Hello everyone, Well, I have been gluten and dairy free for almost a week now and not much change. I'm still going several times a day, watery with undigested food, however, I think my cramping has cut down somewhat. I'm not sure if it is working or not. Maybe I expected more. I'm hoping that if my distention has gone down and my "sour stomach" feeling isn't as bad that I am healing. Any advice? I read on another post that someone has trouble with peanut butter. I eat a lot of that. This is rediculous though if I have to start cutting all of the foods out. I thought gluten was the biggest culprit. Again, maybe just after a week I'm expecting too much.
Great news for those of you that haven't heard. Biscuick makes a Gluten free baking mix now. I found it at Wal-Mart and made my first batch last night. I substituted the milk with vanilla silk almond milk and the shortening with vegetable oil. It's just the mix, silk, vegatable oil and egg. They were pretty good. HURRAY, we can eat bread again. I saw on the box that it's made with rice flour.
Anyway, if anyone has more advice I would sure appreciate it. I'm trying so hard to get this under control. I may start high dose pepto to see if I can kick myself into remission with not eating Gluten. I had my upper endoscopy on Monday and I will find out the results at my next appointment on Feb. 9th. I'm still not sure what they were looking for, I should have asked. Does anyone know?
I hope everyone is having a good year so far :)
Still in a flare up
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Rhyes,
A week is nothing. And eggs might be another culprit. My D didn't stop till I cut out everything except meat and potatoes. Even then it might not because the potatoes could sink you.
I reduced my intake to 2 foods. Meat and potatoes (because the enterolab results said I am sensitive to chicken and rice), and then added foods, testing my reaction. I have C dominated MC, and am constantly fighting C.
I am not OK, but I don't have fire hose D. I know I am absorbing more food because I have put on weight, and because I don't see undigested food in my stool when I DO manage a BM.
If you want to heal you have to really test what's causing it. It took me a while to accept this, but it did help.
Lesley
A week is nothing. And eggs might be another culprit. My D didn't stop till I cut out everything except meat and potatoes. Even then it might not because the potatoes could sink you.
I reduced my intake to 2 foods. Meat and potatoes (because the enterolab results said I am sensitive to chicken and rice), and then added foods, testing my reaction. I have C dominated MC, and am constantly fighting C.
I am not OK, but I don't have fire hose D. I know I am absorbing more food because I have put on weight, and because I don't see undigested food in my stool when I DO manage a BM.
If you want to heal you have to really test what's causing it. It took me a while to accept this, but it did help.
Lesley
Dear Rhyes,
Lesley is right; a week isn't long enough to expect any significant healing to have taken place. You are correct in thinking that gluten seems to be the main culprit, but many people have to eliminate all their intolerances at once to get results. Others can take them one at a time to see if they get enough improvement just eliminating gluten, or dairy, etc.
My advice is to stick with the gluten and dairy free diet for a couple of months at least. You should see changes by then.
If you can afford the Enterolab testing, it's really helpful to know what things you react to, so you don't have to figure it out by trial and error. It can be done that way, but takes longer.
MC healing requires patience and commitment. You're not going to get well fast, and you're not going to get well if you cheat on the diet. But with time and persistence, you will get better.
Martha
Lesley is right; a week isn't long enough to expect any significant healing to have taken place. You are correct in thinking that gluten seems to be the main culprit, but many people have to eliminate all their intolerances at once to get results. Others can take them one at a time to see if they get enough improvement just eliminating gluten, or dairy, etc.
My advice is to stick with the gluten and dairy free diet for a couple of months at least. You should see changes by then.
If you can afford the Enterolab testing, it's really helpful to know what things you react to, so you don't have to figure it out by trial and error. It can be done that way, but takes longer.
MC healing requires patience and commitment. You're not going to get well fast, and you're not going to get well if you cheat on the diet. But with time and persistence, you will get better.
Martha
Martha
Regarding peanut butter. It is usually easier to digest/tolerate than the peanuts themselves, and that goes for the other nut butters, as well.
The quantity of many foods matters. Even to this day, I can easily tolerate small to moderate amounts of peanut butter, but if I try to overdo it, it causes digestive system problems - it's pretty rich stuff.
If you can already detect a slight amount of improvement, then you are on the right track - just stick with it, and let your body be your guide.
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.
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draperygoddess
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:49 am
- Location: Tennessee
FWIW, I have to be careful about peanut butter. A little is okay, but if I get carried away and eat, say, 3 peanut butter cookies (I have a great GF recipe), I will pay for it. And you're early in the process, so it will be difficult for you to tell what you're reacting to. It's frustrating, but it just takes time to figure it all out, and it's an ongoing process for most of us.
Cynthia
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
Thanks again everyone, I thought I was probably expecting too much too soon. I'm just at my wits end with this. I haven't posted this, but I was laid off from my job of several years. I have some savings and I'm on unemployment, so I can survive for a while, but I am so worried about having to find a job with this condition, explain it to a new employer and hope that they will bare with me when I have to spend so much time in the restroom. I am honestly scared to death about this! Not only do I have horrible D, but I feel so weak, lethargic and exhausted all of the time. I'm not digesting anything. I can't even hold a train of thought, let alone have to go on interviews. Oh well, I'm just whining. I guess there is nothing I can do about it but accept this and deal the best I can.
