Hi all,
I really don't what's going on. I don't know if I'm going to shoot myself in the foot by saying this but I'm doing better.
I'm gf, cf, sf, ef and on a low fodmap diet. I have cut down or out on my vices, nightly glass of white wine, cut way back on coffee and chocolate (I'm definitely a chocoholic). I have recently added magnesium spray and lotion to my daily routine and antihistamines, about 2 weeks ago. For about 1 week now norman has visited, in fact, I've been a little constipated. I still have very vocal/active intestines and sometimes I think I'm going to have to run to the toilet, so far so good. I haven't taken a Pepto Bismol for about a week. Is this because I added magnesium spray and antihistamines or just a coincidence?
I went to my new rheumatologist for my osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. She did bloodwork, I'll paste it at the end. I'm going to have a reclast infusion in a few weeks. She referred me to a neurologist, she seems to think the pain in my left hand is due to carpal tunnel, so I'm going to have a nerve test. I had carpal tunnel surgery 25 years ago or so on my right hand. I do remember the hand surgeon telling me at that time that I had it my left hand as well. I guess it wasn't bothering enough at that time so I did nothing.
I asked her to check vitamin D levels at Tex and Gabs suggestion. I was told that my vitamin D and calcium where normal. In any event the bloodwork cleared me for the Reclast infusion. This will be my third, last one being in 2012 I believe.
Results:
Date
Result Name
Value
Ref Range
4/25/2016 9:38 AM
Sedimentation Rate
19 mm/h
(0 - 30)
4/25/2016 9:38 AM
Creatinine
1.00 mg/dL
(0.70 - 1.20)
4/25/2016 9:38 AM
Estimated GFR Non-African American
>59 mL/min/1.73_m2
(>59 - )
4/25/2016 9:38 AM
Estimated GFR African American
>59 mL/min/1.73_m2
(>59 - )
4/25/2016 9:38 AM
Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy
51 ng/mL
(30 - 80)
4/25/2016 9:38 AM
Rheumatoid Factor Test
<10.0 [IU]/mL
( - <14.0)
4/25/2016 9:37 AM
Ionized Calcium Assay
5.2 mg/dL
(4.5 - 5.6)
4/25/2016 9:37 AM
CCP IgG Antibodies
0.7 U/mL
(0.0 - 6.9)
Thanks for any suggestions and advice.
Susanne
I don't know what I did or what it means!!
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
I would guess that the antihistamines may have been the final key ingredient. But remember that remission from MC is kinda like a gift horse — enjoy it but never look it in the mouth.Susanne wrote:Is this because I added magnesium spray and antihistamines or just a coincidence?
Enjoy!
Incidentally, I see that your rheumatoid factor result was negative. That suggests to me that your arthritis symptoms may be due to a food sensitivity remaining in your diet (possibly in trace amounts), rather than RA. Or maybe you just need more healing time for the symptoms to fade away.
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.
Hi Tex,
I do believe the antihistamine was the missing link, funny but I'm still sneezing away due to all the dust and pollen here. If the last miserable 9 months hasn't made me realize that I can't cheat on my diet, nothing will. I hate gluten free bread, so I don't eat it and I really don't miss bread at all. I make my own gluten free cookies and store them in the freezer with a big sign that says "Do not touch" so my husband doesn't touch them. I'm of Italian descent and I really want some good Italian food, I just have to learn to make it my way. I'm still afraid to be too far away from a toilet, I get really panicky. I don't take my walks outside, I take them on a treadmill at the gym where the bathroom is nearby! That's the first I do when I go into a store or anywhere, look for the nearest bathroom.
I'm going to have the nerve test in my left hand. It hurts really bad, sometimes it just throbs, even if I'm not using it. If it's not carpal tunnel I need to fine tune, yet again, everything I eat/use. Where could the food sensitivity traces be coming from?
BTW, I get a rash using the magnesium spray, it lasts about an hour then goes away. Does that happen to anyone else?
