Food Holiday - Another perspective

[Guest guest]

Hi Gang,

I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a food

holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid dearly

for it.

Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

fruit, and then have it taken away again...

My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with going

back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the (assumed

boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact that

in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

(personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short term

gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

" cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can eat

that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary, and

with the minimum dosage required.

I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and stomach

cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view the

problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only take

prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

Again, this is just one persons view.

Happy Holidays,

Kenny

[Guest guest]

Kenny,

That was put very articulately.......thank you. I too believe that

prednisone is a very horrible drug that many of our children and ourselves

have to take.

I guess the question would be, for some, do you get sick even though you up

the dose of prednisone or does it take care of the EE/EG/EC problems?

Other's it may still cause havoc on the GI track as it would in our case

with Spencer, no matter how much steroids we pumped into him.

For the young that are dealing with this, it might be a bad habit that

begins to form if there are " Cheating days " versus a total strict diet, such

as diabetic (although I do know some diabetics that cheat as well and just

inject more insulin). In the end, is it really worth it?

Kenny, again you make a very good point.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kenny,

That was put very articulately.......thank you. I too believe that

prednisone is a very horrible drug that many of our children and ourselves

have to take.

I guess the question would be, for some, do you get sick even though you up

the dose of prednisone or does it take care of the EE/EG/EC problems?

Other's it may still cause havoc on the GI track as it would in our case

with Spencer, no matter how much steroids we pumped into him.

For the young that are dealing with this, it might be a bad habit that

begins to form if there are " Cheating days " versus a total strict diet, such

as diabetic (although I do know some diabetics that cheat as well and just

inject more insulin). In the end, is it really worth it?

Kenny, again you make a very good point.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

I agree with you Steph, in that the Make a Wish was a once in a life time thing

for you guys. I would have done the same thing in your situation. I'm glad you

guys had a great time.

BTW: Since Kody is so young was he able to enjoy it as much as you had hoped?

I have been contiplateing calling around for Spencer, but thought that it might

be wise to wait until he is around 6 or 7 so he can really let us know what he

wants. But of course, in your situation you have the whole gang! LOL A much

different situation. Do you think that they will do something for Kody when he

is a wee bit older?

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Hi Gang,

I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a food

holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid dearly

for it.

Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

fruit, and then have it taken away again...

My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with going

back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the (assumed

boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact that

in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

(personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short term

gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

" cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can eat

that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary, and

with the minimum dosage required.

I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and stomach

cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view the

problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only take

prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

Again, this is just one persons view.

Happy Holidays,

Kenny

[Guest guest]

Steph,

Do you know for sure that Kody doesn't have any EG or EC? I'm sure Spencer

would still have EE (As he tested for EE b/f the Nissen) if it weren't for the

super duper tight Nissen that he has....I think it has loosened a bit as of

late, as it was hard for him to swallow in the first year. They even did a

study and it showed that it was too tight, but over time it would loosen up.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Steph,

Do you know for sure that Kody doesn't have any EG or EC? I'm sure Spencer

would still have EE (As he tested for EE b/f the Nissen) if it weren't for the

super duper tight Nissen that he has....I think it has loosened a bit as of

late, as it was hard for him to swallow in the first year. They even did a

study and it showed that it was too tight, but over time it would loosen up.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

I guess it would when dealing with mild cases of it.....Spencer did indeed have

EE before his nissen, but now has little Eos's present. It could be the

steroids have a big effect on his EE and we really haven't looked into that part

of it since the other parts are so pronounced. What do you think?

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take

a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on

your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to

my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have

cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the

forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the

fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I

can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the

informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict

way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely

necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held

by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice

and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food

available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I

view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

I welcome this view Kenny and as I stated, I was coming to the conclusion that

it just wasn't worth it for me to go back on prednisone just for food. We made

the exception based on the once-in-a-lifetime trip we were going on for the

Make-A-Wish Foundation. The goal of our trip was to have a week's worth of

memories as a family to cherise for a lifetime.. and the overwhelming majority

of the activities at the Village we stayed at and at the parks were centered

around food. If we did NOT take action beforehand, it was a certainty that our

older children would get into trouble and we would have to face choking, pain

and vomiting during this most important week.

