My daughter’s Stomach Health Journey
So sorry friends about not posting on Monday but the truth is that I wrote a long post on Sunday night and when I hit save it all disappeared. I kinda lost it and went to bed. I feel like it’s about time that I write another update about my daughter for those of you who have asked about her. (By clicking HERE you can see my last post about her and where we left off and the previous posts by clicking HERE, HERE and HERE in case you are new to the issues which include sensory issues, vitiligo, encopresis, more stomach issues like candida and emotional issues)
She was doing wonderful in my last post and after visiting the new doctor, I was waiting for her latest stool sample results. She had finished the German three month probiotic treatment, started the Vital-10 probiotic and I was so optimistic.
And then things started going down hill again. She was getting more and more agitated and is back to disliking most of her clothing. I’ve been having this strange feeling that it could be the change in probiotic, so my mom sent me the same German product again but we had to wait for it several weeks and just started it a couple of days ago again (click HERE). The doctor is suspecting leaky gut as well and told me to give her grapefruit seed capsules
and DGLS plus
capsules to heal her stomach. Well the capsule swallowing hasn’t been going good at all and she got even worse. Mornings are so stressful again!!!
My friend and neighbor has suggested I’d try a different protocol with her by Robert Scott Bell (healing leaky gut) and her doctor believes I should give it a try too. So I ordered the supplements which you can see in this chart HERE and they are Sovereign Hydrosol Silver
and Stockton pure aloe juice. There is a strict way to follow this but I will first see if her probiotic works better again before starting this. {update: looking back, I don’t think this treatment helped much}
With all this said I forgot to mention that her stool sample showed that the candida yeast overgrowth is under control and she has graduated to fruits again (which you can see in the photos). It’s the biggest treat for her after being sugar free for so long to finally be able to eat all kinds of high sugar content fruit again. But the results also showed some other irregularities and some bad inflammation which is the reason for the suspected leaky gut. I should have mentioned that right from the beginning. Sorry about that.
To rule out any other causes, the poor little one is getting tested for food sensitivities (food sensitivities and leaky gut go hand in hand). There is a difference between what standard allergy labs do and what her doctor’s office does (click HERE to read more). It makes total sense to me that if you have reactions to certain foods and you eat them all together frequently during the week that your stomach isn’t happy at all. Last week we went for her first tests and the poor little one got stuck with needles from 11 to 4:30 in the afternoon but she did remarkably well. To my surprise she reacted highly to apples, soy and green beans which are of course some of her favorite foods. The sensitivities are measured from negative, to moderate, to high, to severe and finally extreme.
She also had moderate reactions to more of her favorite foods which were chicken, green peas, wheat, rice, walnuts, milk and eggs.
Yeah… how about that. I felt like going into panic mode. While they aren’t severe or extreme, they have all been foods that she eats constantly. Now I had to start her on a new diet which requires her to not eat soy, green beans and apples for 30 days and she can only have the foods that showed moderate reactions every five days. The key is in giving the body variety and not eating the same things every day. Food journals and lists are in order now and I feel like I’m loosing my mind once again but lets just not get into this part because I could go on and on for hours probably why I feel like this. You all know it’s a long story.
I just now realize how many foods have soy in it. Why? It shouldn’t be in everything! And the gluten free products are all made with rice which is on her list of moderate sensitivity and extremely limits what she can have. It really is frustrating.
So today we are off to the lab again for the second round of food sensitivity testing. I’m just praying that she doesn’t have a reaction to chocolate and bananas…
I’ll keep you updated.
Tschüß
(Youleeya)
It’s amazing what we’ll do for our kids. This all sounds so stressful for you and L, but I know I would do the same for my girls. You are such a good mom. xoxo
Wow, I was just thinking about how things are going with your daughter. I know from personal experience how difficult this struggle is. Over time I have had to remove all gluten, dairy, then eggs and soy and now pretty much all grains out of my son’s diet. The most challenging part is often dealing with comments from people who make disparaging remarks like “I think the gluten free diet is nothing but a fad…” Our kids are so sensitive that any change, no matter how seemingly minor, can make a HUGE difference in their quality of life – and those around them. Stay the course, you are on the right track, it’s a twisty, winding road to figure out what the main dietary and environmental culprits are! I have taken myself off all grains, following the “Wheatbelly” guidelines, because my brain fog became a major issue, along with inflamed joints and weight gain. The difference in just 3 weeks is absolutely stunning. The right diet – I only use the term to describe nutrition, not weightloss, is key in optimal health! I just wish more people would listen and act. We would all be much healthier!
So so true Karin if more people would listen. Her doctor believes that especially every woman should be gluten free because he says it is a toxin even if you aren’t sensitive to it. The problem is reading labels now and finding out how many products have stuff in it that she can’t have. I’m usually stuck at the store for 3 hours now reading ingredients. Drives me crazy!
I’m glad you are doing great.
