my exposure. I am assuming that my

exposure was over a decade ago before screening for C became developed. I

had one transfusion of blood in 1985 due to blood loss with a surgical

procedure. That is the only possible time I might have been exposed.

Can anyone on this list enlighten me on this subject. Does anyone know

whether it is possible to have a false positive on both C blood tests? My

blood

donation was on one of those bloodmobiles sponsored by a local blood center

(not

the Red Cross). Is it possible that my blood sample was contaminated in some

way by the handling or storage of my blood?

Thanks, in advance for any info. I am sure you can appreciate the anxiety

this news has caused--especially given that I received this letter Friday

evening when all my doctors are gone for the weekend.

Joe

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

How is it that so many of us have had such bad luck with blood transfusions?

I thought there was less than a 10% transmission rate 10 years or so ago

before the C test was developed? Thus, I am wondering whether there are not

other

ways (yet, unknown) that this virus is spreading?

I am glad to hear your biopsy showed no damage to your liver. Did your RIBA

test for C come back positive as well as the ELISA? Just wondering, as mine

test did.

I agree denial is usually not in one's own best interest. I am just trying

not the jump the gun until my tests are replicated. I would hate to worry my

parents or close friends needlessly. I also want to find out as much as I can

about the various possibilities (to prepare) given my tests.

Best,

Joe

In a message dated 1/29/2005 11:21:47 PM Central Standard Time,

MarilynWilkinson@... writes:

To add to what Marie said, don't freak out. My doctor was running routine

blood tests, and since she knew I had surgery, she asked me if I had ever had a

blood transfusion. I told her yes, when I was 10 and when I was 12. I was 54

at the time. She asked if I minded if she tested my blood for Hep C, and I

said it was ok, never thinking I would be positive. Yep, it was.

What you need to do is to see a hepatologist and have a liver biopsy done.

Make sure they will give you an analgeisic before the procedure. Some have had

it done without one and it can be quite painful. Mine was a breeze because I

had an analgeisic.

That's what will tell you what Hep C has done or not done to your liver.

Mine is fine, so I don't need to do any treatment. Maybe yours will be also.

We can live with this disease, we don't need to die from it.

If you need to do treatment, there are many people on this list who can help

you through it. Please don't be in denial, but please don't see it as a death

sentence, both are fantasy at this point. The people here can help you, they

have helped me for the past 3 years.

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

My only symptoms from the virus have been fatigue and sometimes pain under

the right side of my ribs (like a cramp). They call it upper right

quadrant pain. Of course, I have cirrhosis already, so you may not have

this pain. It's not severe, and only lasts about 10 seconds each time. I

get it about once or twice a week, so no big problem. The first two times

I was on treatment, I had fever, chills, aches, and fatigue. It was like a

mild case of the flu. This third time, I've had very few symptoms, just

fatigue and mild headaches. I'm only on my fifth week, though, so I'm

keeping my fingers crossed.

I never tried to track down the blood that I had for my transfusion. I

know it came from another city. I had regular blood and blood platelets,

too, because I had a bleeding problem and my blood wasn't clotting

right. Actually, they gave me these transfusions for five days straight,

which increased my odds of getting the virus. Lucky me!

I can't think of any other time that I could have gotten the virus. Hope

everything goes well for you. Good luck and feel free to ask any other

questions.

Marie

At 12:32 AM 1/30/2005, you wrote:

>Hi Marie,

>Thanks for your response. So, it sounds like we both have the same kind of

>luck. We get one transfusion and contract the virus!! I am wondering

>whether

>you were able to find out definitively by the CDC tracking down the blood

>donor? It might be helpful to know with certainty when you contracted the

>virus.

>How have your symptoms and treatment been, if you don't mind me asking?

>Joe

>

>In a message dated 1/29/2005 12:05:21 PM Central Standard Time,

>mariemk@... writes:

>Hi Joe,

>That's how I found out that I have Hepatitis C. I got a letter after I

>had donated blood at the Red Cross. I had a blood transfusion in 1979

>during surgery, which is when my doctors think I got the Hep C. There

>weren't any screening tests for the virus until 1992, so it's possible you

>got the virus in 1985.

