Will the diarrhea ever stop?

[WendyU]

Hello folks,

I have been on a clean, healthful diet for about 2 months. GF, DF, nut free, soy free, fruit free, only overcooked veggies, etc. I have not seen Norman since June. Thankfully we haven't been away anywhere but at this point, I don't know if I even can go away because I always have to go! Will the diarrhea ever stop or am I destined to wearing diapers forever?

Feeling discouraged,
Wendy

[tex]

Hello Wendy,

Please don't be discouraged — virtually everyone can find resolution if they're dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to reach remission. Some cases are just a lot tougher to deal with than others. Before I found my solution, I reacted for over two miserable years. But once I found the last problem food, and cut it out of my diet, I was in remission, and it seemed like heaven.

Have you seen any improvement in your symptoms, or are they just as bad as they were originally (before you adopted the diet)? If you haven't seen any degree of improvement, you're sure your diet is iron clad (secure and safe), and you haven't improved after a few more weeks, it might be time to try cholestyramine. But I would stick wit the diet for a few more weeks, at least, if I were in that situation, because it just takes longer for some. If you decide to try cholestyramine then, please check back for details on how to get the best results.

Tex

[WendyU]

Have you seen any improvement in your symptoms, or are they just as bad as they were originally (before you adopted the diet)? If you haven't seen any degree of improvement, you're sure your diet is iron clad (secure and safe), and you haven't improved after a few more weeks, it might be time to try cholestyramine. But I would stick wit the diet for a few more weeks, at least, if I were in that situation, because it just takes longer for some. If you decide to try cholestyramine then, please check back for details on how to get the best results.

Tex

Hi Tex,

No real improvement. Some days I think I am on my way then I poop myself. I have had MC for years only diagnosed in November of 2020. I have completly changed my diet. I am still having coffee with sugar. Are some sweeteners better tolerated than others? The only time I have not had D was when I was on Metamucil. I almost feel like I should just go back on it.

Thanks for your help,
Wendy

[tex]

Artificial sweeteners, especially aspertame, are off limits. Sugar must be minimized, but maple sugar and cane sugar are usually the safest choices. Some of us can tolerate stevia. If Metamucil will stop the diarrhea, your symptoms appear to less persistent than they are for many of us, when we're reacting.

Read Laine's (HockeyMom's) posts, starting about half-way down the page at the following link, and on the following pages in the thread, and read Paul's responses after he tried cholestyramine.

https://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB/viewt ... 9&start=45

Tex

[WendyU]

Artificial sweeteners, especially aspertame, are off limits. Sugar must be minimized, but maple sugar and cane sugar are usually the safest choices. Some of us can tolerate stevia. If Metamucil will stop the diarrhea, your symptoms appear to less persistent than they are for many of us, when we're reacting.

Read Laine's (HockeyMom's) posts, starting about half-way down the page at the following link, and on the following pages in the thread, and read Paul's responses after he tried cholestyramine.

https://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB/viewt ... 9&start=45

Tex

Thanks for the cholestyramine info. Interesting read. I printed some of the studies noted to show my doctor.
I quit artificial sweeteners a long time ago. Used stevia until Sept. Now I'll just use cane.

Since Metamucil stopped my diarrhea do you think that means I am in remission? Note that I have not used Metamucil since Nov. and have the diarrhea again.

All of this is so much to figure out. I'm grateful for your patience.

Thanks, Wendy

[tex]

That's a difficult question to answer correctly. And it depends on your definition of "remission". Are you talking about true remission (of all symptoms), or emission of only one issue? It's possible, for example, that your MC might be in remission and the diarrhea is due to BAM. But in that case, your other symptoms should be gone, also (fatigue, aches, pains, etc.). Frankly, I seriously doubt that Metamucil would control BAM. BAM is usually very difficult to control. The Metamucil most likely only masks the diarrhea caused by an MC reaction (which is already reduced by the diet). It's likely there may be still be something causing the MC to react. Some of us are just more sensitive than others. It could be cross-contamination of something in your diet, cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, (including laundry soap), something in your environment that causes a skin or respiratory allergy reaction, etc.

All allergins tend to have a cumulative effect on some of us. For example, when ragweed or mountain cedar pollen is in the air I breathe, my immune system is extra-sensitive, and I have to further restrict foods that contain histamine, or I may react to them. My reactions can range from respiratory or dermal (rash), to digestive system issues.

I hope this helps.

Tex

[pebby]

Have you seen any improvement in your symptoms, or are they just as bad as they were originally (before you adopted the diet)? If you haven't seen any degree of improvement, you're sure your diet is iron clad (secure and safe), and you haven't improved after a few more weeks, it might be time to try cholestyramine. But I would stick wit the diet for a few more weeks, at least, if I were in that situation, because it just takes longer for some. If you decide to try cholestyramine then, please check back for details on how to get the best results.

Tex

Hi Tex,

No real improvement. Some days I think I am on my way then I poop myself. I have had MC for years only diagnosed in November of 2020. I have completly changed my diet. I am still having coffee with sugar. Are some sweeteners better tolerated than others? The only time I have not had D was when I was on Metamucil. I almost feel like I should just go back on it.

Thanks for your help,
Wendy

Hi Wendy,
I know everybody is different, but coffee is my worst trigger.
Have you considered cutting it for a while to see what happens?

[WendyU]

Have you seen any improvement in your symptoms, or are they just as bad as they were originally (before you adopted the diet)? If you haven't seen any degree of improvement, you're sure your diet is iron clad (secure and safe), and you haven't improved after a few more weeks, it might be time to try cholestyramine. But I would stick wit the diet for a few more weeks, at least, if I were in that situation, because it just takes longer for some. If you decide to try cholestyramine then, please check back for details on how to get the best results.

Tex

Hi Wendy,
I know everybody is different, but coffee is my worst trigger.
Have you considered cutting it for a while to see what happens?

Hi Tex,
Even though I thought I might be in remission, I clearly am not.
Cholestyramine is not on my radar yet.
I need to change one more thing, see below.

Pebby,
I have not considered giving up my coffee and that is for the safety of my husband. Lol! I have cut down on the amount of caffeine.
I am weaning myself off of a medication that I think may be the culprit.
If that doesn't work, I will think over my coffee dependance.

Thank you both for your replies.
Wendy