Hello.
This afternoon I was diagnosed with LC. While I am grateful it is nothing worse than that (knock on wood,) reading some of this stuff is depressing me a bit.
The one thing that stuck out to me the most was a statement that PPIs, especially Previcid, may cause MC. This makes me really angry because I had been on Protonix for a long time and it was fine. Then my insurance company made it non-formulary so we tried Previcid. As I'm looking back on my prescription history, it was in that same general time period when I started having symptoms. It was also just two weeks after my cat died, and I didn't know if stress played a role at all. (I've been having a real hard time with that loss.) I have Protonix left from when I was taking it before, I switched to that tonight to see if my symptoms improve.
Is this something that once you have it, you have it forever? My other question is about acidophilus. (You guys seem to use a brand name of Culturelle, I have some very good acidophilius from the health food store.) Should I be taking that? If so, how much?
I'm glad I found this board because it seems there is very little information out there on this. I had certainly never heard of it.
Thanks for any input or encouragement you can give me. There're so many things going on in my life right now, this is just one more straw weighing down the camel's back.
Thanks.
lsl
I'm new here.
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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harvest_table
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1509
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Hi Isl,
Welcome, to the Potty People! You are about to enter the no spin zone!
Love,
Joanna
Welcome, to the Potty People! You are about to enter the no spin zone!
Love,
Joanna
THE GLUTEN FILES
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
Hi lsl,
I'm sorry that you have this condition, but glad that you found this site. To answer your questions, for a rare few individuals, sometimes discontinuing the use of a "trigger" medication can put an end to symptoms. Unfortunately, though, for most of us, this is a lifelong issue.
Indeed, many of us have this problem because we are genetically succeptable, and our doctors prescribed a med, or meds, that are known to trigger the disease. We are all different, and we all have to find a solution that works best for us, but except for a very fortunate few, most of us have to either modify our diets, or take meds for the rest of our lives, or a combination. Occasionally, spontaneous remissions occur, and last for indefinite periods, but for most of us, we have to maintain our vigilance at all times. Currently, there is no known cure. The best we can do is control the symptoms. IOW, we can achieve remission, by following a program that controls the symptoms, but as soon as we discontinue the treatment program, we will usually suffer a relapse within a matter of weeks, and in some cases days, or ever hours.
Probiotics seem to help some, and cause problems for others. Personally, I have never tried them. The problem with Culturelle, is that it is lactose based, and many of us are dairy intolerant. Whether or not you can use it successfully, probably depends on how sensitive you might be to lactose. If you are not highly sensitive to it, Culturelle may work well for you. There are other alternative probiotics that are helpful for some people.
The good news is that as long as we stick to a program that works for us, we're able to lead pretty much normal lives, except for the treatment program, of course.
Also, virtually all of us are very close to our pets, and we certainly understand and sympathasize with your loss. While stress probably doesn't cause MC, (or CC, or LC), it can certainly make the symptoms worse.
Welcome aboard, and feel free to ask anything you want. We have all been there, and done that, so nothing is going to gross us out. We learn from each other's experiences here, and we speak frankly about symptoms and experiences. Also, we try to have a little fun, while we're at it, because sometimes you have to laugh, just to keep from crying.
All my best,
Wayne
I'm sorry that you have this condition, but glad that you found this site. To answer your questions, for a rare few individuals, sometimes discontinuing the use of a "trigger" medication can put an end to symptoms. Unfortunately, though, for most of us, this is a lifelong issue.
Indeed, many of us have this problem because we are genetically succeptable, and our doctors prescribed a med, or meds, that are known to trigger the disease. We are all different, and we all have to find a solution that works best for us, but except for a very fortunate few, most of us have to either modify our diets, or take meds for the rest of our lives, or a combination. Occasionally, spontaneous remissions occur, and last for indefinite periods, but for most of us, we have to maintain our vigilance at all times. Currently, there is no known cure. The best we can do is control the symptoms. IOW, we can achieve remission, by following a program that controls the symptoms, but as soon as we discontinue the treatment program, we will usually suffer a relapse within a matter of weeks, and in some cases days, or ever hours.
Probiotics seem to help some, and cause problems for others. Personally, I have never tried them. The problem with Culturelle, is that it is lactose based, and many of us are dairy intolerant. Whether or not you can use it successfully, probably depends on how sensitive you might be to lactose. If you are not highly sensitive to it, Culturelle may work well for you. There are other alternative probiotics that are helpful for some people.
The good news is that as long as we stick to a program that works for us, we're able to lead pretty much normal lives, except for the treatment program, of course.
Also, virtually all of us are very close to our pets, and we certainly understand and sympathasize with your loss. While stress probably doesn't cause MC, (or CC, or LC), it can certainly make the symptoms worse.
