Hello everyone
I'm so glad to have found this group. I was diagnosed two years ago. I still continue to have explosive water d. I tried gluten free for three months and it made no difference. Then I tried dairy free, no change.
My doctor said I have this because of long term Zoloft. I tried to taper off my 150 mg of Zoloft and developed excruciating pain in my calves. So I'm back on Zoloft.
I don't want to take any steroids and pepto puts me to sleep. I am wondering about Imodium, Bentyl, fibercon, antihistamine, probiotics.
Please if you have any suggestions I need help.
Thank you so much for any ideas.
Kathy
New to group and need help
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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Kathy Bronte
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:40 pm
- Location: California
Hi Kathy,
Welcome to our forum and sorry that you had to find us. You are on the right place. We know what you are going through.
I think Tex and or Gabes or somebody else will answer you in a short time.
I only have experience with budesonine what concerns medication, what helped me for about two years, but weakened my imuum system and the wd came back sooner every time. The other medication you mention I don't know.
What really helped me and many other members is a diet. Most of us are intolerant for gluten, dairy and soy (and a lot of other foods, all different).
Gluten free or dairy free alone didn't help you, but I think you have to do it together and also avoid soy. You can find a lot of information here for starting an elimination diet. Many people here started, like me, with rice, banana and applesauce (without sugar) until the wd stops. You can also add chicken, biological. Home mad bone broth helped me a lot and I drink it every day. It can take some time until you mention a difference, but it is worth the effort!
I wish you success!
Sonja
Welcome to our forum and sorry that you had to find us. You are on the right place. We know what you are going through.
I think Tex and or Gabes or somebody else will answer you in a short time.
I only have experience with budesonine what concerns medication, what helped me for about two years, but weakened my imuum system and the wd came back sooner every time. The other medication you mention I don't know.
What really helped me and many other members is a diet. Most of us are intolerant for gluten, dairy and soy (and a lot of other foods, all different).
Gluten free or dairy free alone didn't help you, but I think you have to do it together and also avoid soy. You can find a lot of information here for starting an elimination diet. Many people here started, like me, with rice, banana and applesauce (without sugar) until the wd stops. You can also add chicken, biological. Home mad bone broth helped me a lot and I drink it every day. It can take some time until you mention a difference, but it is worth the effort!
I wish you success!
Sonja
Hello Kathy,
Welcome to our Internet family. Sonja is right — the reason why changing your diet did no good is because you have to avoid every food sensitivity that causes your immune system to produce antibodies, and you have to avoid them all at the same time (all the time).
But you have a worse problem than that, if your doctor is correct about the Zoloft (and there's no reason to believe that he or she is not right). If you have drug-induced colitis, you will not be able to control the symptoms of MC until you stop using SSRIs (completely). IMO, the only similar drug that you might be able to tolerate to replace the Zoloft is buproprion (Wellbutrin). But buproprion is no better at treating depression than Zoloft. Depression and anxiety are two of the symptoms of a chronic magnesium deficiency. Therefore, the proper treatment is magnesium supplementation, not drugs. The excruciating pain in your calves, is a typical symptom of magnesium deficiency. The reason why antidepressants seem to work is because they mask the symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
The bottom line is, if you have drug induced colitis, then nothing will be able to override the drug to bring relief as long as you are taking the SSRI. Neither dieting, nor taking Entocort, Imodium, Bentyl, fibercon, an antihistamine, or a probiotic will be able to bring relief. The drug causing your symptoms must be stopped first. I realize that's not what you wanted to hear, and I apologize for having to point it out, but unfortunately it's true. And please don't feel as if you have run into a brick wall by being dependent on the SSRI, because you can do this. You can resolve your symptoms without an SSRI, and you can resolve your MC symptoms.
By the way, magnesium deficiency is very commonly associated with MC — it goes with the turf. Been there, done that.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our Internet family. Sonja is right — the reason why changing your diet did no good is because you have to avoid every food sensitivity that causes your immune system to produce antibodies, and you have to avoid them all at the same time (all the time).
