Good Morning everyone,
I've posted a few times since going into my first flare in seven years back in September 2019. I've been on Budesonide 9mg since then. Back in December, I tried to taper to 6mg but within five days all my symptoms had come back and I had to go back up to 9mg. I've been on 9mg for a month since then. I just filled a script for another 30 days of 9mg. After this next month I am terrifed to try to taper back to 6mg again. I have not had any bad side effects from this medication, so far. I know that other members have been on Budesonide long term but it seems that they were on lower doses. Can I safely stay on 9mg for awhile longer? My stress levels are at an all time high due to my mom having a suspicious mammogram (she will get biopsies soon), my grandmas doctors think she may have leukemia (awaiting more testing), my husband got a great new job but now works nights and I am really struggling with that and having to take care of our eleven year all on my own M-F all while working a 40 hour work week. I just do not feel ready to taper and fear relapse again, like what happened in December.
I have stuck to the phase one diet since October 2019. No cheating. I've been gluten free for seven years but my recent EnteroLab results had me cut out dairy, eggs, soy, all legumes, oats, almonds (and all nuts), beef, pork, chicken & tuna. I only eat ground lamb, ground turkey, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, uncured turkey bacon (turkey, water, salt, vinegar & celery powder), cooked carrots, plantain rolls (plantains, cassava flour, compliant olive oil, coconut milk & pink sea salt), small amounts of refined coconut oil for cooking, small amounts of pure coconut milk (no guars/gums), organic caffeine free peppermint tea with 1/2 tsp coconut sugar one to two times a day.
I take the following medications/supplements currently:
-Tri Sprintec
-Budesonide
-Multi strain Probiotic (I have a history of c-diff so I've taken this for a few years, while in remission w no bad effects)
-400mg Doctors Best Magnesium Glycinate (worked up to this dosage over the past few months, never noticed a change in stools but I am on 9mg Budesonide)
-5000iu Doctors Best vitamin D3
-Allegra x1 daily
-Benedryl as needed before bed (for allergies or help with sleep)
I saw a functional medical doctor yesterday to get a second opinion on healing from my flare as well as a potential hormonal issue. Long story short, for the past few years my sex drive has plummeted to near zero in addition to pain during intercourse. Sorry if TMI :/ My OBGYN has been unable to help me the past few years and with my marriage being affected, I am seeking additional help. I have seriously considered going off my hormonal birth control
(Tri Spintec) multiple times but have not done so due to fear of painful/heavy/unpredictable menstrual cycles as well as acne. But this doctor also suggested going off the birth control too. Will going off birth control cause my flare to be worse or will it potentially help me obtain remission? I've read a few studies that links birth control and hormones to MC. I am willing to try going off it if it will help me get to remission. But I wasn't sure if it cause the flare to get worse. With going off the birth control, he prescribed a Progesterone cream to help with balancing hormones as well as sleep support and anxiety; in addition he prescribed Sprinolactone which is an off label drug to help prevent hormonal acne. I understand his desire to try and help me prevent painful menstruation and acne but am worried that either of them may negatively effect my MC. Thoughts? The progesterone cream is from a compound pharmacy and so its $60 out of pocket. I see highly rated progesterone creams on Amazon that are much cheaper so if I did take it, I'd probably go that route.
He also wanted me to get the following tests done:
-SIBO breath test
-GI-Map Pathogens Profile, GI Microbial Assay Plus through Diagnostics Solutions
I follow a MC support group on Facebook as well and a lot of those members have had the SIBO test done. He mentioned that if the results are positive, a short course of antibiotics are prescribed as well as finding a good strain(s) of probiotics. I do NOT want to take antibiotics as I know its not good for those with MC and I have a history of c-diff. The test is $180 out of pocket. Do I need it?
For the GI-Mapping test, their website states that it tests for bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens in addition to detecting microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function. I had a stool test done back in late-September 2019 to make sure I hadn't contracted any infections or such and everything came back normal. So it seems to me that this test is unnecessary. I would maybe consider it if the Budesonide wasn't controlling my symptoms but it is. This test is potentially $350 if my insurance doesn't cover half of it, which I doubt it would but I don't have that kind of money to spend if the test is unnecessary.
