Hi Everyone,
Well, Im back to explosive diarrhea. Here's what I've been eating.
Breakfast: 2/3 banana, 1/2 cup applesause, 1T. cashew butter, 1t. flax oil.
1 cup carrot chicken soup
Lunch: cod, 1 small boiled potato, asparagus, carrots
snack: 1 cup chicken carrot soup, and 1/4 banana applesause and 1T.cashew butter smoothy.
Dinner: 2 chicken thighs, 1 1/2 small boiled potato, asparagus, and carrots
a tiny bit og olive oil and salt.
Snack: 1/2 banana, apple sause, 1 t. flax seed oil, and 1 T. cashew butter smoothie.
Any ideas? I am also taking some medication: 1/4 (.5mg)clonazepam from Teva USA, 1 (.5mg) lorazepam from Watson Labs, a trans-dermal cream C-estradiol and c-progesterone....(the doses vary throughout the month...I half the called for dose). This week I started taking some medicine for my adrenel problems. I take 5mg/,1ml c-Pregnenolone(trans dermal) and I take c- DHEA 5mg/,1ml(trans dermal)
I've tried to look up the lorazepam and it appears gluten free....the clonazapam seems to be as well...but no positive proof. I would assume I'm safe with the trans dermal meds...but is that a reckless assumption?
I'm so down...should I start to consider taking medication to help me with this.I continue to loose a pound every couple of days...so that's making me nervous....I'm afraid they are going to put me into the hospital if I don't get this turned around.
Thanks fo helping me out with this. Any advice would be great.
Love,
Cristi
Doctor's reaction to Dr. Fine's tests
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Cristi,
I'm sorry to hear about the setback.
I'm not familiar with most of those steroids that you're taking, but I assume that the first ones are for HRT. I'm wondering if maybe the additive effect is causing problems. For example, clonazepam has a tendency to increase the effects of some other drugs. lorazepam has diarrhea listed as a possible side effect.
Are you aware that the Pregnenolone will be converted by your body into DHEA, testosterone, possibly Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and progesterone. This , together with the additonal supplelental DHEA, etc., might be causing hormonal imbalances. This doctor warns against high doses of pregnenolone:
http://www.raysahelian.com/pregnenolone.html
He recommends 1 to 5 mg max, (which you are not exceeding), but the additonal DHEA supplementation could be exceeding those guidelines, especially with the other steroids present.
It may be time to consider using Entocort to get your symptoms under control, to give you some time to get your diet fine-tuned, but I believe that if I were in your shoes, I would try this first.
I would avoid all the nut butters, oils, and bananas for about a week, in order to get straightened out. Personally, I would eat nothing but meat and potatoes. If you feel like you have to have a few well cooked vegetables, I suppose they may be ok, but I think you would be better off without them. There's no point in worrying about eating a " well balanced" diet until you get a little better control of your symptoms.
The HRT and other meds may be suspect, especially since your symptoms seem to be worse since you increased your meds.
A short course of Entocort, to get your symptoms resolved, might not be a bad idea. At least it would bring you some peace of mind. It appears to me that, in general, those who take a lot of meds, almost always have trouble resolving their symptoms, even if they are on the GF diet.
Something like Entocort alone, while the diet is taking effect, seems to work pretty well. But when various other meds are added, there is almost always something in the mix that acts as an antagonist to something else, and the patient not only cannot get relief from symptoms, but also has a lot of difficulty in tracking down the problem. At least that's my impression, based on what I've seen in the past. Simplicity is the key to stopping an active MC reaction, when nothing else seems to work.
Love,
Tex
I'm sorry to hear about the setback.
I'm not familiar with most of those steroids that you're taking, but I assume that the first ones are for HRT. I'm wondering if maybe the additive effect is causing problems. For example, clonazepam has a tendency to increase the effects of some other drugs. lorazepam has diarrhea listed as a possible side effect.
Are you aware that the Pregnenolone will be converted by your body into DHEA, testosterone, possibly Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and progesterone. This , together with the additonal supplelental DHEA, etc., might be causing hormonal imbalances. This doctor warns against high doses of pregnenolone:
http://www.raysahelian.com/pregnenolone.html
He recommends 1 to 5 mg max, (which you are not exceeding), but the additonal DHEA supplementation could be exceeding those guidelines, especially with the other steroids present.
