tapering off Entocort and there's problems

[suzieq]

Hi all,

I just received my Panel C results. They are:

Expanded Antigenic Food Sensitivity Stool Panel
Mean Value 11 Antigenic Foods 9 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

While all of the foods tested can be immune-stimulating, the hierarchy of reactions detected were as follows:

Food to which there was no significant immunological reactivity:

Corn
Oat
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Almond
White potato

Food to which there was some immunological reactivity (1+):

Tuna
Walnut

Food to which there was moderate immunological reactivity (2+):

None

Food to which there was significant and/or the most immunological reactivity (3+):

Rice
Cashew

Within each class of foods to which you displayed multiple reactions, the hierarchy of those reactions detected were as follows:

Grains:
Grain toward which you displayed the most immunologic reactivity: Rice

Meats:
Meat toward which you displayed the most immunologic reactivity: Tuna

Nuts:
Nut toward which you displayed the most immunologic reactivity: Cashew
Nut toward which you displayed intermediate immunologic reactivity: Walnut


TEST INTERPRETATION(S):

Interpretation of Mean Value 11 Antigenic Foods: With respect to the 11 foods tested, a mean value of 9 Units indicates that overall, there was no significant detectable evidence of immunological reactivity to these antigenic foods in terms of fecal IgA production.

I deleted the rest of the report to save space.

I guess this report means that I should avoid rice and cashews?

Here is my current condition. After being on 9 mg of Entocort (for the 2nd time since May) for 5 weeks, I dropped my dose to 6 mg a day. I just realized that the headaches I was getting everyday was probably from Entocort and I have been experiencing nausea and indigestion and I only just started with constipation again. I still weigh in around 98 lbs. The Dr. wanted to keep me on the 9 mg. for another 4 weeks, I don't think so. I will continue to stay gf, df, sf, ef, avoiding fodmaps as much as possible and I'm also keeping an eye on the histamine list.

I think a bulk of my D problems in August was stress which I don't handle well at all. There was a lot going on at work as well as at home. My DH is burnt out at work and he brings it home, I'm usually stressed out before he gets home anticipating his mood. I told him that I felt he was making me sicker, that his mood was a good part of the problem. He has been somewhat better since I told him that. I know that right now I'm probably "protected" by the Entocort right now. I also take Valium when I get really stressed out. I feel like some piece of work lately.

That's my update.

Thanks,
Susanne

[tex]

I guess this report means that I should avoid rice and cashews?

If I were in your situation I would probably try that, to see if it makes a difference, but realistically, with an overall score of only 9 for the test, none of those foods should be a significant problem for you. Still, avoiding those 2 foods for a short trial is probably worth a try.

I agree with your reasoning for lowering your Entocort dose. When constipation shows up, it's time to lower the dosage. Besides the discomfort and other health issues that C can cause, budesonide slows down the healing process, so reducing the dose should help your intestines to heal sooner.

I also agree with you that stress is probably a major factor (possibly the main factor) that's keeping your MC active.

Do you mind if I add your results to our list?

Tex

[Leah]

Hi Susanne. it looks pretty good for you actually. Since your mean for these foods was a 9, that is within normal range, so I guess you could stay away from rice and cashews for now, but you probably can add them back in down the road.

Yeah, stress is a huge factor and i'm sorry that your life is so stressful. it's hard to get better when life is tough.

As for the Entocort, please listen to your body. If you are getting C ( and headaches), then you probably need to cut your dose again. ....maybe 6 one day, and 3 the next. and so on. there is no "right" dose. Everybody reacts differently and you definitely don't want to be taking more then what you need.

Thanks for updating us. Now, take a deep breath and try to relax :)

Leah