Hi! Rebecca here. 44yo from Boulder, CO. Came across this forum after a sudden onset of D 16December. I thought it was because i indulged a bit too much at a Christmas party the night before (slice of baquette and some creme brulee after being almost 100% Paleo for months) unfortunately NO.
Dx with collagenous colitis today after a myriad of tests ruling out everything else. (brother with celiac, mother with fibromylagia,father died of lupus) Gastritis present but the chest pain is the pits (not palpable like descibed with costrochondritis)..already had EKG/CTScan and further blood testing that came back inconclusive ("perhaps" percarditis" said ER doc but scans don't show major inflammation).
I suspect i am in full inflammation right now...and in my gut feel the chest/heart is connected.
I got "manageable" with D only upon wake up and bedtime with eliminating eggs and sticking 100% with my Paleo...but this is a huge distress to me.
I am a professional chef and it changes the food landscape for me forever (which is OK..as i was trying to market Paleo anyways)...but moreso...I am an active athlete (3X Ironman finisher, last year concentrated on 10K open water swims) and concentrating on Crossfit and training for NPC bikini this year. Out of the blue..i can barely make it through a workout..without my heart racing/ chest pain when i bend over and everything is going to sh**s. I feel like my body is failing me and that i'll never recover.
I searched and searched for chest pain issues with MC. Are there other athletes here that have tackled this effectively? (remember..they've tested me for everything and there's no damage to my heart) Is this a common side effect when in "flare"? I'm concentraing on low impact/hot yoga/modifying workouts..and launching into a concentrated effort on Non-Inflammatory diet tomorrow with Pepto-Bismol to try to get out of flare and into remission. D..I can almost deal with..the gastritis and chest..nto so much.
Dr prescribed me a proton-pump inhibitor for the gastritis Protonix to be exact (although i don't feel symptoms of heartburn) ..is that a no-no usually for MC'ers.? I'll be asking her anyhow.
I just want to feel healthy again. :(
New Introduction. New Diagnosis and Question for Athletes
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Rebecca,
Welcome to the board. Chest pains are not particularly associated with MC unless you're referring to the bottom part of the chest, in the area of the diaphragm, gallbladder, etc. Hiatal hernias are a somewhat common problem, as are gallbladder issues associated with MC. Surely your doctors would have detected a hiatal hernia, (unless you did not have an "upper" exam). The chest pain when you bend over sure sounds suspiciously as though it might be associated with that defect, though.
The tachycardia is probably due to the extreme fatigue that MC causes, and you are simply running out of energy. The pattern of inflammation associated with MC causes the body to expend (waste) a huge amount of energy just fighting the inflammation on a continuous basis. Healing requires a lot of protein.
PPIs cause the very problem that they are prescribed to treat, so please do your research before you agree to take a PPI. Not only are PPIs notorious for triggering MC, but virtually every member of this board who has used them in the past, regrets doing so. Not only can they trigger MC, but they interfere with normal digestion (by reducing stomach acidity), and this in turn opens the possibility of an increased risk of infection by C. diff, or some other opportunistic bacteria. In addition, PPIs have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. And to ensure that most people will not be likely to be able to stop using them once they start, they cause a rebound effect when they are discontinued, so that acid reflux becomes a major problem (much worse than it was originally). PPIs also cause cellular dysplasia in the mucosal lining of the stomach, with long-term use, and in some cases these histological changes are not reversible when the drugs are stopped. And there are other documented risks associated with using them, that don't come to mind at the moment. Trust me, PPIs are not your friend, nor are they anyone's friend, except for the manufacturer and distributors who get rich by dispensing them to unsuspecting consumers.
Were you checked for esophagitis? I'm not convinced that a hiatal hernia is the problem, if you don't have heartburn problems.
I'm not aware of any members here who enter the Ironman competition, but we do have several members who run marathons, and as far as I'm aware, they have manged to control their MC symptoms by diet changes, and they are back to happily running marathons.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex (Wayne)
Welcome to the board. Chest pains are not particularly associated with MC unless you're referring to the bottom part of the chest, in the area of the diaphragm, gallbladder, etc. Hiatal hernias are a somewhat common problem, as are gallbladder issues associated with MC. Surely your doctors would have detected a hiatal hernia, (unless you did not have an "upper" exam). The chest pain when you bend over sure sounds suspiciously as though it might be associated with that defect, though.
