Hi everyone, I just found this great forum and recently found out that I have MC. The only recommendation from my GI was to take pepto and immodium. I would much rather take a dietary approach, and this seems to be the website with the most information to offer. While I am not at all happy about it, it could be what leads me to finally feel better.
MyMC began suddenly in March of this year with what seemed like a touch of the flu....which didn't go away. We were leaving in early May for a three week trip to Italy, and you can imagine my distress, particularly with a ten hour flight. Well, since I am writing you can tell I survived and had a healthy supply of immodium and pepto with me and found a great room spray for those inconvenient times, and we had a wonderful time. Things have eased up a bit but I still experience significant bloating and potty urgency. I have eliminated milk, soy and minimized whole wheat and will continue to search the website for more recommendations.
Since so much is associated with the gut, I wonder if my chronic headaches and extreme post nasal drip resulting in constant throat clearing could be associated.
New Member
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Babalou,
Welcome! I'm sorry to hear that you also have MC. It's not easy to live with it, but with the right amount of adjustment, it gets better. I got better thanks to a lot of people here on this website. They gave me so much advice. They also gave me hope. I didn't feel alone anymore.
I can only tell you what helped me in my experience. I have completely eliminated gluten. My next move was to eliminate eggs and all dairy products and soy. I feel so much better now. I don't eat food that contain a lot of fat. I am also very careful with spicy products. I didn't tolerate fruit and raw vegetables, but since I'm better, I can start adding some fruit and raw vegetables. I can finally eat a few strawberries and I was able to eat a little bit tomato. ( The last time I ate fruit or raw vegetables was 4 years ago...) Be careful with food that contain a lot of fibers.
I can't promise you that you won't need any medecine. I had to take corticoids in combination with the dietary change. I was sick all the time and I couldn't eat nor drink properly. I was hospitalised 4 times in 8 months... My case was quite serious. In addition to having D, and trust me, immodium was my best friend, I had a lot of nausea, head aches, my muscles hurt, my joints hurt, I was tired all the time, my whole body hurt .... I had quite a lot of symptoms. So it doesn't only affect your gut.
I hope that you will get better soon. Trust me, remission is possible. I am in remission now. Be hopeful and remember that we are here.
Good luck,
Julie
Welcome! I'm sorry to hear that you also have MC. It's not easy to live with it, but with the right amount of adjustment, it gets better. I got better thanks to a lot of people here on this website. They gave me so much advice. They also gave me hope. I didn't feel alone anymore.
I can only tell you what helped me in my experience. I have completely eliminated gluten. My next move was to eliminate eggs and all dairy products and soy. I feel so much better now. I don't eat food that contain a lot of fat. I am also very careful with spicy products. I didn't tolerate fruit and raw vegetables, but since I'm better, I can start adding some fruit and raw vegetables. I can finally eat a few strawberries and I was able to eat a little bit tomato. ( The last time I ate fruit or raw vegetables was 4 years ago...) Be careful with food that contain a lot of fibers.
I can't promise you that you won't need any medecine. I had to take corticoids in combination with the dietary change. I was sick all the time and I couldn't eat nor drink properly. I was hospitalised 4 times in 8 months... My case was quite serious. In addition to having D, and trust me, immodium was my best friend, I had a lot of nausea, head aches, my muscles hurt, my joints hurt, I was tired all the time, my whole body hurt .... I had quite a lot of symptoms. So it doesn't only affect your gut.
I hope that you will get better soon. Trust me, remission is possible. I am in remission now. Be hopeful and remember that we are here.
Good luck,
Julie
It doesn't matter how many times you fall, but how many times you get up en go for it again. HOPE !!!!
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ladyathome
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:08 am
Welcome! My almost daily headaches, sinus issues, and gut issues all got better with diet changes. I found this site and gave up everything that everyone on here reacts to the most, and I began to heal quickly. I also did the Pepto Bismol protocol. A couple of months later, I did the Enterolab test and found I was reacting to gluten (the most common) soy, oats, and tuna. I was able to incorporate many foods back. As long as I stay away from these problematic foods, I really do feel normal. The people on here are an amazing support system and we have all been right where you are!
Hi Babalou,
Welcome to our internet family. My symptoms started the same way — I thought that I had a severe case of the flu, and I kept relapsing, until one day the diarrhea started and wouldn't stop.
Your suspicions are correct. Both gluten and casein (dairy) sensitivity are commonly associated with headaches, migraines, arthritis, sinus problems, and various skin issues, so those issues should improve once you tighten down your dietary restrictions and your digestive system has sufficient time to heal.
Please be aware that just "minimizing" gluten intake will not provide satisfactory control. Most of us react severely even to trace amounts of gluten (or the other foods to which we are sensitive). For most of us, just touching a slice of bread, for example, before touching our own food, is enough to contaminate our food, and it will cause us to react after we eat that food.
Most people who have never had to live with this problem before, have trouble comprehending just how toxic gluten can be to us, and how careful we have to be with our diet in order to remain in remission. It gets easier with practice, but early on, the challenges can seem overwhelming. Most of us here are walking that same path, so we are living proof that it can be done, and we can indeed get our life back.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our internet family. My symptoms started the same way — I thought that I had a severe case of the flu, and I kept relapsing, until one day the diarrhea started and wouldn't stop.
