Hygiene and diet in general

[Guest guest]

Hi, this is Stefani again... sounds like we have a whole lot going on in this

group. I am 60, kinda newly diagnosed (originally had interstitial lung disease

dropped on me in Feb 2006). I really had a hard time on the prednisone and made

my husband promise to shoot me before I take it again (lol... at least now I can

laugh about it). It is different for everyone and at lower doses can be quite

helpful. I have also found nagging side problems. Like a continuous yeast

infection (thrush in the mouth and yeast infection in the nether regions as well

as in body folds on the outside of my body). I am almost obsessive compulsive

on my body care. Showers with antibacterial soap, pumice stone to remove dead

skin from feet, elbows and hands, net skin scrubber to remove dead skin on legs

and arms... you get the picture. I use monostat when the infection gets

unbearable and use the cream between folds ... really works well. Bought a

electric tooth brush and the floss sticks for dental care. Use sensodyne as I

have had sensitive teeth all my life. Use 1 tablespoon of mouthwash at night

and in the morning. Brush my teeth 3 plus times a day to keep the thrush at

bay. Bedding is done religiously once a week with hot water.... My diet is

equally important. Oatmeal EVERY morning for the cholesterol. I mix it up with

rasins, brown sugar, walnuts or apple bits. A banana, apple or orange either

midmorning or midafternoon or sometimes both. Tuna Fish sandwich at lunch for

the diabetes. ONLY whole wheat bread. Low or no fat mayo with celery and onion

mixed with the tuna fish and lettuce/spinach to make it taste better. For

dinner I will frequently steam mixed fresh cut vegetables (broccoli,

cauliflower, carrots and baby potatoes) for dinner. I have found this helps

keep me reasonably nourished and keeps everything else in sync. Then on rare

occasion (when we go out with the kids or sometimes just the two of us...) I go

out an satisfy my " craving du jour " . It isn't exciting but I have found if I

let any of this stuff go by the wayside... I have problems that seem to double.

Would like to hear what others have found helpful.