The tachycardia is probably due to the extreme fatigue that MC causes, and you are simply running out of energy. The pattern of inflammation associated with MC causes the body to expend (waste) a huge amount of energy just fighting the inflammation on a continuous basis. Healing requires a lot of protein.
PPIs cause the very problem that they are prescribed to treat, so please do your research before you agree to take a PPI. Not only are PPIs notorious for triggering MC, but virtually every member of this board who has used them in the past, regrets doing so. Not only can they trigger MC, but they interfere with normal digestion (by reducing stomach acidity), and this in turn opens the possibility of an increased risk of infection by C. diff, or some other opportunistic bacteria. In addition, PPIs have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. And to ensure that most people will not be likely to be able to stop using them once they start, they cause a rebound effect when they are discontinued, so that acid reflux becomes a major problem (much worse than it was originally). PPIs also cause cellular dysplasia in the mucosal lining of the stomach, with long-term use, and in some cases these histological changes are not reversible when the drugs are stopped. And there are other documented risks associated with using them, that don't come to mind at the moment. Trust me, PPIs are not your friend, nor are they anyone's friend, except for the manufacturer and distributors who get rich by dispensing them to unsuspecting consumers.
Were you checked for esophagitis? I'm not convinced that a hiatal hernia is the problem, if you don't have heartburn problems.
I'm not aware of any members here who enter the Ironman competition, but we do have several members who run marathons, and as far as I'm aware, they have manged to control their MC symptoms by diet changes, and they are back to happily running marathons.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex (Wayne)
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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Sheila
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1150
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 5:10 am
- Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
After taking Celebrex for years I developed gastritis and had to stop taking it. The "gastritis" is felt as extreme pain in mid-chest. Feels like a heart attack or gallbladder attack. I've had my gallbladder removed, my heart is fine and the pain is relieved by Tums. I always thought Tums were for a tummy ache, not severe pain. During the second attack I chewed a couple of Tums in desperation and the pain subsided within a few minutes. The attacks occur in bed at night, usually when I roll onto my left side. I described this pain to my GI doc and he's the one who told me it was gastritis or ulcer.
I was shocked that my "gastritis" feels so much like a gallbladder attack or what I think a heart attack would feel like. Hurts like Hell.
Sheila W
I was shocked that my "gastritis" feels so much like a gallbladder attack or what I think a heart attack would feel like. Hurts like Hell.
Sheila W
To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.
A person who never made a mistake never tried something new. Einstein
A person who never made a mistake never tried something new. Einstein
Welcome Rebecca. Wow, I'm impressed with your athletics! I am a personal trainer and I know what you mean about the energy not being there. I had to force myself to go in to work, but my own workouts were very much reduced and done in small increments.
Because I felt that I couldn't make a living going on as I was, I quickly asked my GI for a prescription for Entocort ( Budesonide) and changed my diet drastically. The drug helped right away. I went from 5-6 times a day of D to one. The diet slowly worked while I weaned off the drug. I got my energy back as soon as I stopped going so much and put back on a few pounds.
Have you taken soy out of your diet? I found that one out about 3-4 months into healing.
I was also a chef for many years. I went to the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. I ended up being a pastry chef in high end restaurants until I decided to get out of the business. It's a great idea to have a Paleo line of food... or restaurant! Maybe one day :)
Hope you get to the bottom of your pain and feel better soon.
Leah
Because I felt that I couldn't make a living going on as I was, I quickly asked my GI for a prescription for Entocort ( Budesonide) and changed my diet drastically. The drug helped right away. I went from 5-6 times a day of D to one. The diet slowly worked while I weaned off the drug. I got my energy back as soon as I stopped going so much and put back on a few pounds.
Have you taken soy out of your diet? I found that one out about 3-4 months into healing.
I was also a chef for many years. I went to the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. I ended up being a pastry chef in high end restaurants until I decided to get out of the business. It's a great idea to have a Paleo line of food... or restaurant! Maybe one day :)
Hope you get to the bottom of your pain and feel better soon.