Your suspicions are correct. Both gluten and casein (dairy) sensitivity are commonly associated with headaches, migraines, arthritis, sinus problems, and various skin issues, so those issues should improve once you tighten down your dietary restrictions and your digestive system has sufficient time to heal.
Please be aware that just "minimizing" gluten intake will not provide satisfactory control. Most of us react severely even to trace amounts of gluten (or the other foods to which we are sensitive). For most of us, just touching a slice of bread, for example, before touching our own food, is enough to contaminate our food, and it will cause us to react after we eat that food.
Most people who have never had to live with this problem before, have trouble comprehending just how toxic gluten can be to us, and how careful we have to be with our diet in order to remain in remission. It gets easier with practice, but early on, the challenges can seem overwhelming. Most of us here are walking that same path, so we are living proof that it can be done, and we can indeed get our life back.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
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.
Welcome Babalou.
So far, you are getting great advise. Tex is our resident expert and has written a book. it's in the upper right hand corner of this page. Just click on it if you'd like to order it. it's full of great info.
Mine started all of a sudden also about 1 1/2 years ago. I went on meds and at the same time took gluten and dairy out of my diet. it's important to do both at simultaneously because once you wean off the pep to, you will likely relapse if you don't take care of the diet. Healing takes time and what tex said is real important. You must take ALL GLUTEN out. Read labels. it's hidden in many things.
The fiber food are another thing I got rid of right away. RAW fruits and veggies, beans, salads... Acid foods can also prevent you from getting better. that would be citrus, tomato and it's products, maybe coffee and tea. These are foods I call irritants and can be tested back in later on after you have healed and hopefully are off the Pepto and Immodium.
This is a challenge, but it's worth it. I now only go to the bathroom once a day. I can live a pretty normal life ( just a gf,df, sf one) now.
Because of the "drippy nose" thing, you might also be suffering from too many histamines. many foods are high in histamines. It's a whole other thing and can be tackled later when you are fine tuning.
Good luck and keep us posted
Leah
So far, you are getting great advise. Tex is our resident expert and has written a book. it's in the upper right hand corner of this page. Just click on it if you'd like to order it. it's full of great info.
Mine started all of a sudden also about 1 1/2 years ago. I went on meds and at the same time took gluten and dairy out of my diet. it's important to do both at simultaneously because once you wean off the pep to, you will likely relapse if you don't take care of the diet. Healing takes time and what tex said is real important. You must take ALL GLUTEN out. Read labels. it's hidden in many things.
The fiber food are another thing I got rid of right away. RAW fruits and veggies, beans, salads... Acid foods can also prevent you from getting better. that would be citrus, tomato and it's products, maybe coffee and tea. These are foods I call irritants and can be tested back in later on after you have healed and hopefully are off the Pepto and Immodium.
This is a challenge, but it's worth it. I now only go to the bathroom once a day. I can live a pretty normal life ( just a gf,df, sf one) now.
Because of the "drippy nose" thing, you might also be suffering from too many histamines. many foods are high in histamines. It's a whole other thing and can be tackled later when you are fine tuning.
Good luck and keep us posted
Leah
Thanks to both of you, Leah and Tex. I have a cousin with celiac and my closest friend's daughter has recently been diagnosed with it as well. So, I guess I better stop doing the internal eye roll when they talk about the precautions they take to prevent contamination of foods. I picked up a few samples of plant based protein powder mixes today to try with my favorite morning smoothies n with low blood sugar, I really need to start my day with a big shot of protein. I think the elimination diet I saw on this forum may be a way to start and I am going t check out your book, Tex. thanks do much for the quick feedback and encouragement.
Welcome Babalou,
I just find it interesting about your post nasal drip. I continue to have the same and don't understand why. I've been gluten and dairy free for a year now. I always sound like I'm hacking up gook some time. Feels like there is gook in my lungs or throat that needs to get cleared out. Then when a lot of people are around one of my ears will get stopped up and it's like I can hear some of my voice in my ear. I never get sick or have sinus headaches but do still have jaw pain from stress. So headaches will always be in my future. Just find it interesting that we have that same symptom. I've wondered if it's food related.
Good luck!
Terri
I just find it interesting about your post nasal drip. I continue to have the same and don't understand why. I've been gluten and dairy free for a year now. I always sound like I'm hacking up gook some time. Feels like there is gook in my lungs or throat that needs to get cleared out. Then when a lot of people are around one of my ears will get stopped up and it's like I can hear some of my voice in my ear. I never get sick or have sinus headaches but do still have jaw pain from stress. So headaches will always be in my future. Just find it interesting that we have that same symptom. I've wondered if it's food related.
Good luck!
