Days #9 & 10

whatcanieat:

The loperamide seems to be working somewhat but I’m still getting stomach cramps. I’m trying to stay away from overly seasoned foods but so far, I’m finding it difficult. Good thing I work next door to a bakery; they may do loads of things I can’t have but they also do potato and cheese pasties which I can. So happy! ^-^

Day #7

whatcanieat:

I went to see my doctor today about my meds not working as well and, although he could give me more omeprazole, he said he couldn’t give me anything until after I’d been seen by the gastro team at the hospital. This makes sense but I don’t really know what to do in the meantime. He did, however, give me loperamide to help with the constant need for the bathroom. Has anyone else used these? Have they worked? Did they have any weird side effects?

Hello!

whatcanieat:

Made it back to the UK in one piece. It took a while, but we finally made it home.
After an eight and a half hour wait for a coach, followed by a forty minute drive to the airport, only to be told there was a three hour delay on the flight, we finally got off the ground at about half two this morning.
You can imagine my anxiety of having to wait that long with public toilets that have no loo roll. Stressful.

Day #6

whatcanieat:

We only got back to the UK about an hour ago and I’ve already felt quite unwell. I think some of it was to do with the change in air pressure during the flight. All I want to do now though, is sleep; we had a three hour delay on our flight so we didn’t leave Gran Canaria until gone two this morning so, needless to say, I haven’t slept much.

Other than that, I’m ok. Not doing any better than yesterday, but not worse than Thursday.

Hydration Hacks

whatcanieat:

shellystory:

Everyone should be so concerned about hydrating, but for spoonies & those with digestive diseases it is especially important. I’ve struggled with this in the past in finding techniques and drinks that work. Lately, I’ve found a routine that really works for me:

1. Reminders are key. I downloaded an app to help me keep hydrating on my mind. I’ve been using the app Plant Nanny, and I’ve found that it’s just pesky enough to keep me drinking but not so annoying that I just ignore it.

2. Spice things up. I love adding lemon to my water and occasionally some mint. I’ve also added strawberries and basil in the past. Extra flavor makes the water go down faster for me. Tea (hot or cold) is a classic choice. Of course you could do something like Crystal Light, but I prefer the more natural flavors. A very easy fix to making water better for drinking is just adding ice!

3. Straw sipping. At summer camp, we used to sing a song that warned about the dangers of sipping cider through a straw. (The song’s protagonist elopes and gets preggers, blaming it on the straw-sipped cider. Quite the message.) I’ve found straws to be far less sexy and far more hydration friendly. Cups with built-in dishwasher safe straws or spouts are easier for me to drink. I’d recommend finding a water bottle fro, which you actually enjoy drinking!

4. Make it sparkle. Flavored sparkling water is one of my easy tricks to keep hydrating. They always feel like a special treat when I crack them open at lunch and are a good substitute if you drink a lot of soda.

5. Keep it around. You will be more likely to drink more water if you’re always carrying water with you. Bring the bottle everywhere you go! Eventually you’ll feel lost without it!

These tips are pretty easy and they WILL make you feel better. I believe in you! Just keep sipping! 

I have found Plant Nanny very helpful. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one with a plant tamagochi. ^-^ Also, flavoured waters are a nice alternative if you don’t like plain water.

Day #5

whatcanieat:

Things seemed to be improving. The temperature has dropped a bit now so I’m not feeling quite so dehydrated, and food is more appealing. I’ve had a bigish breakfast today (if you count toast, cereal and a piece of fruit as big – I don’t normally have breakfast) and it’s not caused any discomfort so far. Fingers crossed the rest of the day goes well. We’re flying back to the UK tonight but we have to leave our hotel at midday so we’ve got about eight hours to wait before we even get to the airport! Hope it doesn’t get too hot.

Day #4

whatcanieat:

So I’m up earlier than normal because my stomach demanded it. I feel better from having had a nice cool shower but then it’s still early so the temperature might spike like it did yesterday.
I’m going to try to remain on plain food again today, may have soup later though. I’m keeping water down again so that’s a plus. I’m breathing normally at the moment but I haven’t taken my morning meds yet so that might change.
I’ve also come to the conclusion that this isn’t withdrawal anymore; it’s just what I’ll be like without the steroids. Sad times.