Checking in with self

I'm writing because I promised myself that I would. How many characters, words can I protect from the next infection? I'm aiming for way up there in the hundred thousands. Once I stopped the amoxicillin, my cough vanished. There's always a tipping point when the amox switches from helpful to hindrance. Seven days it's definitely it. I'm feeling good.

I wonder if the One Oh Yeah protein bars do affect my sinuses. I like that they have only 1 gram of sugar. Much better than eating other sweets. But I'm not sure if the fake ingredients and/or sunflower seeds bother me. What did I do? I ordered two more boxes. I think I'll only allow myself to have 2 or 3 a week. I'll try to portion them out more lightly.

When I check my ALCAT test results from March 2012, I see that sunflower makes the list of acceptable foods. Although, my doctor would say eat it and see how you feel. That's the best predictor.

Maybe the Halo Top bothers me? I ate it with a mini marshmallow treat last night. I noticed that I got congested.

Antibiotic Switcheroo

I went back to City MD yesterday. I was feeling worse after 4 days on a Z pack. The doctor prescribed Amoxicillin Clav. She even gave me my first one to take in the office. At the time I was leery of this. But now I'm happy she did. I feel like a new person. I've come out of the sick haze. I think the Z pack wasn't working and/or it was making me sicker. I'm also thinking that the last two times I went on antibiotics (Nov 2017 and Jan 2018) that I took Biaxin. Maybe the Biaxin didn't totally get rid of whatever I had and that's why I'm sick again just a couple of months later. Hopefully, the Amox knocks this crap out and I can focus on a year without antibiotics.

I need to research a new ENT that takes insurance. Someone holistic-minded.

Seeing is Believing

I reopened my book on healing visualizations. I realized that these visualizations were another ingredients that's been missing from my life. I took my mind through the Rivers of Life and Scary Mask exercises. I'm supposed to repeat these several times throughout the day. I feel like just relaxing and thinking about something else opened up my sinuses a little. Back to the task at hand: Plan B.

Relief in Writing

Today at the grade parent meeting, I told Gretchen that I'm trying to write my way to relief by online journaling. She asked what the difference is between an online journal and a blog. I admitted that I was actually blogging but not providing any search terms. It's easier than handwriting. I'm using a blog as a free journal. Paper ain't cheap.

Tonight along with 3 other moms and kids, Eastwood and I Escaped The Room. It was so much fun and I didn't cough or blow my nose even once. The Z pack is making me feel beyond Z. Although, my head really hurts.

I need to stock up on more gluten free food options. Maybe eating gluten is making me get sick. Not sure what it is exactly but I need to figure it out. I know I can get back to being strong. It's just a matter of time and perseverance.

I thought I was invincible

Sick. Again. I'm back in that cycle of sore throat, runny nose, fever. Instead of it leaving my body after torturing me for a week it grabs my head, putting it in a vice grip and drowning my sinuses in thick pistachio pudding that I choke and heave with each cough.

I think I have no choice but to start the Z pack in the morning. I'd start it now but I took a half of an anti-fungal. I think I have to start writing again. I have to promise myself that I won't get sick. I have to promise myself to stick to my diet. I have to promise myself that I won't touch food that others have. I promise not to touch my eyes. Not to touch my mouth. Not to touch my face at all. I promise not to touch my phone to my face. I promise myself that I'll be extra prudent everyday. I won't slip up. I have to promise myself that I can go 3 months without going on antibiotics. Three months would be a new record. When I hit three I have to aim for four. When I hit four I have to aim for six. I must stay focused on the goal. A year without antibiotics.

Sure, I'm sick. Starting to run a fever. again My cough is getting painful. My mucous is drowning me. But still this isn't as bad as the sinus infections that I used to get. I just don't understand why it won't go away.

1 Month Anniversary

I've managed to make it one entire month without oral antibiotics or steroids. (Although I have been using both in my sinus wash.) Go me! When I restarted writing in this blog I decided I would document each milestone as a way to keep me powered through my plight. However, I had a set back last week when I received a call from my Endocrinologist.

I have an appointment this Thursday with the doc to find out what's up. In the meantime, I wait, wonder and worry. What will he say?

Writing Down The Bones

Ugh. What a way to begin a post. Back on July 11th I had my twice yearly blood work as prescribed by the endocrinologist who's monitoring my osteoporosis. I had a CTX test to check for calcium loss and a test to check my D3 level.

