definition of being in remission

[Grahm]

Exactly what does being in remission mean? Is it when the D stops and you feel you are healing or is it when you can eat most things without reacting (except for your trigger foods)?

My stools are usually small, not always, but I have no D. I'm not on any medication except for a histamine once a day or maybe twice if needed. Just wondering.....

Thanks,
Connie

[coryhub]

Hi Connie,

For me remission means I've been going along two months or more enjoying a good quality of life by sticking steadfast to my 'safe foods' list. What usually ends my good streak is lack of planning around meals. I work a lot and participate in after work activities so sometimes I find myself in a spot where I make stoopid food choices. Today I left home forgetting my lunch so I am eating a taco without the flour tortilla (they had no corn tortillas). I am taking a chance because it was a non-gluten free food cart. I've tried to remedy my lapses by placing a bookshelf in my walk-in closet. I hung a sign "Cory's Gluten-Free Pantry". I'm trying to keep it stocked so I don't get caught out anymore. Problem is my cupboard is bare except for a variety of GF flours & pastas :-( nothing is left that does not require cooking. I need to restock.
Keep in mind there is no known cure for microscopic colitis but we can try and stay in recovery by being most kind to our guts.
Planning, Preparing and Patience are key words!

Best,
Cory

[Gabes-Apg]

connie
this question gets asked alot, and the discussion is always interesting.

We are all so different, and our MC journeys quite different, what med works for one can be a nightmare for another.
some get big reduction in symptoms just from removing gluten, other have to remove 80% of foods before there is improvement.

IMO,
Remission is not black and white, it is not definable persay.
rather than remission, i think a good descriptor is acceptance and management for each invididual

when you have the management plan that works, that suits you, that is sustainable long term (financially, socially, mentally sustainable)
when you are in unconditional okness - acceptance of 'what is' and 'what isnt' - when you can be ok with the variables that occur in a life with MC. majority of your days are good, minimal symptoms.

for me, i think there is a bit too much hype/expectation about achieving perfect poop every day. For most by the time MC is diagnosed there has been a fair amount of damage from the inflammation, for those with multiple conditions/chronic issues wellness is a delicate flower, the petals can fall away with a mild bump.
to say that remission is only when you are med free is unrealistic, for some, stability will involve some form of medication long term.
it comes back to that unconditional okness - and each individual defining what is their okness point.



[/i]

[Grahm]

Shucks, I thought I might be there:)

Thanks to you both, love this family!

Connie

[Sheila]

For me, remission is feeling "almost normal". I have Normans or nearly so, almost every day. I stopped Entocort and after a few so-so weeks, felt almost normal. I tried adding back chicken and had WD the next day. I decided to stick with a modified paleo diet forever, if necessary.

I think I'll be in remission as long as I stick to my diet and avoid stress. I think MC is a life long condition and will return if I fall off the GF/SF/DF/EF diet.

Sheila W

[Gabes-Apg]