Leah
Re: New Introduction. New Diagnosis and Question for Athlete
Welcome Becca-I am a 45 year old avid bodybuilder diagnosed with LC and UC in 2012. I have never experienced any chest pain. I have though felt the extreme fatigue and the feeling like my body was failing me and need to tell you that it can and does get better!! I went from having to race to the bathroom every day during my workouts (4-10 times) to now having almost normal BM's on a daily basis! My strength has increased and I can now do my HIIT workouts and strength train normally. I have I would echo what Leah has suggested about the Entocort. It helped me get my life back.Becca wrote:Hi! Rebecca here. 44yo from Boulder, CO. Came across this forum after a sudden onset of D 16December. I thought it was because i indulged a bit too much at a Christmas party the night before (slice of baquette and some creme brulee after being almost 100% Paleo for months) unfortunately NO.
Dx with collagenous colitis today after a myriad of tests ruling out everything else. (brother with celiac, mother with fibromylagia,father died of lupus) Gastritis present but the chest pain is the pits (not palpable like descibed with costrochondritis)..already had EKG/CTScan and further blood testing that came back inconclusive ("perhaps" percarditis" said ER doc but scans don't show major inflammation).
I suspect i am in full inflammation right now...and in my gut feel the chest/heart is connected.
I got "manageable" with D only upon wake up and bedtime with eliminating eggs and sticking 100% with my Paleo...but this is a huge distress to me.
I am a professional chef and it changes the food landscape for me forever (which is OK..as i was trying to market Paleo anyways)...but moreso...I am an active athlete (3X Ironman finisher, last year concentrated on 10K open water swims) and concentrating on Crossfit and training for NPC bikini this year. Out of the blue..i can barely make it through a workout..without my heart racing/ chest pain when i bend over and everything is going to sh**s. I feel like my body is failing me and that i'll never recover.
I searched and searched for chest pain issues with MC. Are there other athletes here that have tackled this effectively? (remember..they've tested me for everything and there's no damage to my heart) Is this a common side effect when in "flare"? I'm concentraing on low impact/hot yoga/modifying workouts..and launching into a concentrated effort on Non-Inflammatory diet tomorrow with Pepto-Bismol to try to get out of flare and into remission. D..I can almost deal with..the gastritis and chest..nto so much.
Dr prescribed me a proton-pump inhibitor for the gastritis Protonix to be exact (although i don't feel symptoms of heartburn) ..is that a no-no usually for MC'ers.? I'll be asking her anyhow.
I just want to feel healthy again. :(
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ladyathome
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:08 am
Becca, I'm new here, and really new to figuring all this out, but I also have pains around my heart. It has (in the past) even kept me awake at night. I have a huge gut/chest connection with my collagenous colitis. I belch and burn in my chest, but I don't really have acid reflux. Sometimes belching helps, sometimes it doesn't. I have no idea, but it feels like my heart is literally burning with stabbing type pains. It's my biggest complaint. It seems to be especially bad if I have been glutened. I've had an ECO and my heart is fine. I also think I have esophageal spasms...which I used to think were heart palpitations. They aren't painful, but I have no idea what makes them happen or when they will occur.
I know I have been no help to you, except to say that I also have similar symptoms.
Exercise helps some, and sometimes ACV helps a bit too.
I know I have been no help to you, except to say that I also have similar symptoms.
Exercise helps some, and sometimes ACV helps a bit too.
I cannot agree with Tex more about PPIs. The worst mistake I ever made was listening to my former (emphasis on former) gastroenterologist and starting on Prilosec. I have been s-l-o-w-l-y weaning off of it since last summer and am taking it every other day now. It has been ridiculously slow to get off of, but I am not suffering much this way. If I had it to do over, I would have figured out a different solution and never would have touched a PPIs
Jane
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis 12/19/12
"When it gets dark enough,you can see the stars."
Charles A. Beard
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis 12/19/12
"When it gets dark enough,you can see the stars."
Charles A. Beard
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Becca
welcome - sorry you had to find us, albeit to get your physical fitness back this is the place!!
the pains/symptoms etc that you are having are quite common across the 'MC'ers'
Good doses of Vit D can help with most if not all of them.
