Re: Hoping for progress

[Guest guest]

At 06:07 PM 6/12/2010, you wrote:

After two weeks of what I feel

is very strict adherence the diet, however, I'm still waiting for any

improvement in sypmtoms (chronic, severe diarrhea, gas, bloating...).

According to the SCD website, it is unlikely the diet will be helpful if

there's no improvement after one month.

In point of fact, most people find that it takes longer to get

significant improvement.

I did.

Have you been keeping a food diary? Because there is so much to learn

when you begin the diet, it's altogether possible that you might have

made small errors in implementation which might have reduced the response

to the diet.

If you'll post everything you've been eating, perhaps we can help you

trouble shoot.

SCD does work. BTW, we're a friendly group, so it's handy to know your

name, and, if you have one, your diagnosis, and when you got it. As with

my own signature, I also post how long I've been on SCD. That helps

someone making a recommendation to make an educated suggestion about what

might be some of the issues.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

Babette the Foundling Beagle

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Marilyn. I'll take any advice I can get!

I'm new to yahoogroups so I'll dig around and see how to add some info to my

profile. My name is Charla and I've had unidentifiable digestive problems since

I was about 10 years old. They've ruled out Crohns, celiac, IBS, ulcerative

colitis, on and on... I'm currently being retested for all of these things.

Sigh. Nobody knows what the problem is.

I've also recently been diagnosed with achalasia, which means the sphincter

muscle between my stomach and esophagus does not open consistently. Now in

addition to struggling with digestion, I struggle to get food down in the first

place. These problems are NOT unrelated, I'm certain (although the doctors

argue it's random chance).

I agree there are quite likely many errors in my diet. Thank you for being

willing to help me troubleshoot. How is the best way to post what I'm eating?

Just as a list? It's currently a pretty short list, ha ha.

Charla

> >After two weeks of what I feel is very strict

> >adherence the diet, however, I'm still waiting

> >for any improvement in sypmtoms (chronic, severe

> >diarrhea, gas, bloating...). According to the

> >SCD website, it is unlikely the diet will be

> >helpful if there's no improvement after one month.

>

> In point of fact, most people find that it takes

> longer to get significant improvement.

>

> I did.

>

> Have you been keeping a food diary? Because there

> is so much to learn when you begin the diet, it's

> altogether possible that you might have made

> small errors in implementation which might have

> reduced the response to the diet.

>

> If you'll post everything you've been eating,

> perhaps we can help you trouble shoot.

>

> SCD does work. BTW, we're a friendly group, so

> it's handy to know your name, and, if you have

> one, your diagnosis, and when you got it. As with

> my own signature, I also post how long I've been

> on SCD. That helps someone making a

> recommendation to make an educated suggestion

> about what might be some of the issues.

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> Babette the Foundling Beagle

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Charla! Yes, the best way is for you to just make a list of what you are

eating- be sure to include how you are cooking it (i.e. If you are eating a

veggie raw vs. Cooked and deseeded).

Take it from me- we have all been in your place! don't be discouraged- healing

is different for everyone. Welcome!

-Joanna

SCD 9/2009, Crohn's 1992

> > >After two weeks of what I feel is very strict

> > >adherence the diet, however, I'm still waiting

> > >for any improvement in sypmtoms (chronic, severe

> > >diarrhea, gas, bloating...). According to the

> > >SCD website, it is unlikely the diet will be

> > >helpful if there's no improvement after one month.

> >

> > In point of fact, most people find that it takes

> > longer to get significant improvement.

> >

> > I did.

> >

> > Have you been keeping a food diary? Because there

> > is so much to learn when you begin the diet, it's

> > altogether possible that you might have made

> > small errors in implementation which might have

> > reduced the response to the diet.

> >

> > If you'll post everything you've been eating,

> > perhaps we can help you trouble shoot.