>

>Have your doctor do another Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B test to be

>sure. There's lots of information in books, Hepatitis magazines, on the

>internet and from the great people on this web site, too. If you have any

>questions, I'm sure someone here can help you. Good luck with your doctor.

>

>Marie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joe,

I've read that the ultrasound will show cirrhosis, but doesn't show the

fibrosis of Hepatitis, which is milder. Ask your doctor to let you have a

PCR quantitative test, which shows how much virus is in your system. Hope

you have insurance, because the test can cost about $650. My viral load

from the PCR has been as high as 2.7 million. Yours probably isn't that

high. My first PCR was 200,000 the first time I went on treatment. Good

luck with your tests. My PCR usually takes 10 days to get to my doctor,

since they have to send it out of the area. Other lab tests, like the

Liver Function Test, only take a couple of days to get the results. That

test will show how your liver enzymes are doing. They'll be higher if you

have the virus.

Keep in touch,

Marie

At 01:07 AM 1/30/2005, you wrote:

>Hi Suzy,

>Thanks for your supportive and informative response. I was lucky that my GP

>was in the office today doing paperwork and answered the call I placed to

>him.

>When I asked him about biopsies he told me to take it one step at a time.

>He wants to retest me to see if I did have just a false positive. My

>understanding is that 30-50 percent of all positives are false. Since I

>had two

>positive tests for the C virus I would think my chances are higher that I

>have at

>least an exposure to C but B might be a false positive. In any case, I

>guess I

>will find out shortly as I will be retested early this week. It is hard to

>wait, though. How long does it usually take for lab results? I know it

>probably varies, but I am trying to get an idea so I can better plan the

>course of

>action.

>

>I realize only certain tests will show viral hepatitis. I am surprised I was

>not tested for it before because I have been under the care of a GI for other

>problems (including possible liver problems). In fact, I just had a liver

>and gall bladder ultra sound and CT scan that came back normal. Perhaps I am

>mistaken but I would imagine that if my liver were damaged through

>hepatitis (or

>anything else, for that matter) that something abnormal would have showed up.

>So, while I may indeed have the viruses I must not have had much, if any,

>damage. At least I can hope for that.

>

>Thanks,

>Joe

>

>In a message dated 1/29/2005 12:53:53 PM Central Standard Time,

>suzygriffin@... writes:

>Dear Joe,

>I too was first diagnosed when giving blood, ironically, I was

>giving blood for my own surgery and then I wasn't allowed to receive

>my own blood.

>Another blood test is advisable, of course. Yes, there can be false

>positives, but today's tests are very sensitive and rarely come out

>wrong. As for the hep B, I too tested positive for antibodies to

>it...because I had been immunized against it before I immigrated to

>the US. So, immunization gives a positive reading for antibodies.

>The reason you did not find out previously is that a liver panel

>test has to be ordered--if there's no suspected liver disease, why

>should they check for it (unless YOU ask).

>Be sure to get a viral load to determine how much virus is in you

>right now. Get a genotype to determine the recommended course of

>treatment. You should also get a liver biopsy to determine the

>health of your liver. ALT readings are NOT a good indicator of

>advanced progression of HCV; only a biopsy can tell ..........

>Don't be scared; HCV is not a death sentence. Educate yourself

>about the available choices of treating/not treating. Check out the

>links section and just start clicking and reading...you will learn

>more than most doctors know about our disease. And, of course, ask

>questions. We're here for you.

>

>Hugs, Suzy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Joe, I think there is so much the medical community doesn't know about Hep C

yet. This is where we " think " we got it because there is no other explanation

for it. For all I know, I could have gotten it from the gun the doctor used in

the jewelry store in the 70's, when we were all standing in line to get our ears

pierced.

I went to a Hep C support group for a while, but it was for people going through

treatment, so it had little to offer me. One thing that struck me, though, is

that 1/2 the people there had no clue how they contracted it. No lifestyle, no

tattoos, no transfusions. I think a lot more research needs to be done.

I can't tell you the names of all the blood tests they did on me 3 years ago.

The hepatologist took 23 tubes of blood out of my arm, until the vein collapsed.

The results all came back positive for genotype 1B, viral count 350,000, normal

liver levels.

