Hi, I'm not Chrisb obviously, but maybe I can help a little until he can he respond.

Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your son, I hope he's doing ok now.

Next, congratulations on having completed what sounds like a successful fast of 28 days! I hope it has done good for you.

It sounds like you've done a good job so far in. I'd continue juicing for a few more days after such a long fast if it's still going well for you, continuing to drink in larger amounts. 1/2 cup at a time, then 3/4 the next day or the like. Well you've already done that part.

It looks like you've got a pretty good plan for reintroducing foods. You'll just have 'feel' your way through it. When ever you add a newer more complex food, give eat it in very small amounts and wait to see how you feel. You may want to try to take a piece of fruit and just eat a slice of it after a couple more days of juicing (or tomorrow if you feel) and eat it with a small glass of juice. If you have an apple just cut off a slice and leave the rest. Then in a little bit of time you will better know if it was too much or not. If you were not ready to handle the food yet you should know, and can lay off for a while longer.

You say your stomach started "growling, gnawing, funny sounds" You mean you were having hunger pangs? I would take this as a good sign that your digestion is getting going.

Anyway, maybe I helped a little. Just take it slow and give each new food item a couple of days before introducing the next. Remember this and that it may take a long while before you're completely through with the refeeding. For a 28 day fast it's likely that it could take 28 days or more for your digestive system to be back to full force. Personally, I'd continue juicing til' 7 days have passed. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Best Wishes.

Hello #144637,
firstly and as Edberg has said, congratulations on your 28 day fast: that is quite an accomplishment.

The single most important thing during and after breaking a fast of this length (apart from breaking it properly) is avoiding stress and anxiety: both of which have a powerful and adverse effect on the digestive process.
If we couple this with the non return of hunger after a fast of this length, when your digestion is in a weakened state, then it is hardly surprising your stomach will be complaining and uncomfortable.

What you need to do is to fast for a few more days until the anxiety/stress of your son has subsided when you can relax emotionally and mentally, and then break your fast again. There really is no need to water-down any juices as long as you sip and chew them as you would solid food.
Continue for a couple of days on fresh juices (carrot juice is good for digestion and the Liver in particular) and then have juicy fruits in limited quantities therafter for a couple of days (ripe melons are good here) followed by light small salads on day five making sure to omit any concentrated foods at this time such as cheese and meats.

The single most important thing is that you avoid stress and anxiety and hpefully receive some support at home. Edberg is also spot on with his comment that it takes time for digestion to reaquire its normal full function and where this could be (up to) another 3 to 4 weeks.
Nature takes its time and we have to be patient and succumb to its infinite wisdom.
You will feel and be all the better for it.

Chrisb1