Our bodies do not lie; our bodies tell truths that the western-trained doctors know not. They are woefully ignorant, for the most part, not in harmony with themselves or with Nature.
Stress is one truth; it harms our bodies. I have learned over the years to listen to my body. To adjust when requred.
There are things, Perry, that our bodies express so much better than our minds can understand. It would be wonderful if we could see more clearly into our relationship with ourselves and with Nature.
Oh, I feel this in my gut,too. My husband died suddenly, jerked out of this life into eternity when an SUV turning left broadsided him on his motor scooter. That was over 8 years ago. The anguish has become a more gentle ache now, the waves no longer wash over and threaten to drown me. Cooking for one has been maybe the hardest thing of all to adjust to. My husband cooked for us, too, a gift of care from a caring man. I still miss talking with him, every day. In the first years, I heard his voice in my head constantly, and he visited in dreams, but he's gone on now. I still ask him for advice, in my head, but there's no answer. I'm on my own. I am learning to like it. Thank you for your writing. Blessings on your journey.
Beth, my condolences on your loss. It is indeed difficult, learning to do the simple things that my husband always took care of. He was an excellent cook, and gifted in other ways. I speak to him often, too. It’s comforting, isn’t it.❤️
Thank you so much for this. My husband (59) has Parkinson's and its related dementia, so our goodbye is still in process. It will be a long one. But this has helped me start thinking about how I want to spend our remaining time together, such as it is.
Pam, I am so sorry to hear about the extra challenges you’re facing. I hope that you are able to find some peaceful and loving moments with him along the way. Sending love.❤️
You know this has me in tears, dear Mary… it brings back how much I depended on my husband… always the cook in our family. Mostly I miss and wish him home too… after all these years, it’s pieces like this that hit hard. Thank you for putting it so well into words. I lost weight after his passing…the sudden shock of not waking up from his nap. I didn’t eat, didn’t know first thing about kitchen stuff. I still struggle with my ‘old body’ figuring out what it’ll handle. No gluten or lactose have made a big difference. I will check FOODMAPS to see the fine distinctions with fruits and veggies… my go-to foods. You’ve given me purpose for today. Love this piece so much, love you sweet girl… hugs! 🤗🩷🤗🩷
Thank you, Joan. You always speak so kindly of your husband. He really comes alive in your stories. Such a soulmate for you then, and forever. Blessings and hugs.❤️🙏
Beautifully written, Mary. I love that song, Darling Be Home Soon. I am more familiar with the Lovin' Spoonful version. I am listening to the Joe Cocker version now, and feeling a hint of the feelings you probably felt as you wrote this. ❤️🩹
I know both versions. I think John Sebastian’s is tender in a different way than Joe Cocker’s. I like Joe’s better, probably because that’s the one we listened to.
Don, just wanted to add that I love the song as well. It has always had a special place in my heart. Hard to choose one or the other. Thank you for sharing your kind and generous comments. I’m grateful that you’re part of this community.🙏❤️
Oh Mary! Your writing continues to inspire. Figuring out how much xanthan gum is so key to good gf dough. We spent the better part of three years relearning the food deal after my wife was diagnosed with a gluten allergy. Also, I’ve personally been avoiding that evil high fructose corn syrup for almost twenty years. I’ve watched many every day big name brands drop it from their products over that time. Still has a way to go, no thanks to the corn growers association. I do love hearing stories of love! ty
B W, it’s true, isn’t it? There are so many nuances to this diet that people just don’t understand. I’m lucky that my husband was willing to help me out with this. And yes, I wish I could just take high-fructose corn syrup out of everything.
It was always coffee…mornings…the Friday white wine…the long conversations accompanying both. Now the silence is deafening, yet just a year on I am beginning to hear her voice in birdsong.
