Paging Kari....musings on flares

[Polly]

Hi Kari,

It is amazing how a flare can take on a life of its own, so to speak, and just keep raging along long after the offending food in removed. And flares seem stronger and longer earlier in the course of MC. Although, I must say, the flare I had beginning last Aug. when my dog died was a beaut! It was my first REAL problem since remission. I now think it was due to a combination of factors - extreme stress, a recent colonoscopy using that corrosive Miralax prep, and the fact that over years I was unknowingly eating many of my reactive foods, like tomato, white potato, celery, sesame seed, etc. Anyway, as you know, I never took any meds for my MC, but I was seriously considering it last fall. I have very little fear of Entocort and I have seen it nip flares in the bud, with some of our members here. I made an appt. with my GI doc to get some Entocort, but then, some of the changes I tried (like increased exercise, more mediattion, turning off the media) helped to improve things, so I cancelled my appt. But I would not hesitate to try it if I have a major flare again. I think it has the potential to lessen the strength and length of the flare.

But, of course, I completely understand your desire to find remission with diet alone. And I know you will. Just having MRT available to us now (in addition to enterolab and our support group here) makes a big difference. Hang in there.........

Love,

Polly

[Kari]

Hi Polly,

Thank you so much for your post - it really, really, really helps to hear from someone who "has been there".

I think the worst thing about my flare is the crushing disappointment after having done so well when first eliminating my highly reactive MRT foods. I just really went into a mental funk. It sometimes feels like the more I try, the harder it gets. But then I read here, and find all these people who go through the exact same thing. This disease seems to be just as mental and emotional as it is physical, since all the sacrifices we make are often met with punishment rather than rewards.

My coping method is similar to yours. I try to tune out all the mental noise created with the flare by exercising, meditating and turning to the PP family. It also helps when I try to switch my attention to others, like friends and family, and other people in general. A while ago, I posted about a banana bread I made, which I had to freeze since I discovered I couldn't eat it. Well, it has become my grandchildren's favorite thing to eat lately (as well as my son's and DIL's), so whenever they come to see me, they immediately ask if I have more banana bread. They are now on the 3rd loaf, and my confidence with baking is growing exponentially .

I haven't posted much lately, as I've been turning inward for strength and stamina to figure out my next step along this twisting MC road, seemingly filled with all kinds of traps. However, I'm sure I'll be back on even keel soon and will be able to contribute more again. This truly is a give and take environment, as we all seem to be here for each other to the best of our abilities.

Thanks again for your kind support and shared experience.

Love,
Kari