Introducing myself

Bifcus16 · Post by **Bifcus16** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:01 pm

Hi,

I guess I should introduce myself, since even my first post post got a welcome (thanks Joan!).

My name is Lyn and I am a 48 yo female in Canberra, Australia. My LC DX was nearly 2 years ago. I managed to stop that bout by working out for myself to stop eating dairy (despite the dr telling me to just eat yoghurt!). I test clear for Celiac, but feel better if I go gluten free, so clearly some sensitivity.

About a year ago they spotted some odd numbers in a routine blood test, and after all the tests etc, they have found I have MGUS (Monoclonnal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance) and CVID (Common Variable Immune Deficiency). IOW, my immune system is totally stuffed. CVID is a genetic condition which means I don't have enough IgA or IgG to respond normally to infections. Most CVID people get bad chest infections and GI hassles. I just get the GI stuff, so I can't be sure if a bad day is LC or some tummy bug. MGUS means I have too much IgM, and some of that is all the one cell cloned many times. It can progress to some uncommon blood cancers. The Ig's are immunoglobulins and are a key part of your immune system (think B and T cells). Oh, yeah, CVID people are also badly prone to GI cancers and I already have chronic gastritis, which tends to be a first stage. CVID people are also often dairy intolerant.

Despite all that, I am basically fit and healthy, married, run irregularly, am nutty about my two Birman cats, and am about to start a really major house and garden renovation. I aim for a diet with no dairy, little gluten, little sugar, little processed stuff generally, lots of vegies, and choose organics but not obsessively. I also do the natural route when I can, and find probiotics and the occasional antiparasitic do wonders for the gut. I also fall off the wagon a fair bit, but rarely with the dairy.

It is great to find people who can discuss potty problems openly (hooray!) and I am intrigued by how many of you have gluten issues. Makes me wonder if an excess of gluten might be behind those times when I can't figure out what caused a problem. Normally I only blame gluten for brain fog and tiredness.

Nice to meet you all!

Lyn

G'ma Mary · Post by **G'ma Mary** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:37 pm

Lyn;

Let me be first in your intro thread to say WELCOME!!!

You have definitely found the right place to discuss your potty issues, as well as anything else you feel the need or desire to talk about. We are here for each other - and that now means YOU!!! You have just become a "Potty Person", and you are a part of our on-line family.

It sounds as if you have lots of medical issues to deal with, and you also sound as if you have a great understanding of what's happening. That is great, but doesn't stop the emotional upheavals that all these medical concerns bring about. Remember that when you are feeling frustrated, misunderstood, depressed or anything else, we are here for you!

Come often and share what's happening with you.

Again -

G'ma Mary

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 7:55 am

Welcome Lyn, and I'm really sorry that you had the need to find us. Yes, you certainly can speak honestly and bluntly abut your symptoms and anything else here. That in itself is sometimes a relief. I'm sure you will find lots of info here that might be helpful and if you have questions.... ask away....

Shirley

Courtney · Post by **Courtney** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:15 am

, Lyn! So glad to have you here, but sorry for the issues that brought you. As G'ma Mary and Shirley have already said, feel free to share anything with us. We really are a family here.

It sounds like you have a lot going on healthwise and in your daily life. (I love cats

, too, but have a dog right now. I also love dogs!

)

Looking forward to "seeing" you around!

Love,

Courtney