Birmingham Road Trip!

So not this weekend we’re in but the one before, I decided to go away for a short visit to Birmingham, in good ol’ England. And boy am I glad I did. Honestly it’s just so hard to make arrangements to leave my house at any given time. I just have to really fight my worries and insecurities at every given opportunity when it comes to leaving my house let alone have weekends away. Because I’m embarrassed about about all sorts due to my health I’m really hesitant about going anywhere much. Now I’m a bit more in tune with my body I can sort of control myself. I actually decided to avoid consuming certain foods sometimes a day before I have made plans. I had been reading up in fodmap diets and thought maybe this would be ideal to test out. There’s a whole list of foods that I should be eliminating on that diet and have successfully done a lot so far. Some foods however I don’t eat or like anyway so that was easy. The hardest had to have been garlic, ginger, beans some veggies and a whole lot more. I hadn’t gone to a professional which is why I don’t recommend to try please ask your dr. But for me and my body I knew how my mind works with taking orders and advice. Although I will be telling my dr what I’ve tried. When I did avoid some of these foods I did notice a difference but it’s hard because foods don’t taste the same. Especially seeing as I’m avoiding dairy, gluten and wheat too. It really is a lot for my head to get round but it does help. And I realised small amounts of food have an affect on the flatulence bloating and pains I endure. It is hard to eat small amounts when you’re feeling hungry but I do my best. Especially as I’m told I have a largened stomach apparently. ( It sounded really weird to me but that kind of explains my large appetite) So large amounts of food are hard to avoid but must me done . Anyways where was I? Yes, I have to think about a lot of things when I want to leave so I decided to barely eat. So the day I left i had a slice of toast for breakfast and hours later I had a small portion of salmon and veg on my way in the car journey. To my surprise I had a fantastic ride there. No stomach pains or troubles and wasn’t exceptionally tired but managed to sleep quite well when I got to my hotel room. I managed to eat a gluten free coconut macaroon which was so nice to indulge in. I woke up got ready and made my way to breakfast. Which I was worried about as I thought they would be a trigger and thankfully they weren’t really. I had scrambled eggs and a teaspoon of baked beans. I usually avoid these foods but there was nothing else available for me in the continental breakfast. I even had a light black coffee which I haven’t had for years, just to give me a boost of energy. I also had these gluten free warburton thins my cousin got me which I had with my breakfast which were extra yum with my eggs. I didn’t even eat for the rest of the day. And had no stomach upset either. Later on that night at about 5am I did have a portion of fat chips which were so nice I ate almost all of it. Which was a big mistake! I woke up a few hours later bloated but I had to get ready and pack before I went down for breakfast as quick as I could as I had to check out of my room and leave too. I eventually went downstairs and thought to have just scrambled eggs and a teaspoon of beans just like I did yesterday. Also with a light black coffee. Hoping that I’d be ok. I eventually went back upstairs, got my luggage and checked out. By this time I could feel my stomach acting up and wished I never had breakfast, thinking I’d made my flare ups worse. ( I do a lot of regretting at times like this, telling myself I’ll never eat again in my lifetime lol) At this point I was really tired because of the late night, early morning, the drowsiness of the medication from the night before and the heat. And I thought about the long journey ahead which stressed me out even further. I had a lot on my plate. But we got on with our journey. I never told me cousin who was driving back because I generally didn’t want to worry her. Luckily if I needed to stop she would’ve done that as she needed breaks too as it was a long drive back. We stopped a few times and rested. I got a chance to use the toilets and have a breather. Thankfully. In the end i just went to sleep. I must’ve been that tired. I got home and couldn’t be more relieved to put my legs up. (My legs swell up all the time for different reasons unknown) All in all my journey was pleasant. I loved seeing family and friends. The excitement and nervousness of it all was probably the reason my stomach was acting up. It gets like that sometimes. It’s all part of the process in my gastroparesis journey. But yeah that was my experience leaving the city for the first time in a few years. It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it could be. I was having major anxiety all the time until I left and wasn’t so bad once we started making the journey. Even though I had a flare up when I was returning I did think maybe I could do this again soon. And that’s what I want to feel every time. Just take chances. Maybe not let my worries overtake my mindset and stop me from doing things in life. I’ve been subjected to isolating myself due to this condition and it’s been a really lonely process. But everyday’s a struggle to fight myself to do new things as routine and fear took over my life. And I’d only go certain places due to familiarity. It’s a constant battle but I hope I can plan more journeys and experiences with both friends and family.I’m excited for the future at this current time. (Even if today I’m not feeling so great) I’m proud of myself for even having positive thoughts through a rough time. (Gives herself a pat on the back) Remaining hopeful is a struggle but it’s a must. Be patient with yourself. You’ll be ok. ❤️Oh and I just realised I didn’t say why I went to Birmingham! It was for a family wedding. I’ll attach a picture of my outfit which is a lovely little sequin dress that I love and reused from a previous wedding. Fitted the occasion perfectly! Don’t be afraid to ask any questions about anything. I’d be more than happy to help.

