Welcome to the forum,
May what magnesium are you taking? You might want to switch to transdermal for awhile. Think Epsom salt foot baths, Epsom salt baths and magnesium oil on skin.
When I was struggling I had to eliminate oral magnesium. When you are doing better the safest oral magnesium is mag glycinate and also one from Dr Deans.
Italian restaurant: Consider a piece of protein, overcooked veggie, plain rice or plain potato. I would call them in advance.
Hello My struggle just begining.
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Hello Brandy,
Thank you for your post. I do take oral Magnesium. It's Chelated Bisglycinate and I'm taking 300mg. I never considered that the oral Mag could be making me sick. How does someone know if it is? I also read somewhere that it takes time for the Mag to start helping.
I'm trying to not let all of the information overwhelm me. I know everyone is different.
Thanks, calling the restaurant before hand is a great idea. I hope I have progressed with more healing by that time.
The best to you,
Thank you for your post. I do take oral Magnesium. It's Chelated Bisglycinate and I'm taking 300mg. I never considered that the oral Mag could be making me sick. How does someone know if it is? I also read somewhere that it takes time for the Mag to start helping.
I'm trying to not let all of the information overwhelm me. I know everyone is different.
Thanks, calling the restaurant before hand is a great idea. I hope I have progressed with more healing by that time.
The best to you,
Retta
IBGard for IBS symptoms
Has anyone used IBGard, and is it OK for us with MC? I saw it mentioned on a Facebook post and am interested in trying it. You can get it at any drugstore. It's basically peppermint oil that's supposed to dissolve in the small intestine to help with repairing and protecting the gut mucosal barrier to help with absorption of nutrients. Helps with D and C, and seems to have no bad side effects. Also contains some fiber and amino acids.
You take 1-2 tablets 30 minutes before a meal.
I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with LC and am currently on Lialda which keeps the D under control most of the time. I found this forum in May and love it! Thanks so much to all of you, I don't feel so alone. I was tested at Enterolab and am gluten, dairy, and soy sensitive. I have eliminated those from my diet for the last 3 months and am feeling much better. I tried to go off Lialda and just treat by diet alone with the recommendation of this forum, but after 6 wks of D each morning, I couldn't take it anymore . I called my GI and he put me on budesonide for 6 wks then back on Lialda. The D is under control but I still go 2 to 3 times each morning and it's "softer" than before I started all this in June. I do not have any stomach pains anymore which is great, but am still waiting for the D to disappear entirely. I know it's most likely going to take more time, it's only been 3 months. I've been battling fatigue, and am now being tested for lupus. Seems some days like it never ends!
Anyway, back to my original question on IBGard, any insights to this product are appreciated.
Thanks!
You take 1-2 tablets 30 minutes before a meal.
I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with LC and am currently on Lialda which keeps the D under control most of the time. I found this forum in May and love it! Thanks so much to all of you, I don't feel so alone. I was tested at Enterolab and am gluten, dairy, and soy sensitive. I have eliminated those from my diet for the last 3 months and am feeling much better. I tried to go off Lialda and just treat by diet alone with the recommendation of this forum, but after 6 wks of D each morning, I couldn't take it anymore . I called my GI and he put me on budesonide for 6 wks then back on Lialda. The D is under control but I still go 2 to 3 times each morning and it's "softer" than before I started all this in June. I do not have any stomach pains anymore which is great, but am still waiting for the D to disappear entirely. I know it's most likely going to take more time, it's only been 3 months. I've been battling fatigue, and am now being tested for lupus. Seems some days like it never ends!
Anyway, back to my original question on IBGard, any insights to this product are appreciated.
Thanks!
Tina
Hi Tina,
Welcome to the forum.. I don't believe the subject of IBGard has been mentioned here before. I know nothing about it, but if it worked as claimed, you can bet that virtually all of us would have been using it. It would be pretty tough to keep something like that a secret if it actually worked.
Again, welcome aboard and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to the forum.. I don't believe the subject of IBGard has been mentioned here before. I know nothing about it, but if it worked as claimed, you can bet that virtually all of us would have been using it. It would be pretty tough to keep something like that a secret if it actually worked.
Again, welcome aboard and please feel free to ask anything.
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.
Dear Tex,
I am so glad to hear that you are safe and doing well.Harvey has caused me to delay my test(Kathy from enterlab told me to wait a week until the planes were flying).
I am looking forward to finding my triggers so that my diet can be safer.
Thank you for all your advice and support,most importantly is that you are doing well.
I am so glad to hear that you are safe and doing well.Harvey has caused me to delay my test(Kathy from enterlab told me to wait a week until the planes were flying).
I am looking forward to finding my triggers so that my diet can be safer.
