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Hello again!
Thank you for so many responses to my "miraculous" cure with going GF. After a day of D-free, it returned. However only to 5-6x a day rather than 7-10x, and not at night. I still really believe the GF will really help. And I "feel" a bit better - less gassy and less bloated.
Someone asked about my Entocort experience: No i don't respond quickly, I take 6-8 weeks to respond to Entocort. And typically it goes away toward the end of it, but it doesn't really even taper off. Never has helped noticeably for at least 4 weeks.
I am going GF and CF at this point. I did also begin my 9mg Entocort routine as well, heeding all the cautions about letting my gut heal, and the fact that combo diet & Entoc. should be a quicker route to relief.
Currently am on the verge of a migraine - which is why I am awake at 2 in the morning! Does anyone here suffer from Migraine?
Also, I do take Sertaline for depression. Did not know that could be a cause. I believe I started on it 6-12 months before my first MC issue - and I'm on a pretty low dose. Any thoughts on that one? I hate to switch meds on that edge because it has really helped my depression.
I feel so old at 40 with my body breaking down!!! Yuk.
Thank you again for the responses.
Laurie
Yeah - it just wasn't so easy!
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Dear Laurie,
Sorry to hear the dreaded D is back. You have obviously read a lot and (IMHO) you have already taken some good decisions on what to do next.
My experience has been that when I was on 9 entocort per day and was getting some results I tried a Gluten and Dairy "challenge" for a few days before my Enterolab tests...... Well 5 days into the challenge, despite being on the Entocort, all "@**&$!" broke loose" (and "loose" is the key word here!). Following that it took me at least a month of entocort and GF, DF, SF, legume F, nightshade F diet to get control back.
Not saying that you need to be as restrictive as me, but if you want to increase your odds of remission you might consider it and gradually re-introduce once you are in remission. Of course, Enterolab tests would also help you work out what to do with diet.
On the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), my doctor wanted to put my on this (make me feel happier
). I declined. As far as I am concerned being "D free" is the best way to feel happy!! And as far as a know (someone please correct if I have this wrong) too much Serotonin, which is more in the gut than the brain, can cause gut inflammation (and osteoporosis).
All the best on your road to recovery.
Ant
P.S. When you get better you will absolutely feel less then 40!
Sorry to hear the dreaded D is back. You have obviously read a lot and (IMHO) you have already taken some good decisions on what to do next.
My experience has been that when I was on 9 entocort per day and was getting some results I tried a Gluten and Dairy "challenge" for a few days before my Enterolab tests...... Well 5 days into the challenge, despite being on the Entocort, all "@**&$!" broke loose" (and "loose" is the key word here!). Following that it took me at least a month of entocort and GF, DF, SF, legume F, nightshade F diet to get control back.
Not saying that you need to be as restrictive as me, but if you want to increase your odds of remission you might consider it and gradually re-introduce once you are in remission. Of course, Enterolab tests would also help you work out what to do with diet.
On the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), my doctor wanted to put my on this (make me feel happier
). I declined. As far as I am concerned being "D free" is the best way to feel happy!! And as far as a know (someone please correct if I have this wrong) too much Serotonin, which is more in the gut than the brain, can cause gut inflammation (and osteoporosis). All the best on your road to recovery.
Ant
P.S. When you get better you will absolutely feel less then 40!
Laurie,
Sorry to hear that D has returned. Hopefully, it won't last long, because most people respond to a casein-free diet rather quickly - usually much faster than the response to the GF diet, (of course, that would be virtually impossible in your case, since you responded to quickly to the GF diet).
The primary cause of intestinal bloating, of course, is food intolerances. I had frequent migraine attacks, back when I was still reacting, and quite a few others here, also had/have migraines along with MC reactions. I found that if I would take a maximum dose of Tylenol, it would reliably bring relief, IF I took it at the first signs of a migraine, (after a migraine is fully developed, it's too late to try to treat it with medications), AND if I took it with a meal, or at least a snack, (never on an empty stomach). Taking acetaminophen on an empty stomach didn't make things any worse, but I got/get virtually no benefit, if I take it on an empty stomach. Also, I have found that, (for me, at least), malic acid enhances the effectiveness of acetaminophen. (Malic acid is found in large amounts in apples, apple sauce, apple juice, etc. - it's also found in grapes).