He recommended a bunch of supplements, $180 worth, that I don't think are necessary. They were Omega3 fish oil, Meriva (curcumin), SBI Protect & L Theanine. I have seen others on here suggest L-Theanine for anxiety and sleep issues. I may try that one, I found the following on Amazon (link below), is this a safe option? Am I correct in that the other above supplements are not needed?
https://www.amazon.com/Suntheanine%C2%A ... 150&sr=8-8
I apologize for such a long post. I tried to condense it as much as possible but there is so much going on in my life at the moment :/ Any help or insight you can provide would be much, much appreciated.
Supplements and Hormonal Birth Control
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Tiffany,
I'm kind of pressed now. I'll get back in a day or so but several questions?
1. What is your age?
2. Since the budesonide is working and you have a lot of stress now can you stay on the 9 mg for 3 or 4 months?
If you get constipation and then step down. Tell the doctor you are still having loose stool and want to stay on higher dose a bit longer.
I'm kind of pressed now. I'll get back in a day or so but several questions?
1. What is your age?
2. Since the budesonide is working and you have a lot of stress now can you stay on the 9 mg for 3 or 4 months?
If you get constipation and then step down. Tell the doctor you are still having loose stool and want to stay on higher dose a bit longer.
Hi Brandy,
Thank you so much. Any advice/info you can share, I would be very grateful.
I just turned 28 in December.
I've been on 9mg since October 2019, so do you mean I can be on it for an additional 3-4 months from now or that I should only be on 9mg for 3-4 months in total (counting the months I've been on it so far)?
Thank you so much. Any advice/info you can share, I would be very grateful.
I just turned 28 in December.
I've been on 9mg since October 2019, so do you mean I can be on it for an additional 3-4 months from now or that I should only be on 9mg for 3-4 months in total (counting the months I've been on it so far)?
Hi Tiffany,
IMO, a year or two of budesonide (at full dose) should not be a big deal. Four or five years of budesoode at full dose might be a big deal. Eight or ten years of budesonide at full dose probably would be a big deal. We're all different in how we respond to it, so accurate predictions are impossible.
I agree with Brandy that stress is a major issue. In your case, remission (without a corticosteroid) may be impossible until you're able to manage a big reduction in perceived stress, at least.
Yes, especially for some of us, hormones can make a big difference in how MC responds to treatment. For some/many of us, supplemental hormones can prevent remission from MC symptoms.
Many men have complained of low to no sex drive when using steroids. I'm not aware of any published scientific research on this topic, but budesonide may well be a risk for low libido for some us. We all respond differently. IBDs can have a negative effect on libido, and so can stress, so it's probably a combination of factors causing the problem.
For some of us, certain probiotics can make MC worse. For most of us, we're better off without them. That said, C. diff is not to be taken lightly — it's a formidable risk.
My opinion is that virtually all of us have SIBO when our MC is active. Treating it is a waste of time and money because it will surely return if MC is still active. After we get to remission, and our digestion improves, the SIBO will resolve without any intervention. IOW, treating or resolving SIBO will not resolve MC; however, resolving MC will automatically resolve SIBO.
Over the years, we've seen many MC patients waste their money on SIBO tests and treatments, with no long-term benefit. All the additional tests that many doctors suggest for tough MC cases rarely (if ever) find anything. The supplements that many doctors suggest are usually just as likely to make MC worse, as they are to help. Most of them will make no difference. If we take enough of them, though, it may become impossible to reach remission (without budesonide to mask the effects). In general, the more supplements (or medications) we take, the lower our chances of achieving remission. For most of us, less is more when treating MC — the fewer items we ingest, the sooner we are likely to get to remission.
At least that's my impression, based on reading every member's experience posted to this forum over a period of almost fifteen years.
Tex
IMO, a year or two of budesonide (at full dose) should not be a big deal. Four or five years of budesoode at full dose might be a big deal. Eight or ten years of budesonide at full dose probably would be a big deal. We're all different in how we respond to it, so accurate predictions are impossible.
