This is a question that has bothered me for a really long time. My drive is non-existent, I never feel good. I will have a day here and there where I feel fantastic and my drive is back. I usually am wired and able to do everything I need to. But the next day...after loving my husband...I am having the explosive D and incredible abdominal pain. There are also days when I feel that way, but don't love my husband...and I still end up sick, but it does not seem as severe. I have always noticed that my energy level goes up and I begin "nesting" right before symptoms flare up. So, my question for you ladies is this...Can intercourse make a flare of MC worse? or can it bring it on?
A little back ground on me: My name is Linda and I quit drinking alcohol in 2001. Since then I have been riddled with all over body pain and abdominal pain and diarreah. I have had a low thyroid since I was a teen. I was dx'd in 2006 with D pred. IBS and Fibromyalgia. I have always said that something more was going on. That it was not IBS and that the Fibro was MS. I changed doctors about 6 months ago and she has dx'd the MC. We have not done the colonoscopy and biopsies, but I had that done in 2005. Only a couple of biopsies were done at the time and everything was normal. I have run the gamut of specialists and test after test to no avail. Essentially she believes that what I am experiencing fits with the MC and not the IBS. I agree completely with her and hope that I can now get some relief. It has been years and years. I am currently on Cipro 500 mg two times a day. I appreciate the time you take from your day to help answer questions.
Thanks Linda
Ladies, can intercourse increase a flare?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Ladies, can intercourse increase a flare?
dx'd with IBS and Fibro 2006, MC 2 days ago. prob have combo mostly MC and slight IBS. I knew it was not IBS. Linda Peterson
Hi Linda and 
I see no one has yet responded to your post. I believe this is the first time I have seen this question raised, and it is a good one. I have never personally noticed a relationship between intercourse and a flare, but I have never looked for it specifically. It makes sense to me that intercourse could be irritating to an already-inflamed and bloated colon. Now that you have brought it up I will keep it in mind. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has noticed an association.
One thing I do know, however, is that before I went gluten-free, my libido (sex drive) was nil, nada. Once I eliminated gluten, it returned.
Thank you for sharing your story. Many here were misdiagnosed as IBS before the MC diagnosis was made. Has Entocort been prescribed? And why are you taking Cipro? Cipro is one of the few antibiotics often tolerated by those with MC, but I'm not aware that it is an actual treatment for MC.
Looking forward to future chats.
Hugs,
Polly
I see no one has yet responded to your post. I believe this is the first time I have seen this question raised, and it is a good one. I have never personally noticed a relationship between intercourse and a flare, but I have never looked for it specifically. It makes sense to me that intercourse could be irritating to an already-inflamed and bloated colon. Now that you have brought it up I will keep it in mind. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has noticed an association.
One thing I do know, however, is that before I went gluten-free, my libido (sex drive) was nil, nada. Once I eliminated gluten, it returned.
Thank you for sharing your story. Many here were misdiagnosed as IBS before the MC diagnosis was made. Has Entocort been prescribed? And why are you taking Cipro? Cipro is one of the few antibiotics often tolerated by those with MC, but I'm not aware that it is an actual treatment for MC.
Looking forward to future chats.
Hugs,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
My doc has me on the antibiotic because I am running a slight fever. I am also on vicodin for chronic pain and wellbutrin and neurontin. I am not really sure why she hasnt added anything else (maybey a med interaction), but if I am not feeling better by Monday I will be calling her. I did call her earlier today because the pain this time is so bad that I asked for Levsin- which she did prescribe. She just made the connection yesterday and I am just happy to have her find something. I was squeezed into the schedule yesterday and I really was more concerned about my 12 yr old who might have an ulcer. I will be talking to my doc again about this whole thing and how best to deal with it. I remember her saying something about antibiotics helping during a flare, but I was/am in so much discomfort that I really dont remember what she said.
I have been tested for celiac and am negative. I only have a slight sensitivity to tomatoes. There are times when I can eat whatever I want, but then it will suddenly hit me and I cant eat anything. But then after symptoms are gone I can eat again. Although I must say, I dont eat much. Fear of pain keeps me from eating alot of things. I never know when symptoms will show up or if any food might be causing it (although I have tried to find a correlation between food and symptoms). I have hurt for so long and so intensely that I had to quit work and file for disability.
