Hi everyone,
Well, I decided to come back to chat with you all for a bit. I've been doing great for the past year on diet alone, and now for the past four or five days, I've been having intense cramping, to the point that I don't want to eat. Seems that everything's bothering me. And I'm carefully avoiding gluten, dairy, soy, citrus, etc. Today, for instance, because I can tell that my body's not happy with me, I ate some boiled eggs, some plain boiled yams, a piece of millet bread with some peanut butter, an orange chocolate Lara bar, and sipped white tea all day long. I'm getting nervous - I really can't afford (literally) to lose any more weight. I had to buy all new clothes for this summer and am now officially a size 2 (the lowest I have ever been in my adult life). When some friends saw me back in May after not seeing me for a few months, they were really worried about how thin I look. Now, I'm not scary skinny, not yet, but if I lose any more weight, I'm going to start looking it. What do you suggest I do? I'm not having D yet, but the cramping has been so bad that it keeps me up at night. Maybe I was eating too much fruit? For the last couple of months I've been eating a banana with some nuts and raisins for breakfast, and then I recently started adding in more berries during the day. I remember that when I was trying to get into remission, bananas were a no-no for me. But usually when I stay away from the offending food, I get better right away. Why now? (It's kind of like asking, Why me? - useless, I know). But I ask anyways - maybe some of you have some thoughts.
Thanks!
Beth
Back, after over a year . . . and not very happy
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Beth,
It's good to hear from you again, though I'm sorry about the reason.
Is there any chance this could be related to your period? There are also still some viruses making the rounds.
Normally, if we have any idiopathic, (unexplained), reactions that we can't attribute to a dietary "accident", or slip-up, they tend to occur in the fall of the year.
Why have you lost so much weight? Have you been dieting, or was the weight loss unintentional? I realize that information is none of my business, and I apologize for seeming to be nosy, but there might be a clue there, that might be worth pursuing.
Incidentally, I googled "microscopic colitis menses", and came up with the following thread that might be of interest to you. (Could the cramps be connected with endometriosis?)
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5904
Tex
It's good to hear from you again, though I'm sorry about the reason.
Is there any chance this could be related to your period? There are also still some viruses making the rounds.
Normally, if we have any idiopathic, (unexplained), reactions that we can't attribute to a dietary "accident", or slip-up, they tend to occur in the fall of the year.
Why have you lost so much weight? Have you been dieting, or was the weight loss unintentional? I realize that information is none of my business, and I apologize for seeming to be nosy, but there might be a clue there, that might be worth pursuing.
Incidentally, I googled "microscopic colitis menses", and came up with the following thread that might be of interest to you. (Could the cramps be connected with endometriosis?)
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5904
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Tex!
I had a feeling you'd be the first to answer - thanks for such a speedy reply. I suppose after reading your post that my symptoms could be related to my cycle - I'm five days away from when I'm supposed to get my period again. But if that's the case, this is a brand new thing. As far as why I lost so much weight - I think it's because I cut so many things out of my diet, and over the past year and a half, the weight has just kept coming off. I'm also in the middle of a divorce, and I'm sure - no, I know - that's contributing to my weight loss. I'm just getting a little nervous because I haven't eaten anything for more than six hours, and I'm cramping pretty badly right now. I've taken out the bananas, and now it looks like I might need to take out the nuts (I ate a handful of cashews last), which I've never had a problem with. Maybe I'll just try fish and yams tomorrow, both foods that should be very easy to handle.
If anyone else has any ideas, I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Beth
I had a feeling you'd be the first to answer - thanks for such a speedy reply. I suppose after reading your post that my symptoms could be related to my cycle - I'm five days away from when I'm supposed to get my period again. But if that's the case, this is a brand new thing. As far as why I lost so much weight - I think it's because I cut so many things out of my diet, and over the past year and a half, the weight has just kept coming off. I'm also in the middle of a divorce, and I'm sure - no, I know - that's contributing to my weight loss. I'm just getting a little nervous because I haven't eaten anything for more than six hours, and I'm cramping pretty badly right now. I've taken out the bananas, and now it looks like I might need to take out the nuts (I ate a handful of cashews last), which I've never had a problem with. Maybe I'll just try fish and yams tomorrow, both foods that should be very easy to handle.
If anyone else has any ideas, I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Beth
Beth,
I'm very sorry that you're going through a divorce. Obviously, you're quite correct in pointing out that this has to be having a major effect on your health. It may also be having subconscious effects, that work in subtle ways.