I agree with Brandy that stress is a major issue. In your case, remission (without a corticosteroid) may be impossible until you're able to manage a big reduction in perceived stress, at least.
Yes, especially for some of us, hormones can make a big difference in how MC responds to treatment. For some/many of us, supplemental hormones can prevent remission from MC symptoms.
Many men have complained of low to no sex drive when using steroids. I'm not aware of any published scientific research on this topic, but budesonide may well be a risk for low libido for some us. We all respond differently. IBDs can have a negative effect on libido, and so can stress, so it's probably a combination of factors causing the problem.
For some of us, certain probiotics can make MC worse. For most of us, we're better off without them. That said, C. diff is not to be taken lightly — it's a formidable risk.
My opinion is that virtually all of us have SIBO when our MC is active. Treating it is a waste of time and money because it will surely return if MC is still active. After we get to remission, and our digestion improves, the SIBO will resolve without any intervention. IOW, treating or resolving SIBO will not resolve MC; however, resolving MC will automatically resolve SIBO.
Over the years, we've seen many MC patients waste their money on SIBO tests and treatments, with no long-term benefit. All the additional tests that many doctors suggest for tough MC cases rarely (if ever) find anything. The supplements that many doctors suggest are usually just as likely to make MC worse, as they are to help. Most of them will make no difference. If we take enough of them, though, it may become impossible to reach remission (without budesonide to mask the effects). In general, the more supplements (or medications) we take, the lower our chances of achieving remission. For most of us, less is more when treating MC — the fewer items we ingest, the sooner we are likely to get to remission.
At least that's my impression, based on reading every member's experience posted to this forum over a period of almost fifteen years.
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 Brandy,
No worries, I totally understand. I'll keep an eye out for your thoughts to come through in the next few days.
That is correct. I was in remission for seven years. Norman stools. No prescriptions. In that time, the only medicines I was on was my birth control and probiotic.
Tex, thank you. I'll post a reply to your answers once I can get to my computer. Long responses are hard to do on my phone!
I don't know if it's worth mentioning but in January 2019 I was switched from Tri-Nessa birth control to Tri- Sprintec birth control. The pharmacy said the change was due to issues with the supplier. They confirmed they both had the same active ingredients so I agreed to start taking the Tri-Sprintec as of January 2019. I didn't notice any bad side effects or changes in my MC. Just wanted to throw that out there in case there is the chance that the change could've slowly caused an issue/reaction between January 2019 and September 2019 (when I went into this flare).
No worries, I totally understand. I'll keep an eye out for your thoughts to come through in the next few days.
That is correct. I was in remission for seven years. Norman stools. No prescriptions. In that time, the only medicines I was on was my birth control and probiotic.
Tex, thank you. I'll post a reply to your answers once I can get to my computer. Long responses are hard to do on my phone!
I don't know if it's worth mentioning but in January 2019 I was switched from Tri-Nessa birth control to Tri- Sprintec birth control. The pharmacy said the change was due to issues with the supplier. They confirmed they both had the same active ingredients so I agreed to start taking the Tri-Sprintec as of January 2019. I didn't notice any bad side effects or changes in my MC. Just wanted to throw that out there in case there is the chance that the change could've slowly caused an issue/reaction between January 2019 and September 2019 (when I went into this flare).
Hi Tiffany,
That change could have definitely initiated the flare. Here's why: Reactions triggered by brand or formulation changes of prescription products with the same active ingredients are very common for us. IOW, it's the inactive ingredients in those drugs that we react to, not the active ingredients. If I were in your situation, I would consult with my pharmacist to find out exactly what the inactive ingredients are in those two products. I'm betting that the chances are very high that the one you are using now contains a trigger causing your MC to react.
If it is indeed the problem, it will have to be discontinued (or go back to the Tri-Nessa), because normally, budesonide is not capable of masking the inflammation caused by other drugs. The bad news is that you may have been reacting long enough that just discontinuing the problem drug may not bring remission without certain diet changes. You may even have become sensitive to both birth control drugs because of the length of the reaction period.
