Following on from the post back on the 19th about my gallstones.
I promised to update you when I had done the flush *cue dramatic music*
Since writing that post I have stuck with the list of foods and fats that are good for bile production and seen great results. Almost overnight the discomfort in my abdomen stopped, however I am still aware that while it can help prevent further stones and very slowly eliminate existing stones it is just that, a slow process.
This is why I opted to do a flush.
There are many sites that talk you through how to do this.
All will tell you pretty much the same, although I found the first added a few supplements in, that they just happen to sell LOL
What I did was stick to the basics.
I planned a quiet weekend, when my kids were with their dad and demands on me were few. I actually expected this to far worse than it actually was.
They suggest massive amounts of apple juice or raw apples for around two weeks leading up to the flush. This is because the pectin helps soften the stones. I had about 1 cup of juice daily for a week leading up as I figured I wouldn't need the pectin as much since my stones are all gravelly really and not that big.
They suggest massive amounts of apple juice or raw apples for around two weeks leading up to the flush. This is because the pectin helps soften the stones. I had about 1 cup of juice daily for a week leading up as I figured I wouldn't need the pectin as much since my stones are all gravelly really and not that big.
Ingredients for a weekend of pooing
Epsom salts
2 grapefruit
filtered water
olive oil
Saturday
I ditched the LCHF and had bread for breakfast with a green smoothie. I did have a white coffee even though it said no milk and it didn't seem to impact on me greatly, if at all.
I had two tuna sushi rolls for lunch and drank quite a bit of water, taking into account that I wouldn't be able to have any food or drink after 2pm.
At 2pm I mixed up the epsom salts and water, giving a good shake to dissolve the salts and popped them in the fridge. This gives the impression of vodka cocktails,
don't be fooled.
don't be fooled.
Now go and relax for a few hours, savour the last moments of un-assaulted tasted buds.
At 6pm I poured myself the first dose of epsom martini. OMFG!!!!!!! Can I suggest right now, if you are doing this to source some epsom capsules.
holy mary mother of what the hell is this poison.
you think I am joking don't you.
Bless you.
So one dose down and three to go.
At this point I was seriously thinking the olive oil/grapefruit juice combo would be the worse thing on earth and to be honest, after the 'martini' I was a bit scared.
Half an hour later I was still alive (despite those naysayers)
I had a mildly gurgling tummy and a bit of a headache.
This is when I settled in for an evening of utter laziness and couch sitting.
At 8pm I had the second dose of salts *shudder*. Now this was worse than the first one because I knew what was coming this time.
If you are of a delicate nature I suggest doing this over the sink. *Just sayin*
Also, use a straw and gulp that mother down as fast as you can.
Around 9.30pm I started preparing for bed. Book, phone in place. Jammies on and visit the loo as often as you can before the 10pm bed time.
I didn't bother with the supplements listed in Dr Clark's directions. I just mixed the oil and grapefruit juice (I got enough juice from one).
Pour into a jar and shake it really well. It goes watery and loses that oily texture.
Try to wee a few more times as it is best if you don't get up again until morning.
Then down that oil chaser!
Talk about a surprise, after the 'martini' this stuff tastes great!
Seriously it isn't nearly as bad as I expected.
I know right!
You are calling bullshit, but not a word of lie, it really isn't too bad.
As soon as you finish it (I suggest drinking as fast as you can) you need to go and lay down. Do not pass go or anything. Just go lay either on your back or your right side and
DO NOT MOVE for at least 20 minutes.
Depending on the size of those stones you may feel them passing from the gallbladder. I didn't feel them as mine were too small, just some lots of gurgling.
Then sleep my precious.
Sunday
I woke at 7am, stretched and yawned and tried to come alive.... no really, peed and got myself another jar of that fabulous epsom cocktail. *gag*
Now at this point I probably should advise against farting. This is the time to remember that the only thing you have consumed for the past 17hrs is pretty much oil and epsom salts, known for it's laxative qualities.
You may feel the urge and that is normal just be aware of the above.
I went straight back to bed and dozed for the next two hours when I had the last of the cocktail. *insert sad face*
*not really*
I went back to bed again and dozed for another couple of hours.
During this time there was lots of gurgling and movement in my abdo region.
NO PAIN, or discomfort at all though.
From this point on it is safe to say that an at home day is the best thing.
You will want to be relatively close to the toilet
You won't have violent or painful diarrhea
You will go to the loo often
The websites all suggest putting a strainer or basket in the loo to catch the stones so you can count them.
Seriously?
WTAF!!
I didn't do this. I did grab a couple out to look at, just a disposable spoon and plastic container suffices as they float.
I must say I was surprised as I expected something hard but these were liked a cooked pea in colour and texture.
Just as the ultrasound had indicated my stones were all pretty much the size of rice granules with about three the size of peas.
I passed quite a few in the first 4-5 bowel movements (isn't that eloquent) and after that nothing.
By the late afternoon I was ready to eat and the urge to poo had subsided greatly.
Today, I still feel a bit gurgly but more because I have been cleaned out pretty much.
I don't think the amount of stones I passed were enough to get rid of them all so I will do another cleanse in a few weeks and then perhaps have another ultrasound to see what is left.
Overall, I feel fine and think it was a great success.
Just as a disclaimer, I am not a medical professional and I am not suggesting this is a cure all for anyone. IF you think you have gallstones, get it checked out and decide your next course of action with medical support.