Doodle and Her New Medication

Doodle is my baby.  I never thought I would be “one of those people…” but I am.  I hold her like a baby, I dress her up (well, not so much any more…she hates it) and I sleep with her.  I’ve poured so much love into this dog it just breaks my heart that I have to keep my distance from her.

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My little Doodle is a very special dog.  She was rescued from a horrible situation but I fear she is going to suffer the consequences of poor care and malnutrition for the remainder of her life.  She was a mother at a puppy mill, abused and neglected.  It has taken us years (almost 4) to reverse some of the negative effects that “life” had on her psyche, emotions, and body.  Some of the effects I fear are irreversible.  With that said, she is the sweetest, most neurotic dog you will ever meet but we love her just the same, same, same.

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As most of you know, Doodle has had reoccurring struggles with incontinence.  We finally realized the food from the “Miracle Vet” was a huge issue.  It was FULL of corn and corn derivatives.  We switched her food however I think 4 1/2 years of poor care coupled with years of us giving her corn laden food was just too much for her system to bear.  Her little body reached it’s breaking point.  The Vet thought it a good idea to put her on an incontinence medication, to be taken twice a day, indefinitely.  We started the medication and thought things were getting better, the only odd occurrence was Doodle now made me itch.  Unfortunately, the Yipiyuk and I have been experiencing increased rashes, severe itching to the point of bleeding and a decrease in the quality of our sleep (I’ve also had insomnia and nausea).  I reexamined our food and drink.  Nothing has changed.  No new food or drink.  I was stumped and getting worse by the day.

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Luckily (?), Doodle had a little accident one morning which triggered a rash, nausea, and the severe itching.  I never thought her medicine could affect me.  I wasn’t handling it and I wasn’t ingesting it.  I was already noticing increased itching and nausea when I tried to hold her or when she would breathe into my face (she get’s VERY close to me…).  Last night I tried to let her sleep with me but within 5 minutes I was digging a new hole in my scalp and temple.  It has taken a while but the pieces of this puzzle are finally starting to come together.

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I went to the DailyMed’s website to research her medication.  The site did not have the inactive ingredients listed so I went to Google.  I found the inactive ingredients on this site.

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The inactive ingredients include: gelatin, ethylcellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, povidone, starch, sucrose, talc, wax and other ingredients.

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I don’t know what the “other ingredients” are and I don’t need to know, I already see corn derivatives.  So, I’m still poisoning my dog.  I’ve called the Vet and spoken with the receptionist, I’m awaiting a return phone call from the Veterinarian.  I realize it will be more expensive to get her medication compounded but it’s the best thing for Doodle, Yipi and me.

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Doodle and Me 2008

Grain-Free Shortbread Cookie

The Detoxinista posted a great grain-free recipe for shortbread cookies.  Unfortunately, I can’t have almonds or honey so .  If you can, then I would recommend giving this recipe a go.  I’ve heard great things about almond flour; however, I do not know of a safe source for almond flour…or almonds.  Fortunately, my brain has been working pretty well lately (with the exclusion of a few days when my hubby tried to kill me).  I decided to give my Grain-Free Shortbread Cookie recipe a try.

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I think you guys know me well enough by now to know that no such recipe exists.  Nikki ( Hiya!) left a comment on another post about the ratios for shortbread cookies.  3:2:1.  Three parts flour, 2 parts fat and 1 part sweetener.  The recipe almost equals that but I opted for slightly less fat and less sugar.  Once the Yipiyuk went to bed for the night, I went into the kitchen to begin my experiment.  I decided the best flour combination, out of my limited supply, would be coconut and besan; using more besan to help the mixture stick together.

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The next decision had to do with fats.  Which “fat” would I use?  Lamb broth…no!  I am seemingly doing well with the olive oil (Bariani) so I decided on a mixture of olive and coconut oil (TT).  I was very happy with the result of that particular mixture.  Unfortunately, someone ate those cookies too quickly and I was unable to get a picture.  …  ok.  It was me.  Second go around, I only used coconut oil and I’m still very pleased with the results.  I was able to get pictures this time.

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The final decision was flour.  I always use some kind of combination but I wasn’t feeling buckwheat.  First attempt, I used besan flour and coconut flour (1/2 cup and 1/4 cup respectively – I cut the recipe in half).  These were very good but a little frail.  The second attempt I used the combination listed below.  Still pretty happy with them.  Third, fourth, fifth attempt: I will try the recipe again with only besan, a mixture of besan and buckwheat, and who knows.

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Last thing I need to do is figure out a way to evenly distribute the yacon syrup throughout the dough.  If you’ve used yacon syrup then you know what I’m talking about.  It quickly soaks up all extra moisture and if you are not quick enough you will have some sweet sections and some not-so sweet sections.  One idea is to substitute the coconut flour for coconut cream, whip the yacon and cream together and then add it to the dry ingredients.  Any other ideas?