Another aspect that you may want to read about when you have a clear head, Histamine /Mast Cell issues are very common across the group and your symptoms are very closely aligned with that.
(this link has a good summary of articles etc http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... mast+cells)
the fantastic news - it is all fixable, and it all can be done via diet management /lifestyle management, as you have a focussed structured type thinking plan to do the ironman comps, you can apply the same thought process to your MC management plan.
this is a great group of wonderfully intelligent and caring people. with the right information you will get your energy, focus, fitness back
take care
welcome - sorry you had to find us, albeit to get your physical fitness back this is the place!!
the pains/symptoms etc that you are having are quite common across the 'MC'ers'
Good doses of Vit D can help with most if not all of them.
Another aspect that you may want to read about when you have a clear head, Histamine /Mast Cell issues are very common across the group and your symptoms are very closely aligned with that.
(this link has a good summary of articles etc http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... mast+cells)
the fantastic news - it is all fixable, and it all can be done via diet management /lifestyle management, as you have a focussed structured type thinking plan to do the ironman comps, you can apply the same thought process to your MC management plan.
this is a great group of wonderfully intelligent and caring people. with the right information you will get your energy, focus, fitness back
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 Becca,
Welcome! I find your story very interesting and can relate in many ways. For the last 4 years I have been manipulating my diet and got my GI issues under good control. I recently went full paleo and had a return of symptoms, which boggles my mind.
As for chest pain, that was my very first symptom I experienced in the downward spiral of my health. I had the usual cardiac workup and it came back inconclusive so I was put on a PPI. And after that things went downhill. Along with the chest pain I also developed tachycardia. These symptoms terrified me and I ended up in the ER a few times. It took me a very long time to figure out that my cardiac symptoms were related to histamine and mast cells, which if you search this forum you will find that some of us are afflicted with that as well. Following low histamine diet guidelines and antihistamines help. Just curious, are you light-headed or dizzy at all? You mention more trouble bending over and I experienced that as well - it was related to POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), which can be related to mast cells as well. Even if you don't have mast cell issues, looking into POTS is probably a good idea because it is associated with female <50.
You have come to the right place for answers. We have members with just about any symptom you can imagine, and they have done tons of research seeking answers.
Mary Beth
Welcome! I find your story very interesting and can relate in many ways. For the last 4 years I have been manipulating my diet and got my GI issues under good control. I recently went full paleo and had a return of symptoms, which boggles my mind.
As for chest pain, that was my very first symptom I experienced in the downward spiral of my health. I had the usual cardiac workup and it came back inconclusive so I was put on a PPI. And after that things went downhill. Along with the chest pain I also developed tachycardia. These symptoms terrified me and I ended up in the ER a few times. It took me a very long time to figure out that my cardiac symptoms were related to histamine and mast cells, which if you search this forum you will find that some of us are afflicted with that as well. Following low histamine diet guidelines and antihistamines help. Just curious, are you light-headed or dizzy at all? You mention more trouble bending over and I experienced that as well - it was related to POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), which can be related to mast cells as well. Even if you don't have mast cell issues, looking into POTS is probably a good idea because it is associated with female <50.
You have come to the right place for answers. We have members with just about any symptom you can imagine, and they have done tons of research seeking answers.
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
HI Becca,
I too had the chest pains and tachycardia. Had to stop my workout program and went to the cardio doctor last March. But I've always had Tachycardia so didn't think much of it except that it was getting worse. I had been through a stressful situation so attribute it to that, plus I had upped my cardio big time and my heart wasn't quite ready for that. What was weird with me was when I gave up the gluten and lots of sugar, my Tachycardia went away for awhile but came back during the holidays (again the stress issue or sugar issue). Now it seems to be on and off. Probably because I've increased my sugar but who knows. Back in March the Cardio put me on Dexilant (a PPI) for a week and then a beta blocker at the same time. That's when the D hit me. I used to take Alka Seltzer for heartburn every night and now no longer take it. If I get the occasional heartburn I take Tums. I'm trying to go Paleo but rice seems to be my staple and it's definitely helped bind things up during the healing process and helped me gain some weight back. I also eat corn products but I know these grains are not good for me. I commend you on staying Paleo!