Thanks,
Susanne
I do believe the antihistamine was the missing link, funny but I'm still sneezing away due to all the dust and pollen here. If the last miserable 9 months hasn't made me realize that I can't cheat on my diet, nothing will. I hate gluten free bread, so I don't eat it and I really don't miss bread at all. I make my own gluten free cookies and store them in the freezer with a big sign that says "Do not touch" so my husband doesn't touch them. I'm of Italian descent and I really want some good Italian food, I just have to learn to make it my way. I'm still afraid to be too far away from a toilet, I get really panicky. I don't take my walks outside, I take them on a treadmill at the gym where the bathroom is nearby! That's the first I do when I go into a store or anywhere, look for the nearest bathroom.
I'm going to have the nerve test in my left hand. It hurts really bad, sometimes it just throbs, even if I'm not using it. If it's not carpal tunnel I need to fine tune, yet again, everything I eat/use. Where could the food sensitivity traces be coming from?
BTW, I get a rash using the magnesium spray, it lasts about an hour then goes away. Does that happen to anyone else?
Thanks,
Susanne
Does your husband or anyone else use any wheat flour in the house? When you open a bag of flour it's impossible to keep the fine dust particles from drifting out and settling on everything. About 4 years ago I had a problem with "trace-glutening" because of that. It was enough to eventually push my anti-gliadin antibody level up to 62, according to the results of an EnteroLab test.
Also, some gluten-free flours contain small amounts of gluten that they pick up during the milling process. A few years ago a report published by a dietitian based on the results of some spot checks of GF flours on grocery store shelves showed that millet and soy flour were commonly contaminated with gluten. I see that you are sensitive to soy, and soy is tough to avoid. It's used in so many foods and pharmaceutical products that we really have to check carefully.
Some of us have sensitive skin that doesn't respond well to some magnesium sprays. You might try a different brand, or try it on other areas of skin. Some areas are more sensitive than others.
Tex
Also, some gluten-free flours contain small amounts of gluten that they pick up during the milling process. A few years ago a report published by a dietitian based on the results of some spot checks of GF flours on grocery store shelves showed that millet and soy flour were commonly contaminated with gluten. I see that you are sensitive to soy, and soy is tough to avoid. It's used in so many foods and pharmaceutical products that we really have to check carefully.
Some of us have sensitive skin that doesn't respond well to some magnesium sprays. You might try a different brand, or try it on other areas of skin. Some areas are more sensitive than others.
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.
Hi Tex,
I do have an open bag of wheat flour in the cupboard but it's in a sealed Ziploc bag, I don't remember when I might have used it last. I have used Bob's Red Mill gluten free 1 for 1 flour in some cookies. My husband toasts his bread in the toaster oven but I don't use the toaster oven for toast. I might bake sweet potatoes in there but they are wrapped in foil. I don't have separate pans/utensils, washing them good after use isn't enough I guess. I will check more closely for products with soy. Does soy go by any other names?
I'm going to try the magnesium spray on my thighs. I was spraying it on my inner arms between the elbow and wrist, thin skin there, no fat!!
Thanks,
Susanne
I do have an open bag of wheat flour in the cupboard but it's in a sealed Ziploc bag, I don't remember when I might have used it last. I have used Bob's Red Mill gluten free 1 for 1 flour in some cookies. My husband toasts his bread in the toaster oven but I don't use the toaster oven for toast. I might bake sweet potatoes in there but they are wrapped in foil. I don't have separate pans/utensils, washing them good after use isn't enough I guess. I will check more closely for products with soy. Does soy go by any other names?
I'm going to try the magnesium spray on my thighs. I was spraying it on my inner arms between the elbow and wrist, thin skin there, no fat!!
Thanks,
Susanne
That bag of flour isn't a threat until someone opens it. Most pots/pans/utensils should be safe if they are thoroughly washed and they don't have any cracks or deep grooves or caked residue, etc. Wooden bowls/utensils/cutting boards are likely to be contaminated and should not be used for both GF foods and conventional foods. That's probably true for cast iron pots, also, since their surface is somewhat porous. Pots with non-stick surfaces may be at risk also, especially as they get older.
Here's a list of possible soy-based ingredients:
Jean's List of Soy Products/Additives
Note that as Jean pointed out, some of them may contain soy, but they can also be made from other sources.