This brought a tear to my eye. Such beautiful words. As for your IBS, I understand. I'm planning on writing a post about my CSID diagnosis at 25, before that my symptoms were brushed off as IBS. I can't digest starch, sucrose or lactose well due to low enzymes. I go through what you've been going through daily but my diagnosis helped me understand what I can and can't eat much better. I needed a Disaccharidase test done as part of a colonoscopy to get a diagnosis. I hope this is helpful for you ❤️
Jill, your comments mean so much to me. I know you are on your own grief journey as well. I’m honored that this piece touched you. Thank you for being a part of this community.🙏❤️
Yes, you are a great writer. How wonderful to have loved so deeply, your love shines through your pain. This is such a beautiful piece of writing, I’m sure he is so proud of you. And you should be proud of yourself. I would love to give you a big hug and take you out for dinner!
As for IBS, i went through hell a year and a half ago, saw a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with microscopic lymphocytic collagenous colitis. I drastically overhauled my diet to try to avoid going on cortisone, and managed for about a year, but dropped for too much weight. Then suddenly the problem came back and nothing seemed to work, so I’m now on Entocort, which sucks because my weight has shot way up, but hey, I’m not sick anymore if I stay within the safe zone. Gluten and dairy are a big no no. And other random things. It’s hard to know. Sometimes it’s ok, sometimes it’s not. I now have three wardrobes, too skinny, normal and cortisone! I hope you are feeling ok tummy wise. Xxx
It’s such a hard question: what do our bodies do for us, and what are they doing to us? I wonder what the equation is. I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties, and especially the uncertainty of appropriate treatment. I’m glad this piece spoke to you. Thank you for your kind words.❤️🙏
Hmmm. . . A simple ultrasound can reveal presence of gall stones; acute attacks (cholelithiasis) are dangerous and can lead to pancreatitis. That doctor mismanaged your case. IF you do have IBS, it’s tough to diagnose. I would urge you to see a real specialist—go to the Cleveland Clinic. They will set up everything right down to housing. If it is, in fact, IBS, they can help with long-term treatment and expectations. Without knowing your history, did anyone rule out Crohn’s? Vs. Ulcerative Colitis? Also often overlooked, is atherosclerosis of vessels feeding the intestines.
Acute bowel is very difficult to diagnose. Before you go on with that doctor’s presumption of IBS, I’d see a specialist and Cleveland Clinic is renowned for research in bowel disease.
Thank you again, Dawna. I think that when you’re in the midst of a loss, your own health falls by the wayside. I’m always grateful for the people who care and support.❤️
Dawna, thank you for sharing your deep knowledge of the subject. I often felt that my concerns were brushed off or dismissed, sometimes in a way that may have harmed me. I’ve been able to find a wonderful digestive care specialist. Sadly, she books up quickly! I’m encouraged by your comments. I’ve heard great things about the Cleveland Cllnic, but don’t know if it’s in my network. Thank you again for commenting.
I subspecialized as a WOCN. Don’t ever take “no” for an answer re: your health! If you are having chronic/ on-going symptoms and not getting answers, go to a higher authority. That’s what they are there for. . . It doesn’t get any higher than the Cleveland Clinic. Your doctor should provide the referral. If he doesn’t—find one that will. Off-the-cuff diagnosis of IBS is unacceptable.
Our bodies do not lie; our bodies tell truths that the western-trained doctors know not. They are woefully ignorant, for the most part, not in harmony with themselves or with Nature.
Stress is one truth; it harms our bodies. I have learned over the years to listen to my body. To adjust when requred.
There are things, Perry, that our bodies express so much better than our minds can understand. It would be wonderful if we could see more clearly into our relationship with ourselves and with Nature.
Hi, Perry. If you have an opportunity, read The Body Keeps the Score. Yes, we must listen to our bodies. Chronic stress kills.
Hi Julie,
Yes, I have heard about this book. So.many have recommended it. It might be time for me to read it..Thanks.
