A year ago I would have thought nothing about catching a train to travel the forty miles or so into central London and stay overnight whilst my wife is at a conference. Today this is a challenge that takes more planning than just checking tickets and cash are sorted.
My planning started about three days ago ensuring I was not eating anything that was going to cause a flare. Flares from complex foods can take three or even four days to clear my system, and after that I have to allow time for my strength and emotional stamina to build.
The first morning I am as right as much as I can hope for and I even walking tolerably well. I was up early this morning having a lovely of porridge with a banana. Check emails, pack a case, pack my meds and have another sleep (blame a bad night of Brexit-itis!)
A quick detour to the doctors for a monthly blood test and then back to pick up the overnight bag and double check everything and I am off.
Buying food for my diet is not cheap, but then think of all the money I save on chocolates, crisps, soft drinks, alcohol etc. So at Oxford station I treat myself to a miso soup, a tub of berries and another of nuts. These are not cheap but they have fabulous nutritional value.
London is a warm place and my light summer jacket isn't needed! With a bit of sunshine I followed Google maps on my phone and so walked a fair part of the journey. The last time I was in London we travelled everywhere in taxis. So I'm just a bit pleased with myself.
The first night we ate with friends at TAS in Bloomsbury. I had emailed this Turkish restaurant with my dietary needs and the they were very kind and helpful and really helped me find a meal that suited me.
On the second day we had breakfast at Pret A Manger. I had chosen an oatmeal and berry dish but once we sat down to eat I tasted a mouthful that was sooo creamy. Oops. I had chosen something with yoghurt. Since yoghurt will cause flares and pain my wife kindly swapped and I happily ended up with a some fresh fruit.
The first night we ate with friends at TAS in Bloomsbury. I had emailed this Turkish restaurant with my dietary needs and the they were very kind and helpful and really helped me find a meal that suited me.
On the second day we had breakfast at Pret A Manger. I had chosen an oatmeal and berry dish but once we sat down to eat I tasted a mouthful that was sooo creamy. Oops. I had chosen something with yoghurt. Since yoghurt will cause flares and pain my wife kindly swapped and I happily ended up with a some fresh fruit.
For an evening meal we found ourselves in a Covent Garden restaurant called Le Pain Quotidien, which served a range of gluten free and vegan foods. Sadly by the time I came to puddings they were all out of anything I could eat. However as you can see from the photo I quaffed my second gluten-free beer since starting the diet, from which, amazingly, had no unwanted side-effects. Result!
Oh, and despite all the walking my wrists had no inflammation in them at all during the second day. How many months has it been since I had that experience?
Oh, and despite all the walking my wrists had no inflammation in them at all during the second day. How many months has it been since I had that experience?
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