> >

> > SCD does work. BTW, we're a friendly group, so

> > it's handy to know your name, and, if you have

> > one, your diagnosis, and when you got it. As with

> > my own signature, I also post how long I've been

> > on SCD. That helps someone making a

> > recommendation to make an educated suggestion

> > about what might be some of the issues.

> >

> >

> > — Marilyn

> > New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> > Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> > Darn Good SCD Cook

> > No Human Children

> > Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> > Babette the Foundling Beagle

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Are you using the food introduction stages system? Everyone is different... it took me about 2 months to see results ( I had serious flare when I started SCD). So, just keep asking quesitons if you are not sure about what you are doing and please keep going...

I hope this helps.

A

To: BTVC-SCD Sent: Sat, June 12, 2010 7:07:44 PMSubject: Hoping for progress

I began the SCD diet for the third time two weeks ago (the first two times I became frustrated and overwhelmed). After two weeks of what I feel is very strict adherence the diet, however, I'm still waiting for any improvement in sypmtoms (chronic, severe diarrhea, gas, bloating...). According to the SCD website, it is unlikely the diet will be helpful if there's no improvement after one month.Can anyone tell me if it is worthwhile for me to continue the SCD diet beyond a few weeks if I feel no different? Unfortunately I'm running out of alternatives (I've tried just about everything).Thank you.

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for your feedback. Although my family is supportive, the research

and implementation of SCD is all on my shoulders and your input means a lot.

I am not sure how to utilize the food stages because, from what I understand, I

should see some improvement/change/progress before introducing a new food.

Although the bloating and gas are somewhat reduced when I eat strictly SCD, I

pass only liquid. If my body cannot form solid stools (or anything even close),

how do I know when I can introduce a new food?

The first seven days of this trial I ate only what's listed on the SCD Intro

Diet with the exception of SCD yogurt, which I've been eating freely. Since day

seven(I'm on day 15), I've added the following (no sauces, additives, or

variations unless listed):

Cooked lean hamburger

Deer steak/hamburger

Scrambled or over-easy eggs

Wild-caught salmon and trout

Salmon and beef burgers (from Costco)

SCD yogurt (although I fermented the last batch too long--32 hours)

Pureed well-cooked carrots, acorn squash, and pumpkin (not canned)

Mild and medium cheddar cheese

Dry curd cottage cheese

Honey

Welch's 100% grape and white grape juice

Occasional glass of shiraz or cabernet

Occasional vodka w/ grape juice

California dates

Cashew Cookie and Pecan Larabars

Sugar-/gluten-free chicken broth

Salt & occasional pepper

Black tea (weak)

Occasional almond butter

Any suggestions or modifications you have are much appreciated. Thanks again!

Charla

>

> Hi,

>

> Are you using the food introduction stages system? Everyone is different... it

took me about 2 months to see results ( I had serious flare when I started SCD).

So, just keep asking quesitons if you are not sure about what you are doing and

please keep going...

>

> I hope this helps.

>

> A

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: BTVC-SCD

> Sent: Sat, June 12, 2010 7:07:44 PM

> Subject: Hoping for progress

>

>  

> I began the SCD diet for the third time two weeks ago (the first two times I

became frustrated and overwhelmed). After two weeks of what I feel is very

strict adherence the diet, however, I'm still waiting for any improvement in

sypmtoms (chronic, severe diarrhea, gas, bloating...). According to the SCD

website, it is unlikely the diet will be helpful if there's no improvement after

one month.

>

> Can anyone tell me if it is worthwhile for me to continue the SCD diet beyond

a few weeks if I feel no different? Unfortunately I'm running out of

alternatives (I've tried just about everything).

