How do I change my user name?

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Optimystic
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 12:57 pm
Location: Toronto

How do I change my user name?

Post by Optimystic »

When I registered, I used my name, but don't really want to be identified publicly, so for the time being have checked the box for hidden profile...................
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tex
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Location: Central Texas

Post by tex »

Hi Jan,

The option to change one's user name is normally unavailable as a security precaution to prevent spammers and other troublemakers from hiding behind repeated name changes as a way to evade detection and removal and deactivation of their account.

I have activated the option to change user name for a couple of hours so that you can make that change in your profile.

If you have any problems making the change, please let me know and I'll try to help.

Tex
:cowboy:

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.
Optimystic
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 12:57 pm
Location: Toronto

Post by Optimystic »

Thanks Wayne
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tex
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Joined: Tue May 24, 2005 9:00 am
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Post by tex »

You're very welcome. Would you prefer that I change your user name?

Wayne
:cowboy:

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.
Optimystic
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 12:57 pm
Location: Toronto

Post by Optimystic »

Hi Wayne

I did try, but obviously wasn't successful! :wink:

Thanks, yes, make my name Optimystic please.


I've looked at this website several times since diagnosis and found it most useful/intriguing/thoughtful........ Particularly your theories on Mast Cells, which I had not heard of before, although I did have my GP refer me to an allergist about 10 years ago. I believe he recommended an anti anxiety medication for off label use to reduce my sensitivity and response to irritants, but I was reluctant to use it because osteoporosis was a side effect, and I already had that as a diagnosis.

So I'm pretty sure Mast Cells are a big part of my problem as I have had a lot of histamine type symptoms for many many years, and have had headaches and low energy since I was a teenager. New histamine symptoms have arisen with the passage of time, unfortunately

I've been in a mild - moderate flare for the last year and a half. Have always tried to control my symptoms with diet. GF for about 10 years. Reading your blog has made me realize that my restrictions need to be stringent and ongoing. When I start to feel better I start to stray and try reintroducing foods, probably too soon.

I've just started taking Claritin, and intend to try the antihistamine route for the next few months. I think I had read some suggestion from you at one time of dosages, but haven't been able to find it on the site. Could you steer me to that info? (please :wink: )

BTW, this is an amazing forum. THANK YOU for all the work that you do to try to support people like me who have been wandering in the wilderness for so long and leading challenging existences a lot of the time. I expect this is more than a full time job for you.

(I have ordered your book, and am looking forward to its arrival! When do you think your volume 2 will be published?)

Many thanks,
Jan
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Jan,

I made the change you requested.

Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants have been prescribed by some physicians to treat MC ever since the disease was first medically described, mostly because many of them have a labeled side effect of constipation. But in many cases, this class of medications is more likely to cause increased diarrhea than to control it. In some cases though, where the adverse effects do not dominate the potential benefits, patients see an improvement in their symptoms. IMO this occurs because this class of drugs also has powerful antihistamine effects and those patients probably have unresolved mast cell issues. But it's usually more practical to simply take antihistamines rather than to take an antidepressant or an anti-anxiety drug just to get the antihistamine effect.

Yes, it's true that most of us have to be constantly vigilant about our diet or we may suffer a relapse of symptoms. As with all IBDs, there are a few MC patients who occasionally enjoy periods of spontaneous remission, but most of us are not that lucky.

Please be aware that the regular formulation of Claritin contains lactose (at least this is true here in the States, it may be different in Canada). Because of that, most members here who use Claritin use the Claritin Redi-Tabs, because they don't contain that ingredient. There is a forum main category here on Mast Cells. From the "sticky" post there, this may contain the information that you were seeking about treating mast cell issues:

How are mast cell issues treated?

I'm making good progress on the book, but I still have a long way to go and I continue to find additional material that needs to be included. I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish it by the end of this year, but I'm going to try.

Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate them. Yes, I do stay busy, but comments such as yours make it very satisfying work.

Wayne
:cowboy:

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.
Optimystic
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 12:57 pm
Location: Toronto

Post by Optimystic »

Thanks Wayne

I forgot to mention that you are also gracious. :) Your book arrived this evening. :)

I'll see if I can get a friend travelling in the States to bring me back some Reditabs. Thanks for the suggestion.
Is there another antihistamine, without lactose, that might do the trick?

Thanks again,
Jan
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tex
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Post by tex »

I use Allegra (fexofenadine). Zyrtec (cetirizine) is another option, but I'm not sure if any members here use it. Many use Allegra.

You're very welcome,
Wayne
:cowboy:

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.
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