Thank you all again. Everyone has helped me so much since I joined this forum.
Thank you all again. Everyone has helped me so much since I joined this forum.
Hopefully, diet changes will eventually bring remission for you, and you'll be able to get your life back. However, if for some reason you are not able to control your symptoms, in the long term, be aware that microscopic colitis qualifies as a disability under the amended version of the Americans With Disabilities act. That means that with a diagnosis, you qualify for SS disability pay, if you choose to pursue it. You might have to hire an attorney who specializes in that field, in order to win an approval for your application, but SS disability is certainly an option.
Also, once you have a job, the ADA requires employers to accommodate the needs of anyone who qualifies under the act. For example, employers are required to allow expedited accessibility to restroom facilities for any employee who has an IBD, (and MC is a qualifying IBD).
Good luck with fine-tuning your diet.
Tex
Also, once you have a job, the ADA requires employers to accommodate the needs of anyone who qualifies under the act. For example, employers are required to allow expedited accessibility to restroom facilities for any employee who has an IBD, (and MC is a qualifying IBD).
Good luck with fine-tuning your diet.
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.
Thanks Tex. I'll get this under control though, with percerverance! After this short time, I'm already going nuts not working, sitting around! If I'd be even more bored if I weren't running to the bathroom every hour or so. (Boy did I react to something about an hour ago, I went to the bathroom three times consecutively with horrible, watery D) That happens every couple of days. It's one right after the other. Then, after three to five times, it will stop for a while.
Lesley, I'm thinking of doing what you said this week, just meet and potatoes. What kind of meet do you eat? You had mentioned poutry sensitivity. Right now I'm eating chicken breasts every other night and alternating with Talapia and salmon fillets, and canned tuna and salmon. I eat it with either sweet potatoe, rice, cauliflower or brussel sprouts. For lunch I have a handful of dry GF Chex, Lactose free yogurt and a banana. For breakfast I have a rice cake with PB and Nutella and a banana. In the morning I also take my 2 Lialda, a multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, Vit. B-50 and B-12, and half of a Sam-e.
Lesley, I'm thinking of doing what you said this week, just meet and potatoes. What kind of meet do you eat? You had mentioned poutry sensitivity. Right now I'm eating chicken breasts every other night and alternating with Talapia and salmon fillets, and canned tuna and salmon. I eat it with either sweet potatoe, rice, cauliflower or brussel sprouts. For lunch I have a handful of dry GF Chex, Lactose free yogurt and a banana. For breakfast I have a rice cake with PB and Nutella and a banana. In the morning I also take my 2 Lialda, a multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, Vit. B-50 and B-12, and half of a Sam-e.
FWIW, I recovered by doing what you are considering - I lived on mostly pork, (with occasional chicken or fish), potatoes, occasional rice, and sometimes a little broccoli or green beans, eggs, bacon and unsweetened tea. That was my diet for almost 2 years.
Broccoli and brussel sprouts tend to cause a lot of gas, but otherwise, they don't ordinarily cause a reaction. We're not just sensitive to lactose - most of us are also sensitive to casein, and yogurt is loaded with it, (all dairy products are). That may be why you are having so many explosive bowel movements some days. Casein can cause what many of us refer to as "battery acid" D.
Tex
Broccoli and brussel sprouts tend to cause a lot of gas, but otherwise, they don't ordinarily cause a reaction. We're not just sensitive to lactose - most of us are also sensitive to casein, and yogurt is loaded with it, (all dairy products are). That may be why you are having so many explosive bowel movements some days. Casein can cause what many of us refer to as "battery acid" D.
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.
And I can't tolerate pork or rice. I certainly can't do yogurt because it has casein in it. I can't eat poultry, so I eat mainly beef and lamb. And fish. But tuna is out. Tilapia, fresh salmon, other white fish, shrimp, trout, all Ok.
So far I haven't been able to do sweet potato, but I want to try to reintroduce it again at some point.
If you are eating chicken and tuna I would suggest you cut it out and try without it. Eat something else. Beef, lamb, white fish, salmon, and if you have been doing rice, change to potatoes. Then see what happens.
That means no chex or rice cakes. Yes, it's tough, but you might be able to figure out what is bothering you and make it permanent. Then move forward and try some other food.
Get disability for the time you are ill and look for a job when you feel better. Try to relax and not stress while you are doing this and let the food work
Take it easy. I know it's hard. It's hell suffering like this, but it will improve.
So far I haven't been able to do sweet potato, but I want to try to reintroduce it again at some point.
If you are eating chicken and tuna I would suggest you cut it out and try without it. Eat something else. Beef, lamb, white fish, salmon, and if you have been doing rice, change to potatoes. Then see what happens.
That means no chex or rice cakes. Yes, it's tough, but you might be able to figure out what is bothering you and make it permanent. Then move forward and try some other food.