Welcome aboard, and feel free to ask anything you want. We have all been there, and done that, so nothing is going to gross us out. We learn from each other's experiences here, and we speak frankly about symptoms and experiences. Also, we try to have a little fun, while we're at it, because sometimes you have to laugh, just to keep from crying.
All my best,
Wayne
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 Isl!
I don't have much time to write just now - am heading out of town for the day. Bummer about the Prevacid (especially for the reason you were switched 
to it) , but I can recall at least one person here whose MC cleared up when they stopped it. Maybe you will be lucky! Very sorry to hear about your beloved cat. I know how you feel.....losing a pet has always been as awful as losing a human in my experience. 
So happy you have joined the family! Ask any questions you have - nothing is too silly or dumb or gross! Looking forward to further chats!
Love,
Polly
P.S. Better days are ahead.
I don't have much time to write just now - am heading out of town for the day. Bummer about the Prevacid (especially for the reason you were switched to it) , but I can recall at least one person here whose MC cleared up when they stopped it. Maybe you will be lucky! Very sorry to hear about your beloved cat. I know how you feel.....losing a pet has always been as awful as losing a human in my experience. So happy you have joined the family! Ask any questions you have - nothing is too silly or dumb or gross! Looking forward to further chats!
Love,
Polly
P.S. Better days are ahead.
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Welcome to our family! You are now part of a wonderful group of people who will welcome you, answer your questions and help you through the rough times. Not to mention, make you laugh!
This disease is manageable with diet, medicine or a combination of both. You will find answers to your questions from those who have tried all of the above, first hand.
I understand the loss of a pet also. Pets are family and they take a long time to grieve over. My sympathies to you.
I have personally taken Prevacid for quite some time for GERD. I have recently changed to Acephex. I am hoping to see a difference in the potty trips.
At your leisure, wonder through the rooms on this site and read about our experiences. Many of your questions will be answered. If you have any questions we haven't answered, please ask - as Wayne said - nothing is too gross for this group!
Again, welcome to the family. Sorry for the reason you had to find us - but pull up a chair and feel at home.
Until next time,
Margie
This disease is manageable with diet, medicine or a combination of both. You will find answers to your questions from those who have tried all of the above, first hand.
I understand the loss of a pet also. Pets are family and they take a long time to grieve over. My sympathies to you.
I have personally taken Prevacid for quite some time for GERD. I have recently changed to Acephex. I am hoping to see a difference in the potty trips.
At your leisure, wonder through the rooms on this site and read about our experiences. Many of your questions will be answered. If you have any questions we haven't answered, please ask - as Wayne said - nothing is too gross for this group!
Again, welcome to the family. Sorry for the reason you had to find us - but pull up a chair and feel at home.
Until next time,
Margie
"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." -- Buddha
lslSo sorry you are afflicted with this disease, but I know I was so grateful to find a place where I could actually ask questions and receive info from people who have actually "been there, done that". I hope it will be the same for you. I have learned so much, and felt so welcome from the first time I posted.
I took Prilosec for several years (Prevacid gave me BIG D). I have had MC for over a year now, but I seem to have hit ALL the known triggers so who knows what kicked it off. My Dr. switched me to Nexium when the Prilosec didn't seem to be doing the job anymore.
I am one of those who use med. and try to control my diet to a certain extent. I'm sure that you will find what works for you if you keep trying.
Here's hoping to see a lot of your posts and questions. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions - and believe me - I doubt you find any "gross" subject that we havn't heard before.
Shirley
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Hi Lisa and Welcome,
I can't add much to what everyone has said other than you will find this a great support group and within no time you will feel like you are part of a happy family.
Please browse our rooms and make use of the information you find there.
Maggie
I can't add much to what everyone has said other than you will find this a great support group and within no time you will feel like you are part of a happy family.
Please browse our rooms and make use of the information you find there.
Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
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kate_ce1995
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1321
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: Vermont
Hi Lisa,
Yup, as Polly said, at least one person we've chatted with had lots of improvement in symptoms by stopping the triggering medicine (or potentially triggering).
I believe my trigger was Ibuprofen (if you've read enough to know about PPIs I'm guessing you've read that NSAIDs are also not great for MC). Within a month of stopping ibuprofen use, my D went away.
I do also have the gluten senstivity that many with MC have, although my symptoms of that are not D, but rather aches and pains. But that may have contributed to my being extra sensitive to the NSAIDs too. It is a big mystery and each of us is different.
Glad you found us.
Katy
Yup, as Polly said, at least one person we've chatted with had lots of improvement in symptoms by stopping the triggering medicine (or potentially triggering).
I believe my trigger was Ibuprofen (if you've read enough to know about PPIs I'm guessing you've read that NSAIDs are also not great for MC). Within a month of stopping ibuprofen use, my D went away.