I didn't mean to imply that you were in denial. We all were once where you are

now. Finding out you have Hep C doesn't mean you have to do much about it in a

lot of cases. For me, it was a godsend because the people on this list gave me

dietary and exercise advice, and I feel better than I have in years!

Marilyn

Re: Intro and questions

Hi Marilyn,

How is it that so many of us have had such bad luck with blood transfusions?

I thought there was less than a 10% transmission rate 10 years or so ago

before the C test was developed? Thus, I am wondering whether there are not

other

ways (yet, unknown) that this virus is spreading?

I am glad to hear your biopsy showed no damage to your liver. Did your RIBA

test for C come back positive as well as the ELISA? Just wondering, as mine

test did.

I agree denial is usually not in one's own best interest. I am just trying

not the jump the gun until my tests are replicated. I would hate to worry my

parents or close friends needlessly. I also want to find out as much as I can

about the various possibilities (to prepare) given my tests.

Best,

Joe

[Guest guest]

Hi, Joe!

It usually takes 10 days for hepatitis blood tests. Waiting for

results, I think that's one of the worst things about liver disease!

Hugs, Suzy

> Hi Suzy,

> Thanks for your supportive and informative response. I was lucky

that my GP

> was in the office today doing paperwork and answered the call I

placed to him.

> When I asked him about biopsies he told me to take it one step at

a time.

> He wants to retest me to see if I did have just a false positive.

My

> understanding is that 30-50 percent of all positives are false.

Since I had two

> positive tests for the C virus I would think my chances are higher

that I have at

> least an exposure to C but B might be a false positive. In any

case, I guess I

> will find out shortly as I will be retested early this week. It

is hard to

> wait, though. How long does it usually take for lab results? I

know it

> probably varies, but I am trying to get an idea so I can better

plan the course of

> action.

>

> I realize only certain tests will show viral hepatitis. I am

surprised I was

> not tested for it before because I have been under the care of a

GI for other

> problems (including possible liver problems). In fact, I just had

a liver

> and gall bladder ultra sound and CT scan that came back normal.

Perhaps I am

> mistaken but I would imagine that if my liver were damaged through

hepatitis (or

> anything else, for that matter) that something abnormal would have

showed up.

> So, while I may indeed have the viruses I must not have had much,

if any,

> damage. At least I can hope for that.

>

> Thanks,

> Joe

>

> In a message dated 1/29/2005 12:53:53 PM Central Standard Time,

> suzygriffin@s... writes:

> Dear Joe,

> I too was first diagnosed when giving blood, ironically, I was

> giving blood for my own surgery and then I wasn't allowed to

receive

> my own blood.

> Another blood test is advisable, of course. Yes, there can be

false

> positives, but today's tests are very sensitive and rarely come

out

> wrong. As for the hep B, I too tested positive for antibodies to

> it...because I had been immunized against it before I immigrated

to

> the US. So, immunization gives a positive reading for antibodies.

> The reason you did not find out previously is that a liver panel

> test has to be ordered--if there's no suspected liver disease, why

> should they check for it (unless YOU ask).

> Be sure to get a viral load to determine how much virus is in you

> right now. Get a genotype to determine the recommended course of

> treatment. You should also get a liver biopsy to determine the

> health of your liver. ALT readings are NOT a good indicator of

> advanced progression of HCV; only a biopsy can tell ..........

> Don't be scared; HCV is not a death sentence. Educate yourself

> about the available choices of treating/not treating. Check out

the

> links section and just start clicking and reading...you will learn

> more than most doctors know about our disease. And, of course,

ask

> questions. We're here for you.

>

> Hugs, Suzy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sandy, you may be our first Michigander here. I'll take a shot at

your questions regarding Crohn's disease and diet, and others will chime in,

I'm sure.

I like the direction you are taking regarding a cure for this illness and I know

for a fact, and by personal experience, that Crohn's, IBD, IBS, celiac disease

and many others can be 100% cured using holistic methods. A good diet isn't

necessarily a total cure, but it's one big factor in a holistic cure.