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Ditto to Alyssa's observations. Also note that almond butter is more advanced

(same for the cashew cookie). Even if you are only eating a little. I still

struggle trying not to eat too much nut butter. If I only have about a

tablespoon's worth every 3 days or so I can get away with it. I also have

problems with D and watery stools. I know it's yummy, but you should probably

cut it out until you are having more formed BMs

-Joanna

SCD 9/2009, Crohn's 1992, 30mg Prednisone

> Cooked lean hamburger

> Deer steak/hamburger

> Scrambled or over-easy eggs

> Wild-caught salmon and trout

> Salmon and beef burgers (from Costco)

> SCD yogurt (although I fermented the last batch too long--32 hours)

> Pureed well-cooked carrots, acorn squash, and pumpkin (not canned)

> Mild and medium cheddar cheese

> Dry curd cottage cheese

> Honey

> Welch's 100% grape and white grape juice

> Occasional glass of shiraz or cabernet

> Occasional vodka w/ grape juice

> California dates

> Cashew Cookie and Pecan Larabars

> Sugar-/gluten-free chicken broth

> Salt & occasional pepper

> Black tea (weak)

> Occasional almond butter

[Guest guest]

Good advice! I can cut those items out easily.

My biggest concern at this point is I'm not sure how long I should really go

without some kind of vegetables. I doubt I'm getting all the nutrition I need

from just animal protein and squash. It's hard for me to tell what I tolerate

well since it all just goes straight through me.

>

> > Cooked lean hamburger

> > Deer steak/hamburger

> > Scrambled or over-easy eggs

> > Wild-caught salmon and trout

> > Salmon and beef burgers (from Costco)

> > SCD yogurt (although I fermented the last batch too long--32 hours)

> > Pureed well-cooked carrots, acorn squash, and pumpkin (not canned)

> > Mild and medium cheddar cheese

> > Dry curd cottage cheese

> > Honey

> > Welch's 100% grape and white grape juice

> > Occasional glass of shiraz or cabernet

> > Occasional vodka w/ grape juice

> > California dates

> > Cashew Cookie and Pecan Larabars

> > Sugar-/gluten-free chicken broth

> > Salt & occasional pepper

> > Black tea (weak)

> > Occasional almond butter

>

[Guest guest]

Occasional glass of shiraz or cabernet

Occasional vodka w/ grape juice

California dates

Cashew Cookie and Pecan Larabars

Sugar-/gluten-free chicken broth

Salt & occasional pepper

Black tea (weak)

Occasional almond butter

I agree with Alyssa. Some of these items I hardly eat even after a year. I think

you will notice improvement if you cut them out.. for now.

Pecan butter ( home made) is easier to tolerate than almond butter.

Are you using commercial chicken broth? There is no legal commercial broth to my

knowledge, and commercial broth is not as beneficial as home made.

I have not tried any hard liquor, not even after a year on SCD and did not use

wine in the beginning.

I also only drank peppermint tea as caffeine in anything bothered me.

I hope you feel better soon.

Slow and steady is best when advancing on SCD

PJ

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Are you using the food introduction stages system? Everyone is different...

it took me about 2 months to see results ( I had serious flare when I started

SCD). So, just keep asking quesitons if you are not sure about what you are

doing and please keep going...

> >

> > I hope this helps.

> >

> > A

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: charlabitney <charla@>

> > To: BTVC-SCD

> > Sent: Sat, June 12, 2010 7:07:44 PM

> > Subject: Hoping for progress

> >

> >  

> > I began the SCD diet for the third time two weeks ago (the first two times I

became frustrated and overwhelmed). After two weeks of what I feel is very

strict adherence the diet, however, I'm still waiting for any improvement in

sypmtoms (chronic, severe diarrhea, gas, bloating...). According to the SCD

website, it is unlikely the diet will be helpful if there's no improvement after

one month.

> >

> > Can anyone tell me if it is worthwhile for me to continue the SCD diet

beyond a few weeks if I feel no different? Unfortunately I'm running out of

alternatives (I've tried just about everything).

> >

> > Thank you.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Try some stage 1 vegetables, cook, peel deseed and puree them.

