Update

[maestraz]

Hello, everyone. I have been keeping an eye on the site, though no recent posts. My LC saga continues. Had been switched from Entocort to balsalazide due to bone density concerns. Things were going OK, and I actually tried re-introducing gluten and dairy, both without apparent bad results. Then in early June, an awful flare that co-incided with a week in which my family thought my mother, who has had Alzheimer's for twelve years, was finally going to let go. Suffice it to say that I could not have traveled to where she is under any circumstances. That same week, a previously scheduled GI followup, in which she put me back on Entocort and pushed the GF/DF issue. Mom inexplicably rallied, I started feeling better (which could have been due to any number of the above reasons). Then had a rheumatologist appointment to discuss the results of an auto-immune workup. As I had expected, nothing.

So, I continue to be baffled, and continue to believe that my "improvement" may have more to do with discontinuation of certain meds than it does with gluten or dairy. I continue to avoid soy to the degree possible, following a terrible reaction to edamame that had me sick for days.

In summary, I am sick and tired of doc appointments and tests, annoyed by dietary modifications, and feeling like everyone involved is on a fishing expedition to try to find an easy answer. I know this sounds whiny, sorry. In the meantime, Entocort and Imodium are working very nicely. My GI apparently would like to switch back and forth between Entocort and balsalazide and see how that works.

I am very impressed by the knowledge I find on this site, and do pay attention to it. I have found many helpful tips. For now, I am GF/DF/mostly SF, and thinking it doesn't hurt any of us to reduce those things in our diets.

[sarkin]

Suze,

Sorry about the stress and the flare-up of symptoms. I have definitely noticed that I have joint pain when i have eaten something (usually at a restaurant, and I suspect cross-contamination??). The good news is that I have really noticed reduced pain since going GF/DF/SF/EF. My joint pain wasn't dramatic, so it might take longer if you've already got enough going on that you have a rheumatologist in your life.

I'm glad to hear the current Entocort/Imodium regimen is working. And I totally agree, there's not much to be missed from a nutrition standpoint from dropping most grains/legumes/dairy. My husband is healthy as an ox, but really notices improved energy when he eats "my" diet, and definitely feels worse on days when he grabs a bite to eat out there in gluten-land. Innnnterrresting...

Hope you continue to feel better,

Sara