MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

Hi Tex,
I just ordered my enterolab tests A1 + C1
Are the tests skewed by any medication like pepto?? Should I be off it before I collect the sample?

Thanks
C

No, Pepto won't cause any problems. Only medications that suppress your immune system may cause false negative results. That includes budesonide, if it's used for more than a few months.

Tex

I've searched the posts and can't seem to find it written any place - when the pepto starts working and Norman visits- does a person then STOP the 8 pepto/day ? Taper off? Keep going for a while longer? I even searched Dr. Fine's article and couldn't see an answer.
Thanks ever so much,
Colleen

I believe in the original trial, the full dose was used for the full period, but some people reduce the dose, especially if they become constipated. I've never used the treatment. Maybe someone who has actually used it will offer their thoughts.

Tex

Hi Colleen,

I've used Pepto. I'd say probably cut back when you get Normans. You don't have to do a full fledged taper
but like everything with our disease slow changes make a lot of sense.

It is probably no problem to stop all at once but I'd be inclined to go 6 for a couple of days, 4 for a couple of days 2 for a week, and say 1 for a week.

I think gradual in anything for us is better but you do not have to do any kind of extreme taper like we do with budesonide.

Brandy

Thank you Tex and Brandy for your ideas. I sent my test in yesterday. I'm looking forward to seeing the results. When I get the results, since I would appreciate your input, should I post it on the enterolab page? Here? IDK

I also have a question about a product which was shown in testing to help MC patients -Saccharomyces boulardii. I read it was made from milk! It contains lactose. But does it contain casien? I dug around and couldn't find anything more. Is it really helpful? I am skeptical.

Does the medicine Flonase help MC patients? Does it contain a steroid which will cause problems like budesonide?

As always thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm forever grateful. Stay safe,

Colleen

You can post the results here, so we don't overlook them. We can always move them, if we want.

The manufacturer claims Saccharomyces boulardii does not contain any dairy products. I've never used it (because some of us do react to it), but some people insist that it helps them.

Flonase is a glucocortocoid, similar to budesonide. The active ingredient is Fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid. I don't know if it will help any intestinal symptoms, but it shouldn't make them worse. It is considered to be a steroid drug, of course.

Tex

hi Tex ,

Here are my test results. Click on it to enlarge:



[/img]

Tex,
Just wondering if eggs are a something I should avoid?
Does allergy to tuna mean other fish are a no-no too?
Foods that are #1 - tuna & oats - how likely are they to initiate a flare?

Thanks,
Colleen

Since eggs are marginally positive, it would probably be a very good idea to at least avoid them until you've been in solid remission for a while, then you can safely test them (by trial and error) before adding them back into your diet.

If tuna is positive, then for many of us, salmon (and possibly other fish) would be a problem.

In my opinion, tuna would probably be a minor risk, especially if you eat them every day, and oats would be a big risk because virtually all of us react to oats.

I hope this helps.

You've very welcome,

Tex

Thank you so much for your reply. My next question is about the Soy. It was a 6. Should I avoid it as well until I'm better?
And I am better - since getting these results. I believe you were correct when you advised me there was something I was consuming which was keeping me from complete remission. I'm extremely cautious about the amount of fiber I eat. Fiber is my mortal enemy. My new favorite place to haunt is the Dee's Kitchen page so I can make myself new food!
Thanks again and stay well,
Colleen

Hi Colleen,

That's good news that you're dong better.

With an EnteroLab score of 6, soy should not cause any problems for you, unless you happen to be sensitive to something in soy besides the main protein. But that would be rare, so it should be safe to assume that soy and it's derivatives are safe for you.

Tex

Hi Tex,
I thought after getting the enterolab testing done and doing better with the pepto regimen I would be on my way towards remission. Not so. As the pepto got out of my system, the stools reversed the progress and despite my extremely strict diet, have reverted back to liquid.
After getting to the pencil stage, I was forced to stop taking the pepto since the ringing in my ears got really loud. At that point I had been on 8/day for 31 days. Since it was working, as I said I was having formed stools at that point, I simply stayed on the usual limited diet and weaned off the pepto. I eat only meat, rice, olive oil, an occasional yellow potato or sweet potato (maybe 1x/week), weak tea and sea salt. I stopped eating GF bread since it contained egg. The meats I eat are beef, cornish hens and very occasionally pork. Turkey makes my pulse rise by more than 10 bpm, so it scares me and I won't swallow it.
I'm extremely careful with my food.
I was starting to gain weight very slowly, but am back to losing weight again.
Do you have any insights on what I could try? I'm at a complete loss. I take Allegra everyday & Magnesium bath or lotion every other day. I use a vitamin patch every day.
I have some budesonide in the cupboard but since it didn't work before, I see no reason it will work now.
I would love some insight here.
Thanks,
Colleen

Colleen,

Look at the olive oil you're using. Some brands are cross-contaminated with soy. Make sure it's on the NAOOA safe list (at the link below).

https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/certified-olive-oil-list

Tex

Coll, Can you do another round of pepto to buy you more time with healing?