It may be time to consider using Entocort to get your symptoms under control, to give you some time to get your diet fine-tuned, but I believe that if I were in your shoes, I would try this first.
I would avoid all the nut butters, oils, and bananas for about a week, in order to get straightened out. Personally, I would eat nothing but meat and potatoes. If you feel like you have to have a few well cooked vegetables, I suppose they may be ok, but I think you would be better off without them. There's no point in worrying about eating a " well balanced" diet until you get a little better control of your symptoms.
The HRT and other meds may be suspect, especially since your symptoms seem to be worse since you increased your meds.
A short course of Entocort, to get your symptoms resolved, might not be a bad idea. At least it would bring you some peace of mind. It appears to me that, in general, those who take a lot of meds, almost always have trouble resolving their symptoms, even if they are on the GF diet.
Something like Entocort alone, while the diet is taking effect, seems to work pretty well. But when various other meds are added, there is almost always something in the mix that acts as an antagonist to something else, and the patient not only cannot get relief from symptoms, but also has a lot of difficulty in tracking down the problem. At least that's my impression, based on what I've seen in the past. Simplicity is the key to stopping an active MC reaction, when nothing else seems to work.
Love,
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.
Cristi,
Entocort is a reasonably safe, and pretty effective treatment, as a rule. Joanna, for example, used it for about six months or so, while giving her diet a chance to work. She tapered off the Entocort, and was able to keep her symptoms under control by diet alone. If your symptoms don't return by the eighth week after you stop a med, you are usually home free.
Pepto Bismol can help to resolve the symptoms faster than the diet alone, but the diet is necessary to retain remission, otherwise the symptoms will almost always return within a few weeks after ending the PB treatment. The PB treatment cannot exceed 8 weeks, due to the risk of bismuth toxicity, and a few members here have experienced problems after just a week or so on PB.
At one time it was the recommended treatment, (PB and the GF diet). Dr. Fine originated the PB treatment, but he no longer recommends it, due to the percentage of people who seem to have problems with the bismuth accumulation in their body. These days, he recommends diet alone.
Love,
Wayne
Entocort is a reasonably safe, and pretty effective treatment, as a rule. Joanna, for example, used it for about six months or so, while giving her diet a chance to work. She tapered off the Entocort, and was able to keep her symptoms under control by diet alone. If your symptoms don't return by the eighth week after you stop a med, you are usually home free.
Pepto Bismol can help to resolve the symptoms faster than the diet alone, but the diet is necessary to retain remission, otherwise the symptoms will almost always return within a few weeks after ending the PB treatment. The PB treatment cannot exceed 8 weeks, due to the risk of bismuth toxicity, and a few members here have experienced problems after just a week or so on PB.
At one time it was the recommended treatment, (PB and the GF diet). Dr. Fine originated the PB treatment, but he no longer recommends it, due to the percentage of people who seem to have problems with the bismuth accumulation in their body. These days, he recommends diet alone.
Love,
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.
Cristi,
Have you been able to speak to your naturopath about your elevated levels of p-Hydroxybenzoate? If not, can you call her or email her between sessions to ask her if the level is significant?
According to the Metametrix website, p-Hydroxybenzoate is a marker for intestinal dysbiosis, bacterial. Meaning too many bad bugs in the gut. Don't know whether "bacterial" in this case also covers parasites. Parasites in particular can cause diarrhea; not sure about the effects of the bacteria. It is possible you have something going on in your gut inaddition to the MC.
Parasites thrive on sugar and starch. Some bacteria thrive on starch (not sure about the sugar).
Bananas are high in starch and cashews contain starch as well. If you are dealing with a bacteria it might be a very good idea to cut those out.
If you are dealing with a parasite, the usual advice is to eliminate all sugar (even natural forms) and starch to begin with.
If you can handle it, I would try to start on a probiotic right away. There are some that Dr. Fine recommends. Andrew knows what they are, and others may know as well. There are some that are especially good for D.
A really effective product for treating parasites and elevated levels bacteria is Paraguard made by Tyler. You can purchase it from www.needs.com But you need to take a good probiotic at the same time.