Yesterday the Endo's office called. There was a change in my levels and the doctor wants to see me.
I am petrified to take any bisphosphonates. I tried searching positive reviews of the various drugs. I found nothing but negative ones. Actually horrifying is more accurate. Be sure to grab a box of tissues before reading these page turners.

Fosamax

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/rx/fosamax.html

Boniva

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-92884-Boniva+Oral.aspx?drugid=92884&drugname=Boniva+Oral

Atelvia

http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/rxlist_view_comments.asp?drug=atelvia&questionid=fdb154925_pem&page=2

I have read that another treatment option or osteoporosis is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This is the only course that seems to have benefits without horrifying side effects.

If anyone out there is actually reading this blog and has any experience with bisphosphonates or bioidentical hormone therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis or osteopenia please share. I am eager and interested for opinions and insight. Thank you in advance. 

Secondly, what do you think of the guy playing Bones in the new Star Trek movies? He looks about as mad as I feel upon hearing that I'm getting called into the Endo's office.

Tele-BAM

I've been doing amazingly well on my cleanse. I've gotten used to avocado on rice cakes and Metagenic shake. Lunch:greens, cucumbers, zucchini, avocado, bell peppers with lemon and olive oil plus berries. Dinner: some sort of protein, sweet potato or acorn squash and veggies. And another shake or two depending on hunger levels. I even added in a tiny bit of dark chocolate with no issue. My sinuses were so clear that I swore I smelled my husband's fart. He denied it.

But then my mom came to town. So, I've been dining out with her each evening. Sticking to my diet really well. Except last night I ate some gluten at Telepan. Today I'm suffering big time. Ugh. Well, at least I know exactly what made me sick.

Back to my cleanse. Hoping things clear up as quickly as they set back in. Ten steps forward. Three back.

Feeling Good in DC

I knew getting away for a few days in Washington, DC would be good for me. I had this deep feeling that being on the go, wandering around the capital as opposed to sitting at a freezing cold desk all day would simply make me feel better and help my sinuses open. My prediction came true. I definitely felt better leaving DC than before. I'm not sure if it was my positive outlook or the walking around a new setting or both.

I started a medical cleanse Sunday. I must admit the limited diet is making a difference. My sinuses are improving. I'm also using nasal irrigation meds. I visited the ENT today. She took a look and said I look much better than I did two weeks ago. But that I do have some inflamed, swollen polypoid tissues. No polyps. She said to continue doing what I'm doing and add back in the Qnasl spray.

I awoke at precisely 2:12am and heard the birds chirping like mad. I thought back to the story of the Japanese man who would awaken wiht the birds and breath in the fresh oxygen. I was too tired to step outside. I took a deep breath from my bed and feel back asleep.

Love Hate Relationship

For years I've had a hate relationship with my body whenever I get sick. I hate my sinuses. I hate my nose. I hate my body.

While reading Radical Remission by Kelly Turner, one passage details a cancer patient who noticed that most of the dialogue between patient and disease was one of hating and killing the cancer inside. However, this particular patient did just the opposite. He began to love his cancer and feel compassion for it. He saw the cancer as a part of him. A part of him that was sending him a message that something wasn't right. The cancer was an opportunity for him to make a change. The more love he sent to his cancer, the more easy he found healing. And he did heal from Cancer, becoming free of the disease.

The past few days, when I feel the intense I congestion in my sinuses I've been sending thoughts of love to my body. My sinuses seem to be opening up a bit since last week's melt down. Maybe love works on a cellular level.

Oxygen Blast

It's 3am. I hear the birds. What is up with them singing and tweeting in the middle of the night? This happens every Spring. I look so forward to the warm weather and long days. But I dread the birds waking me up before the crack of dawn.

While reading Radical Remission by Kelly Turner, one passage details a Japanese man who had stage 4 liver cancer and growths on his lungs. As part of his healing process, he began waking up very early to witness the sun rising everyday. The birds always managed to beat him and were already up singing. Each day he woke up earlier until he finally was able to beat the birds. He discovered that the birds began singing exactly 42 minutes before trees release their oxygen, beginning the process of photosynthesis. This early release of oxygen he realized helped fuel the birds' singing blitz. He did further tests with his pet birds, by releasing oxygen into their cages. The birds would immediately begin singing and slowly wind down.

So, now this makes me wonder if it's the birds that are waking me up or if it's a fresh blast of oxygen from the trees in nearby Riverside Park. Next time it happens, I'd like to throw on some clothes, walk outside and breathe in the truly fresh air.

