Moderators: JeffN, f1jim, carolve, Heather McDougall
Jenna wrote:After many appointments and a zillion blood tests, my rheumatologist said that she believes I have lupus, but nothing that is going on right now is serious enough to treat. She wants me to take (an NSAID) twice a day for joint pain. I have really classic symptoms of lupus: joint pain, malar rash, fatigue, Reynaud's syndrome, and positive ANA. I am happy that none of my internal organs are being affected, and I am happy to avoid risky treatments, but I have some questions for all you smart people.
1. I have been McDougalling for 6.5 months after being paleo-ish for a few years, and I only developed symptoms of lupus after beginning the McDougall WOE. Is it possible my lupus is "flaring" because my system is clearing out some toxins?
2. I am also 8 months postpartum. I know that autoimmune things really flare up postpartum, especially for me. I have 3 kids, and each time I have had a 6-9 month old, I have been diagnosed with a new autoimmune disease (celiac and Grave's were the others). I want to do an elimination diet, but should I wait until my postpartum hormones settle down a bit?
3. I am also breastfeeding my baby. Could breastfeeding hormones be contributing to this "flare"?
4. I have tried the beginning of an elimination diet for 2 weeks, but it did not relieve my symptoms. Do I need to eliminate further? Or wait longer? Or should I just revisit the elimination diet when my postpartum and breastfeeding hormones have settled down a bit?
Jenna wrote:Lee,
Thanks for your response. Like I said, I have been McDougalling for 6.5 months now. It has not helped. In fact, some of my symptoms have appeared since I started the McDougall WOE. My questions are about possibly doing a McDougall-style elimination diet. I am already following McDougall healthy eating 100%.
I have tried the first stage of the McDougall elimination diet for a few weeks, but my symptoms did not improve, so I am just not sure where to start. Do you have experience with the elimination diet?
Thanks!
Jenna
Jenna wrote:How long does it take you for you to notice a difference when you eliminate your trigger foods?
Jenna wrote:Have you found sun exposure to be a problem
Jenna wrote:Lee,
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, not cancer. I do know something about Gerson therapy, but I don't think that is the way to go for me at this point. Fasting sounds good to me, too, because it seems like a way to do a lot of good really quickly, however it is definitely not the right time in my life to undertake a fast, so I will have to figure out some things that work for now.
Oregonmom,
Thanks for your advice! I really appreciate it. I do need to get better at doing less, but that is a work in progress. Our whole lives are changing a lot right now, so I have to take some time to figure out how to make things easier on me.
It is really helpful to know that everyone has a different experience of lupus--good to know that no one thing works for everyone.
Jamie,
Interesting that sun exposure doesn't bother you. I am guessing that photosensitivity is not one of your symptoms. I am photosensitive, and I am learning the hard way that sun exposure definitely makes me feel worse. Now if only I could figure out my food triggers.
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