Swollen glands

[Guest guest]

Hey guys, I've been busy, so I haven't been active on this list in a

long time, but I was wondering if I can pick your brains.

For a little background, I'm 7 months preg with twins, I was

vegetarian for 8 years and mostly vegan and raw for the last 3 of

those years. When I got pregnant this time, my need for protein was

so great, that I began having INTENSE meat cravings, and eventually I

gave in, figuring that's what my body needed. The problem is I can't

afford high-quality organic meats. I grow my own veggies as much as

possible year round, so that I can get those organically, but my

family is pretty poor. I had to sell my car to pay for the midwife.

Now, to get to the point, I've been sick several times, and I think

it's because I'm eating grocery store meat. My diet is otherwise

impeccable. I just got over my most recent bout of cold or whatever.

I have no symptoms of that left. However, my parotid glands (right at

the jaw line) are enormous and rock hard, It is very painful and

difficult to swallow. So 2 questions I guess.

1) Does anybody have any ideas on how to bring down the swelling for

relief of my more immediate symptoms?

2) Should I stop eating meat if I can't afford the good stuff? It's

obviously affecting my health, but I fear that I will not be able to

meet my babies' demands/needs with other sources of protein, as that

is why I began eating this stuff in the first place. It's only two

months more, and I do plan to return to my old diet once they are born.

Suggestions and honest opinions are appreciated. Please speak gently,

I am very sensitive at the moment.