The Power of the Written Word

After accomplishing 18 months of an antibiotic- and steroid-free existence, I seem to have fallen back into the same pattern. The past 18 months have been marked by Biaxin, Symbicort, Prednisone, Omnicef and more toxic substances. Why? What's gone wrong? I ask myself these questions everyday. I eat a super clean predominately organic diet. I don't drink coffee. I have about one cocktail a week. Low glycemic is my theme.

What I realized I haven't been doing is writing in this blog. I revisited the blog the other day when I was running a fever, coughing and completely unable to breathe through my clogged up sinuses. I couldn't believe I ever made it a year without any drugs. I found my original blog post where I celebrated 1 full year of drug-free living. That made me wonder if committing to writing about my plight and promise somehow works at the cellular level. Does writing make me less likely to "cheat" and skip drinking or eating greens? Does it make me feel stronger and more confident that I can overcome this awful cycle I've been sucked back into? Maybe it does work at some subconscious level which I've been ignoring for some time now. 

So I'm back. Whether or not anyone reads, isn't really the concern. Reaffirming my commitment to staying healthy and avoiding drugs through writing is my main concern. I'm looking forward to writing about my 1 year anniversary.

It's Baaaaack!

I'm back. And so is my sinus infection. It took an attack on my sinuses to get me to write again. Guess there's a reason for everything. Can't believe I'm sick! Also, can't believe how long I've been able to go without getting sick. About a year. And I've gone 20 months without any antibiotics or steroids.

I'm hoping not to have to turn to either antibiotics or steroids for getting me better. I'm going to give my body a chance to kick this thang out.

So what's my plan?

When I first noticed cold symptoms I cut out the little dark chocolate I typically eat every day. Figured sugar wasn't going to make me better. In chocolate's place I've been eating 2 to 4 dried organic figs. Love them.

I also cut out...well threw out all the gluten free, processed cereals my husband and I usually eat. We both noticed after eating them, we felt tired. My husband found he was getting a headache. In its place I've been having a smoothie and or oatmeal or quinoa flakes. Not sure how processed the flakes are. Guess I'll see how I'll feel. Some mornings I have a slice of g-free bread with avocado on top. I usually smush into the avocado some fresh chopped garlic, lime and salt.

Garlic. Been trying to eat raw garlic everyday. Usually in avocado is the easiest way. Garlic is an anti-viral and antibiotic. Just make sure to brush teeth afterwards.

I started taking my supplements again. About three months ago I said goodbye to them. I read that if you're eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits then you more than likely don't need supplements. I was doing fine until Monday. I'm back to taking zinc, selenium, Ester C, Vitamin D3 (which I still take daily), antioxidants, magnesium and nettles. I also take echinacea and mycoferon drops regularly. So continuing this.

Spicy lemon ginger tea. This stuff makes you feel warm and cozy inside. Perfect for combating chills brought on by fever.

Green tea. Drink in the antioxidants. Can't get enough of this stuff.

Gargling warm salted water. Works like a charm every time. Nothing is as good or as cheap for a sore throat relief.

Sinuscleanse bottle. After going several months without having to clean out my sinuses this old favorite is back. Helps get the yucka out.

Breath Right strips. Nothing wrong with these nose bands that help relieve congestion while you sleep. Except for finding one stuck in my hair when I awoke. They're drug free and helpful. Just make sure you remove all the oil from your nose before applying. I swab my snoze with alcohol.

Green juice. I've been purchasing raw, pre-made green juices. They're a splurge. But worth it. Again the more ginger the better. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory. On my way to work this morning I stopped by Jus at The Coffee Shop where I ordered a carrot-apple-ginger. Sucked it down in record time.

Sleep. Wish I could stay in bed all day. But I'm freelance. Can't afford not to work. I've been hitting the sheets between 8pm and 9pm. Up between 6am and 7am. So if you have the luxury of fulltime employment, call in sick. Stay in bed. What The Real Housewives. And get well.

B is for Benign

Last Friday I got the best news ever. That the results of my double breast ultrasound had come back as Benign. In my happy relief, I suddenly wondered, well then what are those lumps in my boobs? My doctor explained that the left is a fibroadenoma and the right a clump of fibrocystic tissue.

What the heck are these things? Well, a fibroadenoma is a clump of fibrous and glandular tissue. According to Wikipedia, there lumps are referred to as breast mice owing to their high mobility in the breast. Should I leave out some vegan cheese for these little friends?