Oh, I feel this in my gut,too. My husband died suddenly, jerked out of this life into eternity when an SUV turning left broadsided him on his motor scooter. That was over 8 years ago. The anguish has become a more gentle ache now, the waves no longer wash over and threaten to drown me. Cooking for one has been maybe the hardest thing of all to adjust to. My husband cooked for us, too, a gift of care from a caring man. I still miss talking with him, every day. In the first years, I heard his voice in my head constantly, and he visited in dreams, but he's gone on now. I still ask him for advice, in my head, but there's no answer. I'm on my own. I am learning to like it. Thank you for your writing. Blessings on your journey.
Beth, my condolences on your loss. It is indeed difficult, learning to do the simple things that my husband always took care of. He was an excellent cook, and gifted in other ways. I speak to him often, too. It’s comforting, isn’t it.❤️
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much, Ginger.🙏
Thank you so much for this. My husband (59) has Parkinson's and its related dementia, so our goodbye is still in process. It will be a long one. But this has helped me start thinking about how I want to spend our remaining time together, such as it is.
Pam, I am so sorry to hear about the extra challenges you’re facing. I hope that you are able to find some peaceful and loving moments with him along the way. Sending love.❤️
You know this has me in tears, dear Mary… it brings back how much I depended on my husband… always the cook in our family. Mostly I miss and wish him home too… after all these years, it’s pieces like this that hit hard. Thank you for putting it so well into words. I lost weight after his passing…the sudden shock of not waking up from his nap. I didn’t eat, didn’t know first thing about kitchen stuff. I still struggle with my ‘old body’ figuring out what it’ll handle. No gluten or lactose have made a big difference. I will check FOODMAPS to see the fine distinctions with fruits and veggies… my go-to foods. You’ve given me purpose for today. Love this piece so much, love you sweet girl… hugs! 🤗🩷🤗🩷
Thank you, Joan. You always speak so kindly of your husband. He really comes alive in your stories. Such a soulmate for you then, and forever. Blessings and hugs.❤️🙏
She had me in tears. I felt as if Mary was sitting across from me, having coffee, sharing her story.
Beautifully written, Mary. I love that song, Darling Be Home Soon. I am more familiar with the Lovin' Spoonful version. I am listening to the Joe Cocker version now, and feeling a hint of the feelings you probably felt as you wrote this. ❤️🩹
I know both versions. I think John Sebastian’s is tender in a different way than Joe Cocker’s. I like Joe’s better, probably because that’s the one we listened to.
Don, just wanted to add that I love the song as well. It has always had a special place in my heart. Hard to choose one or the other. Thank you for sharing your kind and generous comments. I’m grateful that you’re part of this community.🙏❤️
Oh Mary! Your writing continues to inspire. Figuring out how much xanthan gum is so key to good gf dough. We spent the better part of three years relearning the food deal after my wife was diagnosed with a gluten allergy. Also, I’ve personally been avoiding that evil high fructose corn syrup for almost twenty years. I’ve watched many every day big name brands drop it from their products over that time. Still has a way to go, no thanks to the corn growers association. I do love hearing stories of love! ty
B W, it’s true, isn’t it? There are so many nuances to this diet that people just don’t understand. I’m lucky that my husband was willing to help me out with this. And yes, I wish I could just take high-fructose corn syrup out of everything.
It was always coffee…mornings…the Friday white wine…the long conversations accompanying both. Now the silence is deafening, yet just a year on I am beginning to hear her voice in birdsong.
Thank-you, Mary
A member of the Grief Club
It’s nice to have those lovely memories to draw on. It must be wonderful to hear her voice in birdsong. Thank you for sharing your thoughts of her.🙏
This brought a tear to my eye. Such beautiful words. As for your IBS, I understand. I'm planning on writing a post about my CSID diagnosis at 25, before that my symptoms were brushed off as IBS. I can't digest starch, sucrose or lactose well due to low enzymes. I go through what you've been going through daily but my diagnosis helped me understand what I can and can't eat much better. I needed a Disaccharidase test done as part of a colonoscopy to get a diagnosis. I hope this is helpful for you ❤️
Tania, I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through this. I’m glad that you were able to get a definitive diagnosis.❤️
“I wonder, now, how hard it must be to live with someone who is spending so much time not living.”
