Some advice please

[Alison Orchard]

Dear all,

An update:

I went to my GP (those of you who live in the US, that's a local doctor who oversees your general health) and chatted through the possibilities. When I said that Tex had suggested antihistamines might help, especially given my neurological symptoms, she suggested that I try taking an antihistamine for a couple of months before trying budesonide or any kind of steroid, because they were so much more benign and had so many fewer side effects.

So I have now taken a daily dose of antihistamine for 10 days and my symptoms are much relieved, certainly the worst has gone out of them, so, although I still have some D and C, the abdominal pain is bearable and even absent some days, the muscle weakness and numbness is far less and lots less gas... even though it's been Christmas and I have eaten more then usual.

I feel cautious about being too optimistic since most things I have tried to date seem to have only a temporary effect but, hey, I'll take what relief I can!

Is there any problem with taking antihistamines long term? I am taking cetirizine hydrochloride, is there a better one?

Best wishes all, Alison

[tex]

Hi Alison,

You apparently have an open-minded doctor. Good for her. That's so much better than the experiences that so many of us have had with doctors who are quick to tell us that our suggestions won't work because they are not the treatments taught in medical school. Of course we all learn soon enough that medical school does not train doctors how to successfully treat this disease (but our doctors are loathe to admit that).

Thank you for the encouraging update. Many others here should find your experience helpful. And I hope that the treatment continues to be beneficial for you. Hopefully, as the inflammation continues to diminish, your diet restrictions will allow your gut to heal, and your symptoms will continue to fade away.

Tex

[Leah]

Alison, that's great! Give it some time. As Tex said, as the inflammation goes down, your symptoms should continue to improve. I don't know of any research proving that there is any damage done by long term use of antihistamines. I take one Allegra in the morning, and one Benadryl at night. These drugs are much safer than corticosteroids. Hope it works out for you :)
Leah

[DJ]

Thanks for the update, Alison. It sounds like you have a good doctor. Keep pressing forward, it sounds like things are going in a good direction.