In some cases of drug-induced MC, just stopping the drug will bring remission without further intervention (IOW, without a need for diet changes or budesonide), especially if the drug is stopped soon enough. Let's hope that you'll luck out on this one (assuming that this is the problem). I might be all wet, though — this might not be the problem.
Tex
That change could have definitely initiated the flare. Here's why: Reactions triggered by brand or formulation changes of prescription products with the same active ingredients are very common for us. IOW, it's the inactive ingredients in those drugs that we react to, not the active ingredients. If I were in your situation, I would consult with my pharmacist to find out exactly what the inactive ingredients are in those two products. I'm betting that the chances are very high that the one you are using now contains a trigger causing your MC to react.
If it is indeed the problem, it will have to be discontinued (or go back to the Tri-Nessa), because normally, budesonide is not capable of masking the inflammation caused by other drugs. The bad news is that you may have been reacting long enough that just discontinuing the problem drug may not bring remission without certain diet changes. You may even have become sensitive to both birth control drugs because of the length of the reaction period.
In some cases of drug-induced MC, just stopping the drug will bring remission without further intervention (IOW, without a need for diet changes or budesonide), especially if the drug is stopped soon enough. Let's hope that you'll luck out on this one (assuming that this is the problem). I might be all wet, though — this might not be the problem.
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 Tiffany,
I'm traveling and forgot my computer in Florida so I'm trying to respond. I think my replies will be piece meal over the next couple of days. I have some thoughts on the hormone issue
but want to think about my reply and I got up at 4:30 am to get my plane. My replies are bolded.
L theanine I would classify as a maybe. I'll talk more about this tomorrow. I have to break now. Sorry about the weird formatting as I said I'm not on my regular computer.
Brandy
I'm traveling and forgot my computer in Florida so I'm trying to respond. I think my replies will be piece meal over the next couple of days. I have some thoughts on the hormone issue
but want to think about my reply and I got up at 4:30 am to get my plane. My replies are bolded.
No to the fish oil, the curcumin and the sbi protect while you are working on getting into remission. Less is better when you are working on getting into remission. Supplements are irritants to us. We do better with real food. Once you are in a very, very solid remission (like a year or 2 years with no D) then you can consider other supplements.I've posted a few times since going into my first flare in seven years back in September 2019. I've been on Budesonide 9mg since then. Back in December, I tried to taper to 6mg but within five days all my symptoms had come back and I had to go back up to 9mg. I've been on 9mg for a month since then. I just filled a script for another 30 days of 9mg. After this next month I am terrifed to try to taper back to 6mg again. I have not had any bad side effects from this medication, so far. I know that other members have been on Budesonide long term but it seems that they were on lower doses. Can I safely stay on 9mg for awhile longer? My stress levels are at an all time high due to my mom having a suspicious mammogram (she will get biopsies soon), my grandmas doctors think she may have leukemia (awaiting more testing), my husband got a great new job but now works nights and I am really struggling with that and having to take care of our eleven year all on my own M-F all while working a 40 hour work week. I just do not feel ready to taper and fear relapse again, like what happened in December.Tell Doc you have possible family members with cancer and due to the stress you need to be on 9 mg longer. We get a fair amount of Europeans who are on 9 mg for 6-7-8-9 months.
You may get kickback from medical about possible bone density issues. My thoughts are if you are having D 20 x per day and not absorbing nutrition that is not good for bones
either.
Since you struggled with step down next time you decide to step down go 3 pills, 2 pills every other day for awhile. If you are feeling secure drop down to 2 every day. If you still have
uncertainty go 3 pills, 2 pills, 2 pills and then keep repeating the former until you feel secure to go 2 pills every day. This should make you next step down achievable.