But you have a worse problem than that, if your doctor is correct about the Zoloft (and there's no reason to believe that he or she is not right). If you have drug-induced colitis, you will not be able to control the symptoms of MC until you stop using SSRIs (completely). IMO, the only similar drug that you might be able to tolerate to replace the Zoloft is buproprion (Wellbutrin). But buproprion is no better at treating depression than Zoloft. Depression and anxiety are two of the symptoms of a chronic magnesium deficiency. Therefore, the proper treatment is magnesium supplementation, not drugs. The excruciating pain in your calves, is a typical symptom of magnesium deficiency. The reason why antidepressants seem to work is because they mask the symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
The bottom line is, if you have drug induced colitis, then nothing will be able to override the drug to bring relief as long as you are taking the SSRI. Neither dieting, nor taking Entocort, Imodium, Bentyl, fibercon, an antihistamine, or a probiotic will be able to bring relief. The drug causing your symptoms must be stopped first. I realize that's not what you wanted to hear, and I apologize for having to point it out, but unfortunately it's true. And please don't feel as if you have run into a brick wall by being dependent on the SSRI, because you can do this. You can resolve your symptoms without an SSRI, and you can resolve your MC symptoms.
By the way, magnesium deficiency is very commonly associated with MC — it goes with the turf. Been there, done that.
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.
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It can be very difficult to wean off of an antidepressant but it can be done. I know this from personal experience. The trick is to do it slowly, sometimes very slowly. Your doctor may not know much about this but there are websites that can help. Here's one article that is a place to start: http://kellybroganmd.com/stop-madness-c ... sych-meds/ Also, as Tex said, magnesium is very important. It is known to alleviate depression and certainly can eliminate leg cramps if that is the kind of pain you are having. This too I know from personal experience.
Jean
Jean
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Kathy Bronte
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:40 pm
- Location: California
Thank you Tex, Sonya and Jean
Thanks for the info. I am going to have to research tapering Zoloft. My initial try was awful. I hope after I go through it the MC will be resolved. I think my doctor doesn't understand how difficult tapering can be.
Kathy
Kathy
It might be. Sometimes just stopping the drug that causes the MC is all that is required. If you're lucky, no diet changes will be necessary.Kathy wrote:I hope after I go through it the MC will be resolved.
And I'm pretty sure you're right about your doctor not understanding how difficult it can be to wean off some of these drugs. It's so easy to prescribe them, but they rarely worry about having to discontinue their use. They view drugs as solutions, not as causes of additional problems.
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.
Depression and anxiety were a huge part of my life prior to MC. However, I found little or no relief from any SSRIs. I wish I had known about the miracle of magnesium years ago but I know about it know and I feel great. I would suggest that you begin taking the magnesium and vitamin D and slowly decrease the Zoloft. That way, you're substituting one for the other and perhaps the addition of magnesium will help decrease the affects of withdrawal from Zoloft.
I also have magnesium lotion that I apply whenever I have a muscle cramp. On days that I swim, I apply 1 teaspoon to each of my arms and legs to prevent cramping while in the water. It really works, I no longer have to cut short my workouts because of cramping. I also kept the lotion near me, at night, because I would awaken with the worst leg and foot cramps. I would pour on the lotion and the cramp would disappear. I'm happy to say that now that my magnesium level is elevated, I no longer have middle-of-the-night cramps.
All best to you.
I also have magnesium lotion that I apply whenever I have a muscle cramp. On days that I swim, I apply 1 teaspoon to each of my arms and legs to prevent cramping while in the water. It really works, I no longer have to cut short my workouts because of cramping. I also kept the lotion near me, at night, because I would awaken with the worst leg and foot cramps. I would pour on the lotion and the cramp would disappear. I'm happy to say that now that my magnesium level is elevated, I no longer have middle-of-the-night cramps.
All best to you.
Diana
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
to expan on Diana's reply above - my suggestion is also Vit D3 and magnesium. Both have lots of published scientific articles that reiterate the importance of Vit D3 and magnesium for depression and anxiety.
I would do focussed supplementation of a good MC safe Vit D3 and magnesium for 8 weeks, then start the slow taper of the Zoloft
Just as important is following low inflammation eating plan, low toxin, 'relaxing' lifestyle will help. implement activities such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, into your daily routine. ensure you are getting good quality sleep. spend time outdoors everyday, gentle walk /other exercise.
I would do focussed supplementation of a good MC safe Vit D3 and magnesium for 8 weeks, then start the slow taper of the Zoloft
Just as important is following low inflammation eating plan, low toxin, 'relaxing' lifestyle will help. implement activities such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, into your daily routine. ensure you are getting good quality sleep. spend time outdoors everyday, gentle walk /other exercise.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
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Kathy Bronte
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:40 pm
- Location: California
To be honest, I'm not at all sure that it's possible to control the D before you're off the Zoloft. There's no way to force remission under any and all circumstances. The diet probably will take a while to heal your intestines, and since you don't want to take budesoniode, there aren't many options. You might try an antihistamine, but I'd be surprised if it would work this early in your treatment program.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but this is a cruel disease.
