Just Do It!!!

Updates from members who have been successful in controlling their symptoms.

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blackcatjordie
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MRT test

Post by blackcatjordie »

Hi, I am brand new to this site and have been struggling with collagenous colitis for six months. What is an MRT test? Does any dietician do it?
Kari
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Post by Kari »

Hi Peggy and welcome to this wonderful on-line family of caring and sharing. You have certainly found the right place for dealing with this dreadful disease. The people here know tons more about how to treat MC than most doctors. The forum has been here for more than a decade, and some of the original members are still here, offering advise and expertise to people new to the board.

MRT is a food sensitivity test, which tests for 150 different foods and chemicals. It is a test that's very useful for those (including myself) who have eliminated gluten, dairy, soy, etc., but still do not get relief. Most of the people here (probably all) who have taken the test, have already done Enterolab testing to check for gluten, and the other "main offenders". The Enterolab test is done through stool analysis, and the MRT test is done through blood analysis. You can get more detailed information about the tests through their respective websites at www.enterolab.com and www.nowleap.com.

I read your introductory statement on the Main Message board, and you have already gotten lots of great advise there, so I wish you the best of luck on your road to recovery. With your proactive attitude, there is no doubt that you WILL get your life back!!!

Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
Kari
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Post by Kari »

Since I told you that my sister was having surgery the day I climbed Buffalo Mountain, and part of my motivation for the climb was for her, I thought I'd post an update about her prognosis and progress on this thread.

When they opened her up to do the hip replacement surgery, they found a tennis ball sized tumor that they did not know was there. Needless to say, the surgery was a lot more extensive than they had planned on. They removed the tumor along with replacing her hip, and the pain she experienced afterwards was horrific. My niece (her daughter), who kept me updated about her progress was extremely discouraged. I think the whole family went into mourning, thinking she would not live long.

About two weeks later, she finally received the prognosis of the tumor, and to everyone's surprise, the cancer in the tumor was a mild form of cancer that had not spread, and was completely removed with the surgery. Then came the most incredible news - she had no sign of bone cancer, which she had been diagnosed with for two years. The doctors had simply assumed that she had bone cancer, due to her earlier breast cancer (4 years prior) and had treated her with chemo therapy and radiation therapy incorrectly, as the cancer she did have does not respond to those treatments.

Inasmuchas we were horrified at the wrong diagnosis, we were thrilled to learn that she is now cancer free and can resume her life with that HUGE load off her mind. She is recovering nicely from the surgery, and goes to physical therapy 3 times a week. She is very optimistic and sounds upbeat and cheerful when we talk on the phone. She has already progressed to where she is only using one crutch, and has also started to walk small distances without it. Simply put, she is her old self again :grin: .

Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
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tex
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Post by tex »

Kari,

What an incredible story - from horror and despair to exhilaration and a renewed outlook on life. Amazing things happen sometimes, and I guess that proves once again that we should never simply accept things at face value, and just assume the worst.

Thanks for posting such an uplifting update.

Love,
Tex
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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.
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Lesley
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Post by Lesley »

What a wonderful post Kari! Your victory smile is wonderful. Anyone can see you have conquered a mountain in more ways than one.

I am still waiting for my enterolab results. MRT is not on my agenda right now. Too expensive. Meantime I am trial and error-ing.

When you have time can you tell me what, on your elimination diet was causing you to react? I am now on chicken (soup and solid) potatoes, rice, tea, and bananas. I am reacting to SOMETHING. I have no idea what.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in the Rockies. It looks absolutely gorgeous!
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Lesley
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Post by Lesley »

And for your sister - how awful that she had to go through chemo and radiation if there was no need for it. Maybe, however, they knocked out any metastases that were daring to raise their ugly heads? Hopefully it was useful.
I am so glad to hear she is doing well. Long may that be continue!
Kari
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Post by Kari »

Hi Lesley,

On my elimination diet I was down to pork chops (flavored with garlic salt), avocado, rice, bananas and coffee. Of those items, I discovered that I was very reactive to garlic, bananas and coffee. However, keep in mind that we are all different in our reactions.

I know it is extremely difficult and frustrating when you simply cannot figure out what you're reacting to. I sooo wish there was something I could say or do to help you solve the mystery. At least I can send you a couple of these:

:bigbighug: :bigbighug: :bigbighug:

Love,
Kari

P.S. You are doing everything right, so as the saying goes around here: "you WILL get better".
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
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Martha
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Post by Martha »

Dear Kari,

I'm so happy for the good news about your sister. Sorry that she had to go through unnecessary treatment in the past, though.

I pray that she and her family will really enjoy her new lease on life.

Love,
Martha
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sarkin
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Post by sarkin »

Oh, my goodness, Kari - what stunning and heartening news.

Sending loving thoughts to your family, on all continents and in all generations, to celebrate your sister's ongoing healing and recovery. (We are so often furious when there's a wrong diagnosis... but this time, it is truly a cause for rejoicing.)

Thank you for sharing this news.

Love,
Sara
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Lesley
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Post by Lesley »

Thanks Kari. I am finding out that I am reactive to foods that others have no problem with.

I don't have the ability to add smileys (for some reason my settings won't let me) but many hugs back.
harma
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Post by harma »

congrats on your new high, you are so right for many things, once you feel the time is ready, JUST DO IT!!!

You're another great example here that MC does not have to take over your life, or that there is life after/with MC


:yourock: :yourock: :yourock:
"As the sense of identity shifts from the imaginary person to your real being as presence awareness, the life of suffering dissolves like mist before the rising sun"
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Post by starfire »

Great Post!!
:band:
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
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Post by garina »

Kari,

I'm happy your sister is getting her life back, but how sad she had to go through such horrific treatment unnecessarily.

I hope she has a very healthy future. She certainly deserves that and more.

garina
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Post by Polly »

Oh Kari,

What a wonderful update on your sister! It can't get much better than that!!! I am so happy for her and your family.

I know firsthand how devastating a wrong diagnosis can be. My brother was initially diagnosed with stage 4, inoperable pancreatic cancer. With a second opinion, it turned out to be stage 2B, which is, in fact, operable. As a result of the first diagnosis, he dissolved his apt. and all of its contents and relocated from the west to the east coast to be with family, having been told he would be dead in 3 mos. It is now 5 mo. later, and he has had Whipple surgery and is starting chemo, radiation, and a clinical study. He now has his own apt., a car, and has the same quality of life as before the initial diagnosis. Of course, I am sick about the time that was lost between that first diagnosis and the surgery, especially since only 20% of pancreatic cancers are even operable at the time of diagnosis. He did have some lymph node spread, which may have occurred during that time. Sigh.

Three cheers for you and sis!

Love,

Polly
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Kari
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Post by Kari »

Thank you all for your nice posts - they are much appreciated. I'm so happy to hear your brother is still doing well, Polly, I had been wondering about him. :xfingers: that everything continues to improve for him.

Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
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