Is there any possibility...
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draperygoddess
- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:49 am
- Location: Tennessee
Is there any possibility...
...that I'm mistaken about what is causing my symptoms? I feel like I'm doing everything I know to do, and I just stay sick. Everything I try works for a little while, then I'm back where I started. When my colonoscopy was done a little over a year ago, I was not officially diagnosed with anything (except IBS, of course). The pathologist noted inflammation and edema in the lamnia propria, but there was no "official" count of cells in the report, and my questions were met with resistance. I went GF, DF, and SF at that point, and stopped taking Zoloft a couple of months later. I thought I had found my "smoking gun" since I did seem to get better. However, in the months that followed I continued to have symptoms periodically, so I kept a food diary and gradually eliminated every food that seemed to be tied to an adverse reaction. Every time I cut something out, I would feel better for a time, and then after several weeks the symptoms would return. I decided that perhaps I also had a histamine problem, so I started taking Zyrtec. Again, this seemed to work for a time, but eventually the D came back. In addition, I have developed new symptoms beyond the D that was my original cause for concern: acid reflux, blisters on my fingers, abdominal pain and bloating (when I don't have D), a feeling of being too full and swollen from my esophagus down. The current flare has been going on for two weeks now, and each bout takes longer to get under control. So I'm wondering, is it possible that there's something other than MC causing this? Have I been barking up the wrong tree all this time?
Cynthia
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
Hi, I noticed that you worked with textiles used for drapes. Unfortunately, many countries that manufacture the textiles have no standard set about the amount of formaldehyde and other chemicals used. I have experienced that with plywood used for furniture making. When you cut a piece of foriegn plywood you can smell the formaldehyde. Domestic plywood has a limit set by the goverment on the amount used, the plywoods from the east have no limits. So now, I only use domestic plywood. Have you ever noticed any improvement of your symptoms when you are on vacation? Are the textiles you work with made in the U.S.? Jon
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draperygoddess
- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:49 am
- Location: Tennessee
Hi Jon,
Unfortunately, my symptoms follow me everywhere I go. I will not dispute that the chemicals in some of the fabrics I work with have some fumes, but while that may cause the occasional headache or runny nose, I don't think it explains everything else. I was on vacation for most of last week and felt awful the whole time.
Unfortunately, my symptoms follow me everywhere I go. I will not dispute that the chemicals in some of the fabrics I work with have some fumes, but while that may cause the occasional headache or runny nose, I don't think it explains everything else. I was on vacation for most of last week and felt awful the whole time.
Cynthia
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
Have you had an endoscopy done of your esophagus and stomach? I have heartburn (acid reflux) and was having the pain too. Doctor told me I had a hiatal hernia and stomach polyps (benign) and told me to do a low-acid diet. So not only do I have the MC diet to think about but a low-acid diet as well.
I also went initially to my Gyn. as I was having symptoms of bloating and pressure, worried that it was an Ovarian cyst or something like that, but it turned out I had Vaginosis (bacterial infection).
I would talk to both your GYN and your GI about your symptoms. I've noticed that if food doesn't go in right, it won't come out right. Every time I get the heartburn or reflux, it usually ends up in D later on. Of course, I don't have that now since being on Pepto.
Good luck and I hope you get over this flare soon.
Terri
I also went initially to my Gyn. as I was having symptoms of bloating and pressure, worried that it was an Ovarian cyst or something like that, but it turned out I had Vaginosis (bacterial infection).
I would talk to both your GYN and your GI about your symptoms. I've noticed that if food doesn't go in right, it won't come out right. Every time I get the heartburn or reflux, it usually ends up in D later on. Of course, I don't have that now since being on Pepto.
Good luck and I hope you get over this flare soon.
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Acid reflux and that feeling of fullness could be caused by gastroparesis, slow stomach emptying. Have you had a barium swallow study to visualize your digestive transit time? This was one of the first tests my GI ordered after the colonoscopy. Luckliy I was normal, but I don't suffer from upper GI problems.