-SIBO breath test Hard no. Save your money.I saw a functional medical doctor yesterday to get a second opinion on healing from my flare as well as a potential hormonal issue. Long story short, for the past few years my sex drive has plummeted to near zero in addition to pain during intercourse. Sorry if TMI :/ My OBGYN has been unable to help me the past few years and with my marriage being affected, I am seeking additional help. I have seriously considered going off my hormonal birth control
(Tri Spintec) multiple times but have not done so due to fear of painful/heavy/unpredictable menstrual cycles as well as acne. But this doctor also suggested going off the birth control too. Will going off birth control cause my flare to be worse or will it potentially help me obtain remission? I've read a few studies that links birth control and hormones to MC. I am willing to try going off it if it will help me get to remission. But I wasn't sure if it cause the flare to get worse. With going off the birth control, he prescribed a Progesterone cream to help with balancing hormones as well as sleep support and anxiety; in addition he prescribed Sprinolactone which is an off label drug to help prevent hormonal acne. I understand his desire to try and help me prevent painful menstruation and acne but am worried that either of them may negatively effect my MC. Thoughts? The progesterone cream is from a compound pharmacy and so its $60 out of pocket. I see highly rated progesterone creams on Amazon that are much cheaper so if I did take it, I'd probably go that route.
He also wanted me to get the following tests done:
-GI-Map Pathogens Profile, GI Microbial Assay Plus through Diagnostics Solutions Hard no. Save your money. Don't look for reasons to use antibiotics. Many antibiotics cause MC or make MC worse. The bigger reason is you should hold antibiotic use for serious
serious issues. Antibiotic resistance is a big issue. There was recently a 30 something year old sports broadcaster in the prime of life who got pneumonia. Took antibiotics. They did not
work. He died.
Hard no on this stuff.I follow a MC support group on Facebook as well and a lot of those members have had the SIBO test done. He mentioned that if the results are positive, a short course of antibiotics are prescribed as well as finding a good strain(s) of probiotics. I do NOT want to take antibiotics as I know its not good for those with MC and I have a history of c-diff. The test is $180 out of pocket. Do I need it?
For the GI-Mapping test, their website states that it tests for bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens in addition to detecting microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function. I had a stool test done back in late-September 2019 to make sure I hadn't contracted any infections or such and everything came back normal. So it seems to me that this test is unnecessary. I would maybe consider it if the Budesonide wasn't controlling my symptoms but it is. This test is potentially $350 if my insurance doesn't cover half of it, which I doubt it would but I don't have that kind of money to spend if the test is unnecessary.
The budesonide is working. Stay the course you are on.
. They were Omega3 fish oil Hard no., Meriva (curcumin) Hard no., SBI Protect Hard no. & L Theanine. I have seen others on here suggest L-Theanine for anxiety and sleep issues. I may try that one, I found the following on Amazon (link below), is this a safe option? Am I correct in that the other above supplements are not needed?He recommended a bunch of supplements, $180 worth, that I don't think are necessary
https://www.amazon.com/Suntheanine%C2%A ... 150&sr=8-8
L theanine I would classify as a maybe. I'll talk more about this tomorrow. I have to break now. Sorry about the weird formatting as I said I'm not on my regular computer.
Brandy
Hi Brandy,
Thank you again for the above information. And I completely understand the not having a computer thing at the moment. I am staying with my mom this weekend (on top of her suspicious biopsy earlier this week, she came home Friday and her beloved dog had passed away unexpectedly. To say she is in a bad place is an understatement) and therefore don't have access to my home computer. It's a bit difficult to format a proper reply from my phone so I'll continue to keep an eye out for your next reply and also put my reply together on my home computer once I am back home. I had a gut feeling that those tests and supplements were unnecessary. I am a big believer in living as naturally as possible, right diet and limited meds when ever possible. That's why I've been so frustrated and scared that despite overhauling my diet and sticking to it strictly, not only have I not been able to achieve remission; I haven't even been able to taper down my dose at all. Leading me to think maybe there is another factor at hand, ie the possible hormone issue. Due to my history of c diff I am horrified of the thought of having to take antibiotics, so I do whatever possible to avoid them.