As for the fibrocystic tissue this seemly means I have lots of lumps and bumps in my super dense tah-tahs. No smooth moves here.

Now that I've expanded my vocabulary, I asked the doctor, "What can I do to make sure I don't get any more and that these lumps disappear?" His response, "They get smaller with age." The opposite of wine.
I kind of expected to be underwhelmed by his answer. I feel like while allopathic medicine offers many healing wonders it overlooks prevention and out of the box thinking.

I've been reading Spontaneous Healing by Dr. Weil and highly recommend the book to anyone battling a sickness. The book details many individual stories of healing as well as outlines what you can do to boost your own spontaneous healing. The section on healing visualizations has been most enlightening for me. This is one area that at times I've overlooked or not utilized nearly enough.

It's amazing the power the mind has over our bodies. If you don't believe me take into account the effect sexual daydreams have on the body. That's simply the mind at work.

There are a number of healing visuals and breathing exercises I've been trying to incorporate. One I really like it to lie or sit quietly with eyes closed. Recite these lines in your mind. With each line, breathe out fully then take a full breath in.

Before me peaceful
Behind me peaceful
Above me peaceful
Below me peaceful
All around me peaceful.

From this point I usually speak to specific areas of my body. I picture myself sitting before a cozy fire place, surrounded by candles or in a sunny, warm place. As I refer to a specific body part I imagine it experience absolute peace and it's image in my mind's eye is one of perfect health and vibrance. Kind of weird to picture sinuses but stick with me here. For example you could add:

My left sinuses peaceful
My right sinuses peaceful
My left breast peaceful
My right breast peaceful
My lungs peaceful
My right knee peaceful

And so on.

Give it a try if you're feeling like you're having trouble relaxing or battling some sort of illness.

Double Biopsies

"I have another one." The tech spoke into the phone as I lay with a napkin covering my chest on the exam table. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to mentally prepare for a steak dinner or a double biopsy. Make that another two.

I asked her if it were normal to have to biopsy both breasts. "Yes, we do a lot." Probably what she neglected to say was, "Double biopsies double the charge to your insurance."


"Why no green tea?" I asked next. It was one of the no-nos on a list which included Naproxen, Motrin and blood thinners.
"We're taking it off the list," she answered.
"Why was it there in the first place?"
No response.

A few minutes later the doctor entered. I asked if anything had appeared on my mammogram or if only the lumps were visible on the ultrasound. "Your mammo was normal and probably nothing bad will be revealed by the biopsies." What I heard was, "We're only doing this to make some money off you. Thanks for the donation."


Having lived through fifty-six sinus vacuumings, I think I have a high threshold for pain and discomfort. There was a sting as the doctor injected my righty with a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then he had a biopsy probe which I did my best not to look at. I didn't feel the specimen collector pierce my skin, but I did feel the slightest of pressure. The freaky part was that it seemed to take some real elbow power from the doctor to work the probe through my tissue and find the evil lump.

"There's going to be a snapping sound," the doctor cautioned.

I considered adding some clapping or whistling to the snapping but both were hard from a lying down position.

The mechanism for collecting the sample had a spring attachment that dug deep to get a piece of me. The biopsy kind of reminded me of the fake pieces of gum I had as a kid. When you went to grab a piece, a metal spring snapped your finger. However the biopsy was surprisingly less painful. Either way I didn't get a piece of gum.

Instead my lefty was shot with a needle of numbing juice. This time the doctor proceeded to collect three samples. Must be some lump to go for a trifecta. As he was "collecting",  he and the tech were watching the ultrasound screen. They commented that that lump was decreasing in size. I asked what they meant. The doctor explained that as he took samples the lump was simply getting smaller. Sounded good to me.

Afterwards he placed Bandaids in the shape of Xs on the two spots where he inserted needles. As for the results, the doctor said, "I'll call on Friday and by the looks of things everything should be normal." "Next time could you eat more Big Macs and M&Ms?"

I got redressed then meet my husband in the lobby. We left the doctor's office and walked through Central Park. I wondered what the point of a mammogram is if an ultrasound is better at detecting tissue changes. We stopped at Belvedere Castle where we discovered that the city's weather tracking equipment is housed in the stone structure. Whenever you get a local weather report, it's being recorded right in the park. We walked around, peering out windows at the overcast day. Even though it was rainy out everything seemed less stormy.

Lumpy Boobs

Last Thursday I had my yearly mammography. I also requested an ultrasound. The night before the test I had had dinner with a friend who said a series of mammographies never detected the lump in her breast. It was an ultrasound that confirmed her suspicion. So the receptionist called my OBGYN who quickly faxed over a prescription for an ultrasound.