The reason why you have to take medication at the early stages of a migraine, is because by the time you even sense that you are getting a migraine, the mechanism that generates the migraine is almost complete. A migraine is the result of blood vessel dilatation, (enlargement), in the brain, and as the vessels begin to shrink to their normal size, again, the migraine is triggered. It is not known why this happens, but various chemicals are involved, including serotonin, (as Ant suggested), which normally helps to regulate pain in your nervous system. Serotonin levels drop during migraines. This apparently triggers the release, (into the bloodstream in the brain), of substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's outer covering, to cause the initial headache pain.
The first warning signs occur as the blood vessels enlarge, which causes the release of the neuropeptides, (mentioned above), from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release the chemicals. The neuropeptides cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery, (and this is the point at which one needs to take acetaminophen, in order to effectively limit the development of the migraine). The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain. This is not a true migraine, however - this is merely the initial stage, which sets up the conditions for the migraine which will follow, (unless it is promptly, and effectively treated).
The actual migraine is initiated when the vessels begin to shrink back to normal size, (usually the decompression takes roughly an hour, or more). Once this phase begins, it is, IMO, usually too late to stop the migraine with conventional medications. As the pressure diminishes, the brain perceives this action as a blood starvation event, (IOW, it believes that it is in eminent danger of a stroke, due to insufficent blood flow, even though plenty of blood flow is available). As the blood vessels shrink, additional chemicals are presumably infused, (though this hasn't necessarily been substantiated by research), and this is the point at which an aura will be generated, (if the patient is subject to migraines with auras). As the migraine progresses, for most patients, the aura will be followed by intense pain, photosensitivity, (visual sensitivity to light - the pupils in the eyes will dilate), and possibly other neurological events. Some of us don't have auras, and some of us have auras but no pain, (I have experienced this, triggered by MSG, (monosodium glutamate) - but during my MC reactions, I had no auras, and I always had severe pain, photosensitivity, etc). As we get older, we are more likely to experience migraines with auras, but no subsequent pain. The MSG-triggered auras that I had, (without subsequent pain), were experienced recently, (less than a year ago), the painful migraines occurred roughly 10 years ago, before I adopted the GF diet. I haven't had a migraine with pain, since adopting the diet.
Genes have been linked to migraines. People who get migraines, almost certainly have abnormal genes that control the functions of certain brain cells. I am guessing that these genes are triggered when the genes that predispose to MC are triggered, just as certain food sensitivity genes are triggered at that same time, (unless, of course, the patient was already experiencing migraines before the advent of MC).
I realize that this is probably more than you wanted to know about migraines, but I thought that many of us might benefit from a detailed explanation of the mechanism by which migraines are triggered, since so many of us have the problem, as a side effect of MC.
Tex
Sorry to hear that D has returned. Hopefully, it won't last long, because most people respond to a casein-free diet rather quickly - usually much faster than the response to the GF diet, (of course, that would be virtually impossible in your case, since you responded to quickly to the GF diet).
The primary cause of intestinal bloating, of course, is food intolerances. I had frequent migraine attacks, back when I was still reacting, and quite a few others here, also had/have migraines along with MC reactions. I found that if I would take a maximum dose of Tylenol, it would reliably bring relief, IF I took it at the first signs of a migraine, (after a migraine is fully developed, it's too late to try to treat it with medications), AND if I took it with a meal, or at least a snack, (never on an empty stomach). Taking acetaminophen on an empty stomach didn't make things any worse, but I got/get virtually no benefit, if I take it on an empty stomach. Also, I have found that, (for me, at least), malic acid enhances the effectiveness of acetaminophen. (Malic acid is found in large amounts in apples, apple sauce, apple juice, etc. - it's also found in grapes).
The reason why you have to take medication at the early stages of a migraine, is because by the time you even sense that you are getting a migraine, the mechanism that generates the migraine is almost complete. A migraine is the result of blood vessel dilatation, (enlargement), in the brain, and as the vessels begin to shrink to their normal size, again, the migraine is triggered. It is not known why this happens, but various chemicals are involved, including serotonin, (as Ant suggested), which normally helps to regulate pain in your nervous system. Serotonin levels drop during migraines. This apparently triggers the release, (into the bloodstream in the brain), of substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain's outer covering, to cause the initial headache pain.