Peppermint tea chronicles 😒

Honestly I’ve been trying to avoid dairy for quite a while now and it was all going so well until tonight! I went to the cinemas tonight with my family and I stupidly ate nachos and dipped then into warm cheese dip. I got lost in the moment. I honestly forgot my situation and completely went into savage mode. It was literally so hard to stop eating when I started. I don’t know what came over me. But when I did finish I did realise what I’d done and knew I’d feel the consequences soon. So I was paranoid during my whole movie. Luckily no mishaps I went home. So here I am sitting at 4.40 in the morning sipping a peppermint tea and taking all meds possible that’ll hopefully make this easier. But I’ll be here for a while. I’m used to it. Ive been going through it for years. ( I started feeling strange from 1.30 😫.I’ve got the back massage on as I’m bloated to the maximum capacity. It’s so uncomfortable I can barely breathe. It’s literally so painful. I feel like I’ve been pumped with air and it has no way or escaping. And when it does escape slightly ( I’m not trying to be vulgar) i would still be feeling like crap! And I’m hoping it goes soon. This is painful to say the least! Since I’ve had symptoms of gastroparesis for years now I feel dairy has had to be reduced greatly in my life. Not only do I have to eliminate gluten and wheat I now try to avoid dairy. Which I am successful mostly. And I’m actually quite proud of myself but my biggest weakness is cheese! Oh my goodness gracious! I feel like I’m either lactose or dairy intolerant but it has been so much worse since the gastroparesis started. Since my delayed stomach emptying got worse my intolerance to certain foods got worse, for example dairy such as cheese (my fav) yoghurt, milk, cream. And there are so many foods that contain dairy. I was really sad for a while but got by. And it was also a source of calories for me so I lost a lot of weight. Honestly I was anticipating the night ahead after I consumed the cheesy nachos. For a second I thought I didn’t react but as as I headed to my bed I saw my stomach bloated. And I was like I knew I was in for a long, seriously uncomfortable and painful night. So here I am contemplating going out because of the cheesy nachos temptation. And I really don’t want to avoid going out. I go through phases of not wanting to leave my house because I feel trapped as it is. And it’s been happening for years. My complications, symptoms and situations do make it difficult and embarrassing for me to leave and it’s really lonely. I’m trying to get into a headspace of getting out more and I don’t want this to put me back there. So hopefully I get out of this state of mind and more confident to leave. I miss being around my loved ones and just being there for them. I’ve rambled on enough I think I’m going to go out some home online remedies or even meds. I have no idea what’ll work quick. Pray for me! Xx

Bill’s Restaurant Experience!

Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten. 1 in 100 people have the condition. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, constipation, tiredness, sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases), hair loss and anaemia.

That description was just a little heads up on my current situation. I’ve suffered with this condition for around 16 years and I’ve only been taking it serious for about 6 years now. I was very rebellious with my health. Anyways today I won’t dive into all the history of it maybe next time. I hated the idea of having to not eat pasta, bread and pizza. And that was just the simple stuff! Imagine there’s pasta sauces and soups (people use it as thickeners). Brownies, cakes, cornflakes. I was not having it that age!
But the last 6 years since I’ve been gluten and wheat free (at this point I was sick and tired of having stomach upsets and feeling really unwell)

I’ve been seeing a lot of restaurants catering to coeliac sufferers and people who are just on a gluten & wheat free diet.

Today (16th May 2018) I managed to go to Bill’s for the second time. Although I enjoyed it the first time I didn’t want to be excited about their menu incase it wasn’t the same this time round.
The restaurant itself is very antique looking and looks vintage but had a British chic vibe. I love it!

Just to double check I got the same meal from last time. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it just as much as the last time.
I ordered the gluten free Bills vegetarian breakfast. It had poached free range eggs, pesto roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato hummus, guacamole, sweet chilli sauce, basil and toast.
Although I’m a self diagnosed lactose intolerant (I don’t need a doctor to tell me I am I know what I feel) not really sure if this is meal is lactose free. Please do double check onsite and ring.

It’s safe to say I was satisfied. I mean I would have been very upset if I wasn’t. The flavours and textures all work so well together. The gluten and wheat free bread worked extremely well as it wasn’t tasting like cardboard and to me was one of the best gluten free roasts I’d tasted. Not sure if they make their own but either was I was impressed to say the least. (Picture below doesn’t do it justice)

There are plenty of other choices on their specific gluten free menu for breakfast lunch and dinner so I’m yet to try and indulge. (See menus attached below)
To be honest I think I’ll try majorly of the different foods available. It has my ideal food cravings and it doesn’t seem too heavy but comforting.

My friend who’s not on a gluten free diet was very impressed too. She had a omelette with kale, edamame beans, lemon feta, spring onions,
smoky tomatoes, olives and Pico de Gallo salad. To be honest that sounds amazing too and I will be indulging in this next time.
And honestly I can’t wait. I will be a regular customer even if I only get that one epic breakfast. I can enjoy morning breakfasts a lot more with my loved ones. So all loved ones we will be visiting here. A LOT!!!