My bowel has developed it own consciousness.

Jimbo1968 · Post by **Jimbo1968** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 12:29 pm

This is a silly story but rather interesting one. I went to hospital a couple of weeks ago with nasty pain in back. After a CT scan I was told that I had a kidney stone and mild diverticular. Not knowing what diverticular was I decided to read about it and its symptoms, one of the symptoms listed was pellet stools. 'Hmmm pellet stools' I thought to myself, I've never seen one of those! In the mean time my bowel must've overheard all this and for the next 3 days that's all it churned out. Well I haven't got much of a point here other than my bowel should not be so nosy and try doing the job it was designed for a little better.

By the way I had another faecal Calprotectin test done on 1st Dec it's down to 211 from 405, which is still quite high but a step in the right direction

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 12:39 pm

goes to show that what we think has impact on our body!!
who know there was so many different types of poop hey!

great news about the calprotectin! that is a good birthday pressie.

another indicator that what you are doing is working!!!
hang in there

Jimbo1968 · Post by **Jimbo1968** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 1:46 pm

Gabes by the way I read your post from the other week about how much MC had impacted on your life and how you weren't able to work for some time . Made me realise how fortunate I am , I'm still able to work although for some time it was only because my employer was understanding. It's nice of you to try and help others to avoid the darker times . Thank you Jim

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 1:57 pm

When i was first diagnosed with MC, i had a great employer, they were supportive, understanding, when I had to travel for work they let me travel earlier, stay in self contained apartments so i could prepare my safe meals.

the combo of chronic health issues and being made redundant due to the downturn in mining industry was not the ideal. with no job i had to move interstate. this was sort of the 'breaking point' of what i could handle physically, mentally and emotionally.

It was from this personal experience of what chronic inflammation can do, that motivates me to try and help others avoid it.
I have had doctors (general practitioners) tell me that I am 'too complex' and they were not willing to take me on as a patient. I know first hand that the health system struggles to help patients with multiple issues, especially issues that are not easily diagnosable via blood test!

MC is the 'least' of my current issues per say. If anything it is a symptom or outcome of the other issues.
Albeit i have learnt alot and read alot about inflammation, AI issues, nutritional deficiencies/imbalances and hope that by sharing this knowledge and experience others can avoid chronic issues.

Jimbo1968 · Post by **Jimbo1968** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 3:21 pm

I think about how many things have gone wrong in such a short period of time whether or not I'm going to get something that will get make me unable to work. When I was in my early twenties my psoriasis gave me quite severe arthritis, it was awful, I was like an old person but still young, I thought I was in real trouble as my mobility was not good. Back then i was treated with anti inflammatory drugs whose side effects were almost as bad as the arthritis. Somehow for some unexplained reason after suffering for a couple of years the arthritis disappeared almost overnight (was using a herb called Devils claw which seemed to make it go but not so sure in retrospect) the psoriasis however decided it was going nowhere.
Well It 24 years later now and considering I'm prone to AI disorders something new has been a long time coming. I suppose AI disorders are like buses, you don't see one for ages then they turn up in two's and three's.
By the way your so right about General Practitioners, if it doesn't come up in a blood test then they haven't got a clue, they look at you like your making it up. I'll be honest with you when I first had the Calprotectin test come up elevated I was almost pleased as it proved that i had a physical disorder and not a figment of my imagination after so many all clear blood tests. Keep up the good work Gabes and good health to you

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 3:38 pm

one of the ongoing stresses in this process, as I am divorced, and was basically doing it alone (no family support) etc, I had an income insurance policy. paid the premiums for years. As the issues were Auto Immune based, when i lodged the claim it took them 9 months to assess it. It was during this period that I was made redundant.

I thought I had the safety net income wise.

One of the biggest contributors to ongoing symptoms and inability to work full time is Pyrrole. The Australian Health system is not acknowledging it as a 'heath condition' The tests I need to monitor key aspects are not covered by Govt Health Care System. the main treatment protocol is not subsidised. It has been an interesting journey to try and explain this to the insurance company! They keep questioning, is there not a medication I can take to 'get better' (medications make the condition worse!)

the only safety net we have is looking after ourselves, listen to our bodies, optimise wellness via nutrition and supplements.

Have a good birthday weekend Jim! hope the improvements keep coming,

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 5:35 pm

Gabes, I'd like to chime in too. Your knowledge and willingness to share are amazing. Thanks! Deb

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 7:12 pm

Gabes is wonderful and was a big help to me when I first found this board. I am so grateful for her, Tex and all the others who are so willing to help as we struggle to find normalcy in our lives.