With this diagnosis I hope to allieviate this fear and be able to eat again.
I think that I get feeling well enough to have relations, then it irritates my gut. So it flares.
Linda
I have been tested for celiac and am negative. I only have a slight sensitivity to tomatoes. There are times when I can eat whatever I want, but then it will suddenly hit me and I cant eat anything. But then after symptoms are gone I can eat again. Although I must say, I dont eat much. Fear of pain keeps me from eating alot of things. I never know when symptoms will show up or if any food might be causing it (although I have tried to find a correlation between food and symptoms). I have hurt for so long and so intensely that I had to quit work and file for disability.
With this diagnosis I hope to allieviate this fear and be able to eat again.
I think that I get feeling well enough to have relations, then it irritates my gut. So it flares.
Linda
dx'd with IBS and Fibro 2006, MC 2 days ago. prob have combo mostly MC and slight IBS. I knew it was not IBS. Linda Peterson
Has your doc ruled out Lupus, RA and other autoimmune diseases that could cause a slight ongoing fever? Crohn's? Fibromyalgia and gut issues are strongly tied to gluten intolerance. I suspect you would get some relief on all fronts with a GF diet (not to mention vitamin D supplementation).
I agree with Polly about the total lack of libido before the GF diet. I thought it was related to past long-term birth control pill use, having young kids, stress, etc. Studies show the pill could be to blame, in part. I just read and shared an article about low sex steroid production (DHEA) in women with celiac and other autoimmune diseases. It seems we may have a bad ratio of estrogen (too much) to testosterone (not enough). Environmental toxins like BPA and many others mimic estrogen and could also affect this balance. I'm not sure what the solution is, but your doc could order blood tests to check your hormone balance.
I agree with Polly about the total lack of libido before the GF diet. I thought it was related to past long-term birth control pill use, having young kids, stress, etc. Studies show the pill could be to blame, in part. I just read and shared an article about low sex steroid production (DHEA) in women with celiac and other autoimmune diseases. It seems we may have a bad ratio of estrogen (too much) to testosterone (not enough). Environmental toxins like BPA and many others mimic estrogen and could also affect this balance. I'm not sure what the solution is, but your doc could order blood tests to check your hormone balance.
Hi again Linda,
Zizzzle is correct about low grade fever and autoimmune diseases. It is also possible to run a low grade fever with MC alone. I did!
Most of us with MC have been tested for celiac and are negative, like you were. Despite this, the great majority of us are sensitive to gluten (and often dairy and soy). Our type of sensitivity just doesn't show up on the classic celiac tests, and most docs don't understand this. That said, I think you would be wise to go gluten-free (as Zizzle has already suggested). I know it's hard to believe, but eliminating certain foods might clear up all of your symptoms. It does take time for the gut to heal, so patience helps, too. I have treated my MC with diet alone for 10 years now, but it took me almost 9 mo. initially to see a formed BM. Our guts have been inflamed for years sometimes before we are diagnosed, so they don't just recover overnight.
Z. - I saw your interesting article on low DHEA in women with AI diseases. I'll bet we had low testosterone before treatment. Isn't the treatment for low libido testosterone? I'm glad I didn't have to take it - those side effects (deepening voice, beard growth, etc.) wouldn't be much fun. LOL! It makes going GF look easy by comparison.
Polly
Zizzzle is correct about low grade fever and autoimmune diseases. It is also possible to run a low grade fever with MC alone. I did!
Most of us with MC have been tested for celiac and are negative, like you were. Despite this, the great majority of us are sensitive to gluten (and often dairy and soy). Our type of sensitivity just doesn't show up on the classic celiac tests, and most docs don't understand this. That said, I think you would be wise to go gluten-free (as Zizzle has already suggested). I know it's hard to believe, but eliminating certain foods might clear up all of your symptoms. It does take time for the gut to heal, so patience helps, too. I have treated my MC with diet alone for 10 years now, but it took me almost 9 mo. initially to see a formed BM. Our guts have been inflamed for years sometimes before we are diagnosed, so they don't just recover overnight.