What do the blisters on your fingers look like? Are they on the knuckles exclusively? Are they red? Do them come and go or are they there all the time? Do they itch? Did you ever get confirmation they are dyshydrotic eczema?
I too often feel better after eliminating a problem food, only for other intolerances to appear or develop, based on my staple foods at the time. I tested moderately reactive to 20+ foods on MRT testing, which I think simply demonstrates how severe my intestinal permeability is. The more I eat something, the more I am likely to develop a reaction to it. My integrative medicine doc was able to order an "Intestinal Permeability Screen" for me, which confirmed these suspiscions. Of course the only solution is to try and heal the intestinal inflammation to tighten the junctions. Easier said than done!
What do the blisters on your fingers look like? Are they on the knuckles exclusively? Are they red? Do them come and go or are they there all the time? Do they itch? Did you ever get confirmation they are dyshydrotic eczema?
I too often feel better after eliminating a problem food, only for other intolerances to appear or develop, based on my staple foods at the time. I tested moderately reactive to 20+ foods on MRT testing, which I think simply demonstrates how severe my intestinal permeability is. The more I eat something, the more I am likely to develop a reaction to it. My integrative medicine doc was able to order an "Intestinal Permeability Screen" for me, which confirmed these suspiscions. Of course the only solution is to try and heal the intestinal inflammation to tighten the junctions. Easier said than done!
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draperygoddess
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:49 am
- Location: Tennessee
Suze--it had crossed my mind that some of the symptoms sounded like possible GYN issues, though it doesn't happen every time I eat. I'm due for a checkup, anyway. Hoping to put it off for a few weeks till we find out what's going on with our jobs (if one of us gets a job with benefits, I don't want a preexisting condition on my insurance).
Terri--my GI never did anything after the colonoscopy other than blood tests to rule out anemia, celiac, and thyroid issues. Of course, I wasn't having all these symptoms a year ago. I doubt I could get him to do an endoscopy. I do find your comment about food "not going in right" and not coming out right to be true! If something doesn't agree with me, eventually it will cause D, though sometimes days later.
Zizzle--no swallow test. After my GI did the colonoscopy, he told me I had IBS and I should avoid artificial sweeteners and dairy and take Immodium. But in all fairness, I wasn't having acid reflux or this "overly full" feeling last August. I came to him complaining of abdominal pain and D. I have not seen a doctor about the blisters (they really are just an annoyance). They are tiny, flesh-colored bumps, usually on the tops and sides of my fingers, although occasionally I have gotten them on my palms or the side of my hand. They are sometimes mildly itchy, but not terribly so. After a few days they peel. A few of my fingers have rough patches of skin where repeated layers of blisters have been. They don't seem to be related to anything I touch, so I'm guessing it's something from the inside out.
Wow, what a puzzle! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions!
Terri--my GI never did anything after the colonoscopy other than blood tests to rule out anemia, celiac, and thyroid issues. Of course, I wasn't having all these symptoms a year ago. I doubt I could get him to do an endoscopy. I do find your comment about food "not going in right" and not coming out right to be true! If something doesn't agree with me, eventually it will cause D, though sometimes days later.
Zizzle--no swallow test. After my GI did the colonoscopy, he told me I had IBS and I should avoid artificial sweeteners and dairy and take Immodium. But in all fairness, I wasn't having acid reflux or this "overly full" feeling last August. I came to him complaining of abdominal pain and D. I have not seen a doctor about the blisters (they really are just an annoyance). They are tiny, flesh-colored bumps, usually on the tops and sides of my fingers, although occasionally I have gotten them on my palms or the side of my hand. They are sometimes mildly itchy, but not terribly so. After a few days they peel. A few of my fingers have rough patches of skin where repeated layers of blisters have been. They don't seem to be related to anything I touch, so I'm guessing it's something from the inside out.