The problem may not be a bacteria or a parasite, so please do check with your naturopath first. The levels might not be significant and no doubt she will have her own protocol in mind. Tex may very well be right that it's the mix of your medications.
I beleive that Dr. Fine still does recommend take the Pepto-Bismol in addition to the gluten free diet according to the latest slide show on his site. I haven't seen it, but others reported that recently in the forum. Pepto-Bismol has a mild anti-microbiol effect as well.
The most important thing is to get the D. under control before you waste away to nothing even if it means taking prescription drugs for awhile. You will be able to wean yourself off them as other people on the forum have.
I totally agree with Tex that simplicity is the key in terms of diet. Although I can eat a few more things, I still have to stick to meat, poultry, fish and vegetables probably or I get symptoms I'm glad I found out about the h. pylori and the parasite or I might be stuck with this forever! We will overcome!
So sorry it's so difficult! Hugs, Celia
Have you been able to speak to your naturopath about your elevated levels of p-Hydroxybenzoate? If not, can you call her or email her between sessions to ask her if the level is significant?
According to the Metametrix website, p-Hydroxybenzoate is a marker for intestinal dysbiosis, bacterial. Meaning too many bad bugs in the gut. Don't know whether "bacterial" in this case also covers parasites. Parasites in particular can cause diarrhea; not sure about the effects of the bacteria. It is possible you have something going on in your gut inaddition to the MC.
Parasites thrive on sugar and starch. Some bacteria thrive on starch (not sure about the sugar).
Bananas are high in starch and cashews contain starch as well. If you are dealing with a bacteria it might be a very good idea to cut those out.
If you are dealing with a parasite, the usual advice is to eliminate all sugar (even natural forms) and starch to begin with.
If you can handle it, I would try to start on a probiotic right away. There are some that Dr. Fine recommends. Andrew knows what they are, and others may know as well. There are some that are especially good for D.
A really effective product for treating parasites and elevated levels bacteria is Paraguard made by Tyler. You can purchase it from www.needs.com But you need to take a good probiotic at the same time.
The problem may not be a bacteria or a parasite, so please do check with your naturopath first. The levels might not be significant and no doubt she will have her own protocol in mind. Tex may very well be right that it's the mix of your medications.
I beleive that Dr. Fine still does recommend take the Pepto-Bismol in addition to the gluten free diet according to the latest slide show on his site. I haven't seen it, but others reported that recently in the forum. Pepto-Bismol has a mild anti-microbiol effect as well.
The most important thing is to get the D. under control before you waste away to nothing even if it means taking prescription drugs for awhile. You will be able to wean yourself off them as other people on the forum have.
I totally agree with Tex that simplicity is the key in terms of diet. Although I can eat a few more things, I still have to stick to meat, poultry, fish and vegetables probably or I get symptoms I'm glad I found out about the h. pylori and the parasite or I might be stuck with this forever! We will overcome!
So sorry it's so difficult! Hugs, Celia
I beleive in magic!
Celia,
The reference to the PB treatment in that slide show is strictly for a historical reference. He no longer recommends the PB treatment, but, of course, he doesn't necessarily recommend against it, either.
Here's what he says:
http://www.finerhealth.com/Educational_ ... #treatment
From the paragraph titled How should Microscopic Colitis be treated?
I hope this resolves this issue, since it seems to continue to reappear on a regular basis, and a lot of people are confused about it, since Dr. Fine has never removed or updated the old original reports on his website. One has to read through it to weed out the obsolute stuff, as he adds new information.
Tex
The reference to the PB treatment in that slide show is strictly for a historical reference. He no longer recommends the PB treatment, but, of course, he doesn't necessarily recommend against it, either.
Here's what he says:
This is from:Because of this chance of relapse, and because Pepto Bismol is still a drug with at least the potential (albeit rare chance) for side effects or reactions to the dyes, etc., I recommend testing for gluten sensitivity and a gluten-free diet as the first line of treatment for microscopic colitis.
http://www.finerhealth.com/Educational_ ... #treatment
From the paragraph titled How should Microscopic Colitis be treated?
I hope this resolves this issue, since it seems to continue to reappear on a regular basis, and a lot of people are confused about it, since Dr. Fine has never removed or updated the old original reports on his website. One has to read through it to weed out the obsolute stuff, as he adds new information.