Tex
Here's a list of possible soy-based ingredients:
Jean's List of Soy Products/Additives
Note that as Jean pointed out, some of them may contain soy, but they can also be made from other sources.
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.
Hi Tex,
Thanks so much for the link for soy, I printed it out and it will be right next to my low fodmap list. I see that I need to buy some new wooden spoons and a pan or two and dedicate them to be gluten free.
I took a Tramadol for the hand pain today, it's throbbing. Other than making me a little loopy, it doesn't touch the pain. That's what I told the Dr. the other day when she suggested it. I had some left from a previous prescription.
As always, thanks so much for all your help. I really appreciate it.
Susanne
Thanks so much for the link for soy, I printed it out and it will be right next to my low fodmap list. I see that I need to buy some new wooden spoons and a pan or two and dedicate them to be gluten free.
I took a Tramadol for the hand pain today, it's throbbing. Other than making me a little loopy, it doesn't touch the pain. That's what I told the Dr. the other day when she suggested it. I had some left from a previous prescription.
As always, thanks so much for all your help. I really appreciate it.
Susanne
GI doc and inlaws - an update and Paging Tex!!
Hi all,
I survived the in-laws visit. I had a few mishaps when we ate out. Basically, if I don't make it, I can't eat it. I ordered what I thought were the safest foods possible, they weren't. I even ordered what were labeled as "gluten free" items from Bonefish Grille. I had formed but very soft stools after eating out and felt a little off. The in-laws visit was a little stressful, I know that had something to do with it too.
I saw my new GI doc for a follow-up the other day. I did not get his instructions correct when taking the Pepto Bismol. I'm supposed to be tapering off right now. I haven't taken any in weeks. He originally told me 3 Peptos 3 x's a day for 6 weeks. I got so constipated, I tapered off. He doesn't have a great bedside manner and is a little arrogant but I like him. He offered to refer me to a nutritionist/dietician who specializes in gluten sensitivities. I told him that I would think about it. I have had 2 medical tests recently that I really didn't need and I have a high deductible, I just don't need anymore expenses right now. I feel I have a good handle on it right now, just have to be real careful if I eat out. He was explaining about the inflammation from my sensitivities are the cause of my fibromyalgia and arthritis. Such a difference from my GI doc in NJ (who had a great bedside manner) who told me food had nothing to do with the MC and I wasted my $$ with the Enterolab tests. I would say they are about the same age.
Tex, my rheumatologist wanted me to have a Reclast infusion. Is that going to upset the apple cart? Isn't that the same drug as Fosamax? I haven't scheduled it yet.
I've been good since adding the daily antihistamine. I using the magnesium spray on my thighs, it still tingles but it doesn't last long.
Thanks,
Susanne
I survived the in-laws visit. I had a few mishaps when we ate out. Basically, if I don't make it, I can't eat it. I ordered what I thought were the safest foods possible, they weren't. I even ordered what were labeled as "gluten free" items from Bonefish Grille. I had formed but very soft stools after eating out and felt a little off. The in-laws visit was a little stressful, I know that had something to do with it too.
I saw my new GI doc for a follow-up the other day. I did not get his instructions correct when taking the Pepto Bismol. I'm supposed to be tapering off right now. I haven't taken any in weeks. He originally told me 3 Peptos 3 x's a day for 6 weeks. I got so constipated, I tapered off. He doesn't have a great bedside manner and is a little arrogant but I like him. He offered to refer me to a nutritionist/dietician who specializes in gluten sensitivities. I told him that I would think about it. I have had 2 medical tests recently that I really didn't need and I have a high deductible, I just don't need anymore expenses right now. I feel I have a good handle on it right now, just have to be real careful if I eat out. He was explaining about the inflammation from my sensitivities are the cause of my fibromyalgia and arthritis. Such a difference from my GI doc in NJ (who had a great bedside manner) who told me food had nothing to do with the MC and I wasted my $$ with the Enterolab tests. I would say they are about the same age.
Tex, my rheumatologist wanted me to have a Reclast infusion. Is that going to upset the apple cart? Isn't that the same drug as Fosamax? I haven't scheduled it yet.
