I haven't been around on here very much of late but thought I would provide an update on how I am progressing. A quick re-cap is that I was diagnosed with MC in 2004 having previously been mis-diagnosed with IBS in 1991. When I discovered this site I was sceptical at first but having slowly digested things (pun intended!) and read Wayne's book I came to realise that I am what I eat.
I now enjoy a very healthy wholesome diet with everything cooked if not grown from scratch. While I still find I experience some D most days, it has been a lot more manageable. I avoid gluten, yeast, dairy and soy and all processed foods. I have a small garden but grow quite a lot of fruit and vegetables organically in raised beds and various containers. I would not be self sufficient but keep myself in spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, salads, onions and shallots, garlic, chilli, plums, apples, rocket, kale and various beans for about 8 months a year. I also only buy organic free range eggs from a local organic farm.
I am a very atopic person with asthma, hay fever and eczema, the latter which I developed just two years ago. The MC seems to be similar in that I am prone to inflammation. However, I have not had a major flare for well over a year and do not need any meds at present except for loperimide.
The biggest change for me has been accepting I have this disease and learning to live with it, rather than it controlling my life. I still go to the loo at least 5 times a day and can display the entire Bristol Stool Chart in one day. But I always have tissues, I know where all the loos are when I am out and about and if I do feel fatigued I rest. My boss at work is great and very understanding. I still try to eliminate foods if I feel they are aggravating my symptoms but I find that most of the time I am nearer Norman than D so the foods I currently eat I seem to tolerate. I have lost 42lbs in weight on my new diet (I did need to) and feel fitter and healthier than I used to.
Probably the biggest change though has been my attitude. I suffer with a chronic disease but I still get on with life. I don't worry if I suddenly have to dash for a loo - it happens. It is part of me and who I am. Very occasionally I don't make it in time - that's what washing machines are for! I think I was very self-obsessed for quite a long time and constantly worrying - we all know stress is a major factor in aggravating symptoms. So I have taken up yoga and walking, gardening whenever I can but most importantly I laugh!
Anne
Thanks for the update! You should post something in the member success stories as well.
