Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
In a flare right now, so going out is dicey. My husband is out of town and my son was to be be inducted into the National Honor Society. Looks good on college applications. I had to be there. Of course I slept in way to late :( The whole day was just off.
I did errands late. It was five o'clock before I completed my errands. I had to be out by six pm. Not enough time to eat dinner and make sure my stomach was settled. Well, you know the drill! Some broth some juice. loaded up on meds
The auditorium is packed. Only seats left were front row. Great if you don't have
bowel issues. It was a long way to the bathroom.
I feel my stoamch grumbling. Am I just hungry or is my stomach upset? I put my overstuffed purse on my stomach. My best friend next to me asks me if my stomach is upset because she can here the noise. Ah , she knows the situation. Then I place my coat on top of my purse which is ontop on my stomach trying to muffle the sound. More noise............and there are priests and brothers and important people speaking. How will I get from row two to the BR without a fuss. I clutched my purse and coat to my my stomach..........leaned forward elbows on knees. Maybe I looked really attentive...........nope, just trying to make it thru a two hour program.
A day in the life.
hugs to all
Social situations with MC ..Anyone out there with a story?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
-
MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
.jpg){kind=avatar}
Camie,
Mostly I try to avoid events where I have to sit in an auditorium packed with people with no easy access out but when it come to kid events like your son's National Honor Society induction staying home does not feel like an option. Right now I am struggling with whether I can manage to go see my granddaughter perform in a play in a few weekends. I know that sense of "I am feeling a little off but does it mean anything or will I be ok?" I do know the drill, for me it usually is no food plus Immodium. I suspect most people in my life think I have become anti-social since I stay home so much, Sigh...a day in the life.
Congratulations to your son.
take care,
Jean
Mostly I try to avoid events where I have to sit in an auditorium packed with people with no easy access out but when it come to kid events like your son's National Honor Society induction staying home does not feel like an option. Right now I am struggling with whether I can manage to go see my granddaughter perform in a play in a few weekends. I know that sense of "I am feeling a little off but does it mean anything or will I be ok?" I do know the drill, for me it usually is no food plus Immodium. I suspect most people in my life think I have become anti-social since I stay home so much, Sigh...a day in the life.
Congratulations to your son.
take care,
Jean
So can totally relate! When I have to go to events like that I always pop a few Imodiums and I'm good to go. Still get nervous every time.
I have a wedding to go to in a couple of weeks. Luckily, my Pepto treatment (on week 4) keeps me symptomless but will still get nervous about it. Mostly because people will probably comment about my weight loss (was too skinny to begin with) or they'll wonder why we can't stay for the reception dinner. Not taking a chance on that reception food.....have come too far. I also have a bridal shower to attend the day after the wedding but can use my disease as a good excuse not to go. All my in-laws will be there and they totally stress me out and that's something I'm avoiding these days. It's sad but it is what it is. That's been the only good thing about this nasty disease....good excuses not to hang with the in-laws; however, come Thanksgiving, I will have to be with them and will likely set me back a little as I'll be off the Pepto by then. (sigh)
Hope your flare goes away soon. How long do flares usually last?
Terri
I have a wedding to go to in a couple of weeks. Luckily, my Pepto treatment (on week 4) keeps me symptomless but will still get nervous about it. Mostly because people will probably comment about my weight loss (was too skinny to begin with) or they'll wonder why we can't stay for the reception dinner. Not taking a chance on that reception food.....have come too far. I also have a bridal shower to attend the day after the wedding but can use my disease as a good excuse not to go. All my in-laws will be there and they totally stress me out and that's something I'm avoiding these days. It's sad but it is what it is. That's been the only good thing about this nasty disease....good excuses not to hang with the in-laws; however, come Thanksgiving, I will have to be with them and will likely set me back a little as I'll be off the Pepto by then. (sigh)
Hope your flare goes away soon. How long do flares usually last?
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Unfortunately Terri, there is no time period for how long flares last. I hope it's short. Why do you have to be off the Pepto? I'm just curious. I've never used it, but isn't it pretty benign? Can you just try to go on a lower dose instead of quitting suddenly?.... or can you just take the Pepto on Thanksgiving day?