The reason why I'm mentioning "other" possibilities, is because without D, the cramps are probably an indication of a problem other than MC. Obviously, that's not chiseled in stone, but the odds are pretty high that something else is at play here. Your continually declining weight raises the possibility of an electrolyte imbalance, and/or the possibility of mineral or vitamin deficiencies.
One of the things that can cause cramps, (and loss of appetite, and various other symptoms), for example, is sodium deficiency. Sodium is also necessary for the proper functioning of the stomach. A deficiency of one or more of the other electrolytes, such as calcium, potassium, or magnesium could also be the problem. Inadequate amounts of these three electrolytes are well known for their role in causing muscle cramps, especially leg and/or foot cramps, at night, though they are not necessarily implicated in the case of abdominal cramps - on the other hand, they are not necessarily ruled out, either, since the stomach and intestines rely upon muscles, in order to function properly. For example, a potassium deficiency can cause major problems with the body's vital functions, but one of the more "minor" symptoms is constipation, and constipation can easily cause "world class" cramps.
Diverticulitis is another possibility, but you are pretty young for that problem. In the follow-up after your colonoscopy, did the doctor mention the presence of any diverticula? Or, better yet, if you obtained a copy of the endoscopy report, did you see any mention of them? Often, a GI doc will use the shorthand term "tics" to describe the presence of diverticula. I doubt this is the problem, because if you had diverticulitis, the pain in your lower left quadrant should be in the 9 to 10 category, and you would probably have fever, accompanied by intermittent D, and/or nausea/vomiting. It's possible, though, to have diverticulitis episodes with less severe symptoms.
Also, theoretically at least, if you are losing weight, because of your current balance of calorie intake and exercise, then you will continue to lose weight, unless you either begin to take in more calories, or start burning fewer calories. Obviously, there is a point at which the body will shift into "starvation mode", and make a metabolism adjustment, but when that happens, there will almost surely also be undesirable "trade-offs". IOW, that's not a good solution to the problem. You really need to take in more calories. I know, that may seem easier said than done, but there are probably some high calorie foods that you could be eating, to help you gain some weight, without risking an MC reaction.
One of the subtle subconscious effects that I mentioned, for example, could be a subconscious aversion to eating, based on a perception that "thinner is more attractive". I don't agree with that "philosophy", but it's obviously widespread in modern society, and it's easy to get caught up in it, without even realizing it, (and many women and girls are caught up in it), as the media constantly bombards us with advertising hype.
Several of our members who are good at offering responses to problems such as this are currently absent, presumably due to very busy summer schedules. Polly, and Mike, for example, come to mind.
Tex
I'm very sorry that you're going through a divorce. Obviously, you're quite correct in pointing out that this has to be having a major effect on your health. It may also be having subconscious effects, that work in subtle ways.
The reason why I'm mentioning "other" possibilities, is because without D, the cramps are probably an indication of a problem other than MC. Obviously, that's not chiseled in stone, but the odds are pretty high that something else is at play here. Your continually declining weight raises the possibility of an electrolyte imbalance, and/or the possibility of mineral or vitamin deficiencies.
One of the things that can cause cramps, (and loss of appetite, and various other symptoms), for example, is sodium deficiency. Sodium is also necessary for the proper functioning of the stomach. A deficiency of one or more of the other electrolytes, such as calcium, potassium, or magnesium could also be the problem. Inadequate amounts of these three electrolytes are well known for their role in causing muscle cramps, especially leg and/or foot cramps, at night, though they are not necessarily implicated in the case of abdominal cramps - on the other hand, they are not necessarily ruled out, either, since the stomach and intestines rely upon muscles, in order to function properly. For example, a potassium deficiency can cause major problems with the body's vital functions, but one of the more "minor" symptoms is constipation, and constipation can easily cause "world class" cramps.
Diverticulitis is another possibility, but you are pretty young for that problem. In the follow-up after your colonoscopy, did the doctor mention the presence of any diverticula? Or, better yet, if you obtained a copy of the endoscopy report, did you see any mention of them? Often, a GI doc will use the shorthand term "tics" to describe the presence of diverticula. I doubt this is the problem, because if you had diverticulitis, the pain in your lower left quadrant should be in the 9 to 10 category, and you would probably have fever, accompanied by intermittent D, and/or nausea/vomiting. It's possible, though, to have diverticulitis episodes with less severe symptoms.