Wow, what a puzzle! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions!
Cynthia
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Cynthia
i have been getting those bumps on my hands and wrists my whole life. mostly when i was having digestion issues.
Since MC diagnosis and elminiting major triggers from my environment, they happen very rarely. the only time they seem to come back is when I do things like clean the shower and not wear gloves, or another time when i used cream that had high levels of soy.
basically.... it is a reaction, inflammation to 'something' you are having contact with.
re the other stuff. I had quite a lot of digestion issues, when i was having gyny issues.
Further when i was a teenager, I was admitted to hosptial twice with suspected appendix that they then called 'growing pains' as they only ever checked the gyny side and could never find anything wrong. now i know i was having bowel contusions. I would recommend doing the gyny checks to make sure you can elminate that as a possible reason.
i have been getting those bumps on my hands and wrists my whole life. mostly when i was having digestion issues.
Since MC diagnosis and elminiting major triggers from my environment, they happen very rarely. the only time they seem to come back is when I do things like clean the shower and not wear gloves, or another time when i used cream that had high levels of soy.
basically.... it is a reaction, inflammation to 'something' you are having contact with.
re the other stuff. I had quite a lot of digestion issues, when i was having gyny issues.
Further when i was a teenager, I was admitted to hosptial twice with suspected appendix that they then called 'growing pains' as they only ever checked the gyny side and could never find anything wrong. now i know i was having bowel contusions. I would recommend doing the gyny checks to make sure you can elminate that as a possible reason.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Cynthia, I'm sorry you aren't getting the answers you need about what's going on with you. I've had the skin issues too, they just mysteriously went away at some point. I think it's possible that it is a reaction to chemicals on the fabric. Mine seemed to be stress related. I hope one of you gets a job w/benefits, completely understand the fear of having a pre-existing condition on your record.
Connie
Connie
Resolved MC symptoms successfully w/L-Glutamine, Probiotics and Vitamins, GF since 8/'09. DX w/MC 10/'09.
Hi Cynthia,
I'm sorry to hear things have not smoothed out in spite of your good efforts. I don't have any insight to add, I just wanted to wish you well. I hope something becomes apparent soon regarding your health and I hope you get the job position you want.
take care,
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Cynthia,
I'm so sorry that you're having so many issues. I know what you mean about feeling better, then getting worse again. The highs and lows can be very frustrating, and seems to be typical for some of us.
You are having a great deal of stress. Stress has never seemed to bother my digestive system, but it sure affects my skin. I don't have any insight for your conditions, but I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you and hope you can get them resolved soon. You've worked very diligently at managing your MC. You need a break!
Gloria
I'm so sorry that you're having so many issues. I know what you mean about feeling better, then getting worse again. The highs and lows can be very frustrating, and seems to be typical for some of us.
You are having a great deal of stress. Stress has never seemed to bother my digestive system, but it sure affects my skin. I don't have any insight for your conditions, but I wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you and hope you can get them resolved soon. You've worked very diligently at managing your MC. You need a break!
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Cynthia,
Sorry you are having all these issues. I don't have the skin issues, but I certainly have the horrible slimy D all the time. I have a break for a short while, seem to have things under control somewhat, but then it all starts over. I never know what causes it. Sometimes I go back to meat and potatoes and it helps, but the next time it doesn't. I have no idea what to cut out anymore.
I wish it was easier to get a handle on it.
Sorry you are having all these issues. I don't have the skin issues, but I certainly have the horrible slimy D all the time. I have a break for a short while, seem to have things under control somewhat, but then it all starts over. I never know what causes it. Sometimes I go back to meat and potatoes and it helps, but the next time it doesn't. I have no idea what to cut out anymore.
I wish it was easier to get a handle on it.
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draperygoddess
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:49 am
- Location: Tennessee
With that good news, hopefully this is the beginning of the end of your current stress trial, and that will bring an end to your symptoms.
Tex
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.