Thank you for this sad post with so much love flowing through.
Thank you for your kind words, Teri.❤️
Mary,
You are not just a writer; you are a great writer!
Joel, thank you. You are very kind.
So beautiful and moving, Mary. You must miss your husband so much - he sounds lovely, and similar to my chap. Thank you for writing this.
Ann, he was. I do miss him. O’m glad you have a good one, too.❤️
I'm weeping. Emotionally gutted by this. He'd be proud of your writing. The love you shared is nourishment.
Thank you, Jill.🙏❤️
Jill, your comments mean so much to me. I know you are on your own grief journey as well. I’m honored that this piece touched you. Thank you for being a part of this community.🙏❤️
Yes, you are a great writer. How wonderful to have loved so deeply, your love shines through your pain. This is such a beautiful piece of writing, I’m sure he is so proud of you. And you should be proud of yourself. I would love to give you a big hug and take you out for dinner!
As for IBS, i went through hell a year and a half ago, saw a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with microscopic lymphocytic collagenous colitis. I drastically overhauled my diet to try to avoid going on cortisone, and managed for about a year, but dropped for too much weight. Then suddenly the problem came back and nothing seemed to work, so I’m now on Entocort, which sucks because my weight has shot way up, but hey, I’m not sick anymore if I stay within the safe zone. Gluten and dairy are a big no no. And other random things. It’s hard to know. Sometimes it’s ok, sometimes it’s not. I now have three wardrobes, too skinny, normal and cortisone! I hope you are feeling ok tummy wise. Xxx
It’s such a hard question: what do our bodies do for us, and what are they doing to us? I wonder what the equation is. I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties, and especially the uncertainty of appropriate treatment. I’m glad this piece spoke to you. Thank you for your kind words.❤️🙏
🕊💔
This was beautifully written. I felt it all. ❤️
Thank you, Jennifer, for your kind words.❤️🙏
Hmmm. . . A simple ultrasound can reveal presence of gall stones; acute attacks (cholelithiasis) are dangerous and can lead to pancreatitis. That doctor mismanaged your case. IF you do have IBS, it’s tough to diagnose. I would urge you to see a real specialist—go to the Cleveland Clinic. They will set up everything right down to housing. If it is, in fact, IBS, they can help with long-term treatment and expectations. Without knowing your history, did anyone rule out Crohn’s? Vs. Ulcerative Colitis? Also often overlooked, is atherosclerosis of vessels feeding the intestines.
Acute bowel is very difficult to diagnose. Before you go on with that doctor’s presumption of IBS, I’d see a specialist and Cleveland Clinic is renowned for research in bowel disease.
And your insurance should cover a second opinion on a chronic illness. Your health is everything; get to the bottom of this.
Thank you again, Dawna. I think that when you’re in the midst of a loss, your own health falls by the wayside. I’m always grateful for the people who care and support.❤️
Dawna, thank you for sharing your deep knowledge of the subject. I often felt that my concerns were brushed off or dismissed, sometimes in a way that may have harmed me. I’ve been able to find a wonderful digestive care specialist. Sadly, she books up quickly! I’m encouraged by your comments. I’ve heard great things about the Cleveland Cllnic, but don’t know if it’s in my network. Thank you again for commenting.
I subspecialized as a WOCN. Don’t ever take “no” for an answer re: your health! If you are having chronic/ on-going symptoms and not getting answers, go to a higher authority. That’s what they are there for. . . It doesn’t get any higher than the Cleveland Clinic. Your doctor should provide the referral. If he doesn’t—find one that will. Off-the-cuff diagnosis of IBS is unacceptable.