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.
Cristi,
Just want to add a proviso about recommended an all meat diet like JJ. for a few days. If parasites or bacteria are a problem, they thrive on an acidic diet, so it's good to balance meat, poultry, and fish with lots of cooked vegetables if you can tolerate them.
I don't know how juicing is for D. I enjoy juicing carrots everyday. Carrot juice is terrific for healing the gut, and easy to digest. But don't know how it does with D.
Good luck, Celia
Just want to add a proviso about recommended an all meat diet like JJ. for a few days. If parasites or bacteria are a problem, they thrive on an acidic diet, so it's good to balance meat, poultry, and fish with lots of cooked vegetables if you can tolerate them.
I don't know how juicing is for D. I enjoy juicing carrots everyday. Carrot juice is terrific for healing the gut, and easy to digest. But don't know how it does with D.
Good luck, Celia
I beleive in magic!
Hi Celia and Tex,
Thanks for all the information. Celia, I see my naturopath tomorrow....the last talk I had with her ...she indicated that the bacteria overgrowth wasn't important. But after listening to you and reading the link that Tex provided by Dr. fine....he clearly thinks that should be part of the treatment ...getting rid of the bad bacteria ...and replacing it with the good(he mentions lactobacillus)....
So, today I've eaten nothing but cod, chicken a couple potatoes and some well cooked carrots. I haven't eaten dinner yet. I feel like I'm starving...do you eat a lot of meat and potatoes?
I have my thyroid checked this week....if it's not playing a role in the diarrhea..as I've read it can....then I'm going to have to seriously consider the entocort. I do not look forward to that as I had a lot of heart racing and major problems sleeping.
I'm also wondering if I should e-mail Dr. Fine about that bacteria in my gut and see what he recommends.
Thankyou so much for helping me think through all of this. It's so hard to think clearly about it all sometimes. You guys are great.
Love,
Cristi
Thanks for all the information. Celia, I see my naturopath tomorrow....the last talk I had with her ...she indicated that the bacteria overgrowth wasn't important. But after listening to you and reading the link that Tex provided by Dr. fine....he clearly thinks that should be part of the treatment ...getting rid of the bad bacteria ...and replacing it with the good(he mentions lactobacillus)....
So, today I've eaten nothing but cod, chicken a couple potatoes and some well cooked carrots. I haven't eaten dinner yet. I feel like I'm starving...do you eat a lot of meat and potatoes?
I have my thyroid checked this week....if it's not playing a role in the diarrhea..as I've read it can....then I'm going to have to seriously consider the entocort. I do not look forward to that as I had a lot of heart racing and major problems sleeping.
I'm also wondering if I should e-mail Dr. Fine about that bacteria in my gut and see what he recommends.
Thankyou so much for helping me think through all of this. It's so hard to think clearly about it all sometimes. You guys are great.
Love,
Cristi
Cristi-
Some good probiotics are culturelle and iFlora. Either one of them should be good and I think iFLora is corn, egg, yeast, glute, etc free and it is not very expensive.
Asparagus might be causing some problems- they caused me problems so I stopped eating them. Carrots also cause some trouble with some people. Do you tolerate cooked green beans or cooked winter squash?
Some good probiotics are culturelle and iFlora. Either one of them should be good and I think iFLora is corn, egg, yeast, glute, etc free and it is not very expensive.
Asparagus might be causing some problems- they caused me problems so I stopped eating them. Carrots also cause some trouble with some people. Do you tolerate cooked green beans or cooked winter squash?
Dr Fine test shows positive for gluten and casien but negative for soy, eggs, and yeast
Maybe its UC maybe its MC? Who knows at this point, but at least I know my intollerances now... so heres to the road to healing!
Maybe its UC maybe its MC? Who knows at this point, but at least I know my intollerances now... so heres to the road to healing!
Cristi,
Yes, I eat a lot of meat and potatoes. If you're hungry, eat your fill. You need the energy, and you need the calories. There's nothing wrong with meat for breakfast, either.
Dr. Fine does indeed recommend a probiotic, but I'm not aware that he's ever been able to find one that he actually recommends, (unless he's found one recently), due to the fact that the ones that seem to work the best for most people, contain traces of lactose.