Thank you for all your advice and support,most importantly is that you are doing well.
Erica,
Thank you. We were on the edge of the storm so we just had some rain, but the wind wasn't bad here. The storm out in the Atlantic (Irma) looks like it will be a threat for the East Coast.
Tex
Thank you. We were on the edge of the storm so we just had some rain, but the wind wasn't bad here. The storm out in the Atlantic (Irma) looks like it will be a threat for the East Coast.
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.
Thanks Tex for your response on IBGard. I want to thank you and the others on this forum for all that you do. I loved your book and refer to it often!
I have been wondering about trying digestive enzymes before each meal to see if they indeed help with absorption of nutrients. I have been on a bland diet for 3 months now as per recommendations, still taking Lialda, and still have soft stools, but am hoping over time that improves. I know I need to be patient as it takes a long time for our gut to heal.
I've been battling fatigue for over 6 months. My Dr. checked my ferritin level and it was only 24, so had me take iron supplements for 2 months which really improved my energy level but after the 2 months was over I have gradually lost much of that energy. I go back to her today and will recheck my levels and see if they've improved.
If you have any recommendations on digestive enzymes let me know. If I try IBGard I will let everyone know if it helps.
Thank again Tex!
Tina
I have been wondering about trying digestive enzymes before each meal to see if they indeed help with absorption of nutrients. I have been on a bland diet for 3 months now as per recommendations, still taking Lialda, and still have soft stools, but am hoping over time that improves. I know I need to be patient as it takes a long time for our gut to heal.
I've been battling fatigue for over 6 months. My Dr. checked my ferritin level and it was only 24, so had me take iron supplements for 2 months which really improved my energy level but after the 2 months was over I have gradually lost much of that energy. I go back to her today and will recheck my levels and see if they've improved.
If you have any recommendations on digestive enzymes let me know. If I try IBGard I will let everyone know if it helps.
Thank again Tex!
Tina
Tina
Hi Tina,
I'm not a fan of digestive enzymes, but I can't say for sure that they wouldn't help you. You might find this thread from earlier this year to be interesting reading, and my first post in the thread contains a link to an older thread that explains why I'll never touch another enzyme supplement again.
Wayne - Digestive Enzymes?
But some people can apparently tolerate them OK, so you may have to judge for yourself whether or not they help.
Incidentally, fatigue is a very, very common complaint among MC patients. The disease itself apparently causes our immune system to burn most of our energy futilely trying to fight the inflammation. Many members report the fatigue disappearing about 2 years into remission. Fatigue is also a symptom of a chronic magnesium deficiency, and virtually all MC patients have a magnesium deficiency until they are able to resolve it by using supplemental magnesium. But an iron deficiency will definitely severely limit energy. You might have a combination of these issues.
You're very welcome.
Tex
I'm not a fan of digestive enzymes, but I can't say for sure that they wouldn't help you. You might find this thread from earlier this year to be interesting reading, and my first post in the thread contains a link to an older thread that explains why I'll never touch another enzyme supplement again.
Wayne - Digestive Enzymes?
But some people can apparently tolerate them OK, so you may have to judge for yourself whether or not they help.
Incidentally, fatigue is a very, very common complaint among MC patients. The disease itself apparently causes our immune system to burn most of our energy futilely trying to fight the inflammation. Many members report the fatigue disappearing about 2 years into remission. Fatigue is also a symptom of a chronic magnesium deficiency, and virtually all MC patients have a magnesium deficiency until they are able to resolve it by using supplemental magnesium. But an iron deficiency will definitely severely limit energy. You might have a combination of these issues.
You're very welcome.
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.
Thanks Brandy for the suggested iron supplement. I am still low, ferritin was 35 ng, should be around 50 I believe. My Dr. wants me to take a supplement for 6 months then test again. Hopefully I will get some of my energy back soon!
Tex, I have a question on magnesium and Vit D3. Reading the many forum discussions on this, I believe I am low in both of these. My current magnesium tested at 2.2 with a normal range of 1.6-2.4, my Dr. thinks that is fine. Vit D3 is 44 with a normal range of 32-80, she also believes that is OK.
I am currently taking a supplement 2000 iu of Vit D3 and 225mg of magnesium in a multivitamin. I think I should be taking double the amount of Vit D3, 4000 iu daily and also doubling the magnesium to 400-600mg a day. Does that sound right?
I've tried ReMag and Doctor's Best magnesium that you suggest but have had some diarrhea issues, so then tried magnesium lotion with some success. I just want to make sure of the daily amount I should be taking of both of these essential elements to help the MC and my fatigue. I would appreciate any guidance you can give me.
