8 weeks without PEG

It’s now been about 8 weeks since the purge. True to the model of an elimination diet, I’ve not actively removed anything OTHER than PEG.

There have been aspects to this that have been a pain. Like the realization that I would need to carry my own hand soap with me everywhere. Or I need to have a filtered mask in my purse in the event there is a spray in a store that I can’t trust (mask until I can get out of there, obviously). That we have only found 2 laundry detergents that are safe. That I now carry an epi-pen and pray every time I leave the house I won’t have to use it. That we don’t know how cleaning residue may affect me when travel becomes an option again – and that I may not be able to stay at hotels because of cleaners, detergents and sprays used when rooms are cleaned. That I may have to significantly change how I eat out – because this stuff is ON THE DISHES.

Asking for all of my food to be plated in to-go ware will definitely make for a challenging dining experience. But not having difficulty swallowing and persistent cough after a meal will be a nice change (this only appeared after I stopped taking the PEG-containing antihistamine that was both causing and masking symptoms).

On the flipside, I have noticed amazing changes. I have significantly improved general mood, sleep quality, complexion, energy levels, and resilience to stress. I have significantly reduced fatigue, general pain levels, allergy symptoms, headaches, inflammation, and brain fog.

I never thought I would say this about a vaccine, but thank God for the COVID vaccine! Without it and the curiosity of Dr. MIL, I would still be suffering with physically AND emotionally, under the weight of not knowing when the next treatment/inhalation would have triggered the big reaction that would have taken me out.

I’ve been struggling with chronic illnesses for nearly 8 years (it took 2 years to get diagnosed). 8 weeks of eliminating PEG, and I feel better than I did 10 years ago. Not living with the feeling that your body is constantly betraying you is amazing (and heavily underrated by the generally healthy population). I will happily continue to exclude it from my life to see if this trend continues!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post is meant, or should be interpreted, as medical advice. If you have questions about your health, speak to a medical professional who is familiar with your health situation and medical history