Tex
I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but this is a cruel disease.
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,
Welcome to the forum. Antihistamines sometimes help, especially when weaning off a budesoniode treatment, but you have to be avoiding all your food and drug sensitivities.
Most MC patients do not benefit from probiotics. Only a very small percentage of patients are helped by them. Even the American Gastroenterological Association Institute published new guidelines in December of 2015 to point out that they have started recommending AGAINST the use of probiotics for treating MC.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to the forum. Antihistamines sometimes help, especially when weaning off a budesoniode treatment, but you have to be avoiding all your food and drug sensitivities.
Most MC patients do not benefit from probiotics. Only a very small percentage of patients are helped by them. Even the American Gastroenterological Association Institute published new guidelines in December of 2015 to point out that they have started recommending AGAINST the use of probiotics for treating MC.
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.
Hello everyone,
I'm new to the group and have just had my diagnosis of MC. I was interested to read about magnesium in one of the posts.
I think I could be deficient in this but have so far held off taking the supplement because I was warned that it can cause D (sorry I haven't yet learned all the abbreviations!) I've had my symptoms for two months, mostly first thing in the morning.
I've suffered with fatigue and have gone from being very active to lethargic within this period of time. I'm still looking at the packet of Budesonide but feel loath to start taking it. Some of the posts state that it should be taken for months but my GE
says to take it for only one month and then taper off. I'm pretty confused but shall continue with immodium for now.
I don't take any medication besides statins.
I think that the fatigue is mostly caused by the baby diet and total lack of nutrition. How is it possible to be active on such restrictions. I'm don't have any food intolerances besides beans - no great loss!!
I'm new to the group and have just had my diagnosis of MC. I was interested to read about magnesium in one of the posts.
I think I could be deficient in this but have so far held off taking the supplement because I was warned that it can cause D (sorry I haven't yet learned all the abbreviations!) I've had my symptoms for two months, mostly first thing in the morning.
I've suffered with fatigue and have gone from being very active to lethargic within this period of time. I'm still looking at the packet of Budesonide but feel loath to start taking it. Some of the posts state that it should be taken for months but my GE
says to take it for only one month and then taper off. I'm pretty confused but shall continue with immodium for now.
I don't take any medication besides statins.
I think that the fatigue is mostly caused by the baby diet and total lack of nutrition. How is it possible to be active on such restrictions. I'm don't have any food intolerances besides beans - no great loss!!
DEN
Hello Den,
Welcome to our Internet family. Actually the fatigue is mostly caused by the disease itself. Our body uses most of our energy just to fight the inflammation. Budesonide will mask the symptoms for most patients, to make life more comfortable, but it can't heal the intestines — only avoiding all of our food sensitivities can actually heal the gut.
Our ability to get adequate nutrition from our diet is compromised by the inflammation. Many of us lose weight regardless of how much we eat because of poor digestion while our got is inflamed. To get enough nutrition out of a limited diet, one has to eat enough of the foods that are safe in order to take in enough protein and fat (IOW, enough calories) every day to cover one's needs. And we have to stick to a recovery diet until the gut heals, and digestion improves.
It takes a while to recover from MC. There will be ups and downs, and in the meantime, it helps to learn all we can about the treatments that work, and the ones that don't, and it helps to take life a day at a time.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our Internet family. Actually the fatigue is mostly caused by the disease itself. Our body uses most of our energy just to fight the inflammation. Budesonide will mask the symptoms for most patients, to make life more comfortable, but it can't heal the intestines — only avoiding all of our food sensitivities can actually heal the gut.
Our ability to get adequate nutrition from our diet is compromised by the inflammation. Many of us lose weight regardless of how much we eat because of poor digestion while our got is inflamed. To get enough nutrition out of a limited diet, one has to eat enough of the foods that are safe in order to take in enough protein and fat (IOW, enough calories) every day to cover one's needs. And we have to stick to a recovery diet until the gut heals, and digestion improves.
It takes a while to recover from MC. There will be ups and downs, and in the meantime, it helps to learn all we can about the treatments that work, and the ones that don't, and it helps to take life a day at a time.
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.
Hi, Thank you for your welcome and kind reply. Although I don't think I have food intolerances I think I'll go gluten free as a start to my recovery. I have read the benefits and certainly don't think it can do any harm and it might help with fatigue, taking some stress from my gut while it's healing. I read that the gut is our second brain and following a stressful 2016 perhaps this brought on my symptoms. I won't take the Budesonide and will stay away from SSRI's. Having always had such a healthy diet this cruel disease has come as a shock. Den
DEN