One person I worked with started this holistic nutritional approach (along with

stress management and other techniques) for severe Crohn's clear back in

1985. She was about 24 at the time and had had 3 sections of intestine

surgically removed prior to our work, and was not expected to live much past

30. It is now 20 years later and she's not had another episode all this time.

She's alive and living a full life on her traditional foods diet. We know 10X as

much about curing the condition now as we did then and I know others with

equally good success.

My advice at this point is to AVOID the risk of trying " this food " or " that

food "

willy-nilly in the hopes of bumping your way into a better diet. You may have

been lucky so far and not triggered a crisis but it's too risky to continue in

this

TRIAL-AND-ERROR manner. In general, we all know that kombucha,

sprouted grains, raw dairy and raw kefir are magically powerful healers and

will help most people, but your friend's case, like everyone else's, is UNIQUE.

Many people with digestive illness are not ready for any-and-all good food

when they begin the program. It's crucial to deal with underlying issues that

may be present first, as good diet can sometimes cover the real and deeper

problems. For instance, someone with lead or mercury poisoning or someone

with Lyme disease or other parasites may need special treatments first. Many

people have Crohn's disease symptoms and diagnosis but really have

something else completely different. It's a " catch-all " diagnosis as much as

IBS or REFLUX is.

You should seek out a HOLISTIC DOCTOR as your #1 goal and first step.

This could be someone in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aurevedic,

homeopathy, or any one of many other specialties. That part is your call, just

make sure they know how to advise you regarding nutrition. There are plenty

of them around, go to a coop or health food store for references for starters.

You may want to assemble a TEAM of holistic professionals, body workers,

therapists (it's mostly about the nerves anyway), nutrition coach and others.

Get as far away from conventional doctors and especially

gastro-enterologists as you can. Most of them will kill you slowly with drugs

and surgery as they drain your insurance company and your pocketbook.

There are also many specific ALT SUPPORT GROUPS on the internet, and I

would suggest your friend find several. Start with Curezone.com, I know those

groups to be fantastic, there are many others as well. Find them by

GOOGLING " alternative diets for Crohn's " and other key words. Contact the

WAPF chapter nearest you for more doctor and food source references. If

you don't have a nearby chapter, start one.

You are always welcome here to talk about traditional foods but other sites

besides this one will address these questions about an illness much more

accurately and specifically.

Will Winter

[Guest guest]

I know of someone who took coconut oil for their Crohns and it was really

helpful. This person also had untreated candida problems as well which were

also helped by the coconut oil.

Right now I am trying to lose weight and deal with my candida problem and found

that coconut oil has really been a big help. I no longer have digestive

problems (was taking zantec daily) and am now eating a sugar, grain, and fruit

free diet. My body couldn't handle it and it was feeding my candida. I am off

most of my perscriptions and get a lot of energy from the coconut oil.

Bruce Fife, a naturapth, has a 7 day coconut oil fast with lemon juice/sea salt/

stevia/ and water that is supposed to take care of digestive problems. If you

are interested I can send you the information. I am not ready to try the fast

yet but will at some point.

For right now I eat grass fed meats, vegetables (hoping to find organic soon at

a reasonable price) some nuts, good fats. Would like to try some kefir at some

point but I think it is really hard to make. Or Cabbage Rejuvelac.

Here is a website about coconut oil www.coconutreasearchcenter.org

We are also having Bruce on a tv program on MCN6 in the metro on Feb 16th.

Channel 6 covers the 7 county metro area of one million homes (accept Apple

Valley) Al Waston, author of 21 Days to a Healthy Heart is the host and the

program is on good fats etc. 7-8 pm 2-16 if anyone is interested. It is a live

call-in as well.

Jeanne

Minneapolis

[Guest guest]

On Monday, January 31, 2005, at 11:58 PM, Will Winter wrote:

> Welcome Sandy, you may be our first Michigander here. I'll take a shot

> at

> your questions regarding Crohn's disease and diet, and others will

> chime in,

> I'm sure.  

>

> I like the direction you are taking regarding a cure for this illness

> and I know

> for a fact, and by personal experience, that Crohn's, IBD, IBS, celiac

> disease

> and many others can be 100% cured using holistic methods. A good diet

> isn't

> necessarily a total cure, but it's one big factor in a holistic cure.