PJ

> >

> > > Cooked lean hamburger

> > > Deer steak/hamburger

> > > Scrambled or over-easy eggs

> > > Wild-caught salmon and trout

> > > Salmon and beef burgers (from Costco)

> > > SCD yogurt (although I fermented the last batch too long--32 hours)

> > > Pureed well-cooked carrots, acorn squash, and pumpkin (not canned)

> > > Mild and medium cheddar cheese

> > > Dry curd cottage cheese

> > > Honey

> > > Welch's 100% grape and white grape juice

> > > Occasional glass of shiraz or cabernet

> > > Occasional vodka w/ grape juice

> > > California dates

> > > Cashew Cookie and Pecan Larabars

> > > Sugar-/gluten-free chicken broth

> > > Salt & occasional pepper

> > > Black tea (weak)

> > > Occasional almond butter

> >

>

[Guest guest]

It doesn't sound like you are taking it slow enough. When you add one new food,

you should wait at least 3 days to see if you react to it. Like the others said,

you are eating some things that seem pretty advanced for a newbie.

Peeled cooked apples and very ripe bananas were easiest for me to tolerate in

the beginning. And, like you I tolerated squashes pretty good too. Zucchini was

the first green veggie I tolerated but I tolerated it best very well cooked like

in this recipe: Zucchini Basil Soup http://goo.gl/FCiT

I thought like you did at the beginning of the diet: If I'm not eating a variety

of veggies, I'm going to be malnourished. Well, one thing this group made me

realize is that my damaged guts weren't absorbing nutrients and minerals like it

was supposed to anyway and I needed to eat foods that my body tolerated best for

a while until my guts could heal and I could start eating a bigger variety of

foods. It took many months for me to be able to tolerate anything outside of my

12 or so foods, but since I took it slow and let my body heal, once I was able

to add foods, it went much easier. This far into the diet, I know the foods my

body doesn't tolerate in large amounts so I just don't eat them in large amounts

or I know I'll have symptoms.

The way to really make it on this diet is:

1. Make your own

2. Take it slow

3. Listen to your body

For me the advanced items would be:

>>> SCD yogurt (although I fermented the last batch too long--32 hours)

I didn't tolerate yogurt for several months on the diet. When I did, it was just

a teaspoon at a time and I worked up from there. The first 3 months when I'd try

to eat it, my symptoms would flare (die off I'm sure).

>>> Welch's 100% grape and white grape juice

I only tolerated Welch's and Tropicana diluted 100% for the first year or so on

SCD. I still dilute it when I do decide to drink it. You might want to cut out

grape and orange juice for a while or try to make your own.

>>> Occasional glass of shiraz or cabernet

Legal wine set my symptoms off until I had been on the diet for a year.

>>> Occasional vodka w/ grape juice

Even though I have Crohn's with constipation, alcohol seems to give me D if I

drink more than one drink (2 shots all together).

>>> California dates

Love them, but even 2 1/2 years into the diet, I still can only tolerate about 4

of them per week. If I eat more, symptoms arise.

>>> Cashew Cookie and Pecan Larabars

Again, anything with dried fruits or nuts is very advanced. Larabars are good,

but we do not have a letter from them stating they are legal. They should be

something used cautiously and after healing has taken place. (Has Marilyn been a

good teacher or what.)

> Sugar-/gluten-free chicken broth

There are no legal ready made broths at all. The easiest thing to do is make a

huge pot of it and freeze it. I freeze 1 cup at a time in freezer baggies. You

could also get one of those silicone muffin pans, freeze in there and then pop

it out to have a premeasured amount.

> Occasional almond butter

Ahhh, almond butter... I have such a love hate relationship with almonds. I love

them but they don't love me. Nut butters have sent me into several flares, the

most recent being 2 months ago. Be cautious of anything nut related. Some people

find they tolerate coconut flour goodies better than nut flours. I know this is

true for me. Though, I still don't tolerate much and usually reserve it for an

occasional cherry clafouti.

Misty Kimble

CD - no meds

SCD - 2 + years