Progress Update!

fatbuster205 · Post by **fatbuster205** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 12:08 pm

Hi everyone! I just thought I would pop in and give you an update on how I am doing! Except for the occasional day I am essentially symptom free still. I find if I have too much yeast it upsets my system but I can tolerate small amounts. For me being GF and DF seems to have resolved things really well! Unfortunately I am on my third chest infection and third lot of antibiotics since Christmas and my asthma is not good so I have been referred to the Thoracic Medicine Clinic! You win one battle if not a war but then another front opens up! But aside from having no voice since last Thursday I am doing pretty well and certainly my MC seems well controlled. As I said at the top I do still have a few days a month when things are dodgy but I generally find I can identify the causes - or I have simply not stuck to my diet! Anyway, I just wanted to share the fact that diet really works - after over a year on Entocort I take nothing for my MC and just use diet to control my symptoms! For those of you in the UK, I had a York Test done and for me it really helped to identify my intolerances. As Tex will probably agree, given that the York Test is a blood test looking specifically for Igg antibodies, it won't be as sensitive as the Enterolab stool tests but so far it has proven worth the money and has saved a lot of grief in trying to determine the problem through an elimination diet. So especially to those new to here or those still struggling, take heart! It is possible to at least get to a tolerable state if not a totally symptom free state!
Anne

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:13 pm

Great news Anne! Sorry about the chest infections. Have you ever been tested for IgA deficiency? The only reason I am asking is because many people who have this get Chronic Chest infections. Just a thought. Hope it all gets straightened out for you :)

Leah

Post by **tex** » Sun Mar 02, 2014 4:39 pm

Anne,

Thanks for the update. I hope your doctors will soon be able to vanquish the recurring problem you're having with respiratory infections. That's no fun at all.

And yes, I agree that while the York test may not be as sensitive as the EnteroLab stool tests, it should definitely be better than some of the common blood tests that look for IgE antibodies, instead.

Leah has a point about the potential for selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD), or even common variable immunodeficiency, (CVID). There is even an association of these issues with asthma. Check the abstract from a recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, at the link below:

CONCLUSION: Asthmatic patients are more likely to have a diagnosis of sIgAD/CVID than nonasthmatic individuals. This association may potentially account for the increased risks of bacterial infections in some individuals with asthma.

Asthma and risk of selective IgA deficiency or common variable immunodeficiency: a population-based case-control study.

If I were in your situation, I would ask my doctors to rule out both sIgAD and CVID, because if you have either of those conditions, it would surely make a difference in how your doctors handle your treatment.

Tex

coryhub · Post by **coryhub** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 5:09 pm

Hi Anne,
I'm glad your MC has gotten more controlled and tolerable and that diet is working out for you. I can relate to what you said about win one battle and another front opens up. At times it is frustrating and that is the nature of the beast. We really must enjoy the little conquests and victories as they come. I do hope your chest congestion clears up soon.
Best,
Cory

fatbuster205 · Post by **fatbuster205** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:39 am

I had a very interesting appointment yesterday with the GP. She was a locum and I was telling her about my diet changes. She told me her sister, who is a dietition had told her that so many people with bowel problems are intolerant to both gluten and dairy and that it is essential that both are eliminated from their diet because gluten and dairy put water into the gut hence the diarrhea!! I tell you, Northern Ireland is clearly the place to find enlightened doctors when it comes to MC!!
Just thought I would share that!
On the chest front they are leaving it to the consultant to investigate!
Anne

tlras · Post by **tlras** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:17 am

That is great news!! And you are off Entocort...awesome! Praying those antibiotics don't get to ya but know you really need them right now. Sorry you have to deal with these infections. But I know what it feels like to nip one thing in the bud then have do deal with something else. Hope you feel better soon!

Terri

Post by **tex** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:46 am

Anne,

You may be right — Northern Ireland seems to be cornering the market on doctors who keep an open mind and listen to what others are saying.

Thanks for sharing.

Tex

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:09 pm

Happy to hear it Anne! We need more Irish here - especially open minded doctors!

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:03 pm

Congratulations!!!!

Your patience and diligence to tame the MC monkey has worked!!!
And even better, that doctors are starting to admit that gluten and dairy is not the best for people with IBD's, woo hoo,

All the best for your ongoing wellness.
Xo