>

Thank you so much for your informative reply Will. I know your advise

it probably the best advise and that is to be under a doctor's care.

Don't know if that is going to happen. My friend is a college student

and has a limited amount of money and no insurance. Also he is doing

well right now and is not motivated to go to the doctor. He is taking

Imodium everyday. I don't know what the side effects of such a regimen

might be. I'll check out some of the others lists you have mentioned.

Thank you so much!

Sandy

[Guest guest]

On Tuesday, February 1, 2005, at 12:56 AM, jeannekrieg@...

wrote:

> I know of someone who took coconut oil for their Crohns and it was

> really helpful.  This person also had untreated candida problems as

> well which were also helped by the coconut oil.

>

Do you mean they took like a tablespoon a day or something like that?

> Bruce Fife, a naturapth, has a 7 day coconut oil fast with lemon

> juice/sea salt/ stevia/ and water that is supposed to take care of

> digestive problems.  If you are interested I can send you the

> information.  I am not ready to try the fast yet but will at some

> point.

Please send me the information...I would love to try the fast!

>

> For right now I eat grass fed meats, vegetables (hoping to find

> organic soon at a reasonable price) some nuts, good fats.  Would like

> to try some kefir at some point but I think it is really hard to

> make.  Or Cabbage Rejuvelac.

>

> Here is a website about coconut oil www.coconutreasearchcenter.org

The Link did not work for me. Do most health food store have coconut

oil? What should I look for? Are all brands equal?

Thanks so much

[Guest guest]

Here is the post again for coconut research www.coconutresearchcenter.org. If it

doesn't link you may just want to type it into your address line and try to

connect from there

To get the maximum benefits from coconut oil, Fife suggest 3.5 Tablespoons a day

unless you are a larger person. I probably consume around 5 a day. It is great

on your skin......and acne etc. clears up too. I use it both topically and cook

with and eat it frozen sweetened with a little stevia.

You can cook at higher heats with it too.

I will send you the fast off line. If anyone else is interested please email me

and I will send it to you off line.

Jeanne

-------------- Original message --------------

On Tuesday, February 1, 2005, at 12:56 AM, jeannekrieg@...

wrote:

> I know of someone who took coconut oil for their Crohns and it was

> really helpful. This person also had untreated candida problems as

> well which were also helped by the coconut oil.

>

Do you mean they took like a tablespoon a day or something like that?

> Bruce Fife, a naturapth, has a 7 day coconut oil fast with lemon

> juice/sea salt/ stevia/ and water that is supposed to take care of

> digestive problems. If you are interested I can send you the

> information. I am not ready to try the fast yet but will at some

> point.

Please send me the information...I would love to try the fast!

>

> For right now I eat grass fed meats, vegetables (hoping to find

> organic soon at a reasonable price) some nuts, good fats. Would like

> to try some kefir at some point but I think it is really hard to

> make. Or Cabbage Rejuvelac.

>

> Here is a website about coconut oil www.coconutreasearchcenter.org

The Link did not work for me. Do most health food store have coconut

oil? What should I look for? Are all brands equal?

Thanks so much

[Guest guest]

> Hi I do not live in MN...I live in MI so I can't really

participate in

> the food shares I am here to ask some questions and hope that is OK.

> My first questions are concerning sprouted grains, kombucha, keifir

and

> crohn's disease. Does anyone have experience introducing these

types of

> foods to someone who has crohn's disease? Our friend with crohn's

has

> been instructed by the doctor to not eat whole grain breads

especially

> if you can see the grains in the bread. He has been told to eat

the

> white bread that the other bread is too hard to digest and will

cause

> him problems. I told him how the grains in the sprouted breads are

> easier to digest because they have been sprouted so I believe he

should

> give them a try even though his doctor has advised to stay away

from

> whole grain cause the doctor probably is not aware of sprouted

grain

> bread. What do you think ?

>

> We tried the Helios brand of kefir and liked it mixed with fruit

and

> with stevia to sweeten. Now I have found a source for kefir grains

and

> scoby to make kombucha so I am excited to get started with making

my

> own as I have heard that is much better and has more live organisms

in

> it. Has anyone used the stevia flavorings in their kefir? In one

of

> my books, I think it was the Body Ecology Book she said to use the

> flavorings if you wanted. Also I am looking into using raw milk as

I

> have heard that is better for you, but in Michigan it is hard to

find.

