Annie, FYI and for Ashley, I have IBS and it is very non-typical, just causes pain, no other symptoms. Intense pain but it doesn't last and goes away. Best diet is minimal food, emphasis on sticky fiber, not rough fiber. Things like fruits and oatmeal, not wheat bran. I also had ovarian cysts that were painful but went away without needing surgery. Of course ulcerative colitis or chron's disease is always a possibility--hard to diagnose, hard to treat, but sometimes just goes away on its own and can be somewhat managed. My friend's pancreas swelled up once, she was in the hospital and everything, they had no idea why it did that, and then it just went away! I agree with what Spacific said, go alternative, try acupuncture. Doctors aren't very good with treating these nebulous systemic problems, IMHO. Best help comes from talking to others who have been in a similar situation and gotten things under control. This has been my experience with migranes and my dad's experience with ulcerative colitis. Above all, avoid the doctor's favorite pill for nebulous maladies--steroids! Too many long term side effects. If they don't bring it under control right away then the diagnosis is probably wrong and they need to be stopped. I cannot begin to tell you the damage I have seen with friends and family taking steroid medications. Yes, they can be a godsend, but they are not a long term solution.

I am just getting back here.Thanks for being such a inspiration part of helping her get well.I have sent her the posts from here.I am hoping she and her mom will come here and talk to you all.I am working on this and it may take time but I believe we will see her and her mom here one day.Thanks for posting such great encouragements like you all have and not knowing them personal but yet you all willing to take a minute out of your day to encourging and congraduate her in her well doing,.I have said it before and I say it again,you all are the greatest.I am proud I am part of this group.

add me to the list of well-wishers!! so sorry to hear all u are going thru, its very exhausting, mentally and physically., so take of yourself so u can take care of everyone else!! a friend of mine, her son of 19, had a stroke out of the blue...they still have no real reason for it. he was in a major hospital in the city (PA). he recovered 100%, was very lucky!!!!!!! he will be monitored the rest of his life. it really can happen at any time to anyone for any reason.... so whoever said up-thread, Health is Wealth, is very smart indeed. we always say "if u have your health, you have it all".... annie1992, my thoughts and prayers are with u and all your family, all the best!!! always love reading your posts, BTW :)

So many great looking meals. 2ManyDiversions. Your smoked cheese turned out great. I showed it to my son, who is the one the loves any kind of cheese but especially smoked. I like the idea of smoking a number of cheeses at the same time. Neely, as much as I love all your meals, I honestly could make a meal of your perfect potatoes. Sleevendog, good choice on the muffin pan. And the cornbread fish are adorable. Shirl, nice flaky crust on your pie. Jasdip, that cake is loaded with apples. Would love a piece for dinner. I can almost taste it. I made smoked chicken sandwiches topped with lettuce, tomatoes and sliced avocado with a garlic mayonnaise from the chicken I smoked last week.