Whoever designed the mammography machine had several advanced degrees in designing crude and unusual torture devices. My favorite moment was when my boobs were squished between several tons of radioactive machinery the tech said, "Don't move." Where exactly did she think I was skipping of to?

When my boobs were finally released from the tight squeeze I was allowed to sit in a waiting sort of area. I looked around my surroundings in hopes of finding some sort of diversion to pass the time. What did I see? Wall art of clocks. Really? Who's idea was this. I can just imagine the brainstorm session when it came to decorating the waiting area.

"What kind of soothing imagery can we adorn the walls of the breast screening waiting area?

"Images of Paris!"

"Mountains!"

"Sunsets!"

"I got it! Clocks."

By the way, it was a cool melting Dali clock.

After waiting about half an hour I was called into a closet where there was an examining table and an ultrasound machine. I laid down as the tech squirted gel on me. I was surprised that the gel had been warmed. I had this procedure in 2009 and I recall a freezing cold room, cold gel and a rude wand being pressed without care over my boobs. I became so hardened and cold that I was concerned about being confused for a cadaver. This year's was already better. The wand was also warmed and the room wasn't set to Sub Zero temps.

At some point the tech stopped. I looked at her screen. I saw her zoom in on an oval black shape. I had seen this done before during past ultrasounds. I wasn't concerned. Then she moved onto my other breast and did the same stop and zoom motion. She finished. Handed me a paper towel to cover myself with. Is this Marc Jacobs? She said she was going to show the doctor and she'd be back in a moment. So me and my non designer paper towel hung out for about ten minutes.

Then in walked a doctor. I knew something was up when he extended his hand to mine. He said, "We found a little lump in each breast. You'll come back so we can do a biopsy of each. We'll numb the area first and then do the biopsy."

WTF?!

The doctor exited. The tech gave me a wad of scratchy paper towels. I think I may have cut a nipple in trying to wipe away all of the gel from my chest. I started to get dressed in the ultrasound closet when the tech told me to take it to a changing room. I wrapped my hospital top around me, grabbed my stuff and left.

So tomorrow is the date of my biopsies. I've been doing lots of stuff to prepare for this. I'm reading Spontaneous Healing by Dr. Andrew Weil. Love it. Amazing anecdotes and tips. This one passage really hit home:

It is not a good idea to stay in treatment with a doctor who thinks you cannot get better. 

This reminded me of my previous ENT who had said when I asked him why I kept getting sick that I was like him and I would always be sick. The book talks about a negative placebo affect caused by doctors telling patients things like my old ENT told me. Other examples include: "You have a greater chance of getting colon cancer," or, "You have 2 years to live." If you hear these from your doctor, please find another who can lead you on a path to healing.

Some other things I've been doing is drinking green juice everyday, eating raw garlic which enhances the body's natural immune system and blocks the formation of some carcinogens (I smush it in guacamole), taking extra Vitamin C, exercising everyday even if it's just walking from jury duty to work (that's what I did today), and lots of healing visualizations.

Today I popped into Organic Avenue on my way into work and asked the woman working, "What's good for disintegrating lumps in breasts?" She suggested the Chlorophyll Booster Shot. I also left with a small bottle of Green Love. I drank half the booster mixed with the Green Love and the rest straight. I feel amazing. I'm planning to buy a couple more for tonight and pre-biospy.

Holy Jicama

With all my countless food sensitivities, I'm CEO of meal prep for moi. I'm always thinking of what to make that can last a few days for easy to pack for work lunches. This past Sunday night I made a vegan chile and a pot of brown rice to bring for lunch. I had planned to eat it along with some avocado, cilantro and lime. While shopping at Whole Foods I rolled right up to the much sought after jicama. (Pronounce the 'j' like an 'h'.) I hadn't found one at my "steps from Fairway". That's how all the real estate websites describe living near the grocery store. 


After looking up online how to cut a jicama, I diced some of it up. Then mixed it with avocado, cilantro, pineapple, a big squirt of lime juice and a few fist turns of cracked pepper. This jicama relish is delicious on top of my spicy vegan chile. Plus, the tuber is big enough to last all week for lunch. Lunch mission accomplished. 