I've been good since adding the daily antihistamine. I using the magnesium spray on my thighs, it still tingles but it doesn't last long.
Thanks,
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
Yes, Reclast is a bisphosphonate. My thoughts on the health hazards of bisphosphonates are described in a couple of posts in the thread at this link:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... 6&start=15
Tex
Yes, Reclast is a bisphosphonate. My thoughts on the health hazards of bisphosphonates are described in a couple of posts in the thread at this link:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... 6&start=15
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.
HI Tex,
Thanks for the link. I'm dragging my feet with the Reclast infusion, I really don't want it. I'm working out with weights, taking D3, using magnesium spray and lotion. I stopped the calcium supplement because I started choking on it. But I can still swallow my senior multi vitamin that is about the same size. Maybe the choking is due to the coating or lack there of on the calcium? I have Costco's Kirkland Brand. The doc suggested chewables but they have other unwanted ingredients.
Concerning snack bars, I use to buy Larabars but can't remember the last time I had one. Now I snack of plain rice cakes and almond butter. The Larabars are good, limited ingredients. I always waited for a sale and stocked up. Some of the ingredients are not on my list of low fodmaps.
Thanks again,
Susanne
Thanks for the link. I'm dragging my feet with the Reclast infusion, I really don't want it. I'm working out with weights, taking D3, using magnesium spray and lotion. I stopped the calcium supplement because I started choking on it. But I can still swallow my senior multi vitamin that is about the same size. Maybe the choking is due to the coating or lack there of on the calcium? I have Costco's Kirkland Brand. The doc suggested chewables but they have other unwanted ingredients.
Concerning snack bars, I use to buy Larabars but can't remember the last time I had one. Now I snack of plain rice cakes and almond butter. The Larabars are good, limited ingredients. I always waited for a sale and stocked up. Some of the ingredients are not on my list of low fodmaps.
Thanks again,
Susanne
Some tablets are difficult to swallow because they are so dry and abrasive that they tend to stick in the throat. And this sometimes happens with certain NSAIDs and other tablets that stick somewhere in the esophagus and decompose there, causing damage to the mucosal tissue.
I stopped using Freeda 3,000 IU D3 tablets because even though they were relatively small (about aspirin size), they tended to try to stick in the back of my mouth or in my throat, and life's too short to waste any of it aggravating with tablets such as that.
You may not need a calcium supplement if you're using Almond Milk or eating breakfast cereal. For example, 1 cup of almond milk supplies 45 % of the RDA for calcium, and a cup of Rice or Corn Chex supplies another 25 %. That's already 70 % of the way toward providing a full RDA. It doesn't take much more in the diet to finish the job. Do you take a multivitamin? Many/most multivitamins contain 20—25 % of the RDA, and those formulated for women usually contain around 30 %. Most foods provide some amount of calcium, and some contain a lot. IMO even with a limited diet, as long as we make sure that we have plenty of magnesium and vitamin D in our body, calcium (and bone maintenance) will take care of itself. They are far more important for preventing osteoporosis than the calcium itself. Here's a good article on calcium utilization.
Tex
I stopped using Freeda 3,000 IU D3 tablets because even though they were relatively small (about aspirin size), they tended to try to stick in the back of my mouth or in my throat, and life's too short to waste any of it aggravating with tablets such as that.
You may not need a calcium supplement if you're using Almond Milk or eating breakfast cereal. For example, 1 cup of almond milk supplies 45 % of the RDA for calcium, and a cup of Rice or Corn Chex supplies another 25 %. That's already 70 % of the way toward providing a full RDA. It doesn't take much more in the diet to finish the job. Do you take a multivitamin? Many/most multivitamins contain 20—25 % of the RDA, and those formulated for women usually contain around 30 %. Most foods provide some amount of calcium, and some contain a lot. IMO even with a limited diet, as long as we make sure that we have plenty of magnesium and vitamin D in our body, calcium (and bone maintenance) will take care of itself. They are far more important for preventing osteoporosis than the calcium itself. Here's a good article on calcium utilization.
https://www.womentowomen.com/bone-healt ... -minerals/If your body can’t metabolize calcium properly from your diet because of deficiencies elsewhere it won’t matter how much calcium you eat, your body will take it from your bones. This triggers more osteoblast activity, but bone needs the same nutrients to form—so over time the whole system weakens and affects other body functions.