Also, theoretically at least, if you are losing weight, because of your current balance of calorie intake and exercise, then you will continue to lose weight, unless you either begin to take in more calories, or start burning fewer calories. Obviously, there is a point at which the body will shift into "starvation mode", and make a metabolism adjustment, but when that happens, there will almost surely also be undesirable "trade-offs". IOW, that's not a good solution to the problem. You really need to take in more calories. I know, that may seem easier said than done, but there are probably some high calorie foods that you could be eating, to help you gain some weight, without risking an MC reaction.
One of the subtle subconscious effects that I mentioned, for example, could be a subconscious aversion to eating, based on a perception that "thinner is more attractive". I don't agree with that "philosophy", but it's obviously widespread in modern society, and it's easy to get caught up in it, without even realizing it, (and many women and girls are caught up in it), as the media constantly bombards us with advertising hype.
Several of our members who are good at offering responses to problems such as this are currently absent, presumably due to very busy summer schedules. Polly, and Mike, for example, come to mind.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Tex,
I guess I made my weight loss sound worse than it is. I've finally stopped losing weight and have plateaued at around 115 (I'm 5'4" - the lowest I went to about two months ago was 113). So, it's not that I keep losing weight, just that I don't want to lose any more. But because I'm cramping so badly, I don't want to eat, which obviously will lead to weight loss. I suppose I could be lacking in minerals - but I doubt I'm short on sodium because I add salt to everything. And even though there are a lot of things I can't eat, when I'm not feeling like this, I eat very healthily - veggies, protein, fruit, nuts, etc. As far as diverticulitis goes, no, my doctor never mentioned it, and according to what I know about the symptoms, I really don't think this is what it is.
Based on my past experiences with trying to take supplements, I'm not sure how to go about getting more minerals/vitamins into my body without increasing the cramping. Has anyone here found some good supplements they can handle?
Thanks,
Beth
I guess I made my weight loss sound worse than it is. I've finally stopped losing weight and have plateaued at around 115 (I'm 5'4" - the lowest I went to about two months ago was 113). So, it's not that I keep losing weight, just that I don't want to lose any more. But because I'm cramping so badly, I don't want to eat, which obviously will lead to weight loss. I suppose I could be lacking in minerals - but I doubt I'm short on sodium because I add salt to everything. And even though there are a lot of things I can't eat, when I'm not feeling like this, I eat very healthily - veggies, protein, fruit, nuts, etc. As far as diverticulitis goes, no, my doctor never mentioned it, and according to what I know about the symptoms, I really don't think this is what it is.
Based on my past experiences with trying to take supplements, I'm not sure how to go about getting more minerals/vitamins into my body without increasing the cramping. Has anyone here found some good supplements they can handle?
Thanks,
Beth
Beth,
I have to admit, I pictured you as being too thin, but obviously, you're within your ideal weight range, so I apologize for going off in the wrong direction, there. If you add salt to everything, then obviously, you're not short on sodium, and if you eat a balanced diet, with adequate protein, then you really shouldn't need to take any vitamin or mineral supplements.
That said, if you ever need or want any supplements, the safest source that I am aware of, is the brand that Polly always recommends, namely Freeda:
http://www.freedavitamins.com/
Okay, to get back to the original problem, you may be right - you may be having an MC reaction, in that it may be presenting as C, rather than D. I seem to recall that back in the early days of your treatment program, C was a problem. I react to dairy products the same way, that is, with C, rather than D. Still, I don't see any reason why you should be reacting, if you're being careful with your diet. (I'm assuming that you're avoiding dairy products.)
I suspect that Polly may be gone on a trip, but maybe she'll be back, and have time to log in sometime this weekend. Hopefully, she'll notice this thread, and maybe she'll have some ideas. I'm pretty sure that I'm probably overlooking something - probably something obvious.
Tex
I have to admit, I pictured you as being too thin, but obviously, you're within your ideal weight range, so I apologize for going off in the wrong direction, there. If you add salt to everything, then obviously, you're not short on sodium, and if you eat a balanced diet, with adequate protein, then you really shouldn't need to take any vitamin or mineral supplements.