We made the decision in conjunction with our physicians, a pediatrician, a

pediatric gastroenteriologist, our allergist, MY GI and a child psychologist.

and it was unanimous that this was about the only situation we could think of

where we would even consider putting everyone on prednisone and let them eat.

Like I said, for me, it really wasnt worth it, but for the kids, it added more

to their trip and our memories than we could ever have imagined. The pay-off

was that it has been more difficult getting everyone back to their diets, but

they also feel better on formula and this was a good wake-up call for them to

realize that.

The BIG difference here, is that for you and I Kenny, we can rationalize,

understand and make the necessary adjustments, i.e. giving up food as a way of

life and sticking to it BECAUSE. For children, however, it is an entirely

different matter altogether and there are many, many other issues involved for

them that do not affect an adult, or certainly not as severely.

So... everything in moderation and everything taken with a grain of salt. This

definitely is a way of life and unfortunately, we each have to find our own way

that works fo us and our kids and it will be just a little bit different for

each individual. The only thing I would take issue with, is the use of

short-term prednisone versus having to eat without treatment. I think the

potential for serious side effects may actually be greater in a situation where

you HAVE to eat " toughing it out " rather than premedicating. Of course, there

are very very few situations where this would happen, but for someone who isnt

tube food and traveling abroad, that would be ONE OF THEM. GEEZ.. I'm glad

you're okay and glad the symptoms didnt escalate into something that got out of

control (as you know they can).

It is a tough way of life and those of us with it will tell you it is tough, but

better to go without the food than with the symptoms. The children eventually

will come to that conclusion themselves.. we only need keep the whole picture in

sight and keep them psychologically sound during their growing years so they are

capable of making those good decisions later on.

Thanks for your input Kenny... I hope my Kenny will someday have a good attitude

about his disease, too.

Steph.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Hi Gang,

I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a food

holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid dearly

for it.

Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

fruit, and then have it taken away again...

My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with going

back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the (assumed

boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact that

in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

(personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short term

gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

" cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can eat

that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary, and

with the minimum dosage required.

I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and stomach

cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view the

problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only take

prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

Again, this is just one persons view.

Happy Holidays,

Kenny

[Guest guest]

I welcome this view Kenny and as I stated, I was coming to the conclusion that

it just wasn't worth it for me to go back on prednisone just for food. We made

the exception based on the once-in-a-lifetime trip we were going on for the

Make-A-Wish Foundation. The goal of our trip was to have a week's worth of

memories as a family to cherise for a lifetime.. and the overwhelming majority

of the activities at the Village we stayed at and at the parks were centered

around food. If we did NOT take action beforehand, it was a certainty that our

older children would get into trouble and we would have to face choking, pain

and vomiting during this most important week.

We made the decision in conjunction with our physicians, a pediatrician, a

pediatric gastroenteriologist, our allergist, MY GI and a child psychologist.

and it was unanimous that this was about the only situation we could think of

where we would even consider putting everyone on prednisone and let them eat.

Like I said, for me, it really wasnt worth it, but for the kids, it added more

to their trip and our memories than we could ever have imagined. The pay-off

was that it has been more difficult getting everyone back to their diets, but

they also feel better on formula and this was a good wake-up call for them to

realize that.

The BIG difference here, is that for you and I Kenny, we can rationalize,

understand and make the necessary adjustments, i.e. giving up food as a way of

life and sticking to it BECAUSE. For children, however, it is an entirely

different matter altogether and there are many, many other issues involved for

them that do not affect an adult, or certainly not as severely.

So... everything in moderation and everything taken with a grain of salt. This

definitely is a way of life and unfortunately, we each have to find our own way

that works fo us and our kids and it will be just a little bit different for

each individual. The only thing I would take issue with, is the use of

short-term prednisone versus having to eat without treatment. I think the

potential for serious side effects may actually be greater in a situation where

you HAVE to eat " toughing it out " rather than premedicating. Of course, there

are very very few situations where this would happen, but for someone who isnt

tube food and traveling abroad, that would be ONE OF THEM. GEEZ.. I'm glad

you're okay and glad the symptoms didnt escalate into something that got out of

control (as you know they can).

It is a tough way of life and those of us with it will tell you it is tough, but

better to go without the food than with the symptoms. The children eventually

will come to that conclusion themselves.. we only need keep the whole picture in

sight and keep them psychologically sound during their growing years so they are

capable of making those good decisions later on.

