I have a spot on my abdomen that's been there for months....doesn't itch or anything, just looks angry. I had a visit with my internal med doctor last week and asked him to look at the spot....he suggested I see a dermatologist, he even said it might be due to my autoimmune issues.
We have a new dermatologist in town and I decided to give him a try. He looked at the area and immediately mentioned mast cells and histamines. He then took an instrument and scratched an area on my back and said I had a histamine reaction (he said it hived up).
Anyway, long story short, he did a punch biopsy of the inflamed area and said he would let me know the results and options for treating.
I'm going to re-read the info in Tex's book on Mast Cells, but can anyone tell me what protocol they follow to control this issue and will it then help with MC? I just turned to pages 166 & 167 and am looking over the histamine content foods, but what is H1 type antihistamine versus H2 type (I probably just need to keep reading).
Maybe this holds a key as to why I can't seem to resolve my MC. I've started a food diary and am trying to rule out what foods might be causing me to react. Funny, but movie popcorn seems to help my MC...maybe it's the salt. I would love to see Norman, but it's just nice to have the frequency reduced. If all else fails, I will probably try Entocort (but I don't want to).
Thanks for your help,
Terre
PS: I am gluten and dairy sensitive.
Mast Cells / Histamine
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Hi Terre. It's great that you have a doctor who knows anything about mast cells/histamines.
I believe that most of my MC issues also stem from mast cell degranulation ( because I don't produce the antibodies to food that most do). I take an H-1 antihistamine in the morning ( Allegra) and one at night ( Benadryl). Most of the time, that is all I need. BUT if I know I am eating something high in histamine, I will take a Histame (DAO) to help with a possible overload of histamines ( It helps the body rid itself of histamines). ALSO, if I know I will be drinking wine or going to a party where the food might be iffy, I pop an H-2 antihistamine ( these are usually called acid reducers, like Zantac or Pepcid.)
These protocols, I believe, have helped me reach remission. Although sometimes, seasonal allergies will put my histamine level too high and my BMs will get a bit soft. I don't worry too much about it anymore since I know what is causing it and frequency doesn't change.
You might want to google "high histamine foods" and try not to eat too many of these. Leftover proteins are very high, so be careful of eating anything left over more then 24 hours.
Good luck.
Leah
I believe that most of my MC issues also stem from mast cell degranulation ( because I don't produce the antibodies to food that most do). I take an H-1 antihistamine in the morning ( Allegra) and one at night ( Benadryl). Most of the time, that is all I need. BUT if I know I am eating something high in histamine, I will take a Histame (DAO) to help with a possible overload of histamines ( It helps the body rid itself of histamines). ALSO, if I know I will be drinking wine or going to a party where the food might be iffy, I pop an H-2 antihistamine ( these are usually called acid reducers, like Zantac or Pepcid.)
These protocols, I believe, have helped me reach remission. Although sometimes, seasonal allergies will put my histamine level too high and my BMs will get a bit soft. I don't worry too much about it anymore since I know what is causing it and frequency doesn't change.
You might want to google "high histamine foods" and try not to eat too many of these. Leftover proteins are very high, so be careful of eating anything left over more then 24 hours.
Good luck.
Leah
Terre,
In addition to what Leah said, here are links to some short articles that explain how mast cells are associated with MC, and additional information on them, including info on the types of antihistamines, how they can be used, etc. These articles should answer most of your questions, and get you started on your way toward understanding more about these issues.
What are mast cells?
How are mast cells associated with microscopic colitis?
How do I know if mast cells are causing problems for me?
How are mast cell issues treated?
Tex
In addition to what Leah said, here are links to some short articles that explain how mast cells are associated with MC, and additional information on them, including info on the types of antihistamines, how they can be used, etc. These articles should answer most of your questions, and get you started on your way toward understanding more about these issues.
What are mast cells?
How are mast cells associated with microscopic colitis?
How do I know if mast cells are causing problems for me?
How are mast cell issues treated?
Tex
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.
Leah:
BMs have been a little soft but no more than 1-2 per day. Have been bothered by mucous from both ends (sorry if TMI) have been taking 1 Uceris about once per week if it gets too bad. Uceris makes me feel better right away and gives me so much energy! Wish it didn't have such serious side effects.
I have been having more issues and less normans since the ragweeds started here. Using Zyrtec in the AM, Benadryl in the PM and Zantec once or twice per day.Although sometimes, seasonal allergies will put my histamine level too high and my BMs will get a bit soft. I don't worry too much about it anymore since I know what is causing it and frequency doesn't change.
BMs have been a little soft but no more than 1-2 per day. Have been bothered by mucous from both ends (sorry if TMI) have been taking 1 Uceris about once per week if it gets too bad. Uceris makes me feel better right away and gives me so much energy! Wish it didn't have such serious side effects.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
In reading info that Tex supplied links to, could anyone tell me which H1 has worked best for them? I have generic Fexofenadine Hydrochloride tablets 60 mg antihistamine (12 hour)....but it contains lactose monohydrate, so not sure if it would contain casein?
I have seasonal allergies, but my nose runs every day, allergy season or not.
As far as H2, it appears that I would not consider taking it unless I have indigestion, acid reflux, etc. So far no problem with that....you can never say never!
Thanks,
Terre
I have seasonal allergies, but my nose runs every day, allergy season or not.
As far as H2, it appears that I would not consider taking it unless I have indigestion, acid reflux, etc. So far no problem with that....you can never say never!
Thanks,
Terre