That said, if you ever need or want any supplements, the safest source that I am aware of, is the brand that Polly always recommends, namely Freeda:
http://www.freedavitamins.com/
Okay, to get back to the original problem, you may be right - you may be having an MC reaction, in that it may be presenting as C, rather than D. I seem to recall that back in the early days of your treatment program, C was a problem. I react to dairy products the same way, that is, with C, rather than D. Still, I don't see any reason why you should be reacting, if you're being careful with your diet. (I'm assuming that you're avoiding dairy products.)
I suspect that Polly may be gone on a trip, but maybe she'll be back, and have time to log in sometime this weekend. Hopefully, she'll notice this thread, and maybe she'll have some ideas. I'm pretty sure that I'm probably overlooking something - probably something obvious.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Tex - weirdly, I'm not experiencing C at all - perfectly normal norman several times a day. The only thing is the cramping. So, today the only thing I've eaten is salmon, and I just had a few raspberries with dinner. I've also been drinking iced honey dew melon tea all day. (Oh, and I did have some French vanilla tea earlier w/ tsp of raw sugar. Can tea contribute to cramping?) Cramps are better since I've barely eaten, but I can still feel them. Tomorrow I have to teach and be up and about for most of the day, so I may have to just eat what I normally do and deal with the cramps. Trying to teach on so few calories just isn't going to be possible.
Beth,
This is quite a mystery. I don't understand how you can be having problems with cramps, day after day, and yet have normal BMs. That leads me right back to suspecting something other than your digestive system. I'm wondering if it could be something such as a cyst, (maybe as a byproduct of endometriosis), but the pain from that shouldn't really feel like cramps.
As far as I'm aware, tea is generally considered to be soothing, and not normally associated with cramps. Sugar sometimes causes me to have stomach or gut pain, but I would describe it as more of a burning sensation, rather than cramps.
Tex
This is quite a mystery. I don't understand how you can be having problems with cramps, day after day, and yet have normal BMs. That leads me right back to suspecting something other than your digestive system. I'm wondering if it could be something such as a cyst, (maybe as a byproduct of endometriosis), but the pain from that shouldn't really feel like cramps.
As far as I'm aware, tea is generally considered to be soothing, and not normally associated with cramps. Sugar sometimes causes me to have stomach or gut pain, but I would describe it as more of a burning sensation, rather than cramps.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Well, it is a mystery, because I'm pretty sure it's a digestive thing. Yesterday I ate nothing except for salmon and some raspberries, and the cramping died down significantly. But then I was so hungry later that I needed something more substantial, so I had two pieces of GF bread with peanut butter and some more raspberries and a Lara bar over the course of several hours. I woke up with the same cramping. This morning I'm eating boiled eggs and tea and more berries for b.fast. Not sure what I'm going to eat the rest of the day because I'm going to be teaching for awhile. This is really getting exasperating!
Beth,
A thought just occurred to me. Are you by any chance using any sugar substitutes, such as sorbitol, manitol, (or any other sugar alcohols), Splenda, (sucralose), or aspertame? All of these can cause cramps, bloating, and/or diarrhea, depending on the individual.
Also, it's possible that fructose could be causing your cramping. Your original post implied that you tend to eat a lot of fruit, and, of course, fruit is generally high in fructose. Interestingly, as the berries go, raspberries have the highest fructose content, and honeydew melons also contain a lot of fructose.
The fact that you are experiencing cramps, without D, makes me somewhat suspicious of sugars as a possible culprit. You may just be making some unfortunate choices, unintentionally.
Also, for some individuals, under certain circumstances, an event as stressful, and filled with anxiety, as going through a divorce, could certainly lead to cramps, or some other gastric upset, due to a "nervous stomach" condition.
Tex
A thought just occurred to me. Are you by any chance using any sugar substitutes, such as sorbitol, manitol, (or any other sugar alcohols), Splenda, (sucralose), or aspertame? All of these can cause cramps, bloating, and/or diarrhea, depending on the individual.
Also, it's possible that fructose could be causing your cramping. Your original post implied that you tend to eat a lot of fruit, and, of course, fruit is generally high in fructose. Interestingly, as the berries go, raspberries have the highest fructose content, and honeydew melons also contain a lot of fructose.
The fact that you are experiencing cramps, without D, makes me somewhat suspicious of sugars as a possible culprit. You may just be making some unfortunate choices, unintentionally.
Also, for some individuals, under certain circumstances, an event as stressful, and filled with anxiety, as going through a divorce, could certainly lead to cramps, or some other gastric upset, due to a "nervous stomach" condition.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.