sj, hope you finally got some sleep. I'm so sorry about your stomach aches, I get those every once in a while and they SUCK SUCK SUCK. Like you, I used to get them mor frequently and I was convinced it was some sort of food allergy. It wasn't though. I don't know what it is.

I am feeling a little bit better today. I slept a few minutes here and there. Mine used to be mostly because of my lactose intolerance, but since I have been using lactaid, I don't get them as often. The rest of my problem is IBS and the Spina Bifida. Bad stomachs run in the family.

sj, I've found that sometimes one lactaid doesn't completely do the trick. As soon as my tummy starts feeling the bloat-ick, I chew on another one. It can help after the fact, too.

To bookend Michael Palin, when I saw Eric Idle I was so overcome with fangirlishness that I had to leave the scene before I asked him to father my children. Usually I'm levelheaded around celebrities--I either ignore them or talk to them like, you know, people.

Not Eric Idle. Monty Python is a whole different level.

sj, I've found that sometimes one lactaid doesn't completely do the trick. As soon as my tummy starts feeling the bloat-ick, I chew on another one. It can help after the fact, too.

Do you use Ultra? That's what I use and I almost never have a problem. I don't think last night was lactose related. I have reasons for thinking this, but I would rather not gross out the entire board.

I like peppermint and/or ginger for irritated GI problems. Ginger ale, or ginger tea/peppermint tea, sometimes even peppermint candies can help.

I was having issues myself last night, and chose TJ Good Earth tea. Nicely spicy, with ginger and peppermint!

I have lactose intolerance and general tummy-sensitiveness, too, and there's a yoga pose I find helpful sometimes. It's also good for cramps. I can't find any pictures online, but my teacher calls it supported butterfly.

Lay a longish (torso length) pillow on the floor with a little pillow at the top for your head if you like. Put a couple of throw pillows on either side of you.

Sit at one end of the long pillow with the soles of your feet touching. Pile the throw pillows under each of your knees so that your legs are relaxed and supported.

Now lie back on the long pillow, tucking your tailbone a bit. Let your arms fall to either side. If it isn't relaxing, try adjusting the pillows. If that doesn't work, than the pose might not suit you (or I did a crappy job describing it).

I hope the pain goes away soon.

I found out tonight that at nearly twenty-nine years old, when I feel that sick, I still want my mother to come take care of me.

Doesn't end. When I had my children at 38 and 40 my mother had to come and stay with me after for a week or so. Only Mom would do.

I've had quite a number of celeb sightings. Much like LA we get lots of celebs making movies, sporting events, on vacation. Usually I don't recognise them until someone says something. If it is a chance encounter I tend to be smiley and chatty as I am with any stranger.

The only time I was unexpectedly speachless was with Paul Newman. He was tiny which I did expect, but his eyes were stop you dead in your tracks piercing. I have never up close and personal seen such a memorable face. He really had no choice but to be a star. He had IT in big doses.

Oh, I think I know the pose you are speaking of in crunches Ouise. Let me google a moment.....

Like this [link] except with relaxing, not crunching. Also, nice abs.

Good to read you are feeling better sj. May it be a restful recovery day.

I have lactose intolerance and general tummy-sensitiveness, too, and there's a yoga pose I find helpful sometimes. It's also good for cramps. I can't find any pictures online, but my teacher calls it supported butterfly.

Thanks. That position might be difficult for me, but I'll have to look into it.

I like peppermint and/or ginger for irritated GI problems. Ginger ale, or ginger tea/peppermint tea, sometimes even peppermint candies can help.

I just had Courtship tea which has crystalized ginger in it.

I think I use the Ultra, sj. I don't know for sure. I go through phases where sometimes any dairy sets me off and then months where I can eat anything I want without difficulty. Still, I keep lactaid milk on hand just to minimize problems and always have the chewables in a drawer or in my purse for if it feels like dairy is planning a sneak attack.

Ginger teas are wonderful for settling tummies. My mom always had some on hand. That, and just chewing on a piece of crystallized ginger can help.

Okay, gotta get showered and packed. Teh daughter will be here in half an hour raring to go. Laters!