The Adventures of Bubble Girl

I have felt absolutely horrible for the past 3 months.  I have had a wide array of symptoms leaving me feeling depressed and miserable.  A few weeks ago, I went to see a new doctor, and she sent me to an allergist.  After multiple rounds of testing, I learned that I am allergic to almost 60 environmental and food allergens. The results changed my life in a big way.  

I cannot eat casein (dairy), cashews, corn, crab, hops, lobster, peanuts, pistachios, potatoes, rye, salmon, strawberries, string beans, or watermelon.  No more Bonefish crab and corn chowder for me! Dairy and corn are the two most difficult to avoid (corn syrup or corn starch are in nearly everything!).  Also, I started allergy shots today, and I will continue my regimen of 6 shots a week for about 2 years.

Through all of this, I am VERY blessed, and here's why:

--I have been reminded (yet again) that I married the best man on this planet.  He has picked up the slack when I have slept 10 to 12 hours a night and not had the energy to handle household tasks, and he has done it out of love, without complaint. 

--I have increased my love for the scriptures.  Without the energy to do much else, I have immersed myself in the Book of Mormon, and for a few months now, I have not missed a single day of study.  I have started a sketchnotes book that I write/doodle in daily.  I know I will not always have this much time to study scriptures, so I am enjoying it!

--My family and friends are wonderful!  My sister has called regularly to check on me, given me tons of encouragement, and even started a Pinterest board that she has filled with recipes for me to try.  My Mom and Dad are amazing...as always. My friends have given me great meal ideas and cooked special dairy-free, corn-free food for me.  (One friend also reminded of what a blessing it is that I have already been to France, now that I cannot have butter and cream).  It serves as another reminder that God has blessed me with great people around me.

--I feel so empowered!  In the short time that I have been avoiding my 14 allergy foods, I have noticed a difference in my energy level and a few other symptoms.  It is great to feel like I can control my destiny.  I needed a wake-up call to push me in the direction of more mindful eating.  

Now, I need one of these for the summer...