diet changes

well, here is a brief synopsis of some of my health issues and what i want to do to try to remedy these. the first problem is my recurring uti... or perhaps the same uti that never went away. the other is colon polyps that i have been fighting since i was 21.

first, a disclaimer: i have a urologist appt scheduled for dec. 19th. so don't worry!

i have had horrible uti's now since april of 2005. yes, you read that right. i sought medical help and didn't even get a diagnosis until august/september of 2005. shortly thereafter, i became pregnant and fought the uti with the help of my o.b. i did see a urologist who could only give me an ultrasound on the kidneys and ureters to see if there was any blockage. there was none. all antibiotics have not erradicated the problem. i've taken series after series. here are other things i have tried:

cran tabs, low sugar variety
increasing h20 - something i still struggle with
eating low carb/no sugar diet
taking probiotics
taking colloidal silver
being meticulous in the hygeine aspect
being meticulous in the marital relations department
i have even received Annointing of the Sick
i also had mega antibiotics in the hospital after delivery. o.b. was hoping to rid me of the infection.

i've tried them together and in various forms and combos... the only thing that really gave me relief was the colloidal silver. again, it never fully removed the infection.

i am going to ask the urologist to culture the bacteria since it is resistant. this is a little not to myself to remind me. i' m quite forgetful.

the strange thing is, my aunt on my dad's side suffers FROM THE SAME THING. for both of us, it is silent. we have no traditional symptoms and then eventually we get real sick, tired, and fevers. hers comes back periodically. she passed out at my baby shower in 2003 from the uti she didn't know she had.

my symptoms are extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, feeling generally ill, fevers that come and go almost like women suffering from menopause and getting hot flashes, brain fog. when i take antibiotics, the symptoms increase and become more pronounced, night sweats and fevers.

so the urologist appt is set and i need to make the dietary changes again to erradicate the sugar. i have been "off the wagon" since the baby was born on 8/8/06. the dietary changes will also help with my polyp issues. not to mention that when i was in my early 20's, i did no sugar/no flour and lost tons of weight. my body really responded well to eating like that. but from what i am reading about polyps... i need to increase calcium, folate and fiber. lose weight and stay away from fatty foods. i bet processed foods, too. get calcium from dairy and broccoli, folate from kidney beans and fiber from fruits and veggies. i had 2 large polyps removed when i was 21. i had 2 very small polyps removed in August 2005. Now i am having symptoms again and will monitor them. Will make appt accordingly.

what i plan to start incorporating into my diet and are the following:

meals and recipes:
*red beans and rice (totally doable... i love that dish... may switch to brown rice later) - folate in the beans
*recipes with spinach - high in folate
*spinach salads (funny, i've been craving that lately)
*steel cut oatmeal? for the fiber? will read up on that later. may have to crock it.

fruits:
*bananas
*apples (good fiber in the apples, i've started liking these lately. in need of a sweet tasting variety. clueless on that. i don't like macintosh. must ask for recommendations)
*blueberries
*cranberries - in a muffin probably. just got a cool recipe from essy's blog using almond flour. can't wait to try it.

veggies
yes, with dip. i'll make my own with sour cream.
*celery sticks
*raw baby carrots
*raw cauliflower
*no corn - high fungus
*fresh green beans
*dark leafy greens in my salad
*zuchinni
*will try eggplant
*peas
*snap peas/snow peas
*onions
*tomatoes
*broccoli - but just the tree part, minced up and sparingly. it has such a strong taste and odor... blah. must be in a recipe.

all natural pb
rice cakes
bottled water and lay off the generic crystal light
i only drink 2 cups of coffee at most, a day. that WILL NOT change. LOL

yogurt - in need of a low sugar variety, but hate to eat one with splenda in it. don't think i can make my own as i have little time for brewing em's and such.

no sugar, no flour
start an exercise regime, 3-4 x's a week - visit the treadmill in the clubhouse when hubby gets home

the purpose is not only to feel good of course, but to take care of this old body the Lord gave me. I can't take care of others if I don't take care of myself first. Thank you, Holly, for the priorities you have passed on to thousands of women. Thank you for listening to your spiritual director and following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the 5P's are just amazing.... and life changing. So much more than a mere schedule. It's a way of life. It is bringing me closer to God in ways I've never imagined. I've grown so very much. An answer to my prayers!