Thank you again for the above information. And I completely understand the not having a computer thing at the moment. I am staying with my mom this weekend (on top of her suspicious biopsy earlier this week, she came home Friday and her beloved dog had passed away unexpectedly. To say she is in a bad place is an understatement) and therefore don't have access to my home computer. It's a bit difficult to format a proper reply from my phone so I'll continue to keep an eye out for your next reply and also put my reply together on my home computer once I am back home. I had a gut feeling that those tests and supplements were unnecessary. I am a big believer in living as naturally as possible, right diet and limited meds when ever possible. That's why I've been so frustrated and scared that despite overhauling my diet and sticking to it strictly, not only have I not been able to achieve remission; I haven't even been able to taper down my dose at all. Leading me to think maybe there is another factor at hand, ie the possible hormone issue. Due to my history of c diff I am horrified of the thought of having to take antibiotics, so I do whatever possible to avoid them.
Tiffany,
Didn't you see my post about the Tri Sprintec? It contains anhydrous lactose. That's probably your problem.
Tex
Didn't you see my post about the Tri Sprintec? It contains anhydrous lactose. That's probably your problem.
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 Tex,
I was reviewing the inactive ingredients for Tri Sprintec last night and it also contains lactose monohydrate. With that being said I see that the original pill that I was on since my son's birth (and the entire time I was in remission), Tri Nessa, also contained lactose. But I didn't have any bad reactions or flares while taking that? This is all so confusing :/
I was reviewing the inactive ingredients for Tri Sprintec last night and it also contains lactose monohydrate. With that being said I see that the original pill that I was on since my son's birth (and the entire time I was in remission), Tri Nessa, also contained lactose. But I didn't have any bad reactions or flares while taking that? This is all so confusing :/
Drug-induced flares often take some time before the begin to cause reactions. I still have a hunch that the switch influenced the flare. It could have been the straw that broke the camel's back. And now it's certainly possible that you may also react to both formulations because of that lactose ingredient. This is all speculation, but if I were serious about getting out of a flare, I wouldn't leave any stone unturned, just in case that stone was hiding the key. With MC, during a flare, the smallest issue can sometimes make all the difference in the world.
Tex
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 Tex,
Thank you. Yes, I understand. Similar to when a grain of sand gets into an oyster. You'd think it wouldn't be a big deal but that teeny tiny piece of foreign body turns into a much larger item. At least for the oyster, its not harmful past making a pearl :/ This is something I struggle to explain to people who have never dealt with autoimmune issues, that the smallest thing can set our bodies off. I often use food cross contamination as an example when trying to explain to people that ask questions. I explain that even a crumb of a restricted food can make us so, so sick.
Tonight, January 21st, will be the fourth day in a row that I have skipped taking my birth control pill. I can feel the return of my cycle brewing. Spotting and some cramps, even though I just had my last cycle January 15th through January 19th. So that's fun (insert sarcasm here lol).
Another quick question, is butternut squash ok during the phase one diet? Like plain boiled or plain roasted cubed butternut squash. Also, are potato skins on baby potatoes ok to eat if they are well cooked? I bought some little roasting potatoes to bake (plain with a little bit of sea salt) but wasn't sure if I needed to remove the skins before eating. The only vegetables I currently eat are potatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots. I do not currently eat the skin of the big potatoes or sweet potatoes.
As mentioned above, I currently take 400mg Doctors Best Magnesium Glycinate and Doctors Best 5000ie Vitamin D3. Are these ok to continue taking? I have seen some conflicting info on other posts about this. Some posts say that these are essential for recovery, other posts say that these shouldn't be started until remission is achieved. I do worry about my bone health, especially with being on the 9mg Budesonide going on four months now. I had some blood lab work done at the functional doctors office last Friday, so I am waiting on those results still. I'm not sure if they test for magnesium or vitamin D levels in those blood tests to be honest though.