Thanks for your input Kenny... I hope my Kenny will someday have a good attitude

about his disease, too.

Steph.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Hi Gang,

I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a food

holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid dearly

for it.

Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

fruit, and then have it taken away again...

My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with going

back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the (assumed

boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact that

in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

(personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short term

gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

" cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can eat

that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary, and

with the minimum dosage required.

I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and stomach

cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view the

problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only take

prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

Again, this is just one persons view.

Happy Holidays,

Kenny

[Guest guest]

Yep, another good point .. for the most part high dose prednisone DOES

relieve the symptoms of EE and we knew it would for all of us....

The choice to go to tubes was a direct decision to get OFF prednisone, not

having to use it chronically. This is actually one of the battles I'm fighting

with one of the peds GIs right now who wants to let my teenager eat during his

teen years and take PREDNISONE. NO WAY JOSE... I can't imagine another

situation where I would allow it and the kids know it.

The difference with our kids and Spenc is the disease EE vs EG/EC and how much

prednisone does/doesnt help. Obviously for Kody it was a non-issue anyway.

S.

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Kenny,

That was put very articulately.......thank you. I too believe that

prednisone is a very horrible drug that many of our children and ourselves

have to take.

I guess the question would be, for some, do you get sick even though you up

the dose of prednisone or does it take care of the EE/EG/EC problems?

Other's it may still cause havoc on the GI track as it would in our case

with Spencer, no matter how much steroids we pumped into him.

For the young that are dealing with this, it might be a bad habit that

begins to form if there are " Cheating days " versus a total strict diet, such

as diabetic (although I do know some diabetics that cheat as well and just

inject more insulin). In the end, is it really worth it?

Kenny, again you make a very good point.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yep, another good point .. for the most part high dose prednisone DOES

relieve the symptoms of EE and we knew it would for all of us....

The choice to go to tubes was a direct decision to get OFF prednisone, not

having to use it chronically. This is actually one of the battles I'm fighting

with one of the peds GIs right now who wants to let my teenager eat during his

teen years and take PREDNISONE. NO WAY JOSE... I can't imagine another

situation where I would allow it and the kids know it.

The difference with our kids and Spenc is the disease EE vs EG/EC and how much

prednisone does/doesnt help. Obviously for Kody it was a non-issue anyway.

S.

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Kenny,

That was put very articulately.......thank you. I too believe that

prednisone is a very horrible drug that many of our children and ourselves

have to take.

I guess the question would be, for some, do you get sick even though you up

the dose of prednisone or does it take care of the EE/EG/EC problems?

Other's it may still cause havoc on the GI track as it would in our case

with Spencer, no matter how much steroids we pumped into him.

For the young that are dealing with this, it might be a bad habit that

begins to form if there are " Cheating days " versus a total strict diet, such

as diabetic (although I do know some diabetics that cheat as well and just

inject more insulin). In the end, is it really worth it?

Kenny, again you make a very good point.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thats the tough part about the decision andrea.... it is a ONCE in a lifetime

thing... and they mean it.

You have to remember we did this within a few weeks of his nasty bleed and we

didnt know (and really, we still dont) if he would be around at age 6 or 7.

We made the call to do it now, that it would make the biggest impression on Kody

and do the most good at this time in his life. He is almost 5, so he was well

able to tell them what he wanted and why.

S.

and by the way... I am wondering (and so is his old GI) if he is dealing with EG

and EC... {{{{carlo}}} told me you cant have one part of the GI tract affected

without it screwing up the whole works anyway..

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

I agree with you Steph, in that the Make a Wish was a once in a life time

thing for you guys. I would have done the same thing in your situation. I'm

glad you guys had a great time.

BTW: Since Kody is so young was he able to enjoy it as much as you had

hoped? I have been contiplateing calling around for Spencer, but thought that

it might be wise to wait until he is around 6 or 7 so he can really let us know

what he wants. But of course, in your situation you have the whole gang! LOL

A much different situation. Do you think that they will do something for Kody

when he is a wee bit older?

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Hi Gang,

I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to

take a food

holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on

your

ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to

my

diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I

paid dearly

for it.

Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have

cravings

for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the

forbidden

fruit, and then have it taken away again...

My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal

with going

back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the

fact that

in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet.

I

(personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for

short term

gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

" cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take.

