Update on Pouchitis Vs. Crohn's

After a number of tests, we've been down graded from possible Crohn's to very bad pouchitis. This was unbelievable to me after seeing the actual holes in my small intestine. But, let's go with what the specialists say.
They put me on suppository steroids, UC oral medications, pain medication and no real information on diet or lifestyle change. I'm not a fan of taking any steroid at this point because of the deadbone issue. (To catch you up on that, I was experiencing sharp pains in my left knee when I would walk, stand, or even straightening my leg while in bed. I went to the doctors, so many doctors, who did some tests, so many tests, for them to tell me that part of my bone is showing signs of necrosis, or death! Likely caused by prolonged use of steroids. This is commonly found in women in their sixties or woman who have been on steroids for other chronic illnesses.) So now I'm really not a fan of steroids.
The doctor assured me that the suppository will not affect the bone issues.
Because I was not told to change my diet (I had gone back to my regular, healthy-ish diet that included grains, beans, carbs, and sugar), I kept eating like normal and taking all my medication, with very little changes to my situation.
We tried many weeks of antibiotics that lead to C. Diff and a whole host of additional issues.
Months went by with me going from specialist to specialist for digestion and bones, and getting this test and that test. But nothing was helping. Even the tests would give us some information but still no clear answer.
I finally was sent back to my General Practitioner to refer me to pain management. I was just expected to live with pain and not being able to walk in my 30's until it got so bad to require surgery. I told her I need something. I couldn't walk, I couldn't drive my manual car, I couldn't walk my dog. I couldn't live like that. I asked for a cane. She obliged and offered another suggestion. "I have a book I'd like you to read and try the diet. You'll be ahead of the game since you've already done Paleo, but there are a few more restrictions. But I think it will help."
She was so right. The book was The Autoimmune Solution by Dr Myers, and the diet restricted grains, dairy, beans, corn, potatoes (same as the Paleo diet), but also nightshade plants (such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants).
Within a week, I didn't need the cane and the pain in my abdomen began to finally subside. Unbelievable. The specialists still don't believe the diet makes a difference but I'm living it.

Summer Sabbatical

We have recently come to the understanding that work is killing me. Not literally, but very much so figuratively. I've lost the excitement for life and I want it back. As with anything, Eli and I made a plan to fix it.

Step One: Take back my health-I've heard of friends having fertility issues for months and then getting pregnant after going Paleo. One friend was losing weight to get pregnant and on her way to fertility treatments found out she was pregnant. Of course, our mutual friend went Paleo after that and got pregnant on her first IVF cycle! I'm in. I gave up refined sugar and carbs such as bread, rice, grains, beans, corn and white potatoes. It wasn't easy at first, but now I'm getting the hang of it.

We aren't trying to stress me out with this diet, so if I mess up or "cheat," we roll with it as long as it is once in awhile. I can't remember when I felt better. Joint pain is gone; I'm able to walk a lot more and do gentle exercises (walk the dog or light yoga). Our food is fresh and the kitchen sink is full of dirty dishes every night. I love cooking; I love eating; it was a no brainer.

Step Two: Quit my job- I knew the news wouldn't be taken lightly but I had to get out, by any means necessary. I was over worked, totally stressed and not happy. Now that I'm treating myself better, I need to be treated better. I broke the news to the boss and we were able to strike a deal. Part time, reduced responsibility, and work mostly from home for a pretty good portion of my regular salary. I'll take it!

Step Three: Summer Sabbatical! We want to get away. We are packing up the old Honda Fit (lovingly referred to as Fitty) and going out west! We'll have about ten days of just me and the hubs and the open road. We'll stop along the way, visit friends, camp, hike, eat, sleep, and of course poop (I can't help it, I don't have a colon!). Thus, our Dirtbag Summer.

Dirtbag trip 2015 over the Grand Canyon

We are bumping up our Dirtbaggedness this year. Last year we booked hotels/B&Bs and flew to Vegas to start the trip. This year, we are driving from Atlanta to Colorado. Living out of the car for so long (as the old folks we have become) requires a little more creature comforts than we used to pack. We are outfitting Fitty to be an amazing little camper! All DYI! We hope you follow our journey into the gorgeous sunset of our Dirtbag Summer!

Building begins here!