I read somewhere that intensive cardio is not good for those with IBD's. I don't remember the science behind it but I've been told to start doing a little strength training as of now and just do a little cardio.
@Mary Beth....interesting about your connection with Tachycardia and mast cell issues. I still can't wrap my head around mast cells. I eat a lot of high histamine foods so wondering if that could be the issue. Who would have thought?!
Becca, what's tough about this disease is you have to give up the fiber. I've had to do less veggies and more starch and meat protein to get where I'm at now. I'm healing well so considering on lowering those grains and upping the fiber....that means more Veggies...yay! And I seem to be tolerating them well....though a salad is a big no no for most of us at the beginning.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Terri
I too had the chest pains and tachycardia. Had to stop my workout program and went to the cardio doctor last March. But I've always had Tachycardia so didn't think much of it except that it was getting worse. I had been through a stressful situation so attribute it to that, plus I had upped my cardio big time and my heart wasn't quite ready for that. What was weird with me was when I gave up the gluten and lots of sugar, my Tachycardia went away for awhile but came back during the holidays (again the stress issue or sugar issue). Now it seems to be on and off. Probably because I've increased my sugar but who knows. Back in March the Cardio put me on Dexilant (a PPI) for a week and then a beta blocker at the same time. That's when the D hit me. I used to take Alka Seltzer for heartburn every night and now no longer take it. If I get the occasional heartburn I take Tums. I'm trying to go Paleo but rice seems to be my staple and it's definitely helped bind things up during the healing process and helped me gain some weight back. I also eat corn products but I know these grains are not good for me. I commend you on staying Paleo!
I read somewhere that intensive cardio is not good for those with IBD's. I don't remember the science behind it but I've been told to start doing a little strength training as of now and just do a little cardio.
@Mary Beth....interesting about your connection with Tachycardia and mast cell issues. I still can't wrap my head around mast cells. I eat a lot of high histamine foods so wondering if that could be the issue. Who would have thought?!
Becca, what's tough about this disease is you have to give up the fiber. I've had to do less veggies and more starch and meat protein to get where I'm at now. I'm healing well so considering on lowering those grains and upping the fiber....that means more Veggies...yay! And I seem to be tolerating them well....though a salad is a big no no for most of us at the beginning.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Hi Becca,
Sorry you have this condition, but you will get better.
Being already paleo is a big help. Gluten and dairy are two of the most common problems with MC. Soy is the third, and some folk have other food sensitivities (like eggs, as you found).
You want to avoid raw and high fibre foods at this stage. Overcooked vegies are your friend while your gut recovers. Good that you are going for the low allergy foods (avoid nightshades and FODMAPS) to see if that helps. Many members have needed to reduce the variety of vegies right down for a while until things get under control. A bit of white rice now may help you get enough calories in without causing more issues - a lot of the paleo gurus consider it a lesser evil as it is so non inflammatory. Bone broth usually helps (if nothing else it provides electrolytes and feels comforting).
Cross contamination is going to be a big concern for you while you are working as a professional chef. Basically, if a bag of wheat flour gets opened in the kitchen, then tiny tiny particles end up everywhere. It is not destroyed by heat. Going Paleo professionally would work well. Thankfully dairy and soy are usually not in the form of a powder so they are easier to avoid.
If pepto doesn't work the 'big gun' is Entocort - an oral delivery of Budesonide.
I won't be surprised if you end up finding your chest pain is an inflammatory response, as you suspect.
cheers,
Lyn
Sorry you have this condition, but you will get better.
Being already paleo is a big help. Gluten and dairy are two of the most common problems with MC. Soy is the third, and some folk have other food sensitivities (like eggs, as you found).
You want to avoid raw and high fibre foods at this stage. Overcooked vegies are your friend while your gut recovers. Good that you are going for the low allergy foods (avoid nightshades and FODMAPS) to see if that helps. Many members have needed to reduce the variety of vegies right down for a while until things get under control. A bit of white rice now may help you get enough calories in without causing more issues - a lot of the paleo gurus consider it a lesser evil as it is so non inflammatory. Bone broth usually helps (if nothing else it provides electrolytes and feels comforting).