>

> Thanks so much for your help in advance,

> Sandy

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

From what I have read about Crohns..........grains (no matter what kind) and

dairy are the worst things you can eat. Has your friend been checked for

candida? Maybe he should start out by looking into coconut oil which has been a

great healing tool for many with candida, crohns, parasites etc.

www.coconutresearchcenter.org

Jeanne

-------------- Original message --------------

> Hi I do not live in MN...I live in MI so I can't really

participate in

> the food shares I am here to ask some questions and hope that is OK.

> My first questions are concerning sprouted grains, kombucha, keifir

and

> crohn's disease. Does anyone have experience introducing these

types of

> foods to someone who has crohn's disease? Our friend with crohn's

has

> been instructed by the doctor to not eat whole grain breads

especially

> if you can see the grains in the bread. He has been told to eat

the

> white bread that the other bread is too hard to digest and will

cause

> him problems. I told him how the grains in the sprouted breads are

> easier to digest because they have been sprouted so I believe he

should

> give them a try even though his doctor has advised to stay away

from

> whole grain cause the doctor probably is not aware of sprouted

grain

> bread. What do you think ?

>

> We tried the Helios brand of kefir and liked it mixed with fruit

and

> with stevia to sweeten. Now I have found a source for kefir grains

and

> scoby to make kombucha so I am excited to get started with making

my

> own as I have heard that is much better and has more live organisms

in

> it. Has anyone used the stevia flavorings in their kefir? In one

of

> my books, I think it was the Body Ecology Book she said to use the

> flavorings if you wanted. Also I am looking into using raw milk as

I

> have heard that is better for you, but in Michigan it is hard to

find.

>

> Thanks so much for your help in advance,

> Sandy

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My friend is 6'4'' and needs to eat at least 3000 calories to maintain

his weight. He struggles everyday trying to eat enough, if he doesn't

eat any bread it is difficult. Any ideas on high calorie foods that

would be good for him.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

Sandy, Read Jordan Rubin's (Garden of Life) book " Patient Heal

Thyself " . He almost died from Crohn's and was healed using

traditionl foods and nutrition.

[Guest guest]

Wow, this just started happening to me too about a week ago (almost

every night). The sour/acidy feeling wakes me up and the coughing

fit begins. I'm VERY anxious to hear responses to your post...as

I've been wondering what it's all about as well (specifically, if

it's related to the band, since nothing really changed last

week...no new fill, etc). Btw..I only just had my surgery in

February of 2005.

> Hello--I was banded in TJ by Dr. Kuri, 10/02 and have had two

fills, everything

> has seemed fine up to now. Lately I've been experiencing at night

which

> usually wakes me up at 4:00 am a sensation in my throat or a

coughing

> episode. Usually a sour acidy scratchy feeling/taste. I don't

feel anything

> below the throat. I was wondering if this could be acid reflux,

I don't have all

> the symptoms I've read about. Could the band slip and cause the

spincter to

> open and close erradically. I've only Pb'd maybe 10 times and

have not been

> overfilled because I didn't want to risk anything. I'm super

conservative and

> overly cautious. I also thought it could be hormone related

because I am 46.

> I'm working on all the referenced treatments, but am concerned

because of

> the bands close proximity with the spincter. I'm in Alaska for

the summer and

> then on to SE Asia and I want to make sure everything is okay for

the journey.

> Don't want an emergency trip back to TJ if I can help it. Also if

I should see a

> doctor, who should I see and what tests would be best to determine

whats

> up? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Chris

[Guest guest]

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Kate

Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2005 9:56 PM

Subject: Re: intro and questions

Wow, this just started happening to me too about a week ago (almost

every night). The sour/acidy feeling wakes me up and the coughing

fit begins. I'm VERY anxious to hear responses to your post...as

I've been wondering what it's all about as well (specifically, if

it's related to the band, since nothing really changed last

week...no new fill, etc). Btw..I only just had my surgery in

February of 2005.