Leah
Leah
Hi Leah,
Well from what I've read it's not good to be on it longer than 8 weeks as the Bismuth builds up in your system I suppose. I will see what my doctor says about it in a couple of weeks as I'm doing this regimen based on what I've read on this forum and from Dr. Fine's website. Some people get neurological side effects from it. Luckily I haven't yet but I'm assuming if I took it indefinitely I might. You are right, I could take the Pepto during Thanksgiving, but I will probably take Imodium as it works just as well. I've heard about lots of people taking Imodium for years with no ill effects so glad I have a back up med that works for me in case I need it. I'm also worried about the aspirin like chemical in Pepto which is another reason why I probably shouldn't take it too long. I am planning on weaning off it though. Doing 6 pills a day one week then 4 the next and so on and see what happens. That'll make it about 11 weeks total on it, I guess. I do hope I have my diet tweaked enough but just can't tell right now. I don't seem to react to anything I'm eating right now.
Wish me luck! Hope you are still going well!
Terri
Well from what I've read it's not good to be on it longer than 8 weeks as the Bismuth builds up in your system I suppose. I will see what my doctor says about it in a couple of weeks as I'm doing this regimen based on what I've read on this forum and from Dr. Fine's website. Some people get neurological side effects from it. Luckily I haven't yet but I'm assuming if I took it indefinitely I might. You are right, I could take the Pepto during Thanksgiving, but I will probably take Imodium as it works just as well. I've heard about lots of people taking Imodium for years with no ill effects so glad I have a back up med that works for me in case I need it. I'm also worried about the aspirin like chemical in Pepto which is another reason why I probably shouldn't take it too long. I am planning on weaning off it though. Doing 6 pills a day one week then 4 the next and so on and see what happens. That'll make it about 11 weeks total on it, I guess. I do hope I have my diet tweaked enough but just can't tell right now. I don't seem to react to anything I'm eating right now.
Wish me luck! Hope you are still going well!
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
I am well enough these days that I don't worry as much about needing the bathroom at social functions. What is more of an issue is functions that involve food. I mostly take my own.
So you get these sort of scenarios:
Out camping with a group the other week, and it is time for everyone to sit around the fire and share dips and nibbles. I bring out my own container of dip, and my own packet of crackers, and sit there eating my own. When someone new comments, I quickly explain why it is much safer for me if I just don't share. The see that no-one else is bothered by that, and that I am keen to share wine, and quickly adjust to me.
Or the all day work seminar/training with bowls of lollies on the table. Everyone shares them around and gets stuck in. I just say no, but then pull out my own food - some dried fruit or GF lollies. You get some funny looks. And the odd person who leans over and says my fruit looks better than their lollies.
Or the work catered formal dinner. I get them to tell the caterer there will be one person bringing their own food. So when the meals come out I ask the waiter to get me a clean empty plate. They are usually confused and send the supervisor over. The supervisors typically do understand when you say multiple allergies. So they bring me my empty plate and I tip my plastic container of food on it. If the event is fancy I will even have a couple of small containers so the vegies and meat will sit separately on the plate and look good. Jealous glances aren't unusual, but confusion is more common, and those who know me often act smug because they understand my reasons. I have decided the sign of a good caterer is when they ask if I would like them to heat up my meal.
BTW, I am not saint and do take chances with food prepared by others - I just plan those situations so I know I can cope if it causes issues. I also try to be consistent - so work knows I will bring my own to every event, not just some. It makes it easier for them.
Lyn
So you get these sort of scenarios:
Out camping with a group the other week, and it is time for everyone to sit around the fire and share dips and nibbles. I bring out my own container of dip, and my own packet of crackers, and sit there eating my own. When someone new comments, I quickly explain why it is much safer for me if I just don't share. The see that no-one else is bothered by that, and that I am keen to share wine, and quickly adjust to me.
Or the all day work seminar/training with bowls of lollies on the table. Everyone shares them around and gets stuck in. I just say no, but then pull out my own food - some dried fruit or GF lollies. You get some funny looks. And the odd person who leans over and says my fruit looks better than their lollies.
Or the work catered formal dinner. I get them to tell the caterer there will be one person bringing their own food. So when the meals come out I ask the waiter to get me a clean empty plate. They are usually confused and send the supervisor over. The supervisors typically do understand when you say multiple allergies. So they bring me my empty plate and I tip my plastic container of food on it. If the event is fancy I will even have a couple of small containers so the vegies and meat will sit separately on the plate and look good. Jealous glances aren't unusual, but confusion is more common, and those who know me often act smug because they understand my reasons. I have decided the sign of a good caterer is when they ask if I would like them to heat up my meal.
BTW, I am not saint and do take chances with food prepared by others - I just plan those situations so I know I can cope if it causes issues. I also try to be consistent - so work knows I will bring my own to every event, not just some. It makes it easier for them.
