Align and Spirulina

[Issy]

Hello,
I was diagnosed with LC 2.5 years ago. I am only taking Immodium to control my LC. Usually one or two pills a week will give me good control of "D."

About 6 weeks ago I began taking Align...the new probiotic supplement.
I didn't notice anything different for a few weeks and then suddenly I realized that I had no diarrhea for over one week, and also, I was not taking any Immodium.

Then suddenly, I had an attack of D. However, I slipped and ate some celery. Since developing LC, I have learned that my colon cannot handle fibrous fruits and vegetables....raw or cooked.

As I can no longer eat a wide variety of vegetables, I recently began taking Spirulina tablets. I wish I had started doing this earlier. Spirulina is high in Vitamin A and I read that it is greatly lost through diarrhea.

My work schedule keeps me quite busy and I often don't have the time to go online, but this site is a wonderful place to become educated about LC and I sincerely appreciate all the information everyone posts here.

I hope that others on here will consider Align and Spriulina. I think I am feeling better since I started taking them. More energy and less cramping after meals.

I am curious if anyone on this site woke up one day out of the clear blue with diarrhea and then discover that you have LC?

Before I had my first attack in 2007, I never had any problem whatsoever with diarrhea.

Everything in your life is fine and then suddenly you have a diagnosis of a chronic problem of which there is no cure. A bit depressing to say the least!

Issy

[Gas Bag]

I am curious if anyone on this site woke up one day out of the clear blue with diarrhea and then discover that you have LC?

Before I had my first attack in 2007, I never had any problem whatsoever with diarrhea.

That is pretty much me as well. In September of 2006 I started having D, at first I thought I had food poisoning or e-coli or a parasite. It was relentless, morning, noon, evenings and the middle of the night. I thought I was going to crap myself to death. Nothing I took to control the D had any effect on me whatsoever. Finally towards the end of December I was diagnosed with LC. I went into total remission until July of this year.

I am now eating probiotic yogurt atleast twice a day and it has stopped all of my symptoms, D, cramping and bloating.

When I am having a flare up it doesn't seem to matter what I eat or don't eat. High fiber foods are a bit worse, but EVERYTHING runs right through.

When I am in remission nothing bothers me.

Deb

[Gloria]

Hi Issy,

I think sudden onset of MC is pretty typical. And most of us don't have any idea how we got it.

I'm glad to read that you've found an easy way to control your MC. Does Align have lactose or dairy in it?

Gloria

[Issy]

Gloria, Align does not have lactose, soy or gluten.
I really think it is helping my stools remain well formed and I have noticed a great reduction in flatuence.

[Issy]

Deb,
I noticed that you are also dealing with Hypothyrodism, is that common for people with LC?
I am going to be tested for hypothyrodism next week.
Issy

[tex]

Issy,

You might find this interesting:

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7783

Tex

[Gas Bag]

Deb,
I noticed that you are also dealing with Hypothyrodism, is that common for people with LC?
I am going to be tested for hypothyrodism next week.
Issy

Good question. They are both auto-immune disorders, it does seem like if you get one or two more could be to follow.

My thyroid problem never bothers me at all, just one little pill a day and everything is fine. I was dangerously out of whack when I finally got tested for it. I was a mess, I knew something was extremely wrong with me, your thyroid is like your body's battery and when it quits working everything starts going to hell with you.

Deb

[Issy]

Tex, thanks for the information. I had a thyroid test last week and will get the results this Friday.