OK, maybe it is all TMI but it is another night of feeling rotten and I am so tired of feeling rotten. I am GF/DF, eating boring boring boring. Eating my vitamins. But I keep having nagging painful vaginal infections which the doctor told me was just low estrogen but estrogen cream did nothing to solve. I finally started on OTC monistat and that helped but I've used it for 2 weeks and still in pain. Then there is nagging UTI - there was a little blood in my urine but they told me no infection. So why is it still painful to urinate and why do I feel the urgency to go but so little comes out?
I think this all began when I had a potty accident in the grocery store and had to sit in messy clothes on the way home until I could get undressed and get a shower. No doctor will let me have a running prescription for something for a UTI or vaginal infection. In the past, pre-MC, I would take plenty of cranberry juice to keep my urinary tract clear but can't do that now. I drink a lot of water daily. But it seems these two problems keep popping up ever since I was diagnosed with MC.
The insomnia has always been a problem but budesonide keeps me awake awake awake. I can truly run on less than 2 hours sleep per night and feel fine. I don't work so if I get tired I can nap but it is ridiculous to be awake all night watching TV and reading, wide awake. I walk up and down my driveway, clean house, catch up with people on the internet, etc. Because I cannot sleep. Is insomnia a problem for all of us, even without budesonide?
No sleep, UTI, vag infections
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Have you tried D-mannose? It's the best (effective yet safe) home remedy for preventing and treating UTIs, according to the experience of many other members here.
I'm pretty sure that some degree of insomnia is relatively common in today's world. We have too many distractions that agitate our brain and tend to lure it away from the relaxing patterns that we were once able to much more easily achieve in a much less complicated world. And I believe that as we get older and we slow down, the reduction in physical work makes a big difference. I typically sleep about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours per night. But the harder I work, the longer (and better) I sleep. By contrast, mental work just seems to make sleep more difficult, because the brain has more trouble winding down. When I'm working on projects that require a lot of mental effort (but little physical effort), I may have trouble sleeping past 3 or 4 hours.
And of course if MC is active, then we're unable to do as much work, but we're still tired and maybe even exhausted, but this doesn't seem to help us sleep the way that physical labor or exercise would do. In fact, the aches and pains tend to make sleep even more difficult. I have a hunch that the disease (combined with the neurological effects of gluten) damages parts of the central nervous system and the brain to cause long-term changes in sleep patterns. Prior to the advent of my GI symptoms, my sleep norm was roughly 8 hours.
Tex
I'm pretty sure that some degree of insomnia is relatively common in today's world. We have too many distractions that agitate our brain and tend to lure it away from the relaxing patterns that we were once able to much more easily achieve in a much less complicated world. And I believe that as we get older and we slow down, the reduction in physical work makes a big difference. I typically sleep about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours per night. But the harder I work, the longer (and better) I sleep. By contrast, mental work just seems to make sleep more difficult, because the brain has more trouble winding down. When I'm working on projects that require a lot of mental effort (but little physical effort), I may have trouble sleeping past 3 or 4 hours.
And of course if MC is active, then we're unable to do as much work, but we're still tired and maybe even exhausted, but this doesn't seem to help us sleep the way that physical labor or exercise would do. In fact, the aches and pains tend to make sleep even more difficult. I have a hunch that the disease (combined with the neurological effects of gluten) damages parts of the central nervous system and the brain to cause long-term changes in sleep patterns. Prior to the advent of my GI symptoms, my sleep norm was roughly 8 hours.
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.
I agree about the sleep problems. Who can sleep when we go to the bathroom so often? It used to be I'd get up to urinate about 3 or 4 times a night. Now, it is my intestines that are too active at night. And because I can't go outside and get the exercise I used to get by working in the yard about 3 hours every morning, I am not getting really any good exercise to make me tired. Add to that my shoulder surgery which eliminated my ability to do so many things I was able to do inside the house (vacuum, change beds, mop floors, clean out the garage, etc.) I am just now getting to the point where my shoulder is better and stronger so maybe indoor activities can improve.
I had not heard of D-mannose but will look for it to treat my problem because these repeated UTI's are ridiculous. And going on antibiotics just makes MC worse so I try very hard not to do that.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I had not heard of D-mannose but will look for it to treat my problem because these repeated UTI's are ridiculous. And going on antibiotics just makes MC worse so I try very hard not to do that.