Don’t get me started on the label reading! I have gotten pretty good at that over nearly 8 years. It helps to skip right down to the allergy information. The 10 major allergens have to be listed at the bottom. Another change that has made our lives easier is to eat predominantly whole foods. I have found it’s just as easy to make my own spaghetti sauce as it is to buy ready made – and I know what is in it. I find one un-pronouncable ingredient – I don’t buy it! I know you are busy so I would suggest joining a coop like Azure Standard and order a lot of things in bulk and online. It’s often so much cheaper and at least you can do the label reading from your living room sofa instead of standing in a grocery store!
Weiterhin viel Glück!
Karin
Vielen Dank Karin, we have joined a local farm drop off to buy from and I’m searching for other options as swell. The hardest is snacking for her because she wants to eat what other kids eat sometimes. Just going to a friend’s house can be a struggle.
It’s tough, Julia, and I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I have been gluten free for nearly six years, and have had to give up most dairy. I am also avoiding soy, though soy and dairy aren’t as bad as gluten (I can’t have any). I’m finding it’s easier to cook basic foods rather than buy pre-made packaged foods. It’s more difficult for a child, for sure, since so many events include forbidden foods. I recommend Against All Grain blog for recipe ideas. I’m not grain free, but I’m leaning that direction.
Thank you and I will definitely check out the recipes
I feel so badly about your daughter’s struggles but I love the approach you are taking and I know you will find answers! How awesome that the candida is under control! I just started changing my son’s diet – he is not happy about it – but his digestive issues are improving so much that he is getting how important the changes are. Good luck with the additional testing. Hugs!
Good luck with your son’s diet change too Sarah. It is definitely hard for them but my daughter also understands how much better it makes her feel.
Oh man, I was so happy for you after the last post! Keep being positive mama! You will find something that will work. Thinking about you all!
Thanks Ashley
I’m a pretty new reader here, so this is the first I’ve heard of your daughter’s digestion struggles. Five years ago I went from having no digestion issues to bam, I couldn’t eat anything without some type of reaction. No doctor has ever figured out the underlying cause, and to this day I still struggle with my stomach (although it has definitely improved). It’s tough — you never realize how much your life revolves around food until you can’t eat the majority of it! It’s a daily struggle that, for the most part, others won’t realize you’re going through. I’m so, so sorry you and your daughter are going through this. I feel your pain!! BUT, I’d like to be encouraging and say that it DOES get better and easier to manage. No doubt about it. 🙂 Will be thinking about your and your family, and best of luck with the upcoming tests!
Thanks so much Victoria! I hope it gets better again soon and I’m glad you found your own way to a better digestive health.
Your last was so encouraging. I’m sorry to hear things are getting a bit tricky again. Praying this new food diet helps get some more answers. I’m sure it’s so hard as the mama, but keep it up… sounds like you are doing the very best you can!
I think about you often Kristin and especially during the testing. Crohns is mentioned so often. I think you could benefit from it too. Maybe you have those undiscovered food sensitivities as well.
I am curious, why would you let her eat high sugar fruit? Or anything with sugar for that matter?. Her condition mandates that she eat very little sugar, she will never completely get rid of candida, she has a reaction to candida, and candida loves sugar. Seems strange to me to allow her to eat things that are harmful to her.
I’m letting her have fruit because her new doctor is instructing her to do so after he reviewed her stool sample test results. Your body needs certain sugars and she needs the vitamins. As of now it is ok for her to have her servings of fruit per day and according to her doctor it’s not harmful to her. Some fruits have healing abilities he said and she needs to heal her leaky gut.
So sorry she’s still having such a rough time! Hoping the new things you’re trying are worth all the trouble and help her!
Oh me too Gretchen, thanks
i am wishing you the best for clear answers and also clear paths to healing, emotionally and physically. she is such a beautiful child and you are an amazing mom.
Thank you we need all the wishes we can get because I’m going crazy!!
Awww, I’m so sorry to hear all this Julia. I hope your family has answers and solutions very soon!
Thanks Corinna
Julia…It’s so hard…..My 50 -plus year old son couldn’t tolerate cow’s milk when he was a baby. And we had no idea he was allergic! So I think i can understand some of what you are going through. I recumbent any book by “The Food Babe” Vani Hari. Google or Amazon her.
. She is up on the stuff they put in food that some of us can’t tolerate. Arsenic in rice. Carageenan in dairy–and other stuff. If it has more than 5 ingredients i try to avoid it.
And read up up on nano particles, also in our food and we have no idea where they will move around to, since they are small enough to move to and out of the gut. Some also migrate to the brain.
Today;s food is a nightmare. No enough GMO-free and contaminant–free food to go around.
Blueberries from Chili are supposed to be good for us–unless they are not kept in proper conditions until they get to our stores, then they are useless. That sort of thing.
Your daughter seems highly sensitive and there is so much to be learned about this. I hope things get better as she gets older. You are brave and loving and I wish you all good things….but learning will break our hearts, though it must be done…..hang in there.