Lyn
Hi Camie,
Oh do I hear you on the stomach noises! I frequently have to present at meetings with school staff, parents, other specialists, etc., and the meetings are often @ 2:30-3 pm. I have finally found some foods that don't make my stomach gurgle loudly but there have been many times that there is complete silence and my stomach will start grumbling, gurgling, etc. I eat out very infrequently. I usually will eat before hand or like Lyn, I frequently just bring my own food. I won't eat @ catered lunches/meals at work.
Congrats to your son!
Oh do I hear you on the stomach noises! I frequently have to present at meetings with school staff, parents, other specialists, etc., and the meetings are often @ 2:30-3 pm. I have finally found some foods that don't make my stomach gurgle loudly but there have been many times that there is complete silence and my stomach will start grumbling, gurgling, etc. I eat out very infrequently. I usually will eat before hand or like Lyn, I frequently just bring my own food. I won't eat @ catered lunches/meals at work.
Congrats to your son!
Hi, When going out to eat it is always an education for the waitress as I explain my need to eat gluten-free food. I will tell them how to prepare it and that usually brings out the chef and the education starts again. Going to a social ,I call where the event is being held and ask them for the ingredient list of what is being offered, if there are any offending foods I ask what they can prepare for me. If anybody asks at your table why you have a special plate, educate them about foods and you may be surprised about how many people will start talking about foods they react to. That may help one person out of the seven at your table. Jon
I always pack snacks, but haven't had to bring a meal just for myself. When I camp, I make sure I make snacks enough for me and anyone else who wants to eat what I am. I also cook meals with foods i can eat and make sure if anyone else is cooking for me that they know what I can't have.
I sometimes feel bad for the waitress. Just this weekend, I was in a very nice restaurant. I first asked if the sweet potato dumplings had gluten in them. When she tried to steer me toward GF items on the menu, that's when i had to hit her with "but i can't have soy either".... and no dairy either..... And to top it off, I'm also allergic to shellfish! She just didn't know what to say. I let her off the hook and ordered something that I knew had soy. It was so delicious, but I paid for it the next morning.
Leah
I sometimes feel bad for the waitress. Just this weekend, I was in a very nice restaurant. I first asked if the sweet potato dumplings had gluten in them. When she tried to steer me toward GF items on the menu, that's when i had to hit her with "but i can't have soy either".... and no dairy either..... And to top it off, I'm also allergic to shellfish! She just didn't know what to say. I let her off the hook and ordered something that I knew had soy. It was so delicious, but I paid for it the next morning.
Leah
Leah...was wondering how your weekend went having to eat out and all. Sorry you ended up feeling bad the next morning. Sometimes, I guess it's worth it if it only lasts for a morning and goes away. I always thought that once you go into remission that you can add some dairy or soy back in but I guess when it comes to the four big culprits, we have to do without them forever if we find they bother us. Ugh! Of course, I know Gluten is forever off limits. Nice to know that it won't send us back to square one....hopefully. It's tough eating out.
Terri
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Hi Terri. We had a great time in Tahoe, but i was having gut issues much of the time.... but nothing that got in the way of being out and about all day and then going out again at night. I had WD twice after our dinner where I had wine and some soy. Sleep was difficult at times. The next day, I had some gas and bloating, but was more careful with the eating. By the time I got home, I was already seeing some "solidness". Today, I seem fine :)
I don't think I will be able to eat soy or dairy in the future, but I think that if I "cheat" or accidentally eat it, then the price will be short lived. Gluten is out for good I think.
Thanks for asking. All in all, we had a lovely time :)
Leah
I don't think I will be able to eat soy or dairy in the future, but I think that if I "cheat" or accidentally eat it, then the price will be short lived. Gluten is out for good I think.
Thanks for asking. All in all, we had a lovely time :)
Leah
Glad to know you are back to normal and had a good time! I'm just now thinking about giving up soy but honestly don't know what it's in really. I know it's in some crackers and other junk like that. I just found out my Earth Balance butter I've been using for the last 3 months had soy in it so went out yesterday and bought their soy-free one. I honestly don't know if I react to soy while on on this pepto treatment but thought I might try and give it up and see what happens.
Question about nut butters. I believe I read where you tolerate the Almond butter. Every nut butter I looked at said there could be traces of soy, peanuts, etc. in it. Every one!! So I was afraid to buy it. What kind do you buy? I feel like I need more protein besides from the meat I've been eating. I really miss my yogurt.
