Newbie with questions

[Karenoncape]

Hello and thank you to all of you trying to help others with this challenging disorder.
I am newly diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis, Collagenous type as of June 2024.
Got it under control for 2 months with the UMass IBD-AID diet. Or so I thought…
In full flare now and have eliminated all food sensitive items from EnteroLab testing.
So many of” normal “ foods like Beef, Chicken, Rice, Egg whites, Corn, White potatoes, Garbanzos, Tuna,
Almonds, cashews, Walnuts and more.

Have focused on Turkey, Lamb and allowable veggies. Just began cutting out all nightshades. Recently cut out
even fermented dairy. Reading about AIP Paleo and the emphasis on bone broth. Does being sensitive to Tuna make me sensitive to other fish?
Does anyone have experience making alternative bone broths from Turkey or Lamb?
At this stage should I avoid sweet potatoes? Are well cooked green beans a problem? Onion even when
Puréed in a carrot soup? I saw Tex’s recommendation to not using supplements at this stage. When can I return to
Vet D3, Magnesium, Fish oil?
Thanks for your help!
Karen

[jbrohlr]

Good morning Karen,

Your list of foods that you react to looks the same as mine. I just eat lamb, turkey and sweet potatoes. I don't eat a lot of sweet potatoes - they don't cause a reaction, but they don't digest well when my gut is inflamed.

My understanding about vegetables in general is that many are safe as far as the immune system goes but are a major irritant to already inflamed intestines.

You should continue with the magnesium and vitamin D3 (I use Dr's Best brand of Mg and D3). Magnesium glycinate is best. In my situation I can't absorb Mg so it makes my stool watery - I rely on topical magnesium (Ancient Minerals and LifeFlo are a couple of brand names). I use Epsom salt baths as well (20 minute soak). Fish oil's a tough one - a lot of brands use soy extract in their inactive ingredients.

John R.

[Karenoncape]

Thanks so much John for your quick reply. I’ll have to purchase the topical Magnesium.
Starting on 5000iu of Vitamin D3, my level was 35 but I know it could be beneficial if higher.
Trying Mag glycinate slowly.
Karen

[tex]

Hi Karen,

Welcome to the group. How long have you been avoiding gluten 100%?

Tex

[Karenoncape]

Hi Tex,
Not long enough and that is why I relapsed (among other foods).
After getting the WD under control and thinking the MC was a result of
A CBD/ THC gummy I took for sleep was the cause, I proceeded to deny the
Results of my EnteroLab results. I would say it’s only been 2-3 weeks gluten free.

I have read many of your posts and after relapsing realize I have to be
Totally gluten free for the rest of my life. I’ve had to overcome denial.
Thanks for such a helpful site.
Karen

[tex]

It takes many of us 10 or 12 weeks of carefully avoiding gluten before our antibody level declines enough that the reactions will stop. It takes a few of us up to a year for that to happen, if our antibody level is extremely high when we begin our recovery. You probably just need more time for your immune system to settle down to a more normal level.

Tex

[Karenoncape]

Tex,
Anti-gliadin IgA was 107. Dairy even higher at 128.9.
I will have to be patient. In one post you said to allow D to flow
without using Imodium etc.
My weight is very low-108 at 5’8.
Should I just keep going with strict diet ?
I am seeking appointments with a gastroenterologist in Boston specializing in MC
and also dietician who uses the LEAP testing.
Any suggestions much appreciated.
Karen

[tex]

Yes, keep following a strict diet. Given more time. If you want to take Imodium to slow down the diarrhea, that probably wouldn't cause any major problems, but it won't speed up your healing, since it has no anti-inflammatory properties. You might be able to take budesonide to stop the symptoms if they're really severe, but corticosteroids actually slow down the healing process, so the final recovery may take longer, although the symptoms will be masked by budesonide in the meantime.

Blood tests (such as the LEAP test) normally don't provide very helpful results (for food sensitivities). They show too many false negatives and false positives.

Tex

[Karenoncape]

Hi Tex,
Thanks for the input. Today I read the Pepto Bismol study and then later read in your book that
Dr. Fine no longer recommends the 8 week trial of 8 pills a day. I was hopeful to try it. Other research
Suggests only much higher doses are problematic. I even started it after reading this morning. So
Much info to sift through.
Karen

[tex]

The reason Doctor Fine stopped recommending It appears to be because some people continue to take it despite the fact that they develop tinnitus or some other neurological side effect, or they continue to take it beyond the recommended treatment period. Neurological issues are becoming more common. As long as you don't continue to take the Pepto after the treatment period, so that you risk developing a buildup that might eventually become toxic, and you stop taking it if you develop tinnitus or some other neurological side effect (such as dizziness or vision problems), taking it should be relatively safe. In general, compared with other medications, It's usually quite effective, and remember that all medications have side effects and risks.

Tex