The

somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I

can eat

that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the

informed

readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very

strict way:

prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely

necessary, and

with the minimum dosage required.

I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is

held by

many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice

and

boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food

available).

For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I

view the

problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would

only take

prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

Again, this is just one persons view.

Happy Holidays,

Kenny

[Guest guest]

Thats the tough part about the decision andrea.... it is a ONCE in a lifetime

thing... and they mean it.

You have to remember we did this within a few weeks of his nasty bleed and we

didnt know (and really, we still dont) if he would be around at age 6 or 7.

We made the call to do it now, that it would make the biggest impression on Kody

and do the most good at this time in his life. He is almost 5, so he was well

able to tell them what he wanted and why.

S.

and by the way... I am wondering (and so is his old GI) if he is dealing with EG

and EC... {{{{carlo}}} told me you cant have one part of the GI tract affected

without it screwing up the whole works anyway..

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

I agree with you Steph, in that the Make a Wish was a once in a life time

thing for you guys. I would have done the same thing in your situation. I'm

glad you guys had a great time.

BTW: Since Kody is so young was he able to enjoy it as much as you had

hoped? I have been contiplateing calling around for Spencer, but thought that

it might be wise to wait until he is around 6 or 7 so he can really let us know

what he wants. But of course, in your situation you have the whole gang! LOL

A much different situation. Do you think that they will do something for Kody

when he is a wee bit older?

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Hi Gang,

I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to

take a food

holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends on

your

ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence to

my

diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I

paid dearly

for it.

Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have

cravings

for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the

forbidden

fruit, and then have it taken away again...

My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal

with going

back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the

fact that

in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet.

I

(personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for

short term

gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For me,

" cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take.

The

somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so I

can eat

that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the

informed

readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very

strict way:

prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely

necessary, and

with the minimum dosage required.

I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is

held by

many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer a

differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white rice

and

boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food

available).

For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares, and

stomach

cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems. I

view the

problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would

only take

prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

Again, this is just one persons view.

Happy Holidays,

Kenny

[Guest guest]

.... the super duper tight Nissen has nothing to do with EE. Kody's was so tight

very little was getting in right after his and that's when his biopsies were the

worst (6 weeks after the Nissen). That was the big clue that we were dealing

with EE -- no reflux and tons of eos.

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Steph,

Do you know for sure that Kody doesn't have any EG or EC? I'm sure Spencer

would still have EE (As he tested for EE b/f the Nissen) if it weren't for the

super duper tight Nissen that he has....I think it has loosened a bit as of

late, as it was hard for him to swallow in the first year. They even did a

study and it showed that it was too tight, but over time it would loosen up.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to

take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends

on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence

to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I

paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have

cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the

forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal

with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the

fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet.

I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for

short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For

me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take.

The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so

I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the

informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very

strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely

necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is

held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer

a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white

rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food

available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares,

and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems.

I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would

only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

.... the super duper tight Nissen has nothing to do with EE. Kody's was so tight

very little was getting in right after his and that's when his biopsies were the

worst (6 weeks after the Nissen). That was the big clue that we were dealing

with EE -- no reflux and tons of eos.

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

Steph,

Do you know for sure that Kody doesn't have any EG or EC? I'm sure Spencer

would still have EE (As he tested for EE b/f the Nissen) if it weren't for the

super duper tight Nissen that he has....I think it has loosened a bit as of

late, as it was hard for him to swallow in the first year. They even did a

study and it showed that it was too tight, but over time it would loosen up.

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to

take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends

on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence

to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I

paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have

cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the

forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal

with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the

fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet.

I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for

short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For

me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take.

The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so

I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the

informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very

strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely

necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is

held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer

a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white

rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food

available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares,

and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems.

I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would

only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Nope. We;ve been all through this with all of us.. There are eos present when

children have reflux particularly if it is bad reflux. THis is from the

inflammation and the damage to the tissues. THe eos will go away after the

Nissen if they were there from the beginning as a result of REFLUX. This is why

so many kids with EE end up with Nissens and they did NOT work and were

UNNCESSARY. If the kids have EE, their eos are STILL there after the Nissens.

And they also will go away with the prednisone. I would imagine with everything

else that spenc did have EE but the reason the eos are better is from the

prednisone and NOT the Nissen.