I do also have the gluten senstivity that many with MC have, although my symptoms of that are not D, but rather aches and pains. But that may have contributed to my being extra sensitive to the NSAIDs too. It is a big mystery and each of us is different.
Glad you found us.
Katy
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Joyce
- Little Blue Penguin
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:51 am
- Location: Garden Grove, California
Hi Lisa,
Can't add much more than what everyone else has said. But, I did want to welcome you to this great site. Do check out everything on the board and ask any questions you have there is always someone that will answer. It was such a relief for me when I found this place and there was other people out there with the same symtoms.
I'm sorry for the loss of your cat. They are just like our children. I hope as time goes on the loss gets easier for you. I'm sure you have a lot of fond memories.
Joyce
Can't add much more than what everyone else has said. But, I did want to welcome you to this great site. Do check out everything on the board and ask any questions you have there is always someone that will answer. It was such a relief for me when I found this place and there was other people out there with the same symtoms.
I'm sorry for the loss of your cat. They are just like our children. I hope as time goes on the loss gets easier for you. I'm sure you have a lot of fond memories.
Joyce
Dear Lisa,
Welcome to our family. I hope you will come to think of it as yours, too. We care for each other in ways that our real families can't because they haven't been where we have been. They try, but it just isn't the same.
As everyone has said, this is a very personal journey you are about to embark on. No one has MC in the same way or responds to treatment in the same way. But here, you can share your experiences knowing that we will understand.
I am very sorry about your cat. I don't know if this is part of the whole MC thing, but we are all very attached to our pets and all animals in general. To lose one is really a tragedy. I am very sorry for your loss and I know what it is like. I have been there, too.
I hope that you will feel comfortable here, soon. Come back often and we will try to lighten your burdens.
Lots of love,
Sally
Welcome to our family. I hope you will come to think of it as yours, too. We care for each other in ways that our real families can't because they haven't been where we have been. They try, but it just isn't the same.
As everyone has said, this is a very personal journey you are about to embark on. No one has MC in the same way or responds to treatment in the same way. But here, you can share your experiences knowing that we will understand.
I am very sorry about your cat. I don't know if this is part of the whole MC thing, but we are all very attached to our pets and all animals in general. To lose one is really a tragedy. I am very sorry for your loss and I know what it is like. I have been there, too.
I hope that you will feel comfortable here, soon. Come back often and we will try to lighten your burdens.
Lots of love,
Sally
Mitakuye oyasin
(Lakota for "We are all related")
(Lakota for "We are all related")
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Tessa
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 774
- Joined: Thu May 26, 2005 2:49 pm
- Location: Málaga, Spain (Costa del Sol)
- Contact:
Hi Lisa, to this board. You will soon feel as if you were home. This forum has been most helpfull with me and others. I can assure you will be very happy to find it. We listen (read), talk (write) and care for each others by heart.
Do not hesitate to share your feelings and express your opinion and questions without censure... You will soon learn a lot thanks to the support and help I found too when I joined.
I am sorry to know about your disease. I also tried to look for a reason that started it outside... At the end, you will understand that the most important thing is not Why? but, how to feel well and healthy.
Take care and learn to listen to your body... Read the signs by its symptoms... And take care,
YOu are welcome.
Love,
Tessa.
to this board. You will soon feel as if you were home. This forum has been most helpfull with me and others. I can assure you will be very happy to find it. We listen (read), talk (write) and care for each others by heart. Do not hesitate to share your feelings and express your opinion and questions without censure... You will soon learn a lot thanks to the support and help I found too when I joined.
I am sorry to know about your disease. I also tried to look for a reason that started it outside... At the end, you will understand that the most important thing is not Why? but, how to feel well and healthy.
Take care and learn to listen to your body... Read the signs by its symptoms... And take care,
YOu are welcome.Love,
Tessa.
DX Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency= Panhypopituitarism,POTS & MC. Anaphylactic reaction to foods & some drugs.
Gluten & Dairy free diet+hydrocortisone, Florinef, Sea Salt, Vit B Complex, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium...
Gluten & Dairy free diet+hydrocortisone, Florinef, Sea Salt, Vit B Complex, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium...
Welcome Lisa,
It has all been said! This is a great site and family. My only problem with this site is trying to explain my friends here to people outside of this site. They don't understand how I can be so close to people whom I've never met in person or even talked to on the phone. Of course, they can't understand my disease or the diet I follow to control it!
Please read and post often!
Love, Jean
It has all been said! This is a great site and family. My only problem with this site is trying to explain my friends here to people outside of this site. They don't understand how I can be so close to people whom I've never met in person or even talked to on the phone. Of course, they can't understand my disease or the diet I follow to control it!
Please read and post often!
Love, Jean