I have had diarrhea as much as 8 times a day for the last 6 weeks and have really thought that I could get it under control
. I think that it was not triggered by anything I ate or did not eat. I think this was triggered by stress. My husband and I took a trip to Switzerland in April and had a fabulous time. I was tempted but did NOT try any bread there—-I had heard that even some Celiacs don’t have trouble with bread made by artisans in Europe because the flour there is not like the flour here. On the train from Switzerland to The Netherlands (Amsterdam) my bag with passport, driver’s license, credit cards, some jewelry, cell phone, and car key to my keyless car were stolen from me. We had to stay a day later and I had the opportunity to see how people are treated at the American consulate in Amsterdam, where I had to go for an emergency passport to get home. If you are an American, which I am, you are treated if not well, at least like you might be a worthwhile human being, but if you are someone foreign who is applying for a visa, it is unbelievable to see how poorly people are treated—less than human. I would not talk to my dog that way. Diarrhea started almost immediately upon getting back to the hotel with new passport in hand. My husband and I were worried how I would do on the flight home. The best I could do was quit eating and dehydrate myself a bit. I felt awful by the time we got home, but at least, I maintained my dignity inflight! I was home a week and had just started to replace my lost items and the diarrhea, though present, was not out of control. I had to be at a week long conference as a health educator presenting (something this introvert abhors) and though I was still suffering from anxiety and was pretty miserable, I did my thing for a week and resigned at the end so that I will NEVER have to do it again. Since then, my diarrhea has picked up speed and has made it hard to function. I have tried experimenting with various foods, but now, I think I am going to have to get serious and really go back to 2012 and have only a few basic foods—chicken broth and some rice. In 2012 the gastroenterologist I saw was wonderful. I never really had to go on any medication except for Pepto Bismol for a couple of weeks and totally get rid (with the help of Enterolab testing)of eggs, oats, gluten, soy, tree nuts, and really limit any sugar intake. I really felt fortunate. Since then, Dr. Crane has retired.
. I called on Thursday and explained my dilemma to a nurse there and I have an appointment June 28. The doctor I will see, prescribed budesonide until I can get in to see him. I have never done well with prednisone, so am hoping that the pharmacist and the nurse are correct—that this is less likely to cause the depression prednisone does for me. I’m hoping this works and that I can wean myself off without it coming back over time. Ugh! I am sorry to whine; I should be grateful for the 6 good years I have had. I am also going to start back doing mindfulness meditation so that I can get my stress under control