The first warning signs occur as the blood vessels enlarge, which causes the release of the neuropeptides, (mentioned above), from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release the chemicals. The neuropeptides cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery, (and this is the point at which one needs to take acetaminophen, in order to effectively limit the development of the migraine). The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain. This is not a true migraine, however - this is merely the initial stage, which sets up the conditions for the migraine which will follow, (unless it is promptly, and effectively treated).
The actual migraine is initiated when the vessels begin to shrink back to normal size, (usually the decompression takes roughly an hour, or more). Once this phase begins, it is, IMO, usually too late to stop the migraine with conventional medications. As the pressure diminishes, the brain perceives this action as a blood starvation event, (IOW, it believes that it is in eminent danger of a stroke, due to insufficent blood flow, even though plenty of blood flow is available). As the blood vessels shrink, additional chemicals are presumably infused, (though this hasn't necessarily been substantiated by research), and this is the point at which an aura will be generated, (if the patient is subject to migraines with auras). As the migraine progresses, for most patients, the aura will be followed by intense pain, photosensitivity, (visual sensitivity to light - the pupils in the eyes will dilate), and possibly other neurological events. Some of us don't have auras, and some of us have auras but no pain, (I have experienced this, triggered by MSG, (monosodium glutamate) - but during my MC reactions, I had no auras, and I always had severe pain, photosensitivity, etc). As we get older, we are more likely to experience migraines with auras, but no subsequent pain. The MSG-triggered auras that I had, (without subsequent pain), were experienced recently, (less than a year ago), the painful migraines occurred roughly 10 years ago, before I adopted the GF diet. I haven't had a migraine with pain, since adopting the diet.
Genes have been linked to migraines. People who get migraines, almost certainly have abnormal genes that control the functions of certain brain cells. I am guessing that these genes are triggered when the genes that predispose to MC are triggered, just as certain food sensitivity genes are triggered at that same time, (unless, of course, the patient was already experiencing migraines before the advent of MC).
I realize that this is probably more than you wanted to know about migraines, but I thought that many of us might benefit from a detailed explanation of the mechanism by which migraines are triggered, since so many of us have the problem, as a side effect of MC.
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.
Laurie,
I forgot to address your question about sertraline. Yes, it has been found to cause MC in a few cases, as have all SSRIs, I believe. I'm not sure what the risk might actually be, statistically. Research shows that approximately 15% of patients with MC, had been taking sertraline before they developed MC. Other SSRIs were used by 18 to 28 % of patients with MC, prior to their developing the disease, (in various studies). However, it is very unlikely that sertraline was the trigger for MC in most of those cases. IOW, just because they were taking a drug, doesn't necessarily mean that the drug caused the colitis. There are many causes of MC.
If you take sertraline every day, then it is not likely that you would have experienced a D-free day, if it were the cause of your diarrhea. Typically, if something that we ingest every day is the cause of our MC, then we will have D every day that we ingest it, though that's not necessarily chiseled in stone, I suppose.
The caveat here is that if your immune system happened to rank Sertraline second in line, (behind gluten), in the hierarchy of perceived threats, then there is a remote possibility that Sertraline could be causing your D now. Antigliadin antibodies, (due to gluten), normally don't decay that rapidly, though, so it seems unlikely that your immune system would have detected it that soon. If it should turn out that you are indeed sensitive to sertraline, however, then the dose might not matter, because we tend to be just as sensitive to minute traces of an intolerance, as we are to large doses, unfortunately.
Zoloft also contains a significant amount of lactose, (it's the second largest "inert" ingredient). It also contains sodium lauryl sulfate, (an ingredient used in almost all shampoos), and the capsules contain several dyes. It's possible that your D could be caused by one of these, rather than the active ingredient, itself. Many board members react adversely to Asacol, for example, because it contains lactose.
Tex
I forgot to address your question about sertraline. Yes, it has been found to cause MC in a few cases, as have all SSRIs, I believe. I'm not sure what the risk might actually be, statistically. Research shows that approximately 15% of patients with MC, had been taking sertraline before they developed MC. Other SSRIs were used by 18 to 28 % of patients with MC, prior to their developing the disease, (in various studies). However, it is very unlikely that sertraline was the trigger for MC in most of those cases. IOW, just because they were taking a drug, doesn't necessarily mean that the drug caused the colitis. There are many causes of MC.