Z. - I saw your interesting article on low DHEA in women with AI diseases. I'll bet we had low testosterone before treatment. Isn't the treatment for low libido testosterone? I'm glad I didn't have to take it - those side effects (deepening voice, beard growth, etc.) wouldn't be much fun. LOL! It makes going GF look easy by comparison.
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
I saw a rheumatologist for 2 years. He tested for everything. Saw an Allergist and was tested by him for everything also. My gastroenterologist tested for celiac and took samples when he did both the colonoscopy and the scope of my stomach and upper intestine. I have worked with a endocrinologist, I have low thyroid, and always seem to be low in Vit D. So I am on Neurontin, Wellbutrin, Propanolol, Levoxyl, Vicodin, Vit B complex, Vit D3, Fish Oil, Magnesium, Estroven, Probiotics, Antacids as needed, Ibuprofen and Tylenol as needed. I have been through the gamut of every single test possible including Gall bladder scans, multiple abdominal endocsopies, Tons of blood tests and urine and poo tests. I had a blood test done by a dermatologist to test my hormones before suggesting a testosterone blocker to stop hair growth on my face. That came back as testosterone too low to determine. But I have been told by many docs that the test result is basically nothing to worry about because testosterone fluctuates and since I don't have a period anymore (hysterectomy, with ovaries left behind) we don't know when my period should be happening. I have said for years that my hormones are "off", but nobody can really determine that. Since I smoke...I cant use birth control pills to see if it helps or not.
Every time they do a test it comes back normal...except for a couple of things that are 1 or 2 points above or below normal. My vit D and Thyroid are the ones that if I don't take the med or supplement come back low every time. I am not gluten sensitive as I have tried cutting it out with no improvements. Most of the time I don't have a fever and when I do it is not high...just 99 or 100 and doesn't last long. But I am on the Vicodin regularly and it has tylenol in it. I think that may have something to do with the lack of fever.
As for this flare, I am feeling better. Although even with the pill that kills yeast I am still having minor yeast infection symptoms. I am still experiencing tons of gurgling, but the Levsin .125mg tablet (not sublingual) is helping alot. Even with the Loperamide and Levsin I am not constipated.
I am at a loss at to how to handle this. I do not want to go on these antibiotics (cipro 500mg) everytime I have a flare. There has to be something better. I think my doc was just making sure that I don't have an infection that is causing the problem. I need to schedule with her when I am done with them. I am positive that my symptoms with this flare will not resolve. They have improved, but are not looking like they will be completely better. My doc did say that there is not really a protocol for this condition.
I have tons of other issues that are similar to Fibromyalgia, but also fall into the area of MS. I have three family members that have MS. They are second cousins on my fathers side, and I have been tested for it with MRI and blood tests, but have not had the lumbar puncture yet. I need to ask my doc to do it. But I have been very preoccupied with the MC. It is so nice to put a real name to it...not just IBS.
Anyhow, my hands are tired, arthritis symptoms are acting up. I wish the weather would stabilize again. So I am going to check back with you all later. Thanks so much for listening. And if anyone has any links to articles that I could give to my doc about treatments I would greatly appreciate them. And if something works for you please let me know what it is and how well it works on what symptom. I am pretty much desperate to be able to eat again. With this flare I have already lost about 8 pounds in 2 weeks.
Again thank you for your time!
Linda Peterson
Every time they do a test it comes back normal...except for a couple of things that are 1 or 2 points above or below normal. My vit D and Thyroid are the ones that if I don't take the med or supplement come back low every time. I am not gluten sensitive as I have tried cutting it out with no improvements. Most of the time I don't have a fever and when I do it is not high...just 99 or 100 and doesn't last long. But I am on the Vicodin regularly and it has tylenol in it. I think that may have something to do with the lack of fever.
As for this flare, I am feeling better. Although even with the pill that kills yeast I am still having minor yeast infection symptoms. I am still experiencing tons of gurgling, but the Levsin .125mg tablet (not sublingual) is helping alot. Even with the Loperamide and Levsin I am not constipated.