Thanks for the suggestions.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
at this stage of things, and what has been happening this past 12 months, dont overthink things being 'perfect'
good quality rest is the same as sleep, where the mind and body are calm.
My sleep improved once inflammation was reduced and major deficiencies like Magnesium, B Group etc were fixed. I went from having 1-2 hours of sleep and long periods of being awake, another 1-2 hrs of sleep etc. on good days now I have 5-6 hours of sleep in one session. There are still toilet stops through the night, but these have reduced from 4 times a night to 1-2 times a night. I still use audio books, and guided meditation/relaxation music type tracks to help me calm the mind and resume sleep, anytime i wake up
Its about progress not perfection.
with everything that has been discussed with you over the past couple of months, you are kinda at a new starting point of the right eating plan, better supplement protocol to start your healing journey.
so far as indoor activities, things like gentle yoga, tai chi are great - you can do it at home, good for the digestion, gentle on your shoulder.
the breathing and mindfullness that comes with yoga / tai chi are good for the mental and emotional aspects...
as you embrace 'what is' for your life now, and accept the limitations, the changes, and the little challenges that will be part of the journey, having audio books or podcasts about change, acceptance of change, guided readings to help you calm the mind are very beneficial.
the mental and emotional work of acceptance of MC, grieving the things we have lost, coming to acceptance of the various changes we have embraced is just as important as the eating plan and getting the right supplements...
good quality rest is the same as sleep, where the mind and body are calm.
My sleep improved once inflammation was reduced and major deficiencies like Magnesium, B Group etc were fixed. I went from having 1-2 hours of sleep and long periods of being awake, another 1-2 hrs of sleep etc. on good days now I have 5-6 hours of sleep in one session. There are still toilet stops through the night, but these have reduced from 4 times a night to 1-2 times a night. I still use audio books, and guided meditation/relaxation music type tracks to help me calm the mind and resume sleep, anytime i wake up
Its about progress not perfection.
with everything that has been discussed with you over the past couple of months, you are kinda at a new starting point of the right eating plan, better supplement protocol to start your healing journey.
so far as indoor activities, things like gentle yoga, tai chi are great - you can do it at home, good for the digestion, gentle on your shoulder.
the breathing and mindfullness that comes with yoga / tai chi are good for the mental and emotional aspects...
as you embrace 'what is' for your life now, and accept the limitations, the changes, and the little challenges that will be part of the journey, having audio books or podcasts about change, acceptance of change, guided readings to help you calm the mind are very beneficial.
the mental and emotional work of acceptance of MC, grieving the things we have lost, coming to acceptance of the various changes we have embraced is just as important as the eating plan and getting the right supplements...
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Another thought I had when I was replying to Katies discussion
have you considered taking some anti-depressants?
there is one Elavil, that in low doses has helped MC'ers calm their gut, and in higher doses is a MC safe anti-depressant
it might be worth considering using the low dose while you fine tune your eating plan, get your Vit D levels up, recover from the shoulder surgery and work through this transition stage of adjusting to life with MC.
it may also help you mentally and emotionally that you can start some new friendships etc.
be patient, it can take 8-20 weeks to fix Vit D deficiency. (even longer if there is ongoing inflammation)
having something that takes away the D urgency may help in the mean time.
have you considered taking some anti-depressants?
there is one Elavil, that in low doses has helped MC'ers calm their gut, and in higher doses is a MC safe anti-depressant
it might be worth considering using the low dose while you fine tune your eating plan, get your Vit D levels up, recover from the shoulder surgery and work through this transition stage of adjusting to life with MC.
it may also help you mentally and emotionally that you can start some new friendships etc.
be patient, it can take 8-20 weeks to fix Vit D deficiency. (even longer if there is ongoing inflammation)
having something that takes away the D urgency may help in the mean time.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
D manoose works great! I learned about it on this forum. I use it when I get a UTI. I prefer the powder form that you mix with water. I use it as needed but I put my 84 year old Mom on a daily dose. She is heading into late stage alzheimers and getting chronic UTIs. Her aid wanted to put her on daily antibiotics which I knew the PCP would not agree to. Put her on daily D manoose about 4 months ago and she has not had a UTI since. The aids think I'm a miracle worker now.
Once you are off of budesonide I have some suggestions on what can help with sleep in the meantime you can try epsom salt baths late afternoon or early evening. (not too late), also apply the magnesium oil late afternoon and early evening.
