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I’m Katelyn, a 20 year old who’s a junior in college. (With the potential to graduate early.) It was in 2016, freshman year of college when I got diagnosed with Lymphocytic Microscopic colitis after a very bad 4 month fight with C-Diff. (My gastroenterologist couldn’t see me any longer and to get another appointment, we had to find a new one and wait.) I’ve tried Budesonide, which helped a little, but I was not consistent enough. Then I had two rounds of Xifaxan, the first round helped a lot, the second round...not so much. I came here to see what other people have done, they’re experiences and to potentially help others! (Any other 20-something’s out there...you’re not alone!) I’m sure some of you can relate when I say “I’m tired of doing this, I’m tired of having to revolve my life around a bathroom, the embarrassment, not feeling like a human, and just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.” I’m determined to feel better and I’m not going to stop fighting this.
Welcome Katelyn, you've come to the right place - lots of great and knowledgeable here. I can sympathize as my IBS/colitis started when I was in my teens. The majority of my high school years were spent in the ladies room. Keep your chin up - it will get better!
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Welcome to the forum. We have a few members in their teens and 20s, but they don't post very often. Are you aware that you can break your close bonds with bathrooms by following a diet that avoids all of your food sensitivities? If you stop eating the foods that cause your immune system to produce antibodies, the inflammation in your intestines will fade away, and so will the symptoms of 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.
Hi Katelyn. Welcome to the family. I'm sorry to hear that you are frustrated, tired and feeling unwell. As you read through the posts on this bulletin board, you'll see many stories like yours and the great news is that there is hope in being able to manage your symptoms and start feeling healthy and human again. I was diagnosed with LC approximately 7 months ago and have been on the same journey as yourself, trying to get a better handle on what I can do to understand and manage my disease.
There are many great experts on this forum like Tex and Gabes who can offer you advice and answer any questions you have. I also suggest that you consider buying a copy of Tex's book (top right hand corner) which will help to bring a lot of the information from the boards into a single resource for you.
I am a 22 year old who just finished college myself. I was diagnosed in 2012 but have had the symptoms since I was a baby. They slowly got worse over time for me. I am definitely still figuring it out as well. I can very much relate to "sick and tired of being sick and tired." I remember having the most extreme embarrassment as a kid up until I was diagnosed. I too was offered budesonide, but I've refused to try it because 1. I don't believe my symptoms are severe enough that I need to yet (I've become accustomed since I've lived with this my entire life), and 2. I'm quite skeptical that a course of steroids will magically make it go away, and I would rather use changes to my diet and life style than use steroids and be subject to the risks that come with them. This website and Tex's book have been a huge help, and I highly recommend searching through it. I haven't made any long term major diet changes yet, but making small choices day by day have helped me avoid the worser flare ups I've had in the past.
I hope you find answers on this site and I totally understand the struggle of having symptoms while going to college. It was really rough for me this last year but I finished!!! Just waiting on the piece of paper that proves I did. I know you can do it too, especially if you're set to graduate early! Keep pushing through.
Hi Katelyn,
I'm sorry that you are dealing with MC at such a young age. Have you tried giving up gluten? It's absolutely worth a try! You can Google information on how to give up Gluten 100%. It's important to eliminate 100% for testing purposes. Ditch bread. There are nice rice pastas in the supermarkets. Just don't overcook them and they are good. Quinoa is a nice grain and it contains protein. I sometimes eat it with maple syrup for breakfast. Are you eating in a cafeteria or can you cook?
I know you can do it too, especially if you're set to graduate early! Keep pushing through. 