Thank you!

skp · Post by **skp** » Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:48 pm

As I plod through the Stage One Diet, I am acutely aware daily of how much this forum means to me. Like most others, my GI doc appears to be clueless. Every time I explain to someone new that I have microscopic colitis, I tell them that if it weren't for this forum, I wouldn't know what to do, how to handle it and what I might expect in the future.

Those of you who have contributed to this forum for years have changed the lives of hundreds of people with your vast experience. I don't know how long this forum has been going nor who was initially at the helm. I do know that Tex, Gabes and numerous others like Erika (I wish I knew who all to thank) have made an immeasurable difference to those of us receiving a diagnosis that we had likely never heard of. You have provided us a softer landing during a very lonely time.

This forum is like the guideposts on a long, winding, uphill hike through a dense forest. Think about it! Without those guide posts (Who in the world figured out the Stage One and Stage Two Diets?!! Low fiber? The magnesium connection? Vitamin D? Enterolab testing, which tests to order? Weaning off of budesonide? And the list goes on and on...) Tex, your in-depth book had to take hours and hours of research.

I have a fantasy of a forum reunion where I can thank you face-to-face. I owe you more than you will ever know.

Susan

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:42 pm

I've been where you are Susan...and believe me I've pondered those same thoughts. I like puzzles, not necessarily my own but enough that I had to figure this out one or another!

Glad to of been some help along the way because God knows this forum has been my saving grace, each and every one of the contributions made by all here

twirlitgirl · Post by **twirlitgirl** » Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:54 pm

Susan, I echo all you have said, this forum really has been life saving for me as well and I do not for one minute take my health for granted and work everyday to be the best I can be, I know with the guiding posts in the dense forest we will all get there to a place feeling comfortable with food and with stress levels. I was so lost until I found this forum , like you, I have found lifelong friends on here whom I probably will never meet in person but in my heart I know they exist in this world is such a comfort to me. Yes, it would be an awesome idea to have a forum reunion until then, I am so happy, we do this everyday when we reach out and connect through our thoughts and feelings expressed that only those with this disease can relate to and understand. We are all there for eachother no judgement ever and that is so refreshing allowing us to write about our deepest thoughts and fears and hopes and joys.. big hugs. Have a beautiful peaceful day.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Apr 13, 2017 3:37 pm

Susan
it warmed my heart to wake up and read this post today! thank you for taking the time to write it

Without those guide posts (Who in the world figured out the Stage One and Stage Two Diets?!! Low fiber? The magnesium connection? Vitamin D? Enterolab testing, which tests to order? Weaning off of budesonide? And the list goes on and on...

The combination of inputs and discussions by all the members here - and knowledgeable supportive people like Tex, Polly, and various others over the past 11 plus years

I decided to type up the guidelines with the stage one and stage two to save my fingers having to retype the info for new people etc. having key information in the one place makes it easier. (For both the new person and for those offering advice)

the majority of the foundation/backbone of the integrity, support, patience, knowledge aspects of this group is Tex..

it is definately the top item on my bucket list to be able to come to the USA and met the wonderful friends I have made via this group..

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 5:57 pm

Susan, we are all in this together and this forum has been life saving for me as well. I shudder to think where I would be today had I not found this wonderful group. I'm so glad that you found us and before you know it you'll be offering advice to newbies!

LauraAnn · Post by **LauraAnn** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:46 pm

Having come this far in healing in a years time is ALL due to this site and everyone who contributes. You have indeed found your saving grace. I have no idea where I would be today if not for this group. Please continue to read read read. It's all here! And if you can't find it....ask! I can't go a day without logging on to find out what new subject I will learn about and who I'll meet. Good to meet you Susan!