Thank you so so much! And I agree, todays food is a nightmare and it’s so hard to get out of the nightmare
I can’t imagine the stress this is on you AND her. She must feel so frustrated not feeling well so much of the time. I’m sure it’s extra difficult for her seeing other kids eat whatever they want and being “fine.” One day, when she is older, she is going to look back on this and realize how much you did for her and what a sacrifice it was. She will love and appreciate you that much more for it. Hang in there mama. I think blogging about this is a powerful thing. Opening up about the hard things we do and go through is empowering in a way, and helps us feel less alone in our struggles. Lots of love to you and your family!
It is empowering and it has helped me a lot. I don’t know what I would do without this little blog and all the support. Thanks Kenz, I do feel like I’m going crazy at times.
I am so sorry that your beautiful little girl is having to go through this. I know it is so painful and frustrating for all of you. When one family member
is suffering, the whole family suffers. Hopefully they can make her better sooner than later.
Prayers and thoughts to you and your family for better and brighter days very soon.
Thanks Debbie
So sorry to hear you’re in the trenches again! Your patience level is impressive. Praying for answers and no chocolate or banana reactions. 😉
I feel like I have no patience at times. It’s wearing really thin these days for sure 😉
Ich habe lange nach einer geeigneten Ernährungsumstellung gesucht und sie in Paleo gefunden.
Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob ihr das schon ausprobiert habt, oder es jemand schon geraten hat.
Ich fühle mich wesentlich besser durch diese Art der Ernährung und bin auch dabei auf diesen Artikel gestoßen
http://thepaleodiet.com/paleo-foods-heal-leaky-gut/
vielleicht hilft es ja was
Schöne Grüße aus Wien
I know how very frustrating it must be. I send prayers that all goes well. Three of our five grandchildren have severe food allergies. I myself am on a restricted diet. I know it can be challenging. I send hugs your way. I invite you to share at my Thursday Favorite Things blog hop, it may help someone else in a similar situation . Hugs! P.S. Congratulations on being one of the top DIY blogs to follow in 2015
Wow – I’m so sorry she (and you) have to go through this. I hope you are able to get to the bottom of this and find something that works. When it comes to our kids, we gotta do what we gotta do.
I know that has to be so difficult. You are constantly evaluating and speculating on ways to help her. That has to get overwhelming. Thanks for letting us hear about this part of your life. You are an amazing woman and mother!
Oh hun, I’m so sorry things are so difficult. She is very lucky to have such a wonderful mom and I hope things improve for you both very soon! xxx
This is the first time I have ever replied to a blog but I had to write. When I read your story, it really touched me. A few weeks later I saw a report on a Canadian news magazine “W5” (CTV network) describing a rare condition called PANDAS. It is fairly recent and is linked to strep infections ( recent or long past). Some of the symptoms are very similar to what you describe, change in behavior, refusal to wear certain clothing,anxiety etc. Whatever the causes, I hope you find the answers you need. Wishing you and your family all the best.xxx
Thank you so so much Denise and I’m so glad you commented. I will certainly read up about it. You have no idea how much comments like yours mean to me. Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend.
I’m so sorry you and your daughter are going through this, I can only imagine how hard it must be for you and for her! It really is crazy how many things have soy in them. Praying for some relief soon!
Thanks Bethany. It’s awful again right now and I’m so sick of cooking and figuring out what to eat. I miss the easy nights of just popping a yummy pizza in the oven and calling it done. And through all this I should be loosing weight but instead I’m gaining. Makes it extra annoying but I think that’s just the extra bonus of turning 40. Great
You are such a great mother in the way you care for your children. I’m sorry these issues have resurfaced. I hope you find the answers you need very soon.
Just catching up on blogs I follow and hadn’t seen you post anything about your sweet girl. I was hoping no news is good news.
Sorry for this ignorant question but if it’s called leaky gut, could this be helped in some way by a surgery? Not that it’s better than what your doing now. But down the road.
I hope you are writing all your processes and experience down. In the future everything you are going through may someday benefit another family.
Good luck with the new changes and keep up updated. I feel like the out of town aunt. Far but still cares.
Barbara Ann
That is so sweet of you Barbara Ann! Unfortunately it can’t be helped with surgery. It needs to heal like a scab I guess and takes time. And I will try to share as much as I can in case it might help someone else.
HI. I found your blog through a pinterest link and clicked to read about your daughter’s health because I was curious. Then I went “Oh, Yep, another one”. My nine year old son has issues with candida and leaky gut. We first started figuring things out four years ago and it’s been a journey. We have good times, where I have all the diet figured out and our grocery bill is sky high- then we slack a little and start eating too much sugar. And then it catches up to my son and we notice the symptoms and have to dial it back again. It’s a process and people think I’m crazy because of all the rules about what he can eat. So I understand what you are going through. I will add that drinking RAW milk, instead of pasteurized was a big awesome change. It seems to really help his gut. It just took me six months to try it because it has such a bad reputation in the US. But I won’t ever go back to pasteurized milk. And his clothing sensitivities have improved greatly over the years. He now can tolerate jeans and button up shirts for church so long as he can change once we get home. We worked up to it… Good luck.
Hi Leslie, it’s always so good to know that other people have these issues and understand. People mostly look at me like I’m nuts too. I agree about the unpasteurized milk. There are bacterial that your gut just needs!
Best of luck to you too!