new member sharing experience
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
new member sharing experience
Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis 2 years ago after having the problem my entire life (I am 33). Had exams and tried various medications when I was young and then just basically gave up and dealt with it. I'd get attacks usually once or twice a week, but in recent years it was multiple times every day. My gastroenterologist diagnosed me after some exams and had me try Pepto tablets 4 times a day. It's been a total miracle. I can eat anything and I never have any cramping/burning/diarrhea attacks anymore. I am now down to 3 doses a day. If I stop, the symptoms usually come back within a day. Just thought I'd share my experience. I wish I had tried it about 20 years ago!
Welcome!
Pepto helped me, too - high-dose Pepto works really well for those who can tolerate it. I now only use Pepto when I suspect I've eaten something with hidden gluten or dairy - otherwise, have been managing my recovery primarily with diet.
Unfortunately, Pepto (especially at a high enough dose to be effective) causes side effects for some people that can be problematic. Luckily, there are other medication options, which some here have had success with. For all of us, maintaining stable remission also requires figuring out foods to which we react, or we tend to have symptoms returning despite the help the medication provides.
I felt really lucky to be able to use Pepto when I was first sick. I started with 8/day (2 capsules X 4 times), and tapered down. There are potential risks to long-term Pepto use, unfortunately - because of both the bismuth and the salicylates - but I'm so grateful for the time it bought me while I figured out my MC. It sped up the healing process, for sure (and I never leave home with out it).
If your symptoms come back when you stop the Pepto, then something is causing those symptoms - the most likely culprit is something you're eating, but it could also be another medication.
Again, welcome - it's great that you're getting some relief,
Sara
Pepto helped me, too - high-dose Pepto works really well for those who can tolerate it. I now only use Pepto when I suspect I've eaten something with hidden gluten or dairy - otherwise, have been managing my recovery primarily with diet.
Unfortunately, Pepto (especially at a high enough dose to be effective) causes side effects for some people that can be problematic. Luckily, there are other medication options, which some here have had success with. For all of us, maintaining stable remission also requires figuring out foods to which we react, or we tend to have symptoms returning despite the help the medication provides.
I felt really lucky to be able to use Pepto when I was first sick. I started with 8/day (2 capsules X 4 times), and tapered down. There are potential risks to long-term Pepto use, unfortunately - because of both the bismuth and the salicylates - but I'm so grateful for the time it bought me while I figured out my MC. It sped up the healing process, for sure (and I never leave home with out it).
If your symptoms come back when you stop the Pepto, then something is causing those symptoms - the most likely culprit is something you're eating, but it could also be another medication.
Again, welcome - it's great that you're getting some relief,
Sara
Hi R.D.,
Welcome to the board. Yes, the Pepto-Bismol treatment is usually effective, in fact, Dr. Fine's research, (when he originally developed the treatment for MC), showed that it will bring remission in at least 85% of cases, however, since relapse usually occurs after the treatment is stopped, unless strict diet changes have been made, as part of the treatment, he no longer recommends it as a first line of treatment.
Unfortunately, as Sara pointed out, the treatment is not appropriate for long-term use, due to the risk of a toxic buildup of bismuth in the body, (bismuth is a heavy metal). Dr. Fine, (who has MC himself), now recommends the GF diet as the first line of treatment. As Sara mentioned, quite a few members here, who have tried the Pepto treatment, find that they can't tolerate it.
Good luck with your treatment. Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to the board. Yes, the Pepto-Bismol treatment is usually effective, in fact, Dr. Fine's research, (when he originally developed the treatment for MC), showed that it will bring remission in at least 85% of cases, however, since relapse usually occurs after the treatment is stopped, unless strict diet changes have been made, as part of the treatment, he no longer recommends it as a first line of treatment.
Unfortunately, as Sara pointed out, the treatment is not appropriate for long-term use, due to the risk of a toxic buildup of bismuth in the body, (bismuth is a heavy metal). Dr. Fine, (who has MC himself), now recommends the GF diet as the first line of treatment. As Sara mentioned, quite a few members here, who have tried the Pepto treatment, find that they can't tolerate it.
Good luck with your treatment. Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.