Get disability for the time you are ill and look for a job when you feel better. Try to relax and not stress while you are doing this and let the food work
Take it easy. I know it's hard. It's hell suffering like this, but it will improve.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Rhyes
i dont think i have formally welcomed you, so G'day from Australia
the first important step is to take lots of deep breaths, slow down/elminate the D reactions, figure out your safe staples (mine is gooey rice and chicken)
as you figure out what foods work and what dont, figure out the eating plan that works for you, listen to your body and know its messages and reactions, as the symptoms reduce, you will get your confidence.
it will take time, patience, tenancity but well worth every ounce of effort.
(and there is a bunch of great people here that will help you)
if you have found ingredients that dont cause issues, stick with them and give your body time to heal, even if you eat them 3 times a day for a few weeks.
I remember a major milestone for me about 6 months post Dx, was feeling confident enough to wear a white skirt to work!
once you have your Mc Management plan figured out and routine sorted, it gets heap easier, and doesnt seem so overwhelming.
you know and understand the symptoms and messages you body sends you and you can work calmly without having to be sitting right near the ladies loo's
I was Dx'd just over 2 years ago. 6 months post diagnosis i braved a 3 week trip to France for work, it involved a 36hour transit each way.
12 months ago I moved towns, and changed jobs to lesson stress and optimise my lifestyle to live with MC with minimal stress.
During the interviews I was open about my condition, as it was one of the main reasons i was moving and seeking the new job. One of those reasons was to have a job where i didnt have to travel, my current employer knows that i need 48 hours notice if i need to do any overnight travel (and so far i have not had to do any) My employer is very supportive, i have the option of working from home if I need to.
I live alone, with no family nearby so i have to work to support myself, being well enough to work is the main goal of every week.
I hope this helps, there is a rainbow - if you read the success stories area it will inspire you to give 110% to figuring out your MC management plan
take care
i dont think i have formally welcomed you, so G'day from Australia
the first important step is to take lots of deep breaths, slow down/elminate the D reactions, figure out your safe staples (mine is gooey rice and chicken)
as you figure out what foods work and what dont, figure out the eating plan that works for you, listen to your body and know its messages and reactions, as the symptoms reduce, you will get your confidence.
it will take time, patience, tenancity but well worth every ounce of effort.
(and there is a bunch of great people here that will help you)
if you have found ingredients that dont cause issues, stick with them and give your body time to heal, even if you eat them 3 times a day for a few weeks.
I remember a major milestone for me about 6 months post Dx, was feeling confident enough to wear a white skirt to work!
once you have your Mc Management plan figured out and routine sorted, it gets heap easier, and doesnt seem so overwhelming.
you know and understand the symptoms and messages you body sends you and you can work calmly without having to be sitting right near the ladies loo's
I was Dx'd just over 2 years ago. 6 months post diagnosis i braved a 3 week trip to France for work, it involved a 36hour transit each way.
12 months ago I moved towns, and changed jobs to lesson stress and optimise my lifestyle to live with MC with minimal stress.
During the interviews I was open about my condition, as it was one of the main reasons i was moving and seeking the new job. One of those reasons was to have a job where i didnt have to travel, my current employer knows that i need 48 hours notice if i need to do any overnight travel (and so far i have not had to do any) My employer is very supportive, i have the option of working from home if I need to.
I live alone, with no family nearby so i have to work to support myself, being well enough to work is the main goal of every week.
I hope this helps, there is a rainbow - if you read the success stories area it will inspire you to give 110% to figuring out your MC management plan
take care
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Hi Ryes,
My colitis began in 2010 with the stress of layoffs in our office so I totally can relate.
I know you hear a lot about "gluten" on this site, but for me it is two equal parts 1. gluten-free & 2. no roughage
I can not digest roughage, even sesame seeds on Thia rice noodles have thrown me into the pain of a flare up.
When I am in distress I pretty much fast using a liquid/soft diet for 24 hours before I start back with real food. I'll have chicken broth, jello, soft boiled eggs(yes I can digest eggs), applesauce and stuff like that until my stomach feels better then I start back cautiously sticking with my "safe" foods list.
To Everyone,
I read an article that when you have canned salmon you should not pick out the bones but mash these soft bones up as they are full of calcium. I did this recently and they mash up good.
My colitis began in 2010 with the stress of layoffs in our office so I totally can relate.
I know you hear a lot about "gluten" on this site, but for me it is two equal parts 1. gluten-free & 2. no roughage
I can not digest roughage, even sesame seeds on Thia rice noodles have thrown me into the pain of a flare up.
When I am in distress I pretty much fast using a liquid/soft diet for 24 hours before I start back with real food. I'll have chicken broth, jello, soft boiled eggs(yes I can digest eggs), applesauce and stuff like that until my stomach feels better then I start back cautiously sticking with my "safe" foods list.
To Everyone,
I read an article that when you have canned salmon you should not pick out the bones but mash these soft bones up as they are full of calcium. I did this recently and they mash up good.
CoryGut
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)