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Hi Terri,
I always feel like I need to clear my throat but just cannot get to the right spot. And, whenever I eat, my nose is runny. It is kind of funny that my mother has it too. Mine was so bad about 10 years ago that I ended going to about seven different specialists and that ruled out a lot of things but no one could ever decide on what it was other than severe post nasal drip. Even had an endoscopy. After several prescription nasal drops gave me headaches, I quit them. The only thing that has helped me is to use a neti pot every other or every third day, and it has helped more than anything. You might know that something natural would be be te best. I am going to try an elimination diet and slowly introduce foods back. Hopefully tat will help the nose and head, too. I may try the South Beach Gluten Diet as I think I will stick with something pre-planned better than trying it on my own. Will keep my results posted. Thanks for your message!
Barbara
I always feel like I need to clear my throat but just cannot get to the right spot. And, whenever I eat, my nose is runny. It is kind of funny that my mother has it too. Mine was so bad about 10 years ago that I ended going to about seven different specialists and that ruled out a lot of things but no one could ever decide on what it was other than severe post nasal drip. Even had an endoscopy. After several prescription nasal drops gave me headaches, I quit them. The only thing that has helped me is to use a neti pot every other or every third day, and it has helped more than anything. You might know that something natural would be be te best. I am going to try an elimination diet and slowly introduce foods back. Hopefully tat will help the nose and head, too. I may try the South Beach Gluten Diet as I think I will stick with something pre-planned better than trying it on my own. Will keep my results posted. Thanks for your message!
Barbara
Terri,
That's a mast cell reaction, and it's probably connected with a food sensitivity, but stress can also be involved. Have you tried an OTC antihistamine?
A runny nose and sometimes other hay fever symptoms are commonly reported by people trying to wean off amitriptyline, but I'm guessing that you aren't doing that at the moment.
Tex
That's a mast cell reaction, and it's probably connected with a food sensitivity, but stress can also be involved. Have you tried an OTC antihistamine?
A runny nose and sometimes other hay fever symptoms are commonly reported by people trying to wean off amitriptyline, but I'm guessing that you aren't doing that at the moment.
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.
Hi Barbara, just wanted to say welcome and glad you found us! You've gotten sound advice and there is so much good info here. Wanted to encourage you and tell you that things can get better! Difficult at first having to give up many loved foods, but so worth it.
Jean
Jean
"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." Mark Twain
Hi Tex,
No, haven't tried an anti-histamine yet. It seems to be stress related though. I never get runny noses, just the occasional gook feeling in the throat. When I had a bunch of people over here for July 4th, my left ear got a little clogged but it went away. I've never tried weening off the Amitriptyline....too scared to. I found it interesting recently when I read a comment from you about Amitriptyline having anti-histamine properties to it....I never knew that! My son has the same drainage going on...always clearing his throat...he's been on Zyrtec (generic) which helps a lot. I just hate having to add another med. Next time I go to the doctor I'm going to mention it as I have never brought it up before. I've never had allergies but something is going on. If this is a mast cell issue then it's only affecting my nasal drip and not my gut since I never have D anymore or any other symptoms besides headaches and I think that is from not taking my b-complex. Always feel so much better when I take those vitamins so will take them and see what happens with regards to my headaches coming back all of a sudden.
Thanks!
Terri
No, haven't tried an anti-histamine yet. It seems to be stress related though. I never get runny noses, just the occasional gook feeling in the throat. When I had a bunch of people over here for July 4th, my left ear got a little clogged but it went away. I've never tried weening off the Amitriptyline....too scared to. I found it interesting recently when I read a comment from you about Amitriptyline having anti-histamine properties to it....I never knew that! My son has the same drainage going on...always clearing his throat...he's been on Zyrtec (generic) which helps a lot. I just hate having to add another med. Next time I go to the doctor I'm going to mention it as I have never brought it up before. I've never had allergies but something is going on. If this is a mast cell issue then it's only affecting my nasal drip and not my gut since I never have D anymore or any other symptoms besides headaches and I think that is from not taking my b-complex. Always feel so much better when I take those vitamins so will take them and see what happens with regards to my headaches coming back all of a sudden.
Thanks!
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Right, it appears to be a classic allergy symptom. Please note that throat congestion is a classic symptom of casein sensitivity. If you are currently eating dairy products, then removing all dairy from your diet would work much better than taking another antihistamine, since that should prevent the congestion from ever developing in the first place. Ditto for your son.Terri wrote:If this is a mast cell issue then it's only affecting my nasal drip and not my gut since I never have D anymore or any other symptoms besides headaches and I think that is from not taking my b-complex.
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.
I've been dairy free and gluten free for a whole year now. And I'm very careful not to eat any dairy. One of my son's doctors did tell me to have him cut out the dairy and see if he improves. I've cut out some for him but not all. Of course the doctor he has now says its what's in the air outside and inside. I see allergy testing in his future but no doctor has recommended it. I can live with this occasional gook but will probably have the doctor check me out to make sure it's not something really bad. I know my lungs are clear. I only take amitriptyline and Librium which were prescribed for chronic headaches that I was having 21 years ago. Hoping to not add another drug. I may have to keep another food diary and see if I can pinpoint a food that may be contributing. I think it's this nasty Houston air...lol!
Terri
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.