Once you are off of budesonide I have some suggestions on what can help with sleep in the meantime you can try epsom salt baths late afternoon or early evening. (not too late), also apply the magnesium oil late afternoon and early evening.
IMO that's a sure sign of a magnesium deficiency (assuming that you don't have untreated diabetes).gac wrote:It used to be I'd get up to urinate about 3 or 4 times a night.
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.
No untreated diabetes - just always had problems sleeping. I used to take sleep meds but I did goofy things on them and stopped taking them about 5 years ago. Now I find I can fall asleep while drinking a cup of herbal tea or watching TV, but turn off the lights and I go super alert. I have a sound machine, trying to read a book that will put me to sleep, but I am the super vigilant one in the house who hears/smells/sees everything even when sleeping. There are periods each night when I do sleep soundly for a couple hours and that seems to be sufficient and if I get tired, I'll take a nap as I don't work. But the budesonide does keep me awake.
I ordered the UTI powder today and hold great hopes for it.
Now I just need a solution for persistent vaginal infections. And I can assure all of you I have not had sexual contact with anyone in a very long time - 9 or 10 years?????? So whatever the problem is down there, no doctor has been able to figure it out. Very frustrating when I had a complete hysterectomy 15 years ago.
I ordered the UTI powder today and hold great hopes for it.
Now I just need a solution for persistent vaginal infections. And I can assure all of you I have not had sexual contact with anyone in a very long time - 9 or 10 years?????? So whatever the problem is down there, no doctor has been able to figure it out. Very frustrating when I had a complete hysterectomy 15 years ago.
A little tmi, but I also had persistent yeast/bacteria/something vaginal infections when first diagnosed.
Nothing really helped for more than a week or so. I was 30 so no talk of estrogen or anything. Doctor was stumped and had me on diflucan every few weeks. No idea if that did anything.
Everything went back to normal when my guts started to heal.
Sorry I'm not of more help, just saying that it happened to me, but there is light at the end of the tunnel because I have been 2 years infection free at this point.
Nothing really helped for more than a week or so. I was 30 so no talk of estrogen or anything. Doctor was stumped and had me on diflucan every few weeks. No idea if that did anything.
Everything went back to normal when my guts started to heal.
Sorry I'm not of more help, just saying that it happened to me, but there is light at the end of the tunnel because I have been 2 years infection free at this point.
Thank you so my for responding, Chemgirl. I have felt like every part of my body is falling apart since being diagnosed with this and yet I realize it can all be tied back to this. Once I can get this under control (and I am not there yet, far from it!!!), maybe my body will settle back in to something that I can call "my new normal life". Even before I was officially diagnosed with MC, there were so many things that were not right but no one could tie it all together. Now, thru reading as many postings as possible on this site and getting responses from experts and from people like you, I realize that what was wrong before MC was probably MC all along.
Thank you to everyone that answers my questions. You are filling in the blanks in my life.
Thank you to everyone that answers my questions. You are filling in the blanks in my life.
Thank you for this post it has been very validating to read. I too have sleep problems which I never had before and also suffer from reoccurring yeast infections which seem to occur when I'm having a flare. And yes it seems that our entire bodies fall apart when things get bad. For me the sleep aspect is a big issue and concern and if anyone has pointers I'd love to hear some! Thanks again for posting.
Recurring yeast infections are another symptom of a chronic magnesium deficiency. In addition to taking magnesium supplements during the day, taking one just before bedtime will typically improve sleep because it relaxes muscles, relieves stress, and calms nerves.
Tex
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.
Most of us take Doctor's Best brand of Chelated Magnesium (magnesium glycinate) because it has safe ingredients, it's well absorbed, and it doesn't cause D. Each tablet contains 100 mg of magnesium glycinate. I take 2 or 3 after breakfast, 1 after lunch, and another before bedtime.
http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Abso ... T0?ie=UTF8&*
Tex
http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Abso ... T0?ie=UTF8&*
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.
Gac,
I was just curious if the D-mannose helped your UTI?? I think I'm coming down with one. I was going to go in the morning and pick up some. I actually have the urine test strips so when I checked tonight there was a small amount of leukocytes. I'm allergic to most antibiotics so I really want to stay clear of them.
Thank you!
I was just curious if the D-mannose helped your UTI?? I think I'm coming down with one. I was going to go in the morning and pick up some. I actually have the urine test strips so when I checked tonight there was a small amount of leukocytes. I'm allergic to most antibiotics so I really want to stay clear of them.
Thank you!
Martha E.
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC