I was just diagnosed with LC a few months ago, and was very upset at the lack of information I could find on the internet about it, and then I found this site! I thought I'd tell my story and hopefully get some feedback.
I've had IBS type symptoms since I was 13 years old or so, with a sensitivity to dairy products. Diarrhea was an everyday issue that I would struggle with, but my parents weren't alarmed. My dad was diagnosed with IBS a couple years before I was born, and everyone on his side of the family has stomach problems. It was just assumed that I had my father's stomach. A couple months after I turned 18, I got sick of dealing with my "undiagnosed IBS" and finally made an appointment with my PCP. He thought I had Celiac, but the test came back negative. He then referred me to a GI doc who decided to do a colonoscopy. I was put on a low residue diet. A few days after the procedure, I got a phone call from the GI department- the nurse told me about the LC, and told me to take 2 Pepto tablets before each meal and before bed. She scheduled me for a follow-up appointment (July 3rd, 2012), and that was it. I was horrified by the lack of information they gave me. I Googled LC, and came up with almost no information. I was even more shocked to find that not many teenagers have LC. My main symptoms are a small appetite, fatigue, dehydration (but I am diligent about water and electrolyte drinks), and bloating to the point where I appear almost 4-5 months pregnant. I have found relief in taking chewable papaya enzyme (found it at Wal-mart thanks to a friend's suggestion!) after meals if I seem to have eaten a "no-no" food, which seem to be plentiful. I also struggle in eliminating "no-no's" from my diet because I currently reside at a summer camp where I work, and eating with the LC has proven to be a challenge. I am very looking forward to my appt. with the GI doctor, and any feedback any of you may have!
Sara Jane <3