> Hello--I was banded in TJ by Dr. Kuri, 10/02 and have had two

fills, everything

> has seemed fine up to now. Lately I've been experiencing at night

which

> usually wakes me up at 4:00 am a sensation in my throat or a

coughing

> episode. Usually a sour acidy scratchy feeling/taste. I don't

feel anything

> below the throat. I was wondering if this could be acid reflux,

I don't have all

> the symptoms I've read about. Could the band slip and cause the

spincter to

> open and close erradically. I've only Pb'd maybe 10 times and

have not been

> overfilled because I didn't want to risk anything. I'm super

conservative and

> overly cautious. I also thought it could be hormone related

because I am 46.

> I'm working on all the referenced treatments, but am concerned

because of

> the bands close proximity with the spincter. I'm in Alaska for

the summer and

> then on to SE Asia and I want to make sure everything is okay for

the journey.

> Don't want an emergency trip back to TJ if I can help it. Also if

I should see a

> doctor, who should I see and what tests would be best to determine

whats

> up? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Chris

_____

[Guest guest]

Wow, I just posted something similar (under can't sleep at night). I have

the acidy feeling at night too and cough like some of the acid is caught in

my nose. I can't wait to see what input others have also.

a

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Kate

Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2005 9:56 PM

Subject: Re: intro and questions

Wow, this just started happening to me too about a week ago (almost

every night). The sour/acidy feeling wakes me up and the coughing

fit begins. I'm VERY anxious to hear responses to your post...as

I've been wondering what it's all about as well (specifically, if

it's related to the band, since nothing really changed last

week...no new fill, etc). Btw..I only just had my surgery in

February of 2005.

> Hello--I was banded in TJ by Dr. Kuri, 10/02 and have had two

fills, everything

> has seemed fine up to now. Lately I've been experiencing at night

which

> usually wakes me up at 4:00 am a sensation in my throat or a

coughing

> episode. Usually a sour acidy scratchy feeling/taste. I don't

feel anything

> below the throat. I was wondering if this could be acid reflux,

I don't have all

> the symptoms I've read about. Could the band slip and cause the

spincter to

> open and close erradically. I've only Pb'd maybe 10 times and

have not been

> overfilled because I didn't want to risk anything. I'm super

conservative and

> overly cautious. I also thought it could be hormone related

because I am 46.

> I'm working on all the referenced treatments, but am concerned

because of

> the bands close proximity with the spincter. I'm in Alaska for

the summer and

> then on to SE Asia and I want to make sure everything is okay for

the journey.

> Don't want an emergency trip back to TJ if I can help it. Also if

I should see a

> doctor, who should I see and what tests would be best to determine

whats

> up? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Chris

_____

[Guest guest]

I seem to have the same problem and also just sent a post ( " can't sleep at

night " ).

a

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Kate

Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2005 9:56 PM

Subject: Re: intro and questions

Wow, this just started happening to me too about a week ago (almost

every night). The sour/acidy feeling wakes me up and the coughing

fit begins. I'm VERY anxious to hear responses to your post...as

I've been wondering what it's all about as well (specifically, if

it's related to the band, since nothing really changed last

week...no new fill, etc). Btw..I only just had my surgery in

February of 2005.

> Hello--I was banded in TJ by Dr. Kuri, 10/02 and have had two

fills, everything

> has seemed fine up to now. Lately I've been experiencing at night

which

> usually wakes me up at 4:00 am a sensation in my throat or a

coughing

> episode. Usually a sour acidy scratchy feeling/taste. I don't

feel anything

> below the throat. I was wondering if this could be acid reflux,

I don't have all

> the symptoms I've read about. Could the band slip and cause the

spincter to

> open and close erradically. I've only Pb'd maybe 10 times and

have not been

> overfilled because I didn't want to risk anything. I'm super

conservative and

> overly cautious. I also thought it could be hormone related

because I am 46.

> I'm working on all the referenced treatments, but am concerned

because of

> the bands close proximity with the spincter. I'm in Alaska for

the summer and

> then on to SE Asia and I want to make sure everything is okay for

the journey.

> Don't want an emergency trip back to TJ if I can help it. Also if

I should see a

> doctor, who should I see and what tests would be best to determine

whats

> up? Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Chris

_____