I am at a loss at to how to handle this. I do not want to go on these antibiotics (cipro 500mg) everytime I have a flare. There has to be something better. I think my doc was just making sure that I don't have an infection that is causing the problem. I need to schedule with her when I am done with them. I am positive that my symptoms with this flare will not resolve. They have improved, but are not looking like they will be completely better. My doc did say that there is not really a protocol for this condition.
I have tons of other issues that are similar to Fibromyalgia, but also fall into the area of MS. I have three family members that have MS. They are second cousins on my fathers side, and I have been tested for it with MRI and blood tests, but have not had the lumbar puncture yet. I need to ask my doc to do it. But I have been very preoccupied with the MC. It is so nice to put a real name to it...not just IBS.
Anyhow, my hands are tired, arthritis symptoms are acting up. I wish the weather would stabilize again. So I am going to check back with you all later. Thanks so much for listening. And if anyone has any links to articles that I could give to my doc about treatments I would greatly appreciate them. And if something works for you please let me know what it is and how well it works on what symptom. I am pretty much desperate to be able to eat again. With this flare I have already lost about 8 pounds in 2 weeks.
Again thank you for your time!
Linda Peterson
dx'd with IBS and Fibro 2006, MC 2 days ago. prob have combo mostly MC and slight IBS. I knew it was not IBS. Linda Peterson
Here's more info about hormone imbalance. It seems most of us are estrogen dominant, perhaps even in menopause. Looking at this list, it makes Estrogen seem like the cause of all our woes! This article is an endoresement for natural progesterone from wild yams, which apparently can help you create testosterone if you need it.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... _SNL_Art_1
Yikes! I don't want to be a woman anymore!!Estrogen Dominance
Many if not most women in our culture are estrogen dominant, so using the progesterone goes a long way towards balancing hormones which usually:
•Decreases a woman's risk for breast cancer,
•Improves her PMS and breast tenderness and
The table below lists the properties of estrogen relative to progesterone. Some of the reasons that estrogen is frequently in excess in many women are:
•Overproduction of estrogen. Ovarian cysts or tumors can lead to excess estrogen production. Stress also increases production, but probably the most common cause is obesity. All body fat has an enzyme which converts adrenal steroids to estrogen, so the more fat you have, the more estrogen is present.
•Inability to breakdown estrogen. Excess estrogen is generally removed by the liver. Diseases of the liver like cirrhosis or decreased enzyme activity can lead to increased estrogen levels. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are necessary for the liver to neutralize estrogen. Increased sugar intake will also excrete magnesium and interfere with its ability to breakdown estrogen.
•Exposure to pesticides in foods. Most of us eat foods that have pesticides on them. These and many other unnatural chemicals share a common structure with estrogen and serve as "false" estrogens which further stimulates the body's estrogen receptors.
•Estrogen supplementation. Clearly any additional estrogen given by prescription will increase the level unless it is properly balanced with natural progesterone.
•Decreased production of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to counterbalance estrogen. If women do not ovulate during their cycle they will not produce any progesterone that cycle. This happens commonly and worsens the already disturbed progesterone/estrogen balance. Decreased progesterone levels are one of the most common reasons for miscarriages.
To minimize your risk of cancer it is very important to understand that you should never take any supplemental estrogen without taking natural progesterone. Note that I use the term "natural' progesterone, or the real hormone. Taking synthetic versions like Provera will actually increase your risk of cancers and heart disease.
Estrogen Effects Progesterone Effects
Stimulates breasts cysts Protects against breast cysts
Increases body fat storage Helps use fat for energy and keep it off hips
Salt and fluid retention Natural diuretic (water pill)
Depression and headaches Natural anti-depressant
Interferes with thyroid hormone Facilitates thyroid hormone action
Increases blood clotting and risk of stroke Normalizes blood clotting
Decreases libido (sex drive) Increases libido
Impairs blood sugar control Normalizes blood sugar levels
Loss of zinc and retention of copper Normalizes zinc and copper levels
Reduced oxygen level in all cells Restores proper cell oxygen levels
Increased risk of endometrial cancer Helps prevent endometrial cancer
Increased risk of breast cancer Helps prevent breast cancer
Helps decrease bone loss slightly Increases bone building
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... _SNL_Art_1