Newbie

[sue8421]

Hi

I was diagnosed with MC after biopsies were taken during a colonoscopy in 2018. My GP didn't offer much support at the time. I contacted my surgery in desperation in 2019/2020 and was given Loperamide (which apparently the hospital had advised GP to prescribe!) I use Loperamide as a way of being able to leave the house for a while. i have to ensure that there are toilets (preferably disabled) wherever I am going. I avoid eating before I go anywhere. I take co-codamol to ease pain of colitis and other ailments. By using these two medications I can try to get out.

I have recently purchased Wayne's book and I am amazed at the information it provides. I don't feel like an alien now!! I feel that I suffer from multiple symptoms but am unsure if they are all related to MC. I attend Slimming World and have spent my entire life being told what you should eat and what's not good for you. I think that I am aware of the correct "healthy" foods to choose.............until now!!!

I definitely need to look at what I am eating. I feel daunted by the enormity of this pending dramatic change in diet. This is the start of a new way of eating and I am so overwhelmed at the moment. I don't know how supportive my GP will be but I would like to be tested for at least gluten intolerance.

Fingers crossed

Sue

[tex]

Hello Sue,

Welcome to the group. I agree that adapting to this new way of life may be the hardest thing that many of us will ever do, but being able to take back control of our life is extremely gratifying. Please be aware that if you ask your doctor for a test to detect gluten sensitivity, he or she will almost surely order a standard celiac screening blood test. That test is so insensitive that published medical research shows that it fails to detect most celiacs, let alone patients who have the type of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, that most of us have.

The only test in the world that accurately detects non-celiac gluten sensitivity is the stool test offered by EnteroLab in Dallas, Texas. Most of us have to order our own test kits, because our doctors aren't willing to order them for us.

Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.

Tex

[sue8421]

Hi Tex

Thank you for your message. I live in Scotland, so not sure if that makes it harder to get results!! Should I start with my GP? Confused!!!

Sue

[Marcia K]

Hello, Sue. Welcome to our group, but sorry that you had to find us. Reading the forums & asking questions will be your best bet in finding remission. My GI was no help whatsoever other than pushing medication. I am in remission for seven years by dietary changes alone after doing the Pepto Bismol protocol. I am gluten, dairy & soy free, no raw vegetables, limited raw fruit (after I was in remission), no artificial sweeteners. There are Stage 1, 2, 3 eating plans posted on here that will be a big help to you. It is overwhelming at first, but you can get your life back. I lead a normal life other than having to watch everything that I eat. Best wishes on your journey to healing.

[tex]

Regarding the stool tests, they're not essential, but they can save a lot of recovery time by removing most of the guesswork from making your food selections. It never hurts to ask, because it's certainly possible that your doctor might be willing to order the tests, in which case your health system might cover the cost.

Here in the US, though, most of us wind up having to order the tests ourselves, and pay for them ourselves. Some of us are able to get our insurance companies to reimburse the cost, or at least part of it. Shipping has slowed down during the pandemic, but otherwise, ordering a test kit from Scotland shouldn't be a problem.

Tex

[LauraGld]

Hi Sue,
Welcome to the group. You're in the right place to bring your body back into balance :) The diet may be difficult at first but as you feel your health return it is all worth it.

All the best,

Laura