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These cookies are corn free, grain free, cane sugar free, dairy free, gluten free, wheat free, egg free, nut free, and soy free.

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Grain Free Shortbread Cookies

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup besan flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup arrowroot starch
• 2 tbsp yacon syrup (currently trying) (you can use more if you want sweeter muffins…any syrup will work)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (liquid)
• dash of salt

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Procedure:

• Pre-heat oven to 340°.
• Sift besan flour, coconut flour, arrowroot powder, and salt into bowl.
• Add coconut oil.
• Knead into dough (will be very sticky…almost runny)
• Add yacon syrup and knead into dough (will become less sticky…resembling cookie dough)
• With tablespoon, form into balls and place on non-stick cookie sheet
• Gently press with a fork.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes
• Remove from oven.  Let cool for 10 minutes.

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Quick Post: iHerb Coupon

Here’s an iHerb coupon code for you guys.  This is specifically for those of you who’ve never shopped iHerb.  This coupon code is for $5 OFF your first order.  Make sure you enter the coupon code in the shopping cart before checkout to receive an instant $5 discount on your first order.  Also keep in mind, iHerb offers free shipping (1-3 Day Fedex) on all orders over $40.

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Here’s the coupon code -  HIQ502.  

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Disclaimer:  I get some kind of reward when you use this code.  What reward?  I have no idea.  I’ve never shared the code before today and I’ve been using iHerb for almost a year.

Quick Post: Website for Prescriptive Drug Ingredients

Rainbow975 posted a great site to the Delphi Forum earlier this month.  It seems like a really great resource for individuals needing medications and proof that corn derivatives are used in the readily available prescriptions from chain pharmacies.

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DailyMed provides high quality information about marketed drugs.

Drug labeling on this Web site is the most recent submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and currently in use; it may include, for example, strengthened warnings undergoing FDA review or minor editorial changes.

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It would be interesting if a DailyMed application existed for your smartphone.  How convenient would it be to research the ingredients in real time, at the doctor’s office?  I’ve checked for my G1 and as of yet have not found an app.  Please comment below if you all find one!

Quick Post: Coconut oil…

Ok.  I need to confess something.  Breathe.

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I’ve been using coconut oil more lately.  I actually just mixed 2 teaspoons of coconut oil with two drops of bergamot essential oil and slathered it all over my face, hands and neck.  Once upon a time the smell of coconut oil cooking, sauteing or frying, and applying it topically would induce intense nausea, vertigo and dizziness; but I just had an epiphany.  I have come to the realization that the smell is bothering me less and less.  This could have something to do with overcoming my chronic candida issues, more so than becoming accustomed to the smell of coconut oil.  After all, I’ve used coconut for almost two years now and up until January 2012 the reactions to the smell of coconut oil never got any better.  The reactions actually became worse for a while.

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I am noticing increased health and stability in my body.  I feel healthier, I have more energy, and my recovery time from accidental exposures has decreased by 50%.  I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel… and it’s no longer a train.

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Now to get more sleep…

Quick Post: Enjoy Life Update

It seems Enjoy Life is doing everything they can to address the possible corn cross contamination issue.  I am interested in where the investigations goes, even though I can’t eat the product.

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Go here to view the letter from the company.

“Allergy” Humor

At least I’m not allergic to grammatical errors…

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Quick Post: $10 Credit to Vitacost

Vitacost is offering a $10 credit to new members when you sign up HERE.

1. Sign up HERE
2. Create a new account by clicking on “Click Here Now”
3. Get an email with your $10 promotion code

Blogs I’m Reading This Weekend…

http://creativewithkids.com/100-ways-to-be-kind-to-your-child/

This was just too sweet not to share.

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http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/fragrance-sensitivity.aspx

It’s nice when someone else addresses fragrance sensitivity.  It makes you feel “less crazy.”

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http://www.marksdailyapple.com/healthy-oils/#axzz1kxV5iXv8

This blog discusses different types of oils.

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http://www.cracked.com/article_19688_7-horrifying-historical-origins-famous-corporate-logos.html

#2, The Symbol of Medicine: Caduceus

The Symbol Is Used For:  Medical institutions the world over.

But the Symbol Actually Means:  Deceit and profit.

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http://blog.nurturedchild.ca/index.php/2011/01/30/the-truth-behind-common-breastfeeding-myths/

Myth: Breastmilk is a dairy product. Truth: You’re not a cow! Breastmilk is considered a clear fluid.  –>  HA!

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http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2007417,00.html

This post is awesome.  Be careful who you vex…

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http://viewsfromthecouch.com/2012/02/12/you-didnt-thank-me-for-punching-you-in-the-fac/

This post has some colorful language but I think the message is worth reading.

Quick Post: Tropical Traditions Free Shipping

Coupon Code:     200212free

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You must enter the code before check out!  The code is good through midnight EST, Monday, February 20th.  I’m going to wait until Monday night to place my order with the hope that another great deal pops up over the weekend!