It's basically a trial and error process. If your body doesn't approve of your choice of probiotics, however, it can make you quite ill for a few days, as Polly can attest.
I've forgotten if you've mentioned this before, but Asacol is a pretty good alternative to Entocort, unless it doesn't agree with you. You might want to try it instead, since you already know how the Entocort affects you. As I recall, it does contain a small amount of lactose, which may or may not be a problem.
Love,
Wayne
P S I agree with Andrew that more of us are able to tolerate green beans and squash, than asparagus and carrots. I don't recall ever noticing anyone complaining about a problem with either green beans or squash.
Yes, I eat a lot of meat and potatoes. If you're hungry, eat your fill. You need the energy, and you need the calories. There's nothing wrong with meat for breakfast, either.
Dr. Fine does indeed recommend a probiotic, but I'm not aware that he's ever been able to find one that he actually recommends, (unless he's found one recently), due to the fact that the ones that seem to work the best for most people, contain traces of lactose.
It's basically a trial and error process. If your body doesn't approve of your choice of probiotics, however, it can make you quite ill for a few days, as Polly can attest.
I've forgotten if you've mentioned this before, but Asacol is a pretty good alternative to Entocort, unless it doesn't agree with you. You might want to try it instead, since you already know how the Entocort affects you. As I recall, it does contain a small amount of lactose, which may or may not be a problem.
Love,
Wayne
P S I agree with Andrew that more of us are able to tolerate green beans and squash, than asparagus and carrots. I don't recall ever noticing anyone complaining about a problem with either green beans or squash.
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.
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Hi Cristi,
Sorry to hear your having such a hard time of it and I understand your concern about weightloss- you just don't have anymore to lose it sounds like. Is the reason your considering using a med primarily because of this issue? If so, I think it's a reasonable and viable option.
From what I can tell, for most folks it takes awhile (sometimes up to a year) for a person to find remission with diet alone. I know Karen tackled diet right after her DX and I believe she found relief fairly quickly but she didn't have the other problems you do and wasn't taking any other medications at the time. Your other issues added to the mix with MC must be affecting your situation as a whole.
I used Entocort with great success (found relief right away) and suffered no side effects other than bruising. I started a GF diet at the same time I started the med and was able to wean off slowly and remain symptom free for the most part through the eight week marker. I did discover shortly after discontinuing the med that I needed to also omit dairy as well to feel my best. For me, it was a good plan that worked.
Sounds like you have used Entocort before and had some negative side effects so like Tex mentioned Asacol may be another/better option for you. Are you familiar with it? Thing is, if you are diary sensitive it may cause you more problems, but you would know right off the bat.
Cristi, hope your not feeling to overwhelmed. I really sense your concern about your weight and starting a med may help you find some relief, feel better and curb losing anymore. Hope this helps.
There's lot's of support here--hope your feeling the LOVE!
Love,
Joanna
Sorry to hear your having such a hard time of it and I understand your concern about weightloss- you just don't have anymore to lose it sounds like. Is the reason your considering using a med primarily because of this issue? If so, I think it's a reasonable and viable option.
From what I can tell, for most folks it takes awhile (sometimes up to a year) for a person to find remission with diet alone. I know Karen tackled diet right after her DX and I believe she found relief fairly quickly but she didn't have the other problems you do and wasn't taking any other medications at the time. Your other issues added to the mix with MC must be affecting your situation as a whole.
I used Entocort with great success (found relief right away) and suffered no side effects other than bruising. I started a GF diet at the same time I started the med and was able to wean off slowly and remain symptom free for the most part through the eight week marker. I did discover shortly after discontinuing the med that I needed to also omit dairy as well to feel my best. For me, it was a good plan that worked.
Sounds like you have used Entocort before and had some negative side effects so like Tex mentioned Asacol may be another/better option for you. Are you familiar with it? Thing is, if you are diary sensitive it may cause you more problems, but you would know right off the bat.
Cristi, hope your not feeling to overwhelmed. I really sense your concern about your weight and starting a med may help you find some relief, feel better and curb losing anymore. Hope this helps.
There's lot's of support here--hope your feeling the LOVE!
Love,
Joanna
THE GLUTEN FILES
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/