Thanks everyone for the advice!
Here's an update...
I made it through the graduation weekend feeling great and managed to keep my diet clean despite all the food! But by Monday my knees were starting to flare again. Determined not to take any more prednisone, I tried to take Dragonslayer's advice and did a fast. Apples here have been starchy so I wanted to try pears. The pears aren't starchy, but I didn't have access to enough ripe ones to get me through a 3-day fast so I added canteloup and strawberries and a little pineapple. What an amazing experience! I was always afraid to try a fast before, but that fear was overshadowed by my fear of the pain of not being able to walk. (Regional and state track meets still to go.) By the third day, the inflammation in my knees was gone, my energy was amazing, I felt great. I came off the fast slowly with lettuces and spinach, fruit, steamed broccoli and a homemade bone broth and had a fantastic day at the track meet. Then added eggs, tofu and found a good quality yogurt. I should also mention that in conjunction with the fast I have been using Garden of Life Raw Cleanse.
But now the last two days I am feeling a little inflammation in my knees and my neck and shoulders are hurting worse during the night and morning. I know I haven't had any starch, but am wondering about the slower response you have from allergies? Possibly the eggs or yogurt? So I'm going to do without those for a few days and then add them back one at a time.
But I think I answered the fruit question. I felt great on the fruit. I don't really care to eat that much fruit in general, but at least now I feel comfortable that it isn't the source of my problems. Do you think this is a correct assumption?
Is there a possibility that the "cleanse" could be causing a little worsening of my symtoms as my body is getting rid of toxins? I don't know much about that sort of thing, but I've used some of the Garden of Life products before and thought they might be a good supplement to my fast to help clean me out.
I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and am going to discuss starting the antibiotic protocol and probiotics.
Anyone have any thoughts on all of this? I'm learning, but its such a slow process.
~Shelli
