Hello everyone -

I have decided to create a dysautonomia awareness cookbook as a way to educate people on dys. and raise funds for the cause (I am working with NDRFs support on this project).
The cookbook will have an educational section at the beginning which will include information about the various types of dys. and current research/stats.
The cookbook will have general recipe sections (determined by the number and type of recipes collected) as well as a section dedicated to recipes specifically for orthostatic intolerance and type (ex, low carb, high salt, etc.).
Each section divider tab will have a personal story on it of someone who has/is suffering from dysautonomia (I anticipate using between 7 - 10 personal stories).
I would like for recipes to come from dys. sufferers. Each recipe will include the contributor's name and an inspirational quote that encourages them (for example, the quotes we have a the end of our signatures on this site).

So, I need your help!
I need recipes, recipes, recipes!!! I need your favorite recipes, the recipes that are easy for you to make when you are feeling ill, and recipes that you have discovered help keep your symptoms under control. At this point, it doesn't matter what type of recipe it is. I will be categorizing and organizing them later. I also need personal stories (including those of children suffering from this which is a big inspiration for me). By providing me with your story, you are giving me permission to include it in the cookbook (you may need to sign a release form later - not sure how this works yet). In addition, by submitting your recipe, you are also giving me permission to use it in the cookbook (you are given credit for the recipe). If it is a recipe you love but obtained from another source, please include that source to ensure proper credit is given. I will try to include as many stories/recipes as possible but will be limited so submission will not guarantee inclusion.
I was also thinking that if the group can decide on a symbol as we have all been discussing, that could be included on the cover of the cookbook. Any additional ideas are appreciated...
The cookbook will be available for advanced purchase (hopefully in a few months) and would be a great gift for family and friends (great awareness tool). It will also hopefully be available on the NDRF website. All proceeds will go to NDRF.
So, please start sending your recipes!!! I am very excited about this. Although I am doing the administrative work (it will help fill my days!! , this will be a group effort from all of us. Please submit your recipes and/or personal stories to my email address: annettmcd@comcast.net
Please also include a personal quote or encouraging "word of wisdom" that you try to live by. If it is written by you, please indicate that. If it is a quote by someone else, please give that person credit. Lastly, please include your state/country.

Thanks everyone!!! I look forward to hearing from you!!!

I think that the cookbook is a great idea! I will send you some of our tried and true ones we use on a regular basis around here.

I can't wait for it to be done. I am trying to raise awareness in our area and this would be a great idea to take to the middle school and my church.

Please post your progress and updates!

Judi

Thanks Judi - hopefully, we'll get a good response. I think it will be a great educational and awareness tool for friends/family.....taking it to your church and school is a great idea too....like I said, all proceeds will go to NDRF so I'm hoping it will be successful....
I'm looking forward to trying your recipes!

We survive eating off the George Foreman grill around here...LOL...It's so easy to cook of, and easy to clean up afterwards!! And it takes away most of the grease from hamburgers and such!

I also like to make Shepard's Pie! I grew up in Wales, and it's one of those recipes that is so easy, it sticks with ya! A layer of cooked hamburger meat, a layer of mashed potateoes....and lots of cheese. So easy the kids can now make it! And everyone loves eating it.

I think a cookbook is great! You should, if you could, include a chapter for people with IC...Home cooked foods that do not have a lot of citric acid!

What a great idea!!!

drakonlfy,

Can you send me your "authentic" shephards pie recipe for the cookbook? It sounds really great!

I really haven't gotten much of a response so far so I'm not sure how this will all work out. The idea was to have people who actually have dysautonomia be the contributors to the book but I'm hoping after more time, I'll get more responses. I could come up with recipes on my own (I am a huge cook - especially now that I'm at home all the time) but I was hoping it would be a group effort. We'll see.......
Linda Smith seemed excited about the idea and I would love to be able to raise money for NDRF.

Yes, I will email you! And I think with a little time, you will get more responses! People are probally rummaging through their recipies right now for something perfect!

And I have my personaly story already on a site....but it's only up till 2 years ago.....I'll have to go back and add 'the rest of the story'! Feel free to read it....http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/dysautonomia-katrina.html

OK, now I'm on my way to email you!

Hi,
I've just registered but I've been diagnosed with dysautonomia for around 5 years (just found this forum ). Since I was diagnosed I've only had bad days once per month or so, so quite a mild "version".
I think your cooking book it's a great idea. I'm quite a poor cook, so not much of use for you. Tough, I'll just like to say that when I've some nausea the only things I can try to eat (not always manage anyways) are omelettes with only egg, yogurths and white bread. I guess they are soft things.
Good luck with the project!

Hi purple,

Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry you've gotten this lousy diagnosis but you'll find much support here.
Actually, omelettes are a great idea for the cookbook because many people struggle with nausea and eggs are a good source of protein. I'm sure others may have variations. Any takers?