When I first came on board in August, I read lots of your posts and you really helped me out a lot. It was because of you that I gave up the raw veggies. But you would be ashamed of me as I had 2 slices of tomato on my GF chicken sandwich from Red Robin and though I didn't get D, my tummy's been hurting just a little every now and then plus slight nausea. I have a little bit of irritation in the lower part of my stomach so I should have known better. Won't be doing that again! Live and learn. I hope it's not from taking 7 Peptos a day for the last 4 weeks. I may try and lower my dosage and see if the little pain goes away. It only happens every now and then.
I see you live in beautiful San Francisco area. I have a FB friend there who lives near Walnut Creek. I've been there once many, many years ago. A beautiful place to live.
Take care,
Terri
Question about nut butters. I believe I read where you tolerate the Almond butter. Every nut butter I looked at said there could be traces of soy, peanuts, etc. in it. Every one!! So I was afraid to buy it. What kind do you buy? I feel like I need more protein besides from the meat I've been eating. I really miss my yogurt.
When I first came on board in August, I read lots of your posts and you really helped me out a lot. It was because of you that I gave up the raw veggies. But you would be ashamed of me as I had 2 slices of tomato on my GF chicken sandwich from Red Robin and though I didn't get D, my tummy's been hurting just a little every now and then plus slight nausea. I have a little bit of irritation in the lower part of my stomach so I should have known better. Won't be doing that again! Live and learn. I hope it's not from taking 7 Peptos a day for the last 4 weeks. I may try and lower my dosage and see if the little pain goes away. It only happens every now and then.
I see you live in beautiful San Francisco area. I have a FB friend there who lives near Walnut Creek. I've been there once many, many years ago. A beautiful place to live.
Take care,
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Hi Terri,
Have you had the Enterolab testing yet? My results surprised me. I would have never suspected all of the foods I was reacting to without the testing (like corn), and I would not have felt better without removing them despite the many medications I tried. The testing also helps me be very strong when faced with food choices.
The best way to heal is to really simplify your diet. I had removed all gluten, eggs, soy, corn, tuna, etc. and was on Endocort, but I was still suffering. I took advantage of the insight of others and ate just a few foods for many weeks. I lived on Rice Chex, rice powder (for extra protien), and almond milk for breakfast. I also ate paleo muffins, a little bit of almond butter, some jarred fruit, fresh fish, potatoes, rice, and a couple of cooked veggies.
I found that any raw veggies or fruit gave me D. Too much almond butter gave me D. Even too many cooked veggies gave me D. I didn't think or want to admit that these foods were problematic for me, but they were! Tomatoes will do me in for almost two days. The alternate breads won't work for me either. The very, very basic diet is the place to start. Also, in addition to avoiding soy, I avoided all beans including green beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts (which I've always detested).
Now, I am better. I still stick my plain diet because it works. Now, however, I can eat a bit more almond butter (yummy - I grind it myself in my food processor) and eat a small salad (I use my own olive oil and lemon or vinegar) once a week or so. I can even have a piece of raw fruit once in a while.
These victories are huge since my tummy is basically calm for the first time in many years.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Kathy
Have you had the Enterolab testing yet? My results surprised me. I would have never suspected all of the foods I was reacting to without the testing (like corn), and I would not have felt better without removing them despite the many medications I tried. The testing also helps me be very strong when faced with food choices.
The best way to heal is to really simplify your diet. I had removed all gluten, eggs, soy, corn, tuna, etc. and was on Endocort, but I was still suffering. I took advantage of the insight of others and ate just a few foods for many weeks. I lived on Rice Chex, rice powder (for extra protien), and almond milk for breakfast. I also ate paleo muffins, a little bit of almond butter, some jarred fruit, fresh fish, potatoes, rice, and a couple of cooked veggies.
I found that any raw veggies or fruit gave me D. Too much almond butter gave me D. Even too many cooked veggies gave me D. I didn't think or want to admit that these foods were problematic for me, but they were! Tomatoes will do me in for almost two days. The alternate breads won't work for me either. The very, very basic diet is the place to start. Also, in addition to avoiding soy, I avoided all beans including green beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts (which I've always detested).
Now, I am better. I still stick my plain diet because it works. Now, however, I can eat a bit more almond butter (yummy - I grind it myself in my food processor) and eat a small salad (I use my own olive oil and lemon or vinegar) once a week or so. I can even have a piece of raw fruit once in a while.
These victories are huge since my tummy is basically calm for the first time in many years.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Kathy