I was curious as to jicama's health benefits. One of which is oligofructose inulin, a soluble fiber that isn't metabolized by the body. So it's super low in calories. Also, the veggie is packed with tons of Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and acts as a natural antihistamine. It also contains B complex vitamins folate, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and thiamin which lower homocysteine levels.                                                                                          


Homo what? Homocysteine is an amino acid that affects the cellular metabolism and production of proteins in the body and can also increase the risks of heart disease by damaging the lining of blood vessels. It's a byproduct or protein digestion. According to the book, The Ultimate pH Solution, reducing consumption of meat can lower homocysteine levels, meanwhile eating folate-rich foods like jicama can also reduce the levels of this bad guy hormone. 


So trade that t-bone for jicama and you're on your way to a better version of you. Yee-jicama-haw!

Brad's Raw Chips

Last weekend while shopping at Organic Avenue I picked up a bag of Brad's Raw Chips in the Hot Red Bell Pepper flavor. The little bag was pricey but luckily, 30% off. I had the crackers along with a bowl of cauliflower soup and a salad. I really liked the flavor and the spice. I shared the bag with a friend who said they tasted like dried soup mix before you add water. I could kind of taste this but in a good way. Last year I sampled some of Two Mom's In The Raw Garden Herb Crackers which I found to be too flaxy with all the unground flax seeds. Brad's chips offer a better balanced flavor and texture.

During a recent trip to Whole Foods I picked up a bag of the Indian-flavored Brad's Raw Chips. OMG! These were the most delicious chip. I'm a fan of spicy, funky flavors. For example, sour spicy lemon pickle doesn't scare me. I had to close the bag to keep from devouring it in one sitting. I ate the chips straight up but they would be great dipped in guacamole or hummus. According to Brad's website the chips are a meal in a bag. I will definitely be packing these next time I have travel. I find that most processed chips and foods congest me. However raw, whole foods chips and snacks seem not to bother me.

I'll be chowing down on some more this weekend. Happy weekend.

ps: I just saw the Space Shuttle fly by my window at work. Super cool.

Candle Cafe West

I really over did it Sunday night. My husband and I celebrated my one year free of antibiotics and steroids with dinner at Candle Cafe West. We each had two drinks at a nearby bar before dinner. By the time we hit the restaurant, he was starving and so was I. We began with the nachos. I had the seitan and tofu placed on the side. The chips were covered in slightly spicy beans, a tapioca cheese and guacamole. It was so filling that I probably could have called it quits right then. But not me.

Next the Paradise Casserole– layers of sweet potato, millet and black beans over fresh steamed greens. The sweet potatoes were infused with cinnamon. The scent was amazingly fragrant kind of like paradise. I ate the entire dish minus a few greens. My husband had the Grilled Seitan Burger. Messy but yummy. At this point I was definitely full. However that didn't stop me from sharing a slice of the vegan carrot cake with my husband. I had been having a few good sinus days so I felt like I could handle a little gluten. 

The cake didn't disappoint. I'm not sure if the icing is made from coconut but it tasted like classic cream cheese icing. On top of the icing was a carrot glaze swirl. Something you don't see on non-vegan versions. I can't recall the last time I had cake. Since going g-free and eating mainly whole foods, cake rarely comes my way. I tend to rely on a little organic dark chocolate or a raw truffle for a sweet fix. 

My body took the gluten in stride. I find that when I'm feeling well, I can get away with a small amount of certain offending foods as long as get right back to my vegan, g-free, food-sensitivity free diet. 

When we finished dinner we had a nice 15 block walk home in the rain. It was a good way to burn a calorie or two after such a filling meal. I can't wait to go again. 

Happy Anniversary

I wasn't sure it was possible. To go one full year without oral antibiotics or steroids. This is coming from a girl who hadn't gone more than eight weeks before being represcribed drugs for endless sinus infections. Considering all the visits to the otolaryngologist I made over a ten year period, not once did the doctor suggest dietary changes or natural supplements to help give my immune system a boost and prevent future infections.

As of now, I have gone one full year without any of these drugs. The past year has taught me how much doctors and patients over use antibiotics and steroids. Through dietary changes, I've discovered that I can control a lot of my symptoms. Often, when I get sick it's my body telling me I fed it too much dark chocolate or too many fries. When I switch my diet, my symptoms diminish.

My actual anniversary of this event came and went three weeks ago. I've been too busy to mark the occasion. I also got hit with a cold, seasonal allergies and freelance work on top of my full time job.

So, this weekend I'm celebrating with dinner at the new Upper West Side Candle Cafe. Can't wait for a little down time with my husband and to properly toast the occasion. With a shot of echinacea of course.