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

I guess it would when dealing with mild cases of it.....Spencer did indeed

have EE before his nissen, but now has little Eos's present. It could be the

steroids have a big effect on his EE and we really haven't looked into that part

of it since the other parts are so pronounced. What do you think?

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another

perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the

decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all

depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute

adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago -

and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I

still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of

the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability

to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change

back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips

with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a

different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs,

just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your

philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of

reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I

take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of

prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light

of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a

very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when

absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't

hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD

hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I

should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate

white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe

food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis

flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the

problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world.

I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Nope. We;ve been all through this with all of us.. There are eos present when

children have reflux particularly if it is bad reflux. THis is from the

inflammation and the damage to the tissues. THe eos will go away after the

Nissen if they were there from the beginning as a result of REFLUX. This is why

so many kids with EE end up with Nissens and they did NOT work and were

UNNCESSARY. If the kids have EE, their eos are STILL there after the Nissens.

And they also will go away with the prednisone. I would imagine with everything

else that spenc did have EE but the reason the eos are better is from the

prednisone and NOT the Nissen.

Re: [eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

I guess it would when dealing with mild cases of it.....Spencer did indeed

have EE before his nissen, but now has little Eos's present. It could be the

steroids have a big effect on his EE and we really haven't looked into that part

of it since the other parts are so pronounced. What do you think?

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another

perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the

decision to take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all

depends on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute

adherence to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago -

and I paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I

still have cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of

the forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability

to deal with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change

back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips

with the fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a

different diet. I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs,

just for short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your

philosophy. For me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of

reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I

take. The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of

prednisone so I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light

of the informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a

very strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when

absolutely necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't

hurt " is held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD

hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I

should offer a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate

white rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe

food available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis

flares, and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the

problems. I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world.

I would only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

I agree and nothing by mouth as well......

[eosinophilic gastroenteritis] Food Holiday - Another perspective

>

>

> Hi Gang,

>

> I have thought about this for some time. To me, the decision to

take a

food

> holiday could be psychologically detrimental, but it all depends

on your

> ultimate resolve, and your food reactivity.

>

> For me, the only way I have been able to keep my health in

reasonable

> balance for the past 2 years has been with the absolute adherence

to my

> diet. The last time I " cheated " was about 1.5 years ago - and I

paid

dearly

> for it.

>

> Even after becoming comfortable with my boring diet, I still have

cravings

> for " no-no " foods. I have no desire for another taste of the

forbidden

> fruit, and then have it taken away again...

>

> My pessimism about a food holiday comes from the ability to deal

with

going

> back to your old diet, and then your ability to change back to the

(assumed

> boring) and difficult diet. For me, I have come to grips with the

fact

that

> in order to live well, I need to strictly follow a different diet.

I

> (personally) cannot deal with being pumped up on drugs, just for

short

term

> gratification. I guess it all depends on your philosophy. For

me,

> " cheating " is just not worth it for a whole host of reasons.

>

> In addition, I want to minimize the amount of prednisone I take.

The

> somewhat flippant view of " just pop a few more mg of prednisone so

I can

eat

> that ice cream sunday " is a discouraging thought in light of the

informed

> readers on this list. I know I deal with prednisone in a very

strict way:

> prednisone is a potent drug, to be used only when absolutely

necessary,

and

> with the minimum dosage required.

>

> I must admit that the philosophy of " a little bit can't hurt " is

held by

> many. But I would think twice when a little bit COULD hurt.

>

> Sorry for the somewhat negative note, but I thought I should offer

a

> differing view as (ahem) " food for thought " .

>

> That said, when I was recently in rural Venezuela, I ate white

rice and

> boiled potatoes just to survive (there was limited safe food

available).

> For me, rice and potatoes cause eczema, reflux, colitis flares,

and

stomach

> cramps. Rather than take drugs, I just lived with the problems.

I view

the

> problems as the additional price of traveling the world. I would

only

take

> prednisone if there was a very severe reaction, never as a

prophylactic.

> Otherwise, prednisone is off limits in my mind.

>

> Again, this is just one persons view.

>

> Happy Holidays,

>

> Kenny

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for your contributions on this topic. My husband is very glad

also for your inputs. We will be discussing this issue with his GI doc

soon.

Thanks,

-Joy

(husband has EG/EE, allergies & asthma)