What's Helped for Me

October 18, 2009

Hello everyone,

I've had EN since 2005 and I've had at least a dozen doctors and several nurses

(including my sister) look at my legs and shake their heads because they didn't

know what it was, and I'm in Massachusetts, the so-called mecca of medicine. So

I've had to provide comfort and healing for myself, through trial and error.

The only thing that has made this condition completely disappear has been to

rigorously follow the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), scientifically designed

for sufferers of Crohn's disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but not yet

recognized by the traditional medical community.

The SCD is described in a book called Breaking the Vicious Cycle, by Elaine

Gottschall, and more briefly on the website below, along with a listing of the

Legal and Illegal foods:

Basically the book tells us that some people are born with, and others develop,

an inability to properly digest specific kinds of carbohydrates (alas, grains

and sugars, my favorites, but take heart, fresh fruits and honey are allowed).

The carbohydrates that aren't digested properly are not expelled from the body,

but rather they become food for bacteria in the bowels (or fatty tissues of the

legs, as I figure it). The well-fed bacteria then multiply and get out of

balance, which creates the terrible conditions a lot of people suffer. The more

carbohydrates, the stronger the bacteria, the worse the condition.

I heard about the SCD from my brother, who has found the only relief from IBS

he's ever had, after years of doctors, exams, tests and medicines, including

styroids.

The diet is the cure, for me, but it's quite difficult for me to stay on, so the

bumps come and go, but nothing like they used to be when I could hardly walk.

When the pain gets bad, I find Bengay soothing. Don't use it if you have open

cuts! When the itching gets bad I use Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream.

Long soaks in a bathtub of hot salty water helps expell poisons through

perspiration (use sea salt, drink hot tea, and bring a good book).

And pure Vitamin C crystals dissolved in water or tea are always refreshing.

Another good effect of the diet is that I've lost weight and kept it off, and

I'm much less likely to binge because my binge foods just aren't on the Legal

list.

And I'm healthier!

I hope this helps someone else.

Remember, you're not alone.

Abbie

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