Newbie with LC diagnosis

[slowpony]

Hi and thank you for creating this group! I felt so lost and alone but seeing everyone’s stories has helped tremendously. Thank you thank you!
I have dealt with this disease for more than 20 years. I was having unpredictable and vicious diarrhea and I was only a 19 year old girl. I had to drop out of college. My first doctor told me I was fine and nothing was wrong even after a colonoscopy. He said eat more fiber if I needed it. My experience was less than positive. I learned to manage my disease by trial and error never really knowing what it was. I did pretty well. It even disappeared for several years. P.S. fiber did not help. It made it worse.
My eating habits changed because I thought I was well from the unknown disease and then I began to suffer from sciatica and awful headaches. I took Motrin daily just to function. I found a great physical therapist and he helped tremendously. However, my stomach/diarrhea symptoms came back. I was taking Imodium about every day. I adjusted my diet again but no success this time. Imodium stopped helping. My GP convinced me to see a gastroenterologist. He ended up being so kind and ultimately found out what my disease was. Lymphocytic colitis. He also checked me for Celiacs but it was negative. He put me on Budesonide as that helped soooo much. However, I still have a bout here and there.
I did research and also purchased the book, “Microscopic Colitis” and it really opened my eyes.I finally have an understanding of what’s happening and why. I checked into Enterolab because of the book and recently got my results. I definitely see why I am having problems still because of this test. Now, to figure out what to eat.
My journey continues but I am so grateful for this group and look forward to learning more!

[tex]

Hi,

Welcome to the group. It sounds as though you're on the right track. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask anything.

Tex

[tommyboywalker]

Welcome Slow Pony!

Yes, this forum and all who grace it along with Tex and his knowledge, compassion and leadership is a tremendous resource. It helped me to get to remission during my initial time of MC diagnosis, then helped me to get there once again after a significant relapse. I am doing quite well now and have been for some time with my strategy of no gluten, no dairy, low fat, low sugar and eating smaller meals.

Are you still taking Motrin? There is some evidence that frequent use of NSAIDS can contribute to developing (and aggravating active) Microscope Colitis. I have a chronic pain disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. For years, I took NSAIDS daily to help with the pain and inflammation of the CRPS. Then following a parasitic infection because of gulping some lake water accidentally during my daily swims, Lymphocytic Microscopic Colitis developed after I was able to clear the parasite with anti-parasitic medication. My GI doctor (I had a good one) felt that and I believe there is some evidence to support it, that my frequent NSAID use may have contributed to my developing Microscopic Colitis. Since my MC diagnosis, even though it has been difficult, I haven't taken any NSAIDS. Just thought I would mention that when I saw MOTRIN in your post. Search this forum and Google search NSAIDS + Microscopic Colitis for some light reading on the topic.

Enterolab has helped put many on the proper path to a healthy MC diet, even though there can be some trial and error, hit and miss. Keep a food journal, they are very helpful. Although a multi-disciplinary approach is desirable for this complex disease, food is absolutely the key to managing it.

All the best to you and keep us updated on how you are doing!

[slowpony]

Thanks for sharing your story. That’s great to hear that there is the possibility of managing it! I’ve been off the Motrin since PT fixed me and after my diagnosis, I won’t touch it again. My gastroenterologist also said that it may have increased my symptoms.
The Enterolab results were very insightful and I’ll be posting the results because I could use a little help on some of it.
I think the biggest struggle is I have a family and I cook daily for them so I have to find pretty much all new ways to eat and snack. I’ll get through it though. I come from tough stock
Thank you both for taking the time to say hello and help with the positivity.

[LauraGld]

Welcome Slowpony....thanks os much for sharing your story. You have been on a long road. This group is so helpful and welcoming. I have only been on it for a few weeks and already have so much more understanding of how to balance and health into my life. To healing :)

[Marcia K]

Welcome, Slowpony! Sorry you had to find us, but glad that you did. Our internet family is the best around to help you on your journey to healing.

[slowpony]

Thank you everyone for welcoming me! I am glad that I found this group. I have already learned a lot.