Newbie

Sara East · Post by **Sara East** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 2:34 pm

I just wanted to say Hi and introduce myself. I'm Sara, stay at home mom to 3 small children and part time student. I've been dealing with Lymphocytic Colitis for about 7 years, I was diagnosed at 23 with it. I'm very happy to meet others who have one form of it or another since all the people I meet that have colitis have ulcerative colitis. As I'm sure you all know there is a big difference and I haven't had any remission from it the whole 7 years. I have horror stories of doctors and procedures and medications. After seeing more doctors than I can count I finally heard about a specialist at Brigham and Womans hospital in Boston and she agreed to see me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she might finally be able to help me. I also go in tomorrow for an MRI because the doctors think I might have a possible brain tumor, so please keep your fingers crossed!

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 2:42 pm

Hi Sara,
Welcome to the site. Wow, seven years with no remission--bummer. Fingers are crossed for no brain tumor.

I think you'll find folks here helpful and supportive. Good luck tomorrow.

Liz · Post by **Liz** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:05 pm

Sara. You will find lots of help & friendship here from people who understand because they have shared your experiences.

Hope your MRI shows no major problems.

Liz

Post by **tex** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:55 pm

Hi Sara,

Welcome to the board. It sounds as though you've really had a tough time of it. Hopefully, your new doctor will be able to resolve the problem, but if not, then maybe you'll be able to work out a treatment plan based on our experiences, that will allow you to achieve and maintain remission.

The first step is to get that MRI out of the way, though, and then you can concentrate on the LC. I don't know if you are aware of this, but many of us with MC are at least as gluten sensitive as celiacs, and long-term untreated gluten sensitivity can lead to brain "damage" by gluten.

I have no way of knowing if gluten damage to the brain is what is causing your doctors to suspect a possible brain tumor, but if it is, then the solution is simple - the damage is reversible, once you cut the gluten out of your diet. IOW, if they can't locate a tumor, then gluten may be the problem.

Be aware, though, that most doctors do not realize that there is a connection between brain damage and gluten sensitivity. In general, most doctors seem to be very poorly equipped to handle gluten sensitivity issues. Most doctors do not recognize any degree of gluten sensitivity, outside of celiac disease, and that ignorance prevents them from helping a huge number of patients who have the problem. For every diagnosed case of celiac sprue, there are probably a hundred people who are gluten sensitive, but unaware of it.

Best of luck during the scan, tomorrow.

Tex

annie oakley · Post by **annie oakley** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:20 pm

Hi Sara and

I am hoping for the best for you tomorrow
Hugs Oma

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:29 pm

Hi Sara---

to what is a great loving--careing family--

There are so many *helpful* ways to get yourself back to feeling better--
and everyone has been thru megga issues--

I do hope U get some help when U get to Boston and specially that your MRI has a good picture to show U---

Good Vibes coming your way :bigbighug:

along with

Please do let us know how everything went--

Barbara

JJ · Post by JJ » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:13 pm

Hi Sara!

So glad you found us....this is a great group for support and information.

Good luck tomorrow! Let us know how it goes.

Take Care kiddo....JJ (Jill)

Trace · Post by **Trace** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:55 pm

Keeping you in mind, Sara. Please let us know how it went. My major bout with MC lasted 5 years, and I just recently (10 days) tested positive for celiac. There is hope.

One thing I want to always mention: even if the blood test for celiac is negative, insist on the genetic test. I didn't. I could have saved myself years of problems.

sunny · Post by **sunny** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 1:34 pm

Wecome from Oregon!

You don't knowit yet, maybe, but you have found a wonderful place on this forum...lots of info, lots of support, and lots and lots of nice folks. let us know what youlearn on the brain issue!!

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:12 am

Hi there and welcome to the best family on the internet and a wealth of knowledge here and from it's members. Sorry for the reasons you are here but stick around and life will get easier.

Maggie

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:39 am

Welcome from another newbie. I'd make it colorful if I knew how......

Best of luck with everything.

Tex, that is just amazing information. You are now my hero. MO, MO, MO.

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:54 am

Maggie, when we were on a boat tour in Winter Park Florida, the guide kept saying "look at the blue herrings (he meant herons)."

jodibelle352 · Post by **jodibelle352** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:04 am

Welcome Sara:

:bigbighug:

I'm a newbie and my 1st day was yesterday and it was amazing how everyone welcomes you to this site. Feeling alone won't be your problem anymore as it's been put here on the boards: WE'RE NOW ALL FAMILY!

I will put you on my prayer list of "special intentions" and pray for good results on your test.

Keep your chin up Sweety, If God leads you to it, He will also lead you through it.

Love, Prayers and God's Blessings:
Jodi

Becky · Post by **Becky** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:43 am

Welcome Sara,
When is your MRI? You've got a lot on your plate and I hope you feel the support of the people here. Keep us informed.

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:35 am

I loved the Blue Herrings mispronounce. Made me sure laugh.

Love, Maggie