Brandy, I hope all is well with your traveling. I am looking forward to your insight on the hormone issue once you have a moment :)
Thank you. Yes, I understand. Similar to when a grain of sand gets into an oyster. You'd think it wouldn't be a big deal but that teeny tiny piece of foreign body turns into a much larger item. At least for the oyster, its not harmful past making a pearl :/ This is something I struggle to explain to people who have never dealt with autoimmune issues, that the smallest thing can set our bodies off. I often use food cross contamination as an example when trying to explain to people that ask questions. I explain that even a crumb of a restricted food can make us so, so sick.
Tonight, January 21st, will be the fourth day in a row that I have skipped taking my birth control pill. I can feel the return of my cycle brewing. Spotting and some cramps, even though I just had my last cycle January 15th through January 19th. So that's fun (insert sarcasm here lol).
Another quick question, is butternut squash ok during the phase one diet? Like plain boiled or plain roasted cubed butternut squash. Also, are potato skins on baby potatoes ok to eat if they are well cooked? I bought some little roasting potatoes to bake (plain with a little bit of sea salt) but wasn't sure if I needed to remove the skins before eating. The only vegetables I currently eat are potatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots. I do not currently eat the skin of the big potatoes or sweet potatoes.
As mentioned above, I currently take 400mg Doctors Best Magnesium Glycinate and Doctors Best 5000ie Vitamin D3. Are these ok to continue taking? I have seen some conflicting info on other posts about this. Some posts say that these are essential for recovery, other posts say that these shouldn't be started until remission is achieved. I do worry about my bone health, especially with being on the 9mg Budesonide going on four months now. I had some blood lab work done at the functional doctors office last Friday, so I am waiting on those results still. I'm not sure if they test for magnesium or vitamin D levels in those blood tests to be honest though.
Brandy, I hope all is well with your traveling. I am looking forward to your insight on the hormone issue once you have a moment :)
Hi Tiffany,
Concerning supplements when recovering: Everything is a trade-off. If you are very deficient in vitamin D and magnesium, you may need to take it (but I think I would cut the dose of magnesium a little, in case it might be adding to the D). If you're only slightly deficient, it might be best to put it off until after you're in remission.
Here's why vitamin D is important: The immune system cannot function normally without adequate vitamin D. The immune system controls the healing process, so proper functioning of the immune system is all important for recovery. Vitamin D allows the body to absorb the calcium in our food into the bloodstream. Without adequate vitamin D, you can eat calcium-rich foods, or take calcium supplements all you want, but the calcium will never get into your bloodstream, and never get to where it is needed in your cells (such as bones).
Here's why magnesium is important: Magnesium is used by the body to activate over 300 chemical conversion processes. One of those processes is the activation of vitamin D. The body cannot use the vitamin D in food or supplements —the vitamin D has to be converted into the active form first, which requires magnesium. Calcium in the bloodstream is useless, and may even be harmful, if it cannot be transported into the cells of our body. Excess calcium in the bloodstream raises the risk of cardiac issues, bursitis, kidney stones, and sometimes other health problems. Adequate magnesium is necessary to activate the ability of insulin to transport calcium (and most other nutrients) out of the bloodstream and into the cells where it is needed (such as bones). (Activate is not exactly the correct word, but I can't think of the correct word at the moment). The point is, adequate magnesium must be available to work with insulin to transport nutrients to where they're needed, or it won't be done.
That said, Brandy has found it necessary (by personal experience) to stop all supplements in order to break out of a long-running flare, Therefore, if you have some assurance that you're not critically low on vitamin D and magnesium levels, it might be worth a try to stop them (along with all other supplements), at least for a few weeks, to see if it helps.
Squash should be fine. It's best to peel virtually all vegetables, because that's where most of the fiber is concentrated, and fiber is not our friend when we're reacting.
I have no idea how long the Tri-Nessa has a residual pharmacological effect, but I would guess that it's only a day or so if you can feel the effects of stopping already. If you feel that doing without is not helping, you may need to resume treatment to prevent other issues, but I would suggest at least going back to Tri-Sprintec.
Tex
Concerning supplements when recovering: Everything is a trade-off. If you are very deficient in vitamin D and magnesium, you may need to take it (but I think I would cut the dose of magnesium a little, in case it might be adding to the D). If you're only slightly deficient, it might be best to put it off until after you're in remission.