I also have a question on itchy bumps on my scalp. I've had them on and off for the past year and could not figure out why. The dermatologist had no idea either. I was putting hydrocortisone cream on them to stop the itching with limited success. After reading your book, on page 163 in the mast cells section you mention bumps on the head, I finally had an answer! I started taking a antihistamine daily and they have stopped itching but are still there just not as many or as big. What an eye opener, thank you so much! I asked my GI Dr. about mast cells and he had no idea what I was talking about, same with a gluten free diet, he had no clue. Very frustrating when your own Dr. does not know much about your disease, so frustrating.
The only thing we can do is educate ourselves and learn as much as possible. That's why I love this forum so much!
Thanks in advance Tex for your advice.
Tina
Tex, I have a question on magnesium and Vit D3. Reading the many forum discussions on this, I believe I am low in both of these. My current magnesium tested at 2.2 with a normal range of 1.6-2.4, my Dr. thinks that is fine. Vit D3 is 44 with a normal range of 32-80, she also believes that is OK.
I am currently taking a supplement 2000 iu of Vit D3 and 225mg of magnesium in a multivitamin. I think I should be taking double the amount of Vit D3, 4000 iu daily and also doubling the magnesium to 400-600mg a day. Does that sound right?
I've tried ReMag and Doctor's Best magnesium that you suggest but have had some diarrhea issues, so then tried magnesium lotion with some success. I just want to make sure of the daily amount I should be taking of both of these essential elements to help the MC and my fatigue. I would appreciate any guidance you can give me.
I also have a question on itchy bumps on my scalp. I've had them on and off for the past year and could not figure out why. The dermatologist had no idea either. I was putting hydrocortisone cream on them to stop the itching with limited success. After reading your book, on page 163 in the mast cells section you mention bumps on the head, I finally had an answer! I started taking a antihistamine daily and they have stopped itching but are still there just not as many or as big. What an eye opener, thank you so much! I asked my GI Dr. about mast cells and he had no idea what I was talking about, same with a gluten free diet, he had no clue. Very frustrating when your own Dr. does not know much about your disease, so frustrating.
The only thing we can do is educate ourselves and learn as much as possible. That's why I love this forum so much!
Thanks in advance Tex for your advice.
Tina
Tina
Hi Tina,
Your doctor sounds like virtually all physicians. They don't understand the importance of magnesium and they don't realize that the so-called "normal" range for the magnesium test they use is low because approximately 80 % of the subjects who were used to establish that range were considered to be "normal" when actually they were magnesium deficient. And that test is almost useless anyway, because it measures magnesium in the bloodstream even though the blood contains only about 1 to 2 % of the total magnesium in the body and that amount is closely regulated because magnesium is a vital electrolyte.
I like to keep my vitamin D between 60 and 80, but 44 is OK for most purposes. I agree that about 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily is a good average dose. Yes 400–600 mg of magnesium is good when trying to resolve a magnesium deficiency. After your MC is under control, and your ability to absorb nutrients improves, 300–400 mg of magnesium may be sufficient. Always split up the dosing of oral magnesium during the day (take it with or after each meal), to minimize the risk of D. If the oral magnesium causes D, definitely use transdermal supplemental.
I suspect your experience with the bumps caused by histamine build-up is typical. Whenever I get any bumps (they usually show up on my lower legs), they tend to stick around for a very long time, but taking an antihistamine and minimizing eating high-histamine foods will minimize the itching and reduce the redness and inflammation. I agree that we have learned a lot on this forum by sharing information and experiences that we would never hear from our doctors.
Tex
Your doctor sounds like virtually all physicians. They don't understand the importance of magnesium and they don't realize that the so-called "normal" range for the magnesium test they use is low because approximately 80 % of the subjects who were used to establish that range were considered to be "normal" when actually they were magnesium deficient. And that test is almost useless anyway, because it measures magnesium in the bloodstream even though the blood contains only about 1 to 2 % of the total magnesium in the body and that amount is closely regulated because magnesium is a vital electrolyte.
I like to keep my vitamin D between 60 and 80, but 44 is OK for most purposes. I agree that about 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily is a good average dose. Yes 400–600 mg of magnesium is good when trying to resolve a magnesium deficiency. After your MC is under control, and your ability to absorb nutrients improves, 300–400 mg of magnesium may be sufficient. Always split up the dosing of oral magnesium during the day (take it with or after each meal), to minimize the risk of D. If the oral magnesium causes D, definitely use transdermal supplemental.
I suspect your experience with the bumps caused by histamine build-up is typical. Whenever I get any bumps (they usually show up on my lower legs), they tend to stick around for a very long time, but taking an antihistamine and minimizing eating high-histamine foods will minimize the itching and reduce the redness and inflammation. I agree that we have learned a lot on this forum by sharing information and experiences that we would never hear from our doctors.
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.