Hey, everyone--I don't know what it is about me.  It seems like I am on the
cusp of starting a paleodiet but am held back by my own fear of failing.  I
just bought "Neanderthin" and read it cover to cover.  The more I read the
more nervous I became.  The problem is that I have interstitial cystitis,
which is bladder irritation of unknown cause.  It seems to be associated
with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Allergies,
and Asthma.  I have learned that I have to eat a diet that is low tyramine,
low acid, and bland.  That means I can't eat:

tomatoes
citrus fruits (except *small* amounts of lemon juice for seasoning)
most other fruits (except in *small* amounts a few times a week)
some kinds of nuts (except almonds, macadamias, and maybe seeds--not sure yet)
avacado
spices (especially cumin and chili powder, I seem to tolerate herbs)
almost any kind of tea (I have steeped fennel--seems okay)

What does that leave that I can eat?  How can natural, unprocessed paleo
foods make me hurt.  I am supposed to be made to eat these foods?!  I would
like to follow Ray's menus, especially in the first few weeks when cravings
are bad.  But I have to replace a lot of things.  I seem to need a lot of
structure and a strong tail wind to start anything new.

When I was first diagnosed, I used to live on fruit.  Probably too much.  I
retreated into a terrible diet of processed foods and dense carbohydrates.
I was terribly depressed, which may have been partly because of the diet I
was following.  I know if I don't change soon, I will acquire more illnesses
to add to my collection.  I need some help and encouragement, I think, to
get started.  I am not stupid!  I know I can figure this out eventually, I hope.

Does anyone else eat a paleodiet successfully with some or all of the same
restrictions I have?

VAL