Here's why vitamin D is important: The immune system cannot function normally without adequate vitamin D. The immune system controls the healing process, so proper functioning of the immune system is all important for recovery. Vitamin D allows the body to absorb the calcium in our food into the bloodstream. Without adequate vitamin D, you can eat calcium-rich foods, or take calcium supplements all you want, but the calcium will never get into your bloodstream, and never get to where it is needed in your cells (such as bones).
Here's why magnesium is important: Magnesium is used by the body to activate over 300 chemical conversion processes. One of those processes is the activation of vitamin D. The body cannot use the vitamin D in food or supplements —the vitamin D has to be converted into the active form first, which requires magnesium. Calcium in the bloodstream is useless, and may even be harmful, if it cannot be transported into the cells of our body. Excess calcium in the bloodstream raises the risk of cardiac issues, bursitis, kidney stones, and sometimes other health problems. Adequate magnesium is necessary to activate the ability of insulin to transport calcium (and most other nutrients) out of the bloodstream and into the cells where it is needed (such as bones). (Activate is not exactly the correct word, but I can't think of the correct word at the moment). The point is, adequate magnesium must be available to work with insulin to transport nutrients to where they're needed, or it won't be done.
That said, Brandy has found it necessary (by personal experience) to stop all supplements in order to break out of a long-running flare, Therefore, if you have some assurance that you're not critically low on vitamin D and magnesium levels, it might be worth a try to stop them (along with all other supplements), at least for a few weeks, to see if it helps.
Squash should be fine. It's best to peel virtually all vegetables, because that's where most of the fiber is concentrated, and fiber is not our friend when we're reacting.
I have no idea how long the Tri-Nessa has a residual pharmacological effect, but I would guess that it's only a day or so if you can feel the effects of stopping already. If you feel that doing without is not helping, you may need to resume treatment to prevent other issues, but I would suggest at least going back to Tri-Sprintec.
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.
Thank you for that information on the supplements. I knew a little bit about what they each did but the full explanation helps me to understand it more. I will go down to 200mg of the Magnesium and see if that helps. I am still waiting on my lab results so I'll wait until I get those back to decide if I should fully stop the supplements for the time being.
I'll make sure to keep peeling all vegetables before eating them.
The Tri-Nessa is what I was on originally and then was switched to Tri-Sprintec in January 2019. I called the pharmacy today and was informed that Tri-Nessa is no longer available, its been discontinued so I am at a loss of what I should do. I guess I can call my primary care doctor and ask what other options are available but I worry about starting a completely new medication, the potential consequences and the inactive ingredients. Unfortunately, I think I will need to go back on the Tri-Sprintec as of today. I am at work and just had my worst bowel movement in months. Some formed pieces but boarding on watery D :( I was really hoping I could get off the birth control but it seems maybe that isn't the issue? Idk I am so confused and frustrated. I am in a heavy menstrual cycle and I know sometimes the cramping can cause your intestines to contract causing looser stools but this was definitely close to D and that really has my anxiety up high. I have made no other changes in the last five days since stopping the pill so there should be no reason for my stools to get worse.
I'll make sure to keep peeling all vegetables before eating them.
The Tri-Nessa is what I was on originally and then was switched to Tri-Sprintec in January 2019. I called the pharmacy today and was informed that Tri-Nessa is no longer available, its been discontinued so I am at a loss of what I should do. I guess I can call my primary care doctor and ask what other options are available but I worry about starting a completely new medication, the potential consequences and the inactive ingredients. Unfortunately, I think I will need to go back on the Tri-Sprintec as of today. I am at work and just had my worst bowel movement in months. Some formed pieces but boarding on watery D :( I was really hoping I could get off the birth control but it seems maybe that isn't the issue? Idk I am so confused and frustrated. I am in a heavy menstrual cycle and I know sometimes the cramping can cause your intestines to contract causing looser stools but this was definitely close to D and that really has my anxiety up high. I have made no other changes in the last five days since stopping the pill so there should be no reason for my stools to get worse.