If you take sertraline every day, then it is not likely that you would have experienced a D-free day, if it were the cause of your diarrhea. Typically, if something that we ingest every day is the cause of our MC, then we will have D every day that we ingest it, though that's not necessarily chiseled in stone, I suppose.
The caveat here is that if your immune system happened to rank Sertraline second in line, (behind gluten), in the hierarchy of perceived threats, then there is a remote possibility that Sertraline could be causing your D now. Antigliadin antibodies, (due to gluten), normally don't decay that rapidly, though, so it seems unlikely that your immune system would have detected it that soon. If it should turn out that you are indeed sensitive to sertraline, however, then the dose might not matter, because we tend to be just as sensitive to minute traces of an intolerance, as we are to large doses, unfortunately.
Zoloft also contains a significant amount of lactose, (it's the second largest "inert" ingredient). It also contains sodium lauryl sulfate, (an ingredient used in almost all shampoos), and the capsules contain several dyes. It's possible that your D could be caused by one of these, rather than the active ingredient, itself. Many board members react adversely to Asacol, for example, because it contains lactose.
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.
Thank you!
Thank you, thank you!
Not Too Much Info for me - send me all the info you want. Love to learn and definitely want to feel better.
I'll keep reading all the posts - thank you.
Laurie
Not Too Much Info for me - send me all the info you want. Love to learn and definitely want to feel better.
I'll keep reading all the posts - thank you.
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
I had awful, frequent migraines ...note that I said 'had'.
They have been with me most of my life and were crippling. I have/had prescription meds (Amerge) which worked quite well (i.e. not 100% but enough for me to function). The migraines would strike without warning and with and without aura. I'd feel sick, dizzy, and the light hurt me. I could be out a day or 2 or 3. It was grim.
I was diagnosed with MC (LC) last summer, and because of the family here on the forum, I went gf and df and sf, in that order. I also take Pentasa. Guess what? Not only is my MC controlled pretty well by my diet, in the 10 months since my diet changes, I have had one small grumbly head for a half day, caused I think by a wild barometer swing. No meds, lasted a half day and was not too bad at all. A few times when the barometer has changed, I've felt a twinge or 2 but it hasn't developed.
The only conclusion I can make is that gluten and/or dairy/soy caused my migraines or was a key contributor. The change is unbelievable, from 2-3 a month to 1 in 10 months.
I can only hope that you will also benefit in the same way.
I had awful, frequent migraines ...note that I said 'had'.
They have been with me most of my life and were crippling. I have/had prescription meds (Amerge) which worked quite well (i.e. not 100% but enough for me to function). The migraines would strike without warning and with and without aura. I'd feel sick, dizzy, and the light hurt me. I could be out a day or 2 or 3. It was grim.
I was diagnosed with MC (LC) last summer, and because of the family here on the forum, I went gf and df and sf, in that order. I also take Pentasa. Guess what? Not only is my MC controlled pretty well by my diet, in the 10 months since my diet changes, I have had one small grumbly head for a half day, caused I think by a wild barometer swing. No meds, lasted a half day and was not too bad at all. A few times when the barometer has changed, I've felt a twinge or 2 but it hasn't developed.
The only conclusion I can make is that gluten and/or dairy/soy caused my migraines or was a key contributor. The change is unbelievable, from 2-3 a month to 1 in 10 months.
I can only hope that you will also benefit in the same way.
Maxine
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8367
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Laurie
again i hear you. I sick with chronic D for my 40th birthday, and got the MC diagnosis 4 weeks later.
similar to Maxine, I used to have quite a lot of migrains pre MC diagnosis (2 - 3 per month) and now that i am 100% gluten free i have only had one in the past 3 months.
transition post diagnosis takes time, and it will take a while for your body and digestion to recover. Figuring out what foods, meds and herbs etc are good and what ones are bad takes time!
my theory at the moment
some days are diamonds and some days are stone
hope you have more diamond days than stone days.......
again i hear you. I sick with chronic D for my 40th birthday, and got the MC diagnosis 4 weeks later.
similar to Maxine, I used to have quite a lot of migrains pre MC diagnosis (2 - 3 per month) and now that i am 100% gluten free i have only had one in the past 3 months.
transition post diagnosis takes time, and it will take a while for your body and digestion to recover. Figuring out what foods, meds and herbs etc are good and what ones are bad takes time!
my theory at the moment
some days are diamonds and some days are stone
hope you have more diamond days than stone days.......
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama