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Post by naturevalleygirl on Apr 24, 2009 22:12:12 GMT -5
I've been doing so well on my diet but I get nervous about people asking about my diet. I'm not overweight so they can't understand why there are so many foods that I can't eat. Even family members think it's peculiar. A lot of people don't know what endo is and it's difficult to explain it without being graphic. "Imagine this: you bleed so much that you practically need a bucket." "It hurts so bad that you are paralyzed with pain and no relief. Where does it hurt? I don't really know....it just hurts!!!"
Any suggestions?
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Post by ouchy on Apr 25, 2009 1:11:06 GMT -5
Are you asking what to tell people about the diet or what to tell people about endo? I'm confused by your question.l
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Post by cherry on Apr 25, 2009 3:53:11 GMT -5
I find the best approach is 'don't complain, don't explain' Don't tell people 'oh I can't eat that, I'm on a diet' just opt out, saying you don't fancy it. The best way to think of it is that you have an intolerance to certain foods, so have to be careful with when or if you them, they don't need to know about your endo, especially not the bleeding part. I've been on protein shakes, and though people have noticed, it's only people who I know genuinely care who've bothered to ask, the kind of people who notice that I'm looking tired and thin and pale. They get an explanation cos they ask and they do so with respect, not in front of the whole break room etc. I agree with ouchy, the endo and the diet are 2 separate things really even though they're based in the same problem There's a link in my signature that leads to a quick video that gives a good outline of endo and it's effects, including little diagrams of cysts and adhesions. That's as much detail as family and friends need and helps people to get a good grasp of what you may be experiencing or why you react a certain way to things. It's only my boyfriend and sister and some close friends who know about me bleeding like a haemophiliac and sleeping like a hibernating bear and my womb trying to escape from my ass if I have too much caffeine
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Post by Karen on Apr 25, 2009 6:59:15 GMT -5
Ha - nice explanation about caffeine, Cherry!
I'm finding that I don't need to go into too much detail with people I don't know all that well. I'm finding that 'I've been having some health issues lately and find that some foods make me feel better or worse' or something along those lines usually takes care of any odd looks or questions.
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bigal
Full Member
Posts: 146
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Post by bigal on Apr 26, 2009 8:08:54 GMT -5
Cherry, thank you for pointing out your video in your signature. Great explanation. I like the caffeine explanation, I feel like that during my period most times.
I have a lot of food allergies, so I have to watch what's in a lot of foods. Naturevalleygirl, if you are not in the mood to explain or just don't want to explain you could always tell people that you are on an allergy elimination diet to see if you feel better. If they ask what symptoms you are having you can tell them "intestinal problems". they don't usually ask more questions after that.
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cj
Full Member
Posts: 103
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Post by cj on Apr 26, 2009 18:03:10 GMT -5
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Post by naturevalleygirl on Apr 27, 2009 8:10:40 GMT -5
Thanks all. Most people have been understanding but I have this aunt that, bless her heart, that always makes me chocolate cakes and pies and such because I LOVE SWEETS. When I told her that I have to be careful with what I eat, she said that I should just get a hysterectomy. I don't know, I do well at work rejecting the bad foods. With family it's a bit difficult.
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Post by rach on Apr 28, 2009 2:36:53 GMT -5
I have found that ebing vague is the best way to go "I just feel ebtter when i don't eat wheat/dairy/sugar/etc" "I'm trying not to have too much wheat/dairy/sugar in my diet" "Wheat/sugar/etc causes me problems so i'm trying to avoid it" If all else fails just say you're not hungry or don't like it.
I know what you mean about it being hard to turn down things that people have made especially for you. I find being proactive helps- "Hey mum, have you seen this stuff called spelt flour? I feel so much better when i eat that than normal wheat flour- if you do any baking when i come visit this weekend, would you be able to try uding that?" or a simple "Aunty i just wanted to remind you i'm trying to avoid sugar/whatever, so even though i LOVE your choc cakes, could we please skip it this time and i'll bring a yummy fruit salad"
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