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.
Hi Tex,
Thanks again for the link.
I do eat Rice Chex everyday for breakfast along with 2 teaspoons of GF granola from Aldi's (no oats) and a teaspoon sunflower seeds to jazz it up. I think I'm one of the few people out there that prefers their cereal dry, like a real oddball. LOL I have only met 1 other person who has theirs dry as well. I didn't really like the taste of Almond milk, I buy it for my husband and he likes the vanilla flavored one, I don't so I haven't been drinking milk. I have seen Silk almond milk labeled as Original, Vanilla and Unsweetened. I will try one of the others and see if I like it. I do take a senior multi vitamin. I have tried eating sardines with the bones, getting some calcium that way, which I used to like, but I can't stomach them anymore. Some of the veggies that are high in calcium are off limits, they are on the high fodmap list. I like almond butter and can tolerate a few unsalted almonds. I make a batch of homemade chicken soup for lunches, with well cooked carrots and celery. Dinners for me are bland, a protein, sweet potato or regular potato and well cooked green beans or carrots. Boring!!!
Hopefully I get enough calcium. I think I posted the results of my last blood test and they checked calcium levels and they were ok.
Thanks,
Susanne
Thanks again for the link.
I do eat Rice Chex everyday for breakfast along with 2 teaspoons of GF granola from Aldi's (no oats) and a teaspoon sunflower seeds to jazz it up. I think I'm one of the few people out there that prefers their cereal dry, like a real oddball. LOL I have only met 1 other person who has theirs dry as well. I didn't really like the taste of Almond milk, I buy it for my husband and he likes the vanilla flavored one, I don't so I haven't been drinking milk. I have seen Silk almond milk labeled as Original, Vanilla and Unsweetened. I will try one of the others and see if I like it. I do take a senior multi vitamin. I have tried eating sardines with the bones, getting some calcium that way, which I used to like, but I can't stomach them anymore. Some of the veggies that are high in calcium are off limits, they are on the high fodmap list. I like almond butter and can tolerate a few unsalted almonds. I make a batch of homemade chicken soup for lunches, with well cooked carrots and celery. Dinners for me are bland, a protein, sweet potato or regular potato and well cooked green beans or carrots. Boring!!!
Hopefully I get enough calcium. I think I posted the results of my last blood test and they checked calcium levels and they were ok.
Thanks,
Susanne
Have you tried cashew butter or cashew milk? It has a much better flavor than almond butter (IMO). I haven't been able to find cashew milk around here yet. I order the cashew butter from Amazon.
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.
Hi Tex,
I bought Silk Almond Light Vanilla, it was pretty good. I didn't get the cashew milk, I think cashews are a high fodmap. BTW, I saw Silk Cashew milk in my local Walmart.
My husband & I went away for the weekend. We went to Asheville, NC. We stayed at a motel that served a complimentary hot & cold breakfast. I didn't feel that I could have anything that they served, so good thing I had my own, I brought my good old Rice Chex mixture with me.
We ate lunch and dinner out. Both restaurants offered gluten free choices and the both waiters were very knowledgeable. They made suggestions and I picked wisely. I didn't suffer any ill effects. So it was a good weekend away.
Thanks,
Susanne
I bought Silk Almond Light Vanilla, it was pretty good. I didn't get the cashew milk, I think cashews are a high fodmap. BTW, I saw Silk Cashew milk in my local Walmart.
My husband & I went away for the weekend. We went to Asheville, NC. We stayed at a motel that served a complimentary hot & cold breakfast. I didn't feel that I could have anything that they served, so good thing I had my own, I brought my good old Rice Chex mixture with me.
We ate lunch and dinner out. Both restaurants offered gluten free choices and the both waiters were very knowledgeable. They made suggestions and I picked wisely. I didn't suffer any ill effects. So it was a good weekend away.
Thanks,
Susanne