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Hi, I've tried following the HD a number of times but all the raw food ends up passing through me so quickly that it looks the same coming out as it did on the plate. Not to mention that it exasperated my colitis and was very discouraging.

Last Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010 I didn't make it to the toilet in time (was in vehicle). I was so desperate as I had 6 weeks till my husband and I are leaving for a trip to Israel. I cried out to God (as I've been doing for the past 10 years!).

The next morning (Wednesday) I felt I was suppose to got back to reading the HD Experience the optimal health you were meant to have book. On page 167, I came across Rowen Pheifer's story for the first time. He also has Ulcerative Colitis and explained that he couldn't follow the HD as normal due to the fiber irritating the bowel condition. He juice only for 10 days and then went on the plan. I finally felt hope!!!!

So on Thursday, Feb 4, 2010, I was so tired that I couldn't get out of bed and finally got up out of bed at 9:30 am because I was being disturbed with yelling outside my window. I couldn't understand what all the noise was. I finally got up to make my morning juice (still more yelling) opened deck sliding door and heard, "We are hear to celebrate the 2010 Olympics with Sechelt!!" The Olympic torch was stopping in my little town. We live about a four minute drive away from the town center. I didn't have the energy to go to the celebration, but my kids said it was pretty cool.

Anyways, I was home feeling sorry for myself that I couldn't take part in life the way I wanted to. And decided that was it, I was going to juice until my bowel stopped bleeding.

So, I embarked on the journey towards health. That first day I juiced, spent all day on the website and forums, reading so many encouraging posts, went for a walk, and felt an excessive amount of energy after my walk from 4-7 pm. I felt like I was 20 again!

Day 2 - Friday was ok, I was out all day shopping with a friend (6 hours). Took 8 oz of carrot juice with me and 16 oz of Barley Max, probably wasn't enough. Came home tired and cold. Tried to lay down and rest before 40 teenagers invaded my house for youth group, which my husband and I are the leaders for our church. Got up and made hot water and fresh squeezed lemon and a bit of honey. That really warmed me up and helped me get through the night. There were chips, pop, chocolate, candy, licorice (all my normal pitfalls). I wasn't even the slightest bit tempted by all the junk. Thank you Jesus!

Day 3 - Saturday, I continued to only juice, added 1/2 an apple to some of my carrot and green juices. I had one sick teen with the 24 hr flu (the other two kids got it early in the week), both the other kids had gone home with friends from youth group for a sleep over. And my husband has been getting more work than he can keep up with (another answer to prayer) so he had to work so I had to clean the house by myself (yes, I'm whining here). It was pretty bad as you can imagine 40 kids, eating, crumbs, pop cans everywhere etc.

I sweated lots (being Cinderella) which was good, because I know the toxins are released by sweating. I even made a huge salad and vegetarian ham pie (w/ a rice crust) for my family for dinner. Again, not tempted to eat. I also made white sourdough bread which I really did want to try, but refrained! Praise the Lord.

Day 4-Sunday we slept through are alarm. Had to be at church in 20 mins (were 7 mins late). Pretty good for 5 people to get out the door - good thing church is only 8 mins away. My husband is an associate pastor at church and we are almost always scheduled for the worship team, so practice starts at 8am, then the first service is at 9am, and second at 10:45 so we didn't get home until 12:45.
All I had time for was water. During the first service I was teaching sunday school and tried to drink some Sunrype wildberry juice, but it was too sweet, so I dumped it. Had more water instead.

When I got home from church, I had water, and made 8oz of Barley max, had a nap, got up and made carrot, broccoli stem, ginger and tomato juice. Then just water the rest of the day.

Day 5 - Monday (today) woke up, didn't feel like juicing, I'm getting sick of it! I have absolutely NO appetite which is really weird. So, I read my bible, did my devotions and journaling, prayed with my husband and asked God to help me juice today. Made a carrot, celery and gala apple juice, it tasted delicious. Then I decided to make my first smoothy.
I used 1 frozen ripe banana, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, and 1/2 cup coconut milk. Yumm, it was amazing! I hope it was not too early for that. I'm hoping that there isn't much fiber in those ingredients to irritate my bowel and it was really nice to have something thick and creamy.

BTW my husband is not juicing with me. He has been slowing progressing towards HD. My daughter (14) and I stopped eating meat in June 09, husband and twin brother (14) also tried but only lasted 1 month. Oldest son (16) didn't even try to go without meat. Daughter and I continued with dairy though, until Feb 4 for me. And she had the flu on Mon & Tues and noticed that when she had milk it made her feel sick. I had told my husband about a video I watched on Wed about all animal products, when he had a bowl of cereal with milk he says it made him feel really sick and heavy. Oldest son doesn't drink milk (as he and I have a lactose intolerance). So, I informed 14 yr old son that I won't be buying any more milk. He can use soy or almond milk on his cereal. He's ok with that. My husband has cut down on his meat again considerably. He usually has fruit and coffee in the am and makes a veggie stirfry for lunch and then usually has a veg dinner as well. But they are all consuming cheese, sour cream, yogurt, ice cream etc. I'm thinking I will slow down on the purchasing of these items, but also don't want to force them into anything. Although I did refuse to buy milk as we were down to one family member wanting it.

So that's the story so far. I do hope that others with UC will be encouraged by my story especially to learn they have to juice until their bowel heals.

May the Lord be glorified in all we do!

Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.

Marria

I have a friend who has had much of her intestines removed. I am glad you have decided to keep a record account of your new life style.

Thanks,
bb

Day 8
Still juicing, although last three days I've had 1 smoothie as well. What a treat!
The smoothie has 1 frozen banana, 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries and 1/2 coconut milk.
I've struggled with the shear volume of juice I'm suppose to consume. It seems I'd be happy to drink water! But I know this doesn't allow my bowel to get the extra nutrition to heal itself. So, been forcing myself to drink juice.
Husband has been great, when I ask he will clean my juicer for me, although mostly I don't clean it, I just juice again in an hour so nothing is going bad inside yet.
Been quite cold!
Bowel still bleeding ;-( But has calmed right down .... hoping, praying for a miracle.
Can't believe how much I used to eat....compared to nothing.....
Never want to be consumed by food again.
Felt a little fragile - like not as thick of an exterior as I usually have, assuming that is due to lack of food.... not sure though. God is working on me in other areas at the same time so that might be why.
Been walking at least 1/2 hour each day!
Down 12 lbs in 8 days, which is a great side effect, but not the motivation behind the liquid diet.
May God bless you and keep you on his path to the abundant life he promises for us, as we walk in HIS ways.
Marria