I'm amazed

[Beth]

Hi everyone,

Well, I'm simply amazed. I'm actually starting to feel better. About a week ago I started taking caltrate 600, and I noticed that I wasn't running to the bathroom like I normally do. And then, for the past few days, my BMs have been (sort of) close to normal, more than I have seen in the past several months. About a week ago, based on someone's suggestion here (sorry, I can't remember whose), I also stopped taking many of the supplements that my naturopath gave me. So, now I'm taking 6 mg/entocort, a multivitamin, vitamin D, my SSRI, and fish oil (though I ran out and haven't taken that for a few days). I've been pushing it a bit with the food I've been eating - tried milk tonight with GF corn flakes. I even ate a Lindt chocolate last night and tonight! The only side effect is very mild cramping. Wouldn't you know that I get better as soon as I finally get in to see a GI. What's going on? Spontaneous remission? Elimination of supplements? The caltrate? A combination of all three?

Simply amazed and grateful (and keeping my fingers crossed).

Best,
Beth

[tex]

Hi Beth,

It's good to read that you're finally seeing some success. Since you're taking Entocort, it's highly unlikely that you're experiencing spontaneous remission, especially if you are able to eat corn flakes with milk.

I would guess that the caltrate 600 might have helped, but I think that the biggest gain came from cutting out a bunch of supplements, so that the budesonide could begin to control your symptoms. Anytime you're taking that many different supplements, at least one or more of them is bound to be having adverse effects, (just by the law of averages). And since you are still eating items that many of us could not tolerate, while we were healing, I think that the evidence in favor of Entocort, is pretty solid.

I hope you can continue to improve.

Wayne

[Dee]

I have to agree with Wayne on the Entocort. I have been able to wean myself down to 1-3mgs a day on it with success. Also, I would bet that the Caltrate 600 is helping to form the stool. It soaks up the excess water in the intestine. I did a trail run on Citracal and I was going completely formed in 3 days almost to the point of constipation, which I've never had in my life..

I'm really HAPPY to hear that you are improving!!

Love
Dee~~~

[Beth]

Actually, the milk didn't go over so well. Back to D this morning, but I wasn't surprised. Just wanted to see how much my gut had healed. Not enough, clearly!

Thanks for the good wishes.

[bobh]

Wouldn't you know that I get better as soon as I finally get in to see a GI.

Starting from a place of stability is going to make both of your jobs easier, and assure a great outcome. Here's to a successful management of your condition, with a skilled guide to ensure success!

For what it's worth, I bump up to that 3rd Entocort (9mg) If I sense inflammation - and I keep it from getting to the point of "D" that way. I know that wasn't working in the past month for you, but maybe things are turning around now.

[artteacher]

Hi Beth,

I'd place bets on:

1. No more vitamins, esp if they had B's and iron in them

2. Caltrate - if you're a person who is helped by it (20% of those with IBS type symptoms), then you're miraculously helped. The underlying problem, whatever it is, isn't cured by the Caltrate, but the stuff sure has inspired testimonials for those that it helps!

I think you'll find that you can intuitively adjust how much Caltrate you need depending on what you eat. Sometimes I take a pill at each meal, somtimes just a half at breakfast and dinner, usually none at all - if I'm being good about my diet.

I am so glad for you - Marsha

[moremuscle]

Hi Beth,

Thank Goodness for the news from you

I am very ahppy to hear that you are finally finding a way to start feeling better and having better control.

I don't know who inspired you to stop takingn supplements or to cut way back on them but the person was in my opinion right on the mark. I think most supplements contain so many different items that it is difficult if not impossible to figure out what they contain that is or isn't safe for you. Especially, when you don't even know your intolerances well enough to name them.

I don't take any supplements myself.

I try to trust that with a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, and meat I get the nutrients I need.

I am able to tolerate all of the above food items - I understand that you are not yet able to tolerate the same foods I do. However, I think you have come to a point right now when you need to celebrate - not to try to introduce new things right away. Keep it simple - stay calm and do the things that are working for you. Then slowly try things one item at the time if you must! LOL!

Lindt chocolate is not safe if you are soy intolerant. They have a dark chocolate that is 70% (or is it 77%); it doesn't mention soy lecithin on the label but I have found it still makes me sick as a dog; IOW, it must contain some soy.
There is a German dark chocolate w/o soy that I eat daily w/o problems - brand name is Hachez. Be careful which one of their varieties you pick - read the label to make sure it doesn't contain soy lecithin.

I just learned today to think of the GI tract as a rain forest - it is a beautiful metaphor - it will inspire and remind you to keep a balanced environment in your GI tract. Not to introduce things that will tilt the balance and wreak havoc on the whole system.

I agree with those who say the Entocort is helping you - please, don't try to wean off it too fast. First learn to control your diet.

Love,
Karen