New to MC

[desperado]

Hello, I am so happy to meet you all. My journey with MC began 2007 after alot of personal trauma and displacement that took years to recover from emotionally. Just diagnosed with MC this July. GI told me that my biopsy showed MC, she was prescribing Budesonide which I would take for a month and then taper off. That was the current treatment. I thought that it would be like taking an antibiotic for an infection. After recurring symptoms every time I began to taper off her Nurse Practitioner told me that they were hoping to bring me into remission. WHAT .. now I know that I am living with this for life. BUMMER.. so glad to find this forum and begin to learn how to manage this disease from which I will never be cured. I now plan to get rid of all of the clothes that are too large since I have dropped so much weight and will probably never gain it back.

[barbieAnn]

Hello Desperado,

I was also diagnosed this year - in August after my colonoscopy. I was having multiple bowel movements every morning - and a very bad consistency - I also tried Budenoside but it did not work for me. I felt worse on it.

My mom had almost passed away from an infection with pneumonia, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and my daughter is learning disabled and I was in the midst of trying to get her SSI. So at first, I thought that this was due to all of the stress I was under. But the problem is still here. I know exactly how you feel. I feel sick most days and can barely function at work but I have managed without taking too many days off. I honestly don't know how much longer I can do this though. I'm on my third doctor. None of them seem to understand this, I just keep on getting more and more tests done with the same results. They can't find anything other than the MC. I have almost daily nausea and pains in my stomach. The docs all insisted that the nausea has nothing to do with the MC. But they have no reason for it.

I also have lost a lot of weight. I am a petite woman and have always been thin. Not my choice, I have always been the type that could eat whatever I wanted without gaining an ounce. I am usually in the 115-118 range. I am now down to 103, and the docs aren't concerned. Really?!? I could totally relate to you saying you have to buy all new clothes. I always wore form fitted dresses, pants, etc, - not anymore. My wardrobe is now long loose skirts or tunics with leggings. None of my dresses, skirts, pants fit anymore. I won't even try on my jeans, it's just too depressing. I'm so worried that this is only going to get worse. Please write me anytime -

This site is wonderful though and has already helped me emotionally as well as the wealth of information they have provided.

[desperado]

You and I do have alot in common. I also am working and have only had to call in one time, but most days it is a challenge. Also the weight loss. I have been 130 for most of my adult life. I have lost down to 112. My family and friends have made comments about my weight loss and think I am anorexic. Like "don't you think you have lost enough weight". YES I do and would love to be able to eat and enjoy it and not have to make mad dashes to the pot at the most inopportune times. I plan to start on the MC dietary plan phase one as soon as possible. Right now in the middle of moving so it is hard. Great to hear from you and will be anxious to follow your progress.

[tex]

Hi Judy,

Welcome to our Internet family. It sounds as though you have already made plans for your recovery journey back to health. Good for you. Yes, this disease is for life, but the symptoms can certainly be controlled. We all have to figure out our own special diet, but making those changes is so much better than trying to live with the symptoms.

Again, welcome aboard, and any time you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Tex

[Pam V]

Hi Judy and Desperado,

I was also diagnosed this year in May. I started Budesonide in late May and tapered from 9 mg/day to 6 in July, 3 in September ~ I am down to one every three days and hope to be off of it by January 1st. I had the sensitivity tests done at Enterolab and have been following a strict non gluten, dairy, egg or soy diet since August. For the most part, things are going well. I weighed 140 lbs when I got sick and dropped to 114 lbs within 2 months. I’m starting to gain weight and have leveled off between 118-120 which is actually ideal for me. I have more energy and have started going on my long walks, which I love.

If you haven’t already purchased it, Tex’s book on Microscopic Colitis is a very good resource.

Welcome to our group!

Pam

[Marcia K]

Hi, Judy. Welcome to our group. You have come to the best place for help in your journey to healing. Stress kicked off my LC as well. This disease is for life, but I thought I had cancer when the symptoms started and I learned to accept it for what it is. I lost weight, too but gained most of it back as you will once your gut heals. Again, welcome!

[desperado]

Thanks Tex, Pam and Marcia,

Your testimonies give me great hope. I also love long walks, so I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes. I too was beginning to be fearful that I must have cancer or something as bad when things were at their worst this past summer. It was such an amazing relief when my colonoscopy and EGD came back with MC. I have tried alot of diet plans including Ayurvedic cleansing diet which I know now was probably exacerbating the problem with the spices and fiber. Now and I will embrace bland and gluten free. Will definitely be getting tex's book.

Hopeful that I will see improvement and better days ahead. So thankful to you all for sharing.