Cross contamination is going to be a big concern for you while you are working as a professional chef. Basically, if a bag of wheat flour gets opened in the kitchen, then tiny tiny particles end up everywhere. It is not destroyed by heat. Going Paleo professionally would work well. Thankfully dairy and soy are usually not in the form of a powder so they are easier to avoid.
If pepto doesn't work the 'big gun' is Entocort - an oral delivery of Budesonide.
I won't be surprised if you end up finding your chest pain is an inflammatory response, as you suspect.
cheers,
Lyn
Re: New Introduction. New Diagnosis and Question for Athlete
Welcome Becca-I am a 45 year old avid bodybuilder diagnosed with LC and UC in 2012. I have never experienced any chest pain. I have though felt the extreme fatigue and the feeling like my body was failing me and need to tell you that it can and does get better!! I went from having to race to the bathroom every day during my workouts (4-10 times) to now having almost normal BM's on a daily basis! My strength has increased and I can now do my HIIT workouts and strength train normally. I have I would echo what Leah has suggested about the Entocort. It helped me get my life back.[/quote]
You or Leah might be the one to ask, for me. I am a powerlifter, what Supps are you able to take? What should I stay away from?
Right now, I am on Whey isolate, L- arginine, Creatine, glutamine, BCAA's. Beta alainine.
You or Leah might be the one to ask, for me. I am a powerlifter, what Supps are you able to take? What should I stay away from?
Right now, I am on Whey isolate, L- arginine, Creatine, glutamine, BCAA's. Beta alainine.
I understand your chest pain!
Rebecca,
It has been a long time since I have been on this site. Last night was having a bad night with d and cramping and decided to look at this site again. When I saw your post I had to respond. I consider myself an athlete, I am a road cyclist and ride 60-80 miles a week weather permitting and try to do a couple of century rides a year. What intrigued me about your post was the chest pain. I was diagnosed with MC Feb 2009. Had my ups and downs but never complete remission. A year ago Nov began to have chest pain and was diagnosed with pericarditis. I know what you mean about pain when bending over!!! It was a long process with recovery which soon became chronic recurrent pericarditis.
It was really a conundrum because the primary treatment for pericarditis is high dose NSAIDs, of course contraindicated with MC. My GI doc told me I had no choice. Long story short I was eventually put on prednisone, Celebrex, and colchicine. Needless to say the Celebrex and colchicine made the d much worse and even though I have been off all meds since Sept. my d has never gotten better and recently much worse.
The whole reason I am responding to you is that all of my docs, cardiologist, GI, rheumatologist and a specialist consult at the Cleveland clinic all believe the MC and pericarditis are related autoimmune disorders. I have also met a woman at Lake Tahoe with the 2 related diagnosis. I had success with Low Dose Naltrexone to reduce pericarditis symptoms but it has not had any effect on the MC.
Hope you are able to overcome your chest pain without having to do NSAIDs as they made my MC condition much worse.
It has been a long time since I have been on this site. Last night was having a bad night with d and cramping and decided to look at this site again. When I saw your post I had to respond. I consider myself an athlete, I am a road cyclist and ride 60-80 miles a week weather permitting and try to do a couple of century rides a year. What intrigued me about your post was the chest pain. I was diagnosed with MC Feb 2009. Had my ups and downs but never complete remission. A year ago Nov began to have chest pain and was diagnosed with pericarditis. I know what you mean about pain when bending over!!! It was a long process with recovery which soon became chronic recurrent pericarditis.
It was really a conundrum because the primary treatment for pericarditis is high dose NSAIDs, of course contraindicated with MC. My GI doc told me I had no choice. Long story short I was eventually put on prednisone, Celebrex, and colchicine. Needless to say the Celebrex and colchicine made the d much worse and even though I have been off all meds since Sept. my d has never gotten better and recently much worse.
The whole reason I am responding to you is that all of my docs, cardiologist, GI, rheumatologist and a specialist consult at the Cleveland clinic all believe the MC and pericarditis are related autoimmune disorders. I have also met a woman at Lake Tahoe with the 2 related diagnosis. I had success with Low Dose Naltrexone to reduce pericarditis symptoms but it has not had any effect on the MC.
Hope you are